# Lifestyle Editor — RSS Amplifier Everything Lifestyle Editor publishes, via the RSS Amplifier directory. Page: Feed: --- ## [Meet Timmy, the Pizza Villa clown](https://northernstar.info/137203/lifestyle/meet-timmy-the-pizza-villa-clown/) _2026-08-27 · Northern Star_ Background Pizza Villa has been a staple to both the DeKalb and NIU community since 1956. Although it is known for its pizza and decoration studded walls, Pizza Villa has a unique element that is significant to its past, present and future. Meet Timmy! The flipping clown, Timmy, along with his twin brother, Tommy, was... ## [CONCERT REVIEW: Take cover! Here comes Foo Fighters](https://northernstar.info/137195/lifestyle/concert-review-take-cover-here-comes-foo-fighters/) _2026-08-27 · Northern Star_ After shows in Toronto, Canada and Detroit, Foo Fighters took the stage around 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Soldier Field in Chicago for the third stop on their “Take Cover” stadium tour. For the next three hours, frontman Dave Grohl and an all-star cast of rock musicians tore the house down. Foo Fighters, originally... ## [Will NIU men’s golf make history?](https://northernstar.info/137185/sports/will-niu-mens-golf-make-history/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ With a 2023 Mid-American Conference championship, and four top-three conference championship finishes under his belt, NIU men’s golf head coach John Carlson has created a program that could be on the brink of becoming a true mid-major juggernaut in collegiate golf that competes with top talent. In a preview interview on Tuesday, Carlson expressed confidence... ## [Cross Country: What to know for the upcoming season](https://northernstar.info/137182/sports/cross-country-what-to-know-for-the-upcoming-season/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ Last season, the NIU cross country team’s placements as an entire program in each of the regular season meets didn’t always reflect what it had actually accomplished. Despite having a young group and very little depth, with only eight runners compared to around 15 to21 runners at other Horizon League schools, the Huskies had multiple... ## [Homeschooling: Some get it right, most get it wrong](https://northernstar.info/137048/opinion/homeschooling-some-get-it-right-most-get-it-wrong/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ Homeschooling can be a crucial option for some families. For some students, a traditional classroom does not provide the individualized education they need to succeed. Homeschooling can give those students a more personalized path toward their goals. However, current regulations, or lack thereof, leave too much room for error and personal bias, in some cases,... ## [Vaping is now more of a nuisance than cigarettes are](https://northernstar.info/137191/opinion/vaping-is-now-more-of-a-nuisance-than-cigarettes-are/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ Vaping and e-cigarettes are often thought of as being a better alternative to traditional cigarettes. They’re not. It’s easy to forget the way things used to be. Cigarettes were once everywhere -– restaurants, airplanes, schools and even hospitals. Smoking in public was seen as normal then. Over the years, that changed. The movement toward anti-smoking... ## [Where to get involved](https://northernstar.info/137164/lifestyle/where-to-get-involved/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ NIU’s semesterly Involvement Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at MLK Commons. The event acts as a platform for numerous student-led organizations to recruit members and for students to get involved with the various groups on campus. As fall semester begins, incoming freshmen may not know where to go... ## [Street Interview: “What is one thing you wish you knew when you were a freshman?”](https://northernstar.info/137179/multimedia/video/street-interview-what-is-one-thing-you-wish-you-knew-when-you-were-a-freshman/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ What is one thing you wish you knew when you were a freshman? Assistant Opinion Editor Adrian Maurer interviews students around campus, gathering advice for the incoming class. Read more opinion pieces at northernstar.info/opinion/ Find the latest in NIU and DeKalb news at northernstar.info ## [Diveheart empowers people with disabilities through scuba diving](https://northernstar.info/137176/news/diveheart-empowers-people-with-disabilities-through-scuba-diving/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – Founded in 2001 and collaborating with 50 nonprofits around the U.S., Diveheart is a nonprofit organization that works with individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities by offering scuba diving as a therapy. Their mission is to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in people with disabilities. Specifically, they work with individuals who have vision... ## [Master of Arts in Speech and Language Pathology aims to increase recruitment as new standalone program](https://northernstar.info/137173/news/master-of-arts-in-speech-and-language-pathology-aims-to-increase-recruitment-as-new-standalone-program/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – In an announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting on June 4, the university decided to split its Master of Arts in Communication Disorders into two standalone programs: Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Master of Arts in Speech and Language Pathology. Bridgett Golz, clinical assistant professor and Speech-Language Pathology program coordinator,... ## [CLI-first decentralized GPU compute (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/WHYdjFgMlZkj) _2026-08-26 · **Sponsored**_ Pay workers or run your GPU for FFmpeg transcode and AI inference. ## [Kindness: A Necessary Trait](https://northernstar.info/137098/opinion/kindness-a-necessary-trait/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ Kindness is a characteristic that, in my opinion, has no negatives. The decision to actively behave with compassion is little, but can go a long way in many situations. We live in a world that is filled with conflict, violence and division. On top of that, choosing to treat others poorly only further separates us... ## [Food Truck Wednesdays are back](https://northernstar.info/137129/lifestyle/food-truck-wednesdays-are-back/) _2026-08-26 · Northern Star_ This morning the NIU Student Involvement Instagram announced the return of Food Truck Wednesdays tomorrow. The weekly lunchtime tradition will continue until October 28th. A revolving door of 6 to 10 trucks will be at Normal Road in the MLK Commons from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m on Wednesday along with some fun activities, music... ## [Ukraine is redefining modern warfare](https://northernstar.info/137100/opinion/ukraine-is-redefining-modern-warfare/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ A few months ago, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to the White House to speak with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting is remembered as a tense confrontation between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents. In fact, there is a phrase that has remained for posterity,... ## [Will NIU volleyball kick the season off right?](https://northernstar.info/137121/sports/will-niu-volleyball-kick-the-season-off-right/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ With fall athletics on the horizon, potential successes regarding fresh renditions of athletic programs will be a topic of discussion for fans and students alike. Going into her fourth season, head coach Sondra D’Amore expressed that she was ready to spring into action with a roster that has improvements from the last. “We say ‘level... ## [Provecho, new Venezuelan restaurant hits DeKalb](https://northernstar.info/137115/lifestyle/provecho-new-venezuelan-restaurant-hits-dekalb/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ Last May, DeKalb saw the arrival of a cuisine it had yet to taste. Provecho Homemade Food, located at 131 E. Lincoln Highway serves authentic Venezuelan cuisine every day except Mondays. Provecho, according to restaurant manager Emmanuel Gonzalez, aims to introduce the area to Venezuelan cuisine. “It’s something that in the history of DeKalb has... ## [Side gigs for students who want to make more money](https://northernstar.info/137112/lifestyle/side-gigs-for-students-who-want-to-make-more-money/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ Students who are looking for a little extra spending money while not taking on the commitment of a traditional 9-to-5 job have many options available to them. From starting a small business, making use of your skills and abilities or pawning items, there is work you can do to make a little extra money on... ## [Street Interview: “What’s your favorite summer memory?”](https://northernstar.info/137108/multimedia/video/street-interview-whats-your-favorite-summer-memory/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ NIU students share their favorite summer memories. Lifestyle Editor Gabe Santos asks students: What was your favorite summer moment? Find the latest in NIU and DeKalb news at northernstar.info – – 🎥🎬Filmed and edited by ~ Cayden Wells ## [City Council discusses FY2027 proposed budget, pension crises, street repairs](https://northernstar.info/137105/news/city-council-discusses-fy2027-proposed-budget-pension-crises-street-repairs/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – The fiscal year 2027 proposed budget was discussed at the special joint meeting involving the City Council and Financial Advisory Committee that took place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 in the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. Police and fire pension crisis City Manager Bill Nicklas stated there will be no increase... ## [Statewide digital library to expand resources for NIU students](https://northernstar.info/137101/news/statewide-digital-library-to-expand-resources-for-niu-students/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – NIU students will see an expansion of library materials as a new statewide digital library adds new resources. Over the summer, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Illinois’ first ever statewide digital library, which expands access to e-books, research databases and educational resources for the state of Illinois. Founded in 2005, the... ## [ComEd substation plan gets unanimous approval from City Council](https://northernstar.info/137082/news/comed-substation-plan-gets-unanimous-approval-from-city-council/) _2026-08-25 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – City Council unanimously approved the annexation of 160 acres, northeast corner of Keslinger Road and Crego Road, by ComEd. Purchasing the property in summer of 2025, ComEd has since planned on constructing an electrical transmission substation as part of its Kishwaukee Area Reliability Expansion, KARE, project. City Manager Bill Nicklas said this project... ## [Try Before You Buy, Risk-Free (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/uq8F0vMhl0XD) _2026-08-25 · **Sponsored**_ Free trial hosting plus refunds processed in 12-24 hours, guaranteed. ## [Powell supports residents’ call for more transparency](https://northernstar.info/136984/news/powell-supports-residents-call-for-more-transparency/) _2026-08-20 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – Alderman Ward 5 Andre Powell supported DeKalb residents’ call for earlier delivery of information regarding city projects and city council ordinances at a 5th Ward meeting. The meeting occurred at 6 p.m. on Wednesday inside the River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive. City Council agendas are written by City Manager Bill Nicklas... ## [NIU student facing attempted murder charge out on pretrial release, cleared by judge to attend classes](https://northernstar.info/136978/news/niu-student-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-stabbing/) _2026-08-17 · Northern Star_ Editor’s note: This is a developing story. The last update was made at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. DeKALB – A judge cleared Lester E. Bowen, an NIU sophomore history major, for pretrial release including attending class. According to the court documents obtained by the Northern Star at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Bowen was placed on... ## [Amazon Prime show calling for NIU student auditions](https://northernstar.info/136970/lifestyle/amazon-prime-show-calling-for-niu-student-auditions/) _2026-08-15 · Northern Star_ On August 5, NIU students received an email from announcements@niu.edu explaining that the Amazon Prime show “The College Tour” would be visiting NIU’s campus on Homecoming week between Oct. 5 to 9. The show will select 10 students to be featured on the nationally streamed program. The College Tour has been trying to get NIU... ## [Former NIU head football coach Joe Novak dies at 81](https://northernstar.info/136759/sports/former-niu-head-football-coach-joe-novak-dead-at-81/) _2026-07-29 · Northern Star_ From winning MAC Coach of the Year in 2002, to getting inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013, former head coach Joe Novak left a mark on Huskie football that won’t be forgotten. As he came into a program that had been underperforming, going 3-8 in 1995 prior to the beginning of... ## [Convocation Center to operate under Division of Student Affairs](https://northernstar.info/136752/news/convocation-center-to-operate-under-division-of-student-affairs/) _2026-07-24 · Northern Star_ DeKALB – On Thursday, the university staff were sent an email from Clint-Michael Reneau, vice president for Student Affairs and Sean T. Frazier, vice president and director of Athletics regarding an administrative reorganization of the Convocation Center. Taking effect on July 1, the Convocation Center team transitioned under the Division of Student Affairs. The Division... ## [Huskies play ‘small ball,’ claim program’s first NCAA Tournament victory](https://northernstar.info/136532/sports/huskies-play-small-ball-claim-programs-first-ncaa-tournament-victory/) _2026-05-30 · Northern Star_ NIU baseball emerged victorious after a late night battle against the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers ended in a 12-10 victory. The Huskies earned the program’s first victory in an NCAA Tournament game less than one week after securing the program’s first Mid-American Conference title. “This was just a remarkable baseball game,” NIU baseball head coach... ## [NIU baseball advances to Tallahassee Regional](https://northernstar.info/136517/sports/niu-baseball-advances-to-tallahassee-regional/) _2026-05-27 · Northern Star_ The Mid-American Conference champion NIU baseball team earned a spot in the Tallahassee Regional at Florida State University for the 2026 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship according to the bracket released by the NCAA on Monday. Heading back to the National Tournament, the Huskies put an end to a 54-year long regional drought — having... ## [Huskies bid farewell to MAC, claims first MAC title win](https://northernstar.info/136514/sports/huskies-bid-farewell-to-mac-claim-first-mac-title-win/) _2026-05-25 · Northern Star_ In its final game in the Mid-American Conference, NIU baseball claimed the first title game victory in program history with a 5-1 victory over the University of Toledo. NIU’s win in the MAC Championship final was the team’s 35th of the season, setting a new program record for wins in a season. “The university, and... ## [Huskies topple Toledo, punch ticket to MAC Championship game](https://northernstar.info/136510/sports/huskies-topple-toledo-punch-ticket-to-mac-championship-game/) _2026-05-23 · Northern Star_ NIU baseball secured its third win of the Mid-American Conference Tournament, clinching a spot in the title game with a 10-3 win over the University of Toledo Rockets. “We needed a big performance from Danny after the marathon game yesterday, and he was just outstanding,” NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland said. “He set the... ## [Huskies survive in extras, advance to Winner’s Bracket Final](https://northernstar.info/136505/sports/huskies-survive-in-extras-advance-to-winners-bracket-final/) _2026-05-23 · Northern Star_ NIU baseball took down Mid-American Conference regular season champion, the University of Miami RedHawks, in a thrilling 6-5 victory in 15 innings. “Just an outstanding baseball game between two really good teams,” NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland said. “It took everybody, we threw six different arms, every one of them threw the ball well,... ## [Pirate.io on Google Play (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/FB8zmrRCWoFr) _2026-05-23 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Pirate.io listing on Google Play to view the app’s details. ## [Huskies get last laugh, end Broncos’ season in MAC Tournament](https://northernstar.info/136501/sports/huskies-get-last-laugh-end-broncos-season-in-mac-tournament/) _2026-05-21 · Northern Star_ NIU baseball punched its ticket to the Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinals with an 11-0, run-rule victory over the Western Michigan University Broncos. “We got a great outing from Max (Vaisvila),” NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland said. “We just had really good at-bats early in the game and we just kept adding on. We threw...