CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
UNI mourns the passing of football student-athlete Parker Sutherland
By NI Staff
The University of Northern Iowa is mourning the loss of one of its student-athletes, freshman Parker Sutherland, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 14, after collapsing at an off-season practice on Thursday.
Campus and community members gathered around the panther statue outside the McLeod Center for a commemorative vigil on Monday, Feb. 16, to honor Sutherland’s memory and show their respect and love for the impact he had made on the team.
Sutherland was a tight end at UNI, playing in four games his freshman season and winning the Scout Team Players of the week award in November.
“I’m heartbroken,” said UNI head coach Todd Stepsis in a press conference on Monday, Feb. 16. “No words can express my condolences to Adam, Jill and Georgia. Parker embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was. His character, humility, toughness and genuine love of others are what champions are made of. While I’m saddened that our time together was short, we will celebrate the bright light that he brought to our foot -
ball team for the rest of our lives.”
Although Sutherland was a first-year student, his impact on the community of Cedar Falls was evident in the hundreds of supportive and grieving comments on a Facebook post made by UNI Football on Feb. 14.
Michael Vokes commented, “Such a great, positive, hardworking young man. Prayers to the Sutherland family, teammates, coaches and friends. Such a heartbreak.”
Bob Bedford commented on the same post, “What a tragedy. Words alone cannot express our pain and sorrow upon learning of Parker’s passing. Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Adam, Jill and the Sutherland family.”
Alongside the hundreds of UNI fans, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds made a statement on the loss of Sutherland via Facebook. Reynolds wrote, “Heartbreaking news. Kevin and I send our deepest condolences to Parker’s family, friends and teammates. Our thoughts and prayers are with the University of Northern Iowa community.”
Sutherland grew up in
Iowa City and attended Iowa City High School, where he was a threesport standout for the Little Hawks in football, basketball and baseball. He earned second-team all-state honors his senior year on the gridiron, drawing lots of attention from recruiters statewide. He also helped City High capture a state baseball championship this past summer.
Iowa City High Athletics posted on X that Parker “never failed to pick his teammates up or make them smile. He was a Little Hawk through and through. We extend our deepest condolences and
support to Parker’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”
Mitch Moore, who was Sutherland’s high school football coach, told WQAD journalist Emma Stroner, “There are so many young kids in this community who thought Parker Sutherland was bigger than Tom Brady.”
After his passing, some local high schools left their football and baseball lights on in remembrance of him, including Bishop Garrigan. Before wrestling and basketball contests this weekend, UNI held a moment of silence to honor Sutherland.
“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the University through sport,” said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin.
“We are devastated. The blessing is that we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team and our athletics staff close as we grieve.”
On Monday, Northern
Student Representative Dee Dee Benton also requested a moment of silence at the Cedar Falls City Council meeting.
“He was a beloved member of our community, and I would love to just ask to please take a moment of silence in his honor and acknowledge and honor his time here,” Benton said.
First responders were called to the UNI-Dome at 7:15 a.m. on Feb. 12. No more information has been released at this time.
Students can call the Counseling Center (319273-2676) at any time of day or night and press #2 to speak with a counselor on the phone. Students can also utilize the Counseling Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Emergency appointments are available on a walk-in basis; no appointment is needed. Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@uni.edu) are available to support students who are in need of assistance in balancing grief, academic, and other personal obligations. Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize EAP Services (1-800-327-4692) for support, as well. Student-athletes are encouraged to connect with their coaches.
Iowa Student Government
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics The rememberance for Parker Sutherland took place at the Panther Statue outside the McLeod Center where photos of Parker and flowers were placed for others to observe.
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics Panther football players console each other at the rememberance of their teammate Parker Sutherland.
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics Freshman Parker Sutherland passed away on Feb. 14.
Festival by UNI School of Music brings in over 300 high schoolers from Iowa and neighboring states
By Skylar Zimmerman Staff Writer
This past weekend, UNI’s School of Music hosted the Northern Festival of Bands from Thursday afternoon through Saturday night. Over 300 high schoolers from 61 different high schools across Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois gathered to learn from UNI faculty and two guest conductors from the US and one internationally brought in.
The festival has been going on since the early 1950s, the original conference being different from what it is now. It used to be named the Tallcorn Music Festival that included choirs, bands and jazz bands. This transitioned to the Northern Festival of Bands in 1988, with the Tallcorn Jazz Festival still occurring annually on campus, not long after the festival.
The director of the Northern Festival of Bands
they give their final concert,” Galyen said. The students receive music early in the festival that they practice and rehearse together to perform
zations involved with the School of Music will do the labor of setting up the different areas and helping the professors and graduate assistants to organize
Once everybody’s here and in place and starting work, then it’s a really special atmosphere that’s super fun.”
Dr. Danny Galyen UNI Professor of Music
to Galyen, this is one of their favorite concerts of the year due to the excited audience of high schoolers and band directors.
Bethany Winget, a flutist who’s part of the Wind Ensemble, went to the Northern Festival of Bands her senior year as a high school student and now studies Flute Performance and Performing Arts Management at UNI.
Bands connects students from different high schools using music and teaches them collaboration in a fun but high-paced environment. The best part of the festival, according to Galyen, is the energy that they create with the students.
“Once everybody’s here and in place and starting to work, then it’s a really special atmosphere that’s super fun,” Galyen said.
and UNI Professor, Dr. Danny Galyen, talked about how this honor band festival is different from other campuses due to its length.
“If it’s just one day, it can be really nice, but they just kind of arrive and they get to work and then they have to leave really quickly, whereas here they can kind of sit with the music, get used to the conductor, get used to each other over a little bit longer period of time and then they really do give a fantastic concert on the Saturday afternoon when
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IOWAN
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on the final day for parents and the community. These students are selected from about 500 total applicants and show a strong sense of talent and skill. They are chosen over a semi-intensive selection process from nominations received from band directors and other leaders for students.
Many UNI students help with this festival too; they help guide the students around campus and to the dining centers for meals. Multiple student organi-
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the details of the festivals. Dr. Galyen plans the festival starting in August and works non-stop through the Fall and the beginning of the spring semester. There are lots of moving parts to the festival that must be refined to ensure the weekend goes smoothly.
During the festival, the UNI bands play for the high schoolers to show them what a strong college band sounds like and potentially inspire them to pursue higher education in music. According
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CIRCULATION
BETHANY WINGET Circulation Manager
“I came to NFB (Northern Festival of Bands) mostly just because I was auditioning for the school music. And it was also a really good way to kind of feel out the environment of UNI and specifically with the music program,” Winget said.
Her favorite part had to do with playing a special song for the high schoolers.
“My personal favorite was listening to the high schoolers scream when we told them we were going to play How to Train Your Dragon,” Winget said, stating that it is a shared experience among many band kids and was very entertaining to hear.
Northern Festival of
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Bethany’s full circle moment performing in the wind ensemble for these high schoolers gives her a different perspective than some people have in the festival.
“I guess it gives me more compassion for the high schoolers because I remember being them,” Winget said.
She was once one of those nervous high schoolers at the festival years ago and remembers watching the Wind Ensemble and being struck by how in tune they are. She now works to make sure she connects with the high school students and makes them feel as welcome at UNI as possible.
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LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Courtesy Photo At the Northern Festival of Bands students get their music on Thursday and don’t perform until Saturday night, giving them time to practice and get used to each other.
Election for Northern Iowa Student Government begins
By Meghan Rosheim NISG Director of Public Relations
The Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) election season is set to begin soon. This gives students the opportunity to run for office and directly offer students the opportunity to vote for their leaders. Elections will be taking place later in the semester, with several important dates leading up to voting.
Any students who are interested in running for President/Vice president or Senate are required to attend one of our informational sessions. Sessions will take place Feb. 9 at 6 p.m., Feb. 12 at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. These sessions will provide all the important details regarding election season and the requirements for
candidates. Students who are unable to attend are required to contact the NISG Chief Justice for additional information. nisg-cheifjustice@ uni.edu.
Campaigning for candidates will officially begin on Feb. 23 and will run until March 9. A President/Vice Presidential debate has been scheduled for March 4 at 6 p.m. in the Maucker Union Ballrooms. All students are encouraged to attend to directly hear from the candidates and learn more about their ideas and plans for the University.
Campus-wide voting will take place online on March 10 and 11 through MyUniverse. All students are eligible to vote and participate in student government leadership decisions.
Students gather UNI history through the memories of alumni
By
Throughout the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, keeping students engaged with the university has been a priority. The hope is that today’s students will gain an appreciation for the university they call home.
One family services course, taught by Assistant Professor of Gerontology Melinda Heinz, brings the legacy of UNI to life by pairing students with older alumni ranging in ages from 65 to mid-90s. Students then crafted posters and presentations about the life stories of the alums after conducting interviews on campus.
Along the way, Heinz and her students gained insight into UNI’s history. Through her alum’s time as a student and teacher, Ava
McGreevy, a junior family services major with minors in psychology and mental health, learned about the Price Lab School. Heinz discovered a former tradition of students dressing up for Sunday dinners.
“I really didn’t have a broad view of older adults before this,” said Neesa Striegel, a junior majoring in family services and minoring in mental health. “That’s a demographic I could be working with in whatever job I get after graduation. So I think just knowing that everyone does have a life and story to share, and that continues past a certain age has been helpful for me.”
Striegel learned about UNI through a different lens, as her alum attended UNI as a non-traditional student.
“I heard a lot about the culture of UNI through her
explanation of being welcomed by her peers and never feeling judged as an older adult,” said Striegel.
The students also met with UNI Archives to hunt down photos of their alumni from their college days. These photos not only made their way into the presentations but were also assembled in photobooks that were gifted to the alumni as a thank-you for their participation.
“Some of those photos I don’t think that they had ever seen, or if they had, it was decades ago,” said Heinz. “One of the women was on the leadership team for Campbell Hall, so there was a photo of her along with many other women in the 1960s. We found that picture, the student put that in the photobook and then mailed it to the alum.”
The project also helped bring course concepts to life, including how major life events — such as divorce or the loss of loved ones — shape a person’s well-being over time. It also showcased the different theories of aging, which explain the different dimensions of growing older.
“Sally is involved in so many things in her life,” McGreevy said of her assigned partner, an alum in her late 60s. “She plays pickleball. She’s involved in many of her church groups. She spends time with her family. So she’s always doing something. Active aging is keeping your body and your mind moving, and that helps you live a longer life. Sally is a prime example of that.”
Heinz said a wide variety of students took this course from those majoring in family services to social work to interior design and pre-health. She believes any of these students can benefit from the skills they learned through this project.
“I think your ability to connect on a personal level with anybody is an invaluable skill,” she said. “It’s one of those soft skills we need more of. It forces you to think through things like how to find commonali-
ty with somebody you’ve never met when you just know you went to the same school. How do you develop a dialogue with that? That active listening and ability to ask appropriate follow-up questions to keep that conversation going is important no matter what field you’re pursuing.”
For McGreevy, the skills she used to connect with Sally will stay with her long past the assignment’s completion date.
“Being able to connect with people and share experiences is really important in the family services field,” she explained. “So having just real-life experience talking to a complete stranger and creating a strong bond with them within not a lot of time is a skill I’ll definitely be able to use moving forward.”
Each alum visited campus twice: once for an initial meet-and-greet and again for a recorded interview.
“My first impression of Ann was, right off the bat, it was like we knew each other,” said Striegel. “We clicked right away. We got into the deep questions right away. So it was pretty easy, flowed well and was comfortable.”
“I think in general I’m pretty good at connecting with others and finding something in common with them, but with Sally, I was really kind of nervous going into that first initial meeting with her,” said McGreevy. “But within five minutes of talking with her, it felt comfortable, and it felt like we have known each other for a long time.”
For some students, the connections didn’t end when the semester did. Striegel and Ann continue to email each other, a lasting reminder of the meaningful relationship that was built throughout the course.
InsideUNI
Courtesy Photo Junior Neesa Striegel and her alumni partner Ann.
Courtesy Photo Junior Ava McGreevy and her alumni partner Sally.
Interpretando un mensaje: Amor, no odio
Escrito por Estelle Johnson
Luis Alvarez, editor de español
Si te gusta aunque sea un poco cualquier red social, estás muy consciente de que el Super Bowl 60 ocurrió el 8 de febrero de 2026 y el espectáculo de medio tiempo fue interpretado por Bad Bunny, un artista puertorriqueño ganador de un Grammy.
Esta presentación fue especial, ya que fue un homenaje a la cultura puertorriqueña. Los elementos que honraban a Puerto Rico incluían a artistas vestidos como plantas de caña de azúcar, así como a Bad Bunny, cuyo nombre
es Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, quien usó una jersey con su apellido. Ocasio también sostuvo y ondeó con orgullo la bandera puertorriqueña.
Todo el país tiene una opinión sobre la presentación del medio tiempo. A algunos les encantó, a otros les disgustó por completo y algunos se sintieron imparciales acerca de todo el show. Son las mismas tres opiniones de siempre.
Personalmente, entiendo por qué a la gente no le gustó el show. Es imposible complacer a todos los que ven el Super Bowl. Es lo mismo que el año pasado; no a todos les gustó Kendrick Lamar … y eso está bien.
Lo que no está bien es ignorar todo el mensaje de la presentación y elegir odiar algo que ni siquiera presenciaste. Puedes sentir como quieras acerca del canto ; todo en ese sentido es subjetivo. El mensaje principal no debería ser subjetivo, ya que es algo que muchos de nosotros hemos escuchado toda la vida.
El mensaje que apareció en la pantalla detrás de la presentación de Ocasio fue "El amor es más grande que el odio".
Actualmente, quienes se opusieron al espectáculo de medio tiempo están mostrando sus verdaderas capacidades empáticas. En lugar de
sonreír ante una boda en vivo y animar la diversidad, la gente ha optado por ser odiosa e ignorar todo el propósito de la presentación.
Estados Unidos es, o era, conocido como un país "crisol de razas", lo que significa que miles de personas de todos los países viven, trabajan y crían a sus familias aquí.
Hemos llegado a un punto en el que rechazamos la diversidad y asustamos a quienes intentan promoverla. Sin mencionar que Puerto Rico es un territorio estadounidense. Así que… buen intento al decir que no fue un show de medio tiempo estadounidense.
Soy una mujer blanca
de ascendencia alemana y suiza. Estados Unidos es mi hogar, pero no es mi hogar. Sí, nací y crecí aquí , pero me veo europea. Nadie originario de Norteamérica es blanco… Los colonizadores son blancos.
Lo más importante que nos falta en el mundo de hoy es el amor. Hemos perdido la acción de tratar a los demás con respeto y amabilidad. Todos los bandos de todos los partidos políticos son culpables de tratar a sus oponentes con falta de respeto; incluso si tú personalmente no lo eres, la totalidad del partido lo es. Necesitamos hacerlo mejor.
Reuters/Kyle Terada - Imagn Images
Detrás del espectáculo de medio tiempo de Bad Bunny en el Super Bowl 2026, estaba este mensaje que promueve el amor por encima del odio. La actuación de Bad Bunny fue un homenaje a la cultura puertorriqueña y enfatizó el amor verdadero.
Falling, but not Failing Olympic athletes show vulnerability
Reuters/Amanda Perobeili
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
The 2026 Winter Games are underway in Milan, Italy, where hundreds of highly skilled athletes have come together to face off in the Olympics — which takes place every four years in various locations around the world.
A few popular sports in the Winter Olympics include hockey, curling, skiing and figure skating.
This year, the Games added a new sport called ski mountaineering, which is also known as skimo. For skimo, athletes run uphill with lightweight skis and skins on their feet. They then transition in seconds to bootpacking (wearing boots, with skis transferred to their backpack), and then transition again to downhill skiing. Skimo Olympic athletes will perform in individual sprints, competing for the best time, in hopes to gain a podium position after the final race.
Men and women’s individual skimo races will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19, with events starting at 2:30 p.m. — the last event for Thursday starts at 7:15 p.m.
The mixed relay race will be on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m., and all of these events can be viewed through NBC channels. Maucker Union currently has Olympic sports on their public televisions, if students do not have access to other streaming services.
The best part about the Olympics is that it’s a fantastic reminder that we are all human. Even the most qualified, talented athletes make mistakes – and often, these mistakes cost athletes a medal.
Ilia Malinin is an American figure skater who
earned himself the nickname “quad god,” as he is a master of quadruple jumps — which is not something all figure skaters can do.
Malinin is 21 years old and has won countless awards for his performances on the ice. Malinin is a two-time World champion (2024, 2025), three-time Grand Prix Final champion (2023, 2024, 2025), seven-time Grand Prix gold medalist, four-time Challenger Series gold medalist and a four-time U.S. national champion (2023–26).
On Feb. 8, Malinin helped USA. earn a gold medal in the figure skating team competition. The gold medalists include Malinin, Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Ellie Kam, Daniel O’Shea, Madison Chock and Evan Bates.
But, on Feb. 13, Malinin placed eighth at the men’s singles figure skating event — meaning that his winning streak of three years was now gone. The public witnessed Malinin showhis emotions live on television — we saw him shake his head in disappointment. As he skated off the ice, ESPN’s D’Arcy Maine noted that Malinin was seen puffing out his cheeks, which was likely a coping mechanism to avoid crying.
“I think it was definitely mental. Just now experiencing that Olympic atmosphere, it’s crazy. It’s not like any other competition. It’s really different,” Malinin said to NBC’s Andrea Joyce. Malinin continued to say that he felt prepared before he went on the ice. An ESPN article noted that Malinin even set time aside for rest, as he did before his gold-winning team performance on Feb. 8. Everything he had done was the same — until everything felt wrong.
Two falls, multiple mistakes and an eighth place finish in an event Malinin had dreamed of
his entire life.
And yet, Malinin continued to look forward. He showed his emotions to the world as an immediate reaction, but soon transformed his emotions into his desire to get even better at figure skating. Alongside that, he was noted as being kind and patient with journalists — even as questions became repetitive. Malinin acknowledged that this particular performance was the result of immense pressure that many Olympic athletes feel. But, he made sure to mention how appreciative he was of the opportunity to skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Ilia Malinin is a great reminder of how we are all only human. Even those who have extraordinary athletic abilities — they still make mistakes. Their mistakes can cost them a gold Olympic medal — but instead of focusing on that loss, athletes look to the next competition.
I think we can all learn from the way Malinin handled this loss. His response shows a great deal of maturity and honesty. Malinin said that if could have performed better, he would have. It’s as simple as that — instead of putting your energy into wishing it went another way, put that energy into bettering yourself for your next performance.
Let’s use our energy to better ourselves for our next performance, instead of focusing on the mistakes we’ve made in the past. Think about who you really are, where you come from and what the future holds for you. Don’t let embarrassment or a mistake hold you back from being the best version of yourself.
“From here, it’s just regrouping and figuring out what to do next,” Malinin said.
Ilia Malinin is an American figure skater who helped USA figure skating team win gold in the 2026 Winter Games. Malinin fell twice during his individual skate, and placed eighth, but remained positive in media.
People You Should Know
Murda Beason, Vivian Smith
By InsideUNI
I
n a time when opportunity was scarce for African American women, Vivian Smith and Murda Beason opened the doors of higher education — and walked through them together.
In 1916, Beason became the first African American graduate from Iowa State Teachers College. Her cousin, Smith, was the second, graduating just six months later with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Beason went on to teach in Buxton, Iowa, while Smith remained in Waterloo after graduating. Despite her qualifications, she could not find work as a teacher due to her race, as Black school teachers were not hired in Waterloo schools until 1952. To make ends meet, Smith worked as a house cleaner and channeled her passion into founding the Waterloo Suf -
fragette Council, advocating for women’s rights regardless of race.
Smith was also the officer and chairwoman for suffrage in the Iowa Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a respected violinist and singer, often performing at Iowa Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs meetings. Once hired as a teacher, Smith taught in Kamrar and Blairsburg, Iowa, as well as Illinois.
In 2021, her story was included in a traveling exhibit honoring African American women in Iowa, titled “Toward a Universal Suffrage: African American Women in Iowa and the Vote for All.”
Both Murda Beason and Vivian Smith are featured in the University of Northern Iowa’s Sesquicentennial Exhibit, located in the UNI Museum, Rod Library.
Courtesy/InsideUNI
Murda Beason (left) and Vivian Smith (right) were the first African Americans to graduate from Iowa State Teachers College, which we now know as the University of Northern Iowa. The two graduated six months apart.
JOHNSON
FILM REVIEW
Amazon’s ‘Fallout’ is the best video game adaptation of all time
By Josue Villatoro Staff Writer
After so many years, we have officially received an unbelievably successful video game adaptation. “Fallout” is based on the hit post-apocalyptic RPG gaming franchise of the same name and is set in a future, post-apocalyptic United States brought about by nuclear decimation where citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.
As a huge fan of these games and a person who loves good storytelling, it was enthralling to witness my favorite game franchise be done so beautifully. Executive producer Jonathan Nolan is no stranger to crafting complex worldbuilding and linear storytelling due to his collaborations with his brother, Christopher Nolan, and his work on the acclaimed HBO series, “Westworld,” along with his partner, Lisa Joy, who also signed on board as executive producer for this series.
Amazon Prime has a history of developing big budget shows that embrace a cinematic spectacle, and this series could not have worked without it due to the lore surrounding it. It is safe to say that the visual effects are some of the best that have been put to television of this year so far, by bringing on some of the more colorful and silly elements associated with this property while also supporting its grim nature apart from its apocalyptic environment.
Going as far to not only mirror the feeling associated with this franchise but accurately create the signature ‘50s retro-futuristic setting of it. Showrunners and creators Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet ensured that production looks exactly like some of the locations and items featured from the games are recreated in
faithful fashion. They even go as far to use some of the sound effects from the games and incorporate other intricate details that hardcore fans will take note of. It would not immerse you as much if it did not bring back its signature soundtrack that “Fallout” is known for with its catchy postwar tunes, adding memorable needle drops laced throughout.
You will find yourself to be absolutely dazzled with beautiful cinematography and framing, which has an inspired aesthetic by the tone of classic western films. The decision to make this not a direct adaptation to the games, but rather, an expansion of the continuity, is what saves it from the curse that video-game-to-big-screen adaptations have met for decades.
No prior knowledge is required going into this series, welcoming all audiences to a fresh and original plot, while bringing back everything that fans have enjoyed from this franchise for so long.
From its darkly comedic sense of humor, satirical message on unchecked capitalism and the self-destructive nature of humans during war, all the way to the signature bloody depiction of post-Armageddon violence, it captures the heart and soul of the games perfectly.
At its core, it would not have been as memorable as it was without a notable set of characters to illustrate the feeling of the games.
The series follows three main protagonists who uncoincidentally represent the game’s karma system and whose paths are intertwined in a clever way. Ella Purnell’s naive, but kind-hearted vault dweller, Lucy Maclean, portrays the good karma perspective with her optimistic attitude and lovable commitment to the old ways make for both sweet and hilarious moments as she witnesses culture shock to the surface of the wastes.
In the perspective of neutral karma is Maximus, portrayed by Aaron Moten, who embarks on a journey of courage in the view of the Brotherhood of Steel. Although Moten gives a great performance, he unfortunately comes off as the weakest character in terms of writing since his actions are questionable through his path and there are some instances that come off a little aggravating with the decision he comes to that could have easily been avoided from a logical perspective.
Finally, the representation of “evil karma” or at least the most chaotic of them all, is Walton Goggins’ The Ghoul, a mutant bounty hunter representing the very essence that comes throughout the years of living in the wastes. Goggins’ character is cold-blooded and ruthless yet has great layers as it cuts back and forth between post-apocalyptic LA and pre-apocalypse America, showing his journey into the destruction of human morality, giving the show’s best performance in the process.
In doing so, it shows this deeper look into the world of this grand universe, expanding the quality of the world this series is set in with broadening long-awaited answers to massive mysteries that have pondered the minds of its fanbase.
It even goes as far as fixing some of the retcons within the game series, with the additions of new ones and answers questions that have been bugging its fandom. As someone who’s played the games, I found myself absolutely loving every moment of this series for the amount of care that was put into the making of this franchise. Returning fans will have their love for the games enhanced while those discovering this property will be in for an explosive treat. Fallout is available to stream on Amazon Prime and season 2 has officially released all episodes.
Courtesy/Rotten Tomatoes
Biggest NFL surprises from 2025
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
Nothing ever goes according to plan in an NFL season. Some teams exceed expectations and shock the league, while others fall short and fail to replicate past success. No season is exactly like the one before it. The 2025-26 NFL season was no exception, delivering surprises until the very end.
It is safe to say that few predicted the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots would meet in this year’s Super Bowl. After finishing 4-13 in each of the past two seasons, the Patriots were simply hoping for a winning record. However, new head coach Mike Vrabel saw potential in the roster. With a league-high $101 million in salary cap space, New England acquired several impact players in the offseason, including defensive tackle Milton Williams, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and linebacker Harold Landry III.
The Patriots exceeded expectations, finishing 14-3 and winning the AFC East for the first time since 2019. They also returned to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl LIII. Despite the loss, Patriots fans have reason for optimism with quarterback Drake Maye, Vrabel and a retooled roster moving forward.
In the offseason, Seattle traded star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. The moves suggested the Seahawks were entering a rebuild rather than
pursuing a Lombardi Trophy. However, Seattle drafted well, adding guard Grey Zabel, safety Nick Emmanwori and other key pieces expected to become future starters.
The Seahawks also made strong additions in free agency, signing wide receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and quarterback Sam Darnold. They later acquired wide receiver Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline. With those additions, Seattle positioned itself for a run at its second Super Bowl title.
Even during difficult stretch-
es, it has been hard to count out the Kansas City Chiefs. They have consistently found ways to win. That was especially true in the 2024-25 season, when they went 11-0 in one-score games and reached the Super Bowl. This season, however, was different. The Chiefs went 0-6 in one-score games and finished 6-11. For the first time since 2014, Kansas City missed the playoffs and placed third in the AFC West.
After a 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs appeared fatigued entering the season. The
offense struggled, and early losses of wide receivers Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder injury) limited production. The running game, led by Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, failed to generate consistent results. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL in Week 15 effectively ended the Chiefs’ season and perhaps signaled the end of their dynasty run. Not all surprises come from full-season turnarounds. Some happen in moments that make viewers look twice at the screen. Quarterback Daniel Jones
playing at a high level for the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of the season was one of those moments. After an inconsistent tenure with the New York Giants, many had written him off. Before injuries in the second half of the year, Jones looked like a franchise quarterback. In 13 games, he threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. However, in Week 14, he tore his Achilles tendon after already playing through a broken fibula, ending his season.
The Colts’ biggest surprise — and perhaps the league’s — came in Week 15, when 44-year-old Philip Rivers came out of retirement. After retiring in January 2021, few expected Rivers to consider a return. Nearly five years later, he rejoined Indianapolis for one final stretch. Rivers went 0-3 as a starter, throwing for 544 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
The performance itself was not the primary storyline. Instead, it was the fact that Rivers returned in an effort to push the Colts toward the playoffs and ultimately played for the love of the game. The NFL has seen stars return from retirement before, including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre. However, Rivers’ return after such a long absence stood out as one of the most surprising moments of the season.
Every NFL season delivers unexpected twists, but in recent years, this one may stand above the rest.
Photo Courtesy/NFL Phillip Rivers’ return was one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season, making three starts for the Colts.
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
Following an unprecedented 2025 NBA trade deadline filled with numerous high-stakes moves, including perhaps the most shocking in league history, many assumed this year’s installment of last-second front office deals would be less surprising. However, with NBA general managers desperately trying to dip under the second apron, trade for a star, or make subtle moves to contend for a championship, fans were constantly checking social media to stay up to date on the action. As the Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. EST deadline came and went, basketball enthusiasts were left both overwhelmed and underwhelmed by an unorthodox 2026 NBA trade deadline.
The Overwhelming
In a standout, roster-shaking transaction, the Washington Wizards received Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo
Russell and Dante Exum from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick and three future second-round picks. The Charlotte Hornets also sent Tyus Jones to the Mavs and received Malaki Branham from the Wizards to complete the threeteam trade.
Hot on the heels of trading for star point guard Trae Young in early January, the Wizards’ roster looks completely different from what it did at the start of the season. On the surface, Washington appears to be fast-tracking its rebuild in favor of making basketball in the nation’s capital meaningful again. Trading for Young and Davis sets up a methodical pickand-roll threat, with Davis and fellow defensive-minded big man Alex Sarr ideally able to cover for Young’s defensive lapses. After nearly a decade of los-
ing seasons, pairing Young and Davis with a promising young core of Sarr, Kyshawn George and rookie Tre Johnson could put fans back in Capital One Arena’s seats.
However, injuries to Young and Davis will prevent the duo from seeing the court together this season, if ever. While Young is expected to make his season debut with the franchise after the All-Star break following a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion, Davis will miss the remainder of the season with left hand ligament damage and a groin injury. With the Wizards well below the luxury tax, the organization could opt to trade the aging Davis in the summer, freeing up even more money to pursue long-term assets. Davis also told The Athletic’s David Aldridge, “It’s hard to say (that he would stay in Washington) without the proper plan.” He added, “It’s tough right now with the team. It shows with their record,
but adding certain pieces can change that.” Although Davis’ future in Washington remains murky, he is seeking clarity after an uncertain year following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers last February.
Staying in L.A., the Clippers sent former MVP guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Harden remains a statistical anomaly, averaging 25.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game at age 36. Regardless of conflicting reports on whether Harden requested a trade from Los Angeles, he now heads to Cleveland for a better shot at competing for a title in June.
In an unlikely “Big Three,” Harden joins Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt while reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley anchors the defense. After a subpar start to the season, the Cavs are 9-1 in their past 10 games (as of Feb.
11) and are vying for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Will this be the year “The Beard” wins a ring?
In the West, Garland joins a Clippers team caught in limbo. With Kawhi Leonard returning to All-Star form and averaging a career-high in points per game in his 15th season, L.A. still finds itself fighting to stay above .500. Trading Harden suggests Los Angeles may be moving toward a more comprehensive rebuild, as adding 26-year-old Garland makes the Clippers significantly younger at the point guard position. Although the two-time All-Star has dealt with injuries, especially in the postseason, Garland could usher in a new era of Clippers basketball, assuming the franchise trades Leonard this summer or allows him to leave in 2027 free agency.
To read about the Underwhelming and the rest of the article, visit our website at www.northerniowan.com.
COHEN
Reuters/Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
James Harden was one of the most notable players traded this offseason, going from the Clippers to the Cavs.
In front of one of their
of the season, the
Panthers power past in-state rival Drake in 86-62 rout
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team earned an 86-62 victory over the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday.
Before tipoff, a jersey retirement ceremony was held for former UNI standout AJ Green. His jersey is the first to be retired in the men’s basketball program.
The Panthers started strong offensively, as Ben Schweiger connected on a 3-pointer to give
UNI a 3-2 lead. With the score tied 11-11 near the 10-minute mark, Trey Campbell made his 200th career 3-pointer to put the Panthers ahead 14-11.
Drake tied the game again at 16-16 before Max Weisbrod hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give UNI a 22-16 advantage. A few possessions later, Kyle Pock added a 3-pointer of his own, extending the Panthers’ lead to 30-22.
UNI led 38-29 at halftime and maintained control through-
out the second half. With just more than 16 minutes remaining, Leon Bond III drove down the lane for a dunk that energized the McLeod Center crowd.
A few possessions later, Will Hornseth converted a three-point play to continue UNI’s offensive momentum. After Drake answered with a layup, Weisbrod and Schweiger made consecutive 3-pointers on the Panthers’ next two possessions to put the game out of reach.
The Panthers have now scored
80 or more points in three consecutive games, winning two of those contests. UNI head coach Ben Jacobson praised his team’s recent play.
“I think we’ve been playing our best basketball for the last two and a half weeks,” Jacobson said after the game. “It feels like our confidence and chemistry continues to grow, and it’s been fun to be around. Will’s been playing his best basketball of the year over the last four to five weeks, and Max has really found
his stride. Getting Tristan back and healthy will also be a big deal for us.”
UNI is currently fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings with two weeks remaining in the regular season. The top five teams earn a bye into the quarterfinals of the Arch Madness tournament in St. Louis.
UNI will face the Indiana State Sycamores on Wednesday, Feb. 18, with coverage available on ESPN+.
UNI WBB catches fire, defeats Sycamores in McLeod Center
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
The UNI women’s basketball team earned a hard fought win over the Indiana State Sycamores.
The Panther offense started strong, jumping out to a 16-2 lead thanks to four 3-pointers, two of which came from Jenna Twedt. Indiana State began to gain traction as the teams played evenly for the remainder of the first quarter. Northern Iowa hit seven 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes to take a 32-18 lead into the second quarter.
Indiana State shot 50% from beyond the arc in the second quarter, scoring 28 points compared to UNI’s 19. An 11-2 run late in the quarter helped the Sycamores cut the Panther lead to five heading into halftime. Twedt led the Panthers with 18 points at the break. Ryley Goebel and Kaylynn Janes added 13 and
12 points, respectively, while Goebel and Elise Jaeger each grabbed six rebounds in the first half.
In the third quarter, the Sycamores briefly took the lead before a late 7-0 run put the Panthers back in front by six. Goebel closed the third quarter and opened the fourth by scoring 11 consecutive points for Northern Iowa. UNI controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring Indiana State 20-12 to secure a 91-79 victory.
Goebel finished with 32 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Twedt added 24 points, while Janes scored 17. Jaeger pulled down 13 rebounds, and Twedt recorded six assists. Goebel also became the first player in UNI and Missouri Valley Conference history to record 200-plus career blocks and 200-plus career steals in a victory.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
biggest crowds
Panthers controlled the whole game, defeating the Bulldogs by 24 points.
MICHAEL SPAHN Assistant Sports Editor
Four-ever in the rafters
AJ Green becomes first Panther basketball player to have jersey retired
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
Former University of Northern Iowa basketball standout AJ Green saw his jersey be unveiled in the rafters ahead of the Panthers game against Drake last Saturday.
On Feb. 3, the UNI Athletic Department announced a brand new jersey retirement program to formally retire jerseys of iconic Panther athletes. One individual from all current athletic programs will retire a player’s jersey as a part of the university’s sesquicentennial celebration. Green is the first representative of the men’s basketball program to receive the honor.
“To be the first is an honor,” said Green in a press conference before the ceremony. “There’s a lot of people that deserve to be up there that have paved the way for me to have success and do what I do.”
Green grew up in the area his entire life and excelled in basketball at Cedar Falls high school, winning a State Championship with the Tigers in 2018. His dad, Kyle Green, is a longtime assistant basketball coach at Iowa State University. When
deciding where to play collegiate basketball, Green knew where his heart was.
“This place is home. It’s hard to leave a place like Cedar Falls and a place like UNI,” said Green. “There was really no thought of leaving my senior year, I just always wanted to stay and finish my career here.”
While his jersey will be retired, players in the future will still be allowed to wear number four. “I want people to still wear it,” said Green. “I hope someone comes through here and does more than me.”
Green finished his career as a Panther in first in a variety of different statistical categories in the program’s record book, but some of Green’s most important moments of his life came off the court at UNI.
“I was saved here at UNI,” said Green. “My sophomore year I went to FCA and Bible study and that’s where I met my wife. Everything in my life that has happened is largely due to basketball and the way God used the game to bring about so many blessings and so many people, I’m just extremely blessed and grateful.”
Green continues to represent UNI through playing in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. He just entered his fourth season in the league and signed a four year contract with the Bucks back in October 2025.
While Green is the first player from UNI to make an NBA roster, he wants more players from the university to join him in the league.
“I want someone to be better than me to come through here and do more,” said Green. “That’s what playing for Coach Jacobson here can do that for players. You have the oppurtunity to develop and chase those goals.”
Green graduated from UNI as a two-time MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year award winner in the 2019-20 season and in 2021-22. He ended his senior season with the Panthers with the highest free-throw percentage in program history (90.0%). He currently sits fourth all-time in scoring in program history with 1,769 points.
“A lot went into it to get UNI to the place that it is and what the program is about from the people that came before me,” said Green. “I’m just honored and grateful
Photo/Julia Hansen
AJ Green holds up his number four jersey alongside his sister Emerson (left), wife Kaylee (middle left), Mom Michele (middle right), and Dad Kyle (right)
Photo/Julia Hansen AJ Green’s jersey hangs in the McLeod Center rafters. Green played at UNI from 2018-2022 and is now a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
CROSSWORD BY
RYAN SALES
Across 1) Lumberjacks' tools
5) Units of sound
9) Target 14) Gentlemen 15) Wings
16) Leaf pore
17) Sequentially 19) Out of gas
20) Justice Dept. heads
21) CPR pro
22) Utilize
24) Daggers of old 26) Sweetie
27) Found on this page
30) Actor portraying, at times, the smallest Avenger
35) Ammonia derivative
36) Hr. fractions
37) Smoothie berry
38) "99 Luftballons" pop group
39) Rapids transit
40) Novelist Jaffe
41) Sunrise direction
42) Texters' amused syllables
43) Roadside eatery
44) Most pricey
46) Wee
47) Berne's river
48) Secret agents
50) Strove
54) ___ Lingus
55) Actress Gardner 58) "I ___ vacation!"
59) Old film short 62) Not live 63) Wine choice
64) Letter encl.
65) Wipe clean
66) Requirement 67) ___ and crafts
Down
1) Most populous continent 2) Word on a sign that shows a deer silhouette
3) Historic periods
4) Puncture sound 5) They mix well 6) Cream of the crop
7) New Guinea port 8) Meeting, informally 9) Stellar 10) Agendas 11) Additional 12) City on the Skunk 13) Bits 18) "___, meenie, miney, mo"
SUDOKU ANSWERS
23) Mistreat
24) Some D.C. helpers
25) Small pianos
27) Cheryl of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
28) "Let ___ Cake"
29) Washer cycle
31) Yucatán years
32) The Huskies of the N.C.A.A.
33) Copenhageners, e.g.
34) Personal journal
36) Fannie ___ (some securities)
39) French term of endearment
43) Big name in tractors
45) Flaunt
46) In layers
49) Bel ___ (Italian cheese)
50) Pay to play
51) Scorch
52) Salt-N-___
53) Michael who played Worf on "Star Trek: T.N.G."
55) Controversial orchard spray
56) Sleeveless garment
57) Greek god of war
60) San Francisco's ___ Valley
61) Spanish "that"
graphic by: Jo Jessen