CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
Celebrating the life and art of renowned Cedar Falls illustrator Gary Kelley
1968 UNI grad Kelley, 81, died on April 12
Gary Kelley, an internationally known artist based in Cedar Falls, died April 12. He was 81.
A 1968 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Kelley built a highly successful career in illustration. He earned 28 gold and silver medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York and received best-in-show honors at illustrators’ exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles.
Kelley was a member of the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, and worked with prominent publications, businesses and organizations, including The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Barnes & Noble, the NFL, NBA, MLB and the Kentucky Derby.
In 2022, UNI professor and filmmaker David O’Shields released a documentary about Kelley, in which he reflected on his artistic journey. The film screened at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls in June 2025, alongside Kelley’s “Decades” exhibit that was featured at that time.
“Gary was a special human
being. He was an accomplished artist of national and international great repute, who leaves behind an extraordinary body of work. His work will endure; it will last,” said O’Shields. “But most importantly, he was kind, modest, a good father, a good husband, a good and fiercely loyal friend, and the most generous person with whom I have ever worked. Gary made the world a better place by living a life of meaning and purpose. Gary made the world a better place by simply being Gary.”
A friend and mentor to many, Kelley had major impacts on multiple lives, including Emily Stowe, a 2003 UNI studio art graduate and current managing editor of the North American Review. Kelley served as an editor of the North American Review, and created many magazine covers for the publication.
“As an aspiring artist, I grew up admiring him, amazed that someone local could be so successful as a world-famous artist,” said Stowe. “When he chose
me to win an art scholarship in 1999, knowing he believed in my talent gave me confidence in my decision to major in studio art at UNI.”
The first visitation for Kelley will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on April 22 at Dahl-Van Hove Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. Another visitation is scheduled an hour before mass starts, at 9 a.m. on April 23 at St. Patrick Catho -
lic Church in Cedar Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hearst Center for the Arts to support naming a gallery in Kelley’s honor. Contributions may be made in person or online through the Cedar Falls Community Foundation’s Hearst Center Expansion Fund. Donors are asked to note “Gary Kelley Gallery Fund” in the memo.
Gary made the world a better place by living a life of meaning and purpose. Gary made the world a better place by simply being Gary.
David O’Shields/Courtesy Photo
Gary Kelley is a 1968 UNI graduate who studied graphic design and painting. He found his passion for illustration for which he is internationally known.
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
David O’Shields UNI professor and filmmaker
Learn about the designers in Prolific’s recent ‘Iconic Iowa’ Fashion Show
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Shuquanta
a
and
after a show in Atlanta, people told Buckley they felt the presence of God in her clothing, which is when Buckley realized the brand was bigger than herself.
Alicia Jensen is the designer of “Cherry Glass,” a Cedar Rapids-based brand that focuses on kitschy and playful designs. Jensen studied apparel merchandising and design at Kirkwood Community College and has been designing for about three years.
L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu
ESTELLE JOHNSON Executive Editor johnsecr@uni.edu 319.290.4955
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor westejac@uni.edu 515.776.0176
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
Ashley Nino-Villalobos is a self-taught fashion designer located in Des Moines. Her brand “Piece of Mind” is a play on the idea of “peace of mind” which is how she often feels while designing clothes. Her clothes often change in aesthetics but will always be made through upcycling old materials and garments.
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
Marci Kemps is the designer of “MK.Krafts,” an upcycled grunge brand that showcases flannels with animated shows, music and many other genres of graphics. Kemps is based in Waterloo and began designing about 10 years ago when she saw someone else doing something similar, which revived her creativity again.
PRODUCTION STAFF
LILY MUNNIK News Editor munnikl@uni.edu
COHEN KAMAUS Sports Editor kamausc@uni.edu
MICHAEL SPAHN Assistant Sports Editor spahnm@uni.edu
LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor alvarlaa@uni.edu
OLIVIA HARRINGTON Assistant News Editor harringo@uni.edu
ELLISA ANDERSON Assistant News Editor anderebv@uni.edu
JENNA WESTENDORF Webmaster westejac@uni.edu
GRANT HOSPODARSKY Associate Multimedia Editor hospodag@uni.edu
CARTER BROWN Associate Multimedia Editor browncck@uni.edu
NAZIYA CRISP Assistant Digital Editor crispnaa@uni.edu
MACI SWANSON Head Photographer maciswan@uni.edu
More designers featured online at northerniowan.com
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
Ari Stanton is a senior in high school in the Des Moines area. Her brand is called “Sovrence” which she describes in Prolific’s lookbook as “the freedom in letting go and being yourself.” She plans to pursue fashion design in college. Stanton said a fashion event like this is important because “it’s a good thing for all types of creatives to come together and help produce something really meaningful.”
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
Trinity McGee is a senior in Des Moines and the designer of her brand “Eternal Command,” inspired by a post-utilitarian world. McGee plans to continue in the fashion industry by earning a college degree in design.
ADVISERS
ANELIA DIMITROVA anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu
CHRIS MARTIN christopher.martin@uni.edu
CIRCULATION
BETHANY WINGET Circulation Manager
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Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
Buckley is the designer of “Ressurection Cloth,”
faithbased brand that showcases identity, purpose
new beginnings. According to Prolific’s lookbook,
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
15 years after being shot, former Congresswoman brings message of resilience to UNI
By Lily Munnik News Editor
“No way, Jose.” For Gabby Giffords, those three words capture the persistence that has defined her 15-year recovery after a bullet nearly ended her life.
On April 8, the former U.S. congresswoman and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom took the stage at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center as part of the 2026 Hearst Lecture series, joined by her longtime speech-language pathologist, Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse. The event offered an intimate, humorous and deeply moving look at Giffords’ ongoing recovery.
Giffords survived an assassination attempt on Jan. 8, 2011, during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. The gunshot wound to her head, an injury that only about 10% survive, and left her with aphasia, a speech and language disorder that makes it difficult to translate thoughts into words, as well as weakness in her right arm and leg.
“My journey of recovery is long and difficult,” said Giffords. “Walking is really tough, talking is really tough, but I won’t give up.”
Throughout the evening, Hirsch Kruse guided the conversation, highlighting both the realities of aphasia and the determination that has defined Giffords’ recovery. She recalled their first meeting, describing how Giffords immediately defied expectations.
“You marched in singing, big smile on your face… and I knew from then on it was going to be a good match,” Hirsch Kruse said.
That determination has remained constant. Giffords often exceeds therapy expectations, even flooding her therapist’s inbox with completed assignments. When asked if she ever feels like giving up,
her response drew laughter and applause from the audience.
“No way, Jose.”
Giffords charmed the audience with personal stories — revealing her love of music, from AC/DC to John Denver and even singing “Tomorrow” when asked if she enjoys performing. A lifelong musician, she continues to play the French horn, an instrument she began at just 13 and once performed alongside Yo-Yo Ma to honor victims of gun violence.
Despite the challenges of reading and writing sheet music post-injury, her passion for music remains.
“The French horn is really hard to play,” said Giffords. “I love the challenge.”
She also shared the lesser-known side of her personality — the daredevil side. Giffords rode motorcycles, drove on a Formula 1 track and even went skydiving just two years after being shot.
Today she maintains a strict routine of biking daily, practicing yoga, taking Spanish lessons and staying active through gym and pool therapy.
“Work work work work work,” she said with a smile.
Her physical recovery has been just as remarkable. She rides a recumbent bike every morning and has completed a 32-mile ride in El Tour de Tucson.
“Pedal, pedal, a lot of pedaling,” said Giffords, followed by Dr. Hirsch Kruse calling her out for using an e-bike.
The event was also a homecoming for UNI alum Angie Glynn, who served as Giffords’ primary speech-language pathologist during the first year of recovery.
“It’s been 10 years since I last
saw Gabby, and the progress she continues to make is nothing short of remarkable,” said Glynn. “Her growth is a testament to her work ethic, grit and determination.”
The event shared a short clip of Gifford’s documentary, featuring Glynn working alongside Gabby through some of the most difficult moments in her recovery.
Since the shooting, Giffords’ advocacy has been centered on gun safety, traveling the country to share her story while pushing for change.
“I’ve known the darkest of days,” she said. “I put one foot in front of the other. I found one word, then another.”
She credits her strength in part to her mother, Gloria — “a tough, tough, tough cookie” — and to her husband, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, who she described as “my best friend, he is so funny, funny, funny.”
Giffords closed the evening with her signature call to action.
“Move ahead,” she said. “Do not look back.”
Lily Munnik/Northern Iowan Gabby Giffords (left) and Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse (right) hold hands while the audience rose for a standing ovation.
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
Laura Ensign: La primera mujer profesora en UNI
El profesor Thomas Connors honra su legado y su contribución a la historia universitaria
Por Alexa Farrell, reportero
Traductora Mayra Olvera, Traductora invitada, estudiante del curso
SPAN 3016 Translation for Heritage Speakers
Las contribuciones de Ensign a la historia de la UNI son especialmente destacables ahora que la universidad celebra su sesquicentenario en 2026.
"Ahora que la universidad celebra su sesquicentenario, sus contribuciones merecen reconocimiento", escribió Connors sobre Ensign en un libro electrónico publicado en ScholarWorks en 2025.
Nacida en Castile, Nueva York en 1848, Ensign se mudó a Iowa con su familia cuando tenía solo cinco años.
La familia vivió primero en el condado de Delaware, luego en Waverly, hasta que se establecieron en New Hartford, donde su tío, su padre y sus dos hermanos fueron fundamentales en el desarrollo del pueblo. Ensign tenía tres hermanas, aunque una falleció cuando era niña.
"Las tres restantes crecieron en una familia que valoraba la educación, la lectura y la fe", escribió Conners, destacando los valores de Ensign que llevaron a que ella y su hermana Clara se convirtieran en profesoras.
Ensign sirvió como directora de la escuela secundaria de Cedar Falls antes de unirse a UNI en 1878, y durante los siguientes 14 años trajo al campus su espíritu de lucha para crear conciencia sobre cómo sus colegas femeninas estaban mal pagadas.
En una ironía del destino, reclutó al segundo presidente de UNI, Homer Seerley, quien sucedió a James Gilchrist, un hombre con el que Ensign a menudo no estaba de acuerdo en cuestiones de libertad académica y equidad.
Ensign obtuvo el rango de profesora de historia y geografía en 1889, cuando la UNI era conocida como Iowa State Normal School. Connors se interesó en la
Courtesy Photo La primera profesora de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa que luchó por la igualdad de rango y remuneración recibió un reconocimiento especial el 4 de marzo, cuando el profesor de historia Thomas Connors rindió homenaje a su legado con una charla titulada “La primera profesora de UNI: Laura Ensign y la lucha por un salario y rango justos y por la gobernanza de la facultad bajo Gilchrist & Seerley.”
historia de Ensign cuando compró su álbum de fotos en eBay. Aunque algunas fotos habían sido arrancadas por la familia a lo largo de los años, las páginas todavía contenían una serie de fotos pequeñas de sus estudiantes, probablemente regalos de sus estudiantes a una amada maestra.
“Estos son un signo de afecto”, señaló Connors en su charla, “y señales de que Laura Ensign jugó un papel agradable en sus vidas, y obviamente se preocupaba por ellos porque los guardaba en su álbum de fotos con las fotos de su familia y sus colegas”.
Ensign estuvo en desacuerdo con el presidente Gilchrist desde el principio de su tiempo en UNI, desde el mismo momento en que fue contratada por la Junta Directiva sin su aprobación. De hecho, Gilchrist intentó contratar a otra persona, y cualquier tensión probablemente fue amplificada por su proximidad tan cercana. "Vivía, comía y trabajaba
con sus colegas, con sus alumnos, y con Gilchrist y su familia en el mismo aislado edificio, en una colina a dos millas del pueblo", escribió Conners en su libro.
A pesar de estas dificultades, Ensign tuvo un impacto positivo y sustancial que modeló la universidad en su época y más allá en el tiempo.
La contratación de Seerley, con diferencia "la figura más importante en la historia de esta universidad", fue una gran victoria, de la que Ensign fue responsable. Seerley fue anteriormente superintendente del Distrito Escolar Comunitario de Clinton y presidente de la Asociación de Maestros del Estado de Iowa. Seerley sirvió a la comunidad universitaria durante 42 influyentes años.
Durante su tiempo en la UNI, Ensign se defendió a sí misma y a sus colegas. Una de las mayores batallas en curso para Ensign fue por los salarios.
En un momento dado, un
igualador del salario de las mujeres incluso redujo el salario de Ensign respecto a lo que había sido antes, a pesar de su experiencia en historia y geografía.
Su salario finalmente aumentó a $1.000 en 1886, lo que era más que su salario antes o después del igualador.
No solo era que las mujeres no eran pagadas tanto como los hombres por el mismo trabajo, sino que solo los hombres eran considerados profesores. Las mujeres solo eran consideradas maestras antes de 1889. En este punto, Seerley había tomado las riendas de la universidad, y continuó la lucha de Ensign por la igualdad de rango y salario para todos después de que ella se fuera.
Como quiso el destino, Ensign obtuvo el reconocimiento de profesora apenas minutos antes de que otra miembro de la facultad, Anna McGovern, profesora de métodos, recibiera ese rango.
"Todavía continúan contratando a mujeres como instructoras. Es más probable que contraten a hombres como profesores, por lo que el desequilibrio permanece”, dijo Connors, “pero se empieza a ver a las mujeres alcanzar ese rango y ser iguales como profesoras, aunque no a nivel de salarios.”
Ensign también fue parte de la lucha en la que la junta y la facultad permitieron a los maestros y profesores enseñar en su especialidad en lugar de solo en un campo asignado. Esta fue una de las mayores disputas de Ensign con Gilchrist, en la que los profesores David Wright y Moses Bartlett votaron del lado de ella.
"En cada lucha en la que se mete, parece ganar", dijo Connors.
Mientras Ensign estaba en lo que ahora se llama UNI, también ganaba dinero extra trabajando en desarrollo profesional y escribiendo libros de texto o esquemas en materias como historia y geografía.
Comenzó a publicarlas en Cedar Falls, hasta que más tarde fueron publicadas por Flannigan en Chicago en la década de 1890. Su obra se
publicó por última vez en 1940, tres años después de su fallecimiento.
La mayoría de las fuentes principales de Connors incluyó la correspondencia de Homer Seerley y las memorias de David Wright. Ambos eran amigos y aliados de Ensign, y ella continuó manteniéndose en contacto con los dos después de abandonar el Cedar Valley.
Connors agregó: “Hay un lugar en el que puedes encontrar un monumento, que está en New Hartford. Y si vas a la parcela familiar, que está en el frente del cementerio, las lápidas familiares están todas en fila y están marcadas como madre, padre, hija, tía… excepto la suya, que está inscrita como maestra”.
Tras su etapa en la UNI, Ensign disfrutó de viajar, vivió en ciudades más grandes y participó en diversas actividades profesionales mientras enseñaba en escuelas de chicas hasta su jubilación en 1931.
Nunca se casó y normalmente vivía en la misma escuela donde enseñaba.
"Su vida está definida por su carrera", dijo Connors. Aunque su tiempo en UNI duró solo 14 años, Ensign dejó un impacto palpable con su defensa y su enseñanza.
"El periódico de la escuela, escribió sobre ella hasta 25 años después de su muerte. Ensign falleció en 1937 de la enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Se puede obtener más información sobre Laura Ensign en el documento del Profesor Connors, que está disponible gratuitamente en ScholarWorks.
“Espero que tal vez la biblioteca cree una colección accesible en los archivos de la Universidad”, dijo Connors. “Estoy tratando de obtener alguna promesa sobre ello”.
“Su historia está ahí. Nadie le ha prestado mucha atención. Así que, con suerte, tal vez empiecen ahora”.
From campus to competition: UNI Dance Team brings the heat
By Josue Villatoro Staff Writer
When it comes to pizzazz in the field of athletics, the UNI Dance Team has always stepped forward to a strike pose that leaves the audience feeling more than energized.
One of the biggest changes throughout the Dance Team’s history has been the growth in numbers and skill expectations.
Hosting prep clinics have been key to expanding the organization’s membership, as demonstrated by the fall clinic, which has attracted over 50-100 participating dancers in recent years, including some who travel from Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Tumbling and advanced tricks are now highly encouraged, whereas in the past basic skills were enough.
Their outgoing and community-focused nature has consistently emerged as one of its most valuable and defining assets for school spirit, demonstrated by their collaborations with student organizations such as Dance Marathon and significant participation in UNI’s Homecoming week.
Despite losing the West Gym as their primary practice space, the UNI Dance Team has demonstrated adaptability in sustaining its commitment to UNI’s peppy atmosphere.
Utilizing various locations, including the WRC, McLeod Center and even outdoor areas, this challenge has not hindered their growth.
This self-funded group of athletes have had quite the journey throughout this year, including attending a Universal Dance Association College Nationals, which is often referred to as the “Dance Super Bowl” for both college and high-school students.
Beginning the process in August, the UNI Dance team hosted a home camp and earned a bid to nationals. During the camp, two instructors taught the team routines and evaluated their performance; these routines are subsequently used for game days.
To prepare for state in December and subsequently nationals, the team remained on campus during Thanksgiving and winter breaks.
With only a certain percentage making it to finals, the annual competition is particularly challenging, transforming participation into a hard-earned privilege.
The UDA College Nationals are held annually in January at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, featuring elite teams such as UNI competing in Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop. Hosting regional competitions and
All Star events, offering opportunities to qualify for national championships.
The UNI Dance Team placed 11th in Pom and Game Day, as well as 13th in Jazz against 40 competing teams.
Last month, the UNI Dance team had the opportunity to participate at the Missouri Valley Conference for the Arch Madness Basketball tournaments in St. Louis.
The UNI Dance team organized an engaging pep rally prior to the games, fostering a sense of community among the UNI attendees.
The team was also given the chance to perform a routine during halftime.
For the MVC tournaments, a hip hop routine was choreographed by two senior members, Karlee Fuelling and Jordan Czerwinski, who bring three years of experience in dance choreography to this performance.
One of the captains of the UNI Dance Team, Maddie DeJong, said their appearance at Arch Madness was particularly special this year.
“This time was especially great, because we got to witness the men’s team make history of being the first team to win four games in four days, win the whole tournament, and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament since 2016,” she said.
DeJong added it was also great to see so many Panther fans cheer on the women’s team in Coralville, Iowa.
“We’re very proud of the women’s team and they always play their best,” DeJong said. “To be a part of both teams’ journeys is definitely one of many highlights of our season.”
Senior and dance team captain, Megan Munter, said the dance team members are serious in what they do.
“We are a face of the university and we take pride in our image and how we represent UNI; It’s easy for people to classify dancers as just one thing, but we do it all,” Munter said.
Courtesy/UNI Dance Team Facebook
The UNI Dance Team had a great year of dazzling audiences with their creative choreographed skills. The team performed alongside the Men’s Basketball team at Arch Madness tournament in St. Louis.
Courtesy/Maddie DeJong
The UNI Dance Team takes on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
UNI hosts ‘Day of Service’
Students, faculty and staff volunteer around Cedar Valley in honor of UNI sesquicentennial anniversary
Estelle Johnson/Northern Iowan UNI President Mark Nook was dressed up in his “Cats who Care” gear to celebrate UNI’s Day of Service on April 8.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook Students volunteered for many projects, including a project that provided beds and bed frames for those in need.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook Multiple projects included the planting and potting of seeds, which ranged from community garden starts to fruit trees.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook City-wide clean up was a part of almost every project on the list. From raking leaves to cleaning up public trails, UNI students, faculty and staff did it all.
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan Cedar Falls Mayor Danny Laudick attended and spoke at the Panther Innovation Lab, which took place in the Maucker Union Ballroom.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook
Two sessions of food packing took over the McLeod Center on April 8. The meals will go to people in need of healthy, hearty food.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook Ashley Homestore was one of many local contributors to UNI’s Day of Service. Students helped deliver over 100 bed frames around the Cedar Valley, donated by Ashley Homestore, located in Cedar Falls.
Courtesy/UNI Facebook A group of student athletes traveled to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, along with Pete Moris, Director of University Relations.
The twisted drama within and beyond ‘The Drama’
By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer
A24’s latest, “The Drama”, following Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) as a couple preparing for their wedding, managed to ignite online discussion, speculating the film’s mysterious nature, unaware of the film’s wicked potency.
“The Drama” is one of the bravest films released this year, juggling contentious issues while being undeterred by public reaction on social media. The film successfully sets its tone from the start, drenching the audience with uncomfortable social scenarios while also constructing Charlie and Emma as the seemingly perfect couple.
The first 15 minutes of this movie provide a substantial amount of subtle buildup and relatable character interactions. Many creative techniques are meticulously layered throughout the film, indicated by its thoughtful editing and claustrophobic cinematography
The editing keeps up at a snappy, yet fragmented pace, particularly in the dialogue sequences, while also adding comedic effect.
Some shots can cut too early or too late, but instead of making the movie feel choppy, it amplifies the inescapably cringeworthy moments of second-hand embarrassment the characters feel.
In an interview with Indiewire, Joshua Raymond Lee, the film’s co-editor, said that “flashbacks in film can be an accurate representation of the past, but we wanted to treat them, in the edit, more like the way we move in and out of memories.”
This fragmented style heavily contributes to the dryly hilarious delivery that makes this movie work.
Arseni Khachaturan’s cinematography also heightens the tension. A good portion of the conversation scenes are filmed in medium close-ups, with the characters, more often than not, placed in the middle of the frame.
This technique yanks the audience further into the character’s intolerable conversations.
All of these stress-inducing technical qualities help support the cringe-inducing screenplay. Much of “The Drama” focuses on long conversations between two or more characters, and the way the scenes are structured, reincorporating aspects of the characters’ opinions and small details sprinkled throughout, builds to satisfying, yet unpredictable payoffs.
The first act does a fantastic job of setting up the couple’s dynamics, resulting in an authentic feeling.
The two major supporting characters, Rachel (Alana Haim; “Licorice Pizza”) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie; “Kinds of Kindness”), provide hysterically awkward moments that heighten the controversial conversations later in the movie.
Both Zendaya (“Euphoria”) and Robert Pattinson (“Good Time”) deliver two of their best performances. The movie has been sold on their chemistry, and luckily, they play off each other in a way that makes them a relatable couple dealing with a dark secret that’s recently resurfaced.
The way each of them reacts to a new revelation, a back-handed piece of dialogue, and an outburst feels natural to how somebody would handle that situation.
Haim and Athie, in the supporting roles, successfully provide conflicting viewpoints on the information they have just learned, leading not only to reactionary discussions but also to that aforementioned dark comedy.
The subjects this movie explores are extremely contentious, and “The Drama” manages to explore those in a way that pays respect.
Similar to dark comedies like Todd Solondz’s “Happiness” or “Palindromes”, two other movies that follow morally questionable characters, the characters in “The Drama” never find the comedy in the situation, resulting in the dry comedy being amplified.
The way the movie handles its serious topics may be a turn-off for many audience members, particularly with how the dry comedy is incorporated. There are some genuinely thoughtful observations the characters have, and the way the plot unfolds allows for creative critiques regarding how people react to tragedy and how people treat their loved ones.
There are many reasons “The Drama” won’t appeal to people who are expecting a standard romance movie starring big actors.
While many ideas feel extremely fleshed out, others feel more like jumping-off points for a conversation rather than a clear intention for the creator. Some of these ideas that the audience is left up to can feel unfocused and underdeveloped.
Another reason this movie might turn off audience members is a controversial essay written by the director, Kristoffer Borgli (“Sick of Myself” & “Dream Scenario”). In 2012, Borgli published an essay in the Norwegian magazine Dagens Naeringsliv detailing his relationship with a 17-year-old girl when he was 27.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Borgli wrote, “When her parents were away, we began spending entire days in their large apartment; we drank her parents’ wine, we read her parents’ books. Some days we didn’t go outside because it was dark (and only then did we get dressed).”
Given how the movie focuses on many controversial aspects of our modern life, audience members could find his past actions contradictory to his goal, despite seamlessly blending dark comedy with effective drama.
Just like drama itself, “The Drama” is a complicated experience. The handling of its controversial issues could lead to disappointment about how it was portrayed. Despite that, the wicked writing, realistic and reactionary acting, and meticulously technical aspects create a hilariously stressful and memorable experience that will be talked about for a while.
Courtesy/A24
Zendaya (“Euphoria”) and Robert Pattinson (“Good Time”) star in a newly released film named “The Drama” — which movie fans have called mysterious, yet undeniably charming.
Transfer portal takes center stage in UNI’s offseason reset
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The college basketball transfer portal is in full swing, and players are already finding new programs to call home. For the Northern Iowa men’s basketball team, new head coach Kyle Green will need to replace all five starters from the MVC championship roster a season ago.
Trey Campbell, Tristan Smith and Max Weisbrod are all set to graduate, while Leon Bond III and Will Hornseth both entered the transfer portal and already have their next destinations set.
Bond III will join Iowa State, while Hornseth intends to follow Ben Jacobson to Utah State. A pivotal bench player from last season, RJ Taylor, also declared his intent to transfer, heading to Oakland in Michigan. When going after new talent, Green will look to find good
fits to build around the Panthers’ current roster.
“Those that are on the team currently are the ones that are a priority when it comes to NIL and anything we do with it,” said Green.
“We’ll build it from the inside out, try to develop and grow that group, and support it from the outside as we need to. And in the portal, with high school kids, transfers, whatever it might be.”
In terms of roster continuity, UNI announced the return of five players for the 2026-27 season. Cade Courbat, Geon Hutchins, Kyle Pock, Levi Valdo and Jalen Wilson are all returning for another season.
Pock and Hutchins were pivotal contributors off the bench for UNI a season ago, averaging a combined 5.2 points. Wilson, a former three-star recruit, could jump into a starting power forward role next season.
When recruiting talent
in the transfer portal, it’s common for new coaches to recruit players they coached at previous universities. Green spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa State, and there are a few former Cyclones he coached who are in the portal. Cade Kelderman, Omaha Biliew and JT Rock are all names to watch as potential targets for the Panthers.
In today’s college basketball landscape, it’s common for players to change schools on a yearly basis. Green’s pitch to recruits involves developing their game in a program that has a winning tradition.
“We’re going to get them here because it’s a special place, and once we get them here, we believe that the value in the people, the value of the education and the value of the things we’re going to do on a daily basis will make them want to stay,” said Green.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Leon Bond III looks to score in a game against Loyola Chicago. Bond III recently announced his intention to transfer to Iowa State.
Only one leg needed
Carlos Ulberg shocks UFC world after injuring leg
By Mason Kalkbrenner
Sports Writer
Nothing is quite as spectacular as a championship fight in the UFC. The stakes could not be higher. Both fighters compete with a completely different level of passion, determination and grit. Especially during a vacant title bout, it’s all the more exciting for fans.
With the guarantee of a new champion being crowned, fans were highly anticipating the light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg. Both fighters have incredible skill sets, and their résumés are very impressive. Since Alex Pereira vacated the belt to move up to the heavyweight division, the status of the light heavyweight division has been questionable. But these two fighters were by far the most deserving of a championship opportunity, and it made for an incredible story and finish. Before the main event, however, one fight in particular stole the show. Recently regarded as one of the best heavyweight fights in UFC history, Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes put on an absolutely breathtaking performance. An unranked fighter, Hokit took on the No. 5-ranked heavyweight in the UFC in Blaydes. Blaydes is a distinguished, high-caliber fight -
er, with wins over the likes of Alexander Volkov, Jailton Almeida and even a knockout over former champion Tom Aspinall in 2022. Going up against unranked rising star Hokit almost seemed like a joke on the UFC’s part. It seemed as though this was a disaster waiting to happen.
However, upon further research into Hokit, he is an incredibly unique fighter. His awkward, humorous persona gets him “over” with the fans. His antics at both the press conference and the weigh-ins were enough to get fans excited about the fight. But his style in the octagon is what really makes him stand out in the heavyweight division. Hokit’s unorthodox, “technically sloppy” style of fighting is completely unique and unseen from any other fighter. His defense, particularly his head movement, makes his shots unpredictable but sharp. Formerly competing in Bellator MMA, he had an 8-0 record, with both of his two wins in the UFC coming by knockout in the first round. While this fight did not end by knockout, it seemed as though both fighters could have gone down at any point.
The heavy shots delivered by each fighter had fans on the edge of their seats all three rounds. Hokit would have an amazing combination, then
Blaydes would respond with a flurry of punches himself. But there came a certain point where Hokit would land some nice shots and Blaydes was too fatigued and hurt to keep fighting back. Hokit’s ability to seemingly “play possum” deceived Blaydes many times, allowing him to capitalize.
The main talking point of this fight, however, was the obscene yet hilarious gestures from Hokit. Multiple times throughout the course of the bout, Hokit kept giving Blaydes “the bird” for no good reason. While this gesture didn’t cost him any points on the scorecard, he received little to no backlash after the fight. If anything, he gained more fans from not only his actions but the physical performance he put on to secure his ninth win.
Even UFC President Dana White wanted more of Hokit in action in the near future. Mere minutes after the fight, White took to Instagram Live and announced, “Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis was just added to the White House card in the last 10 minutes. President Trump built half of that fight, (Joe) Rogan built the other half. Pretty (redacted) how that played out organically during the fight.” Needless to say, Hokit looks to continue to run wild in the heavyweight division, and fans
will get to see him in action much sooner than previously thought.
As Prochazka and Ulberg marched out to the octagon, it felt like the roof was going to blow off the Kaseya Center in Miami. Prochazka brought championship experience, resilience and the strength necessary to perform on the grandest stage. Ulberg brought raw power, focus and determination to win his first championship in the UFC. There was never a doubt for either fighter that they were capable of winning — rather, which fighter was more likely to lose this fight? With everything on the line, unfortunately only one could prevail.
Very early in the first round, Ulberg began limping and appeared unable to put weight on his right knee. Any opponent of an injured fighter would take advantage and capitalize in the moment. But not Prochazka. He wanted to go right into the fire and fight an honorable fight. Prochazka’s act of “mercy” was honorable, yes, but it cost him everything. After injuring his knee, Ulberg caught Prochazka advancing and delivered his signature check left hook. Prochazka went straight to the floor and tried to protect himself, but the power of Ulberg was too much for the Czech Samurai, as he was declared knocked
out by referee Mark Goddard. Ulberg not only shocked the world on Saturday, but he did it on one leg.
After the fight ended, commentator and former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier said, “If he went to the corner, this fight would’ve been done.” Doctors would have stopped the fight, no questions asked. With the brutal replay and Ulberg already clearly injured, it was abundantly clear that he tore something in his knee. But he stood his ground and went right into the fire that Prochazka mercifully gave him.
Only time will tell what’s in store for the championship reign of Ulberg. If he tore his ACL and is out for longer than six months, he will be forced to vacate the light heavyweight championship. Fans can only hope that the division can have a long-term champion after a tumultuous period of vacant titles, injuries and other absences. That being said, if there is another vacant title fight, it will be interesting to see who is a part of it. But even if it is the last one for a while, Ulberg shook up the world with his knockout victory over Prochazka in legendary fashion and will give fans something to replay in their heads for years to come.
Photo Courtesy/UFC Ulberg won the title fight despite getting injured within the first few minutes of the fight.
Panthers extinguish Flames
UNI softball defeats UIC with weekend sweep
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
The UNI softball team defated conference foe University of Illinois Chicago over the weekend. The Panthers won all three games, advancing to a 21-15 record and earning their ninth conference win of the season.
The series started with a doubleheader Friday that saw the Panthers get the bats going early with three first-inning runs. Kate Lappe secured a home run as well as two RBIs and was followed by a sacrifice fly off the bat of Skyora Smith to drive Katelyn Callahan home. UNI led 3-0 after the first inning.
Lappe drove in another run in the bottom of the second with a sacrifice fly to bring in Drew Hinrichs. Northern Iowa kept the runs coming, including Callahan with a two-run double and a two-run home run from Ava
Smithson to put the Panthers up by eight after two innings.
UIC got on the board in the top of the fourth inning with a home run before UNI answered in the bottom of the fourth with a Smith home run as the Panthers continued to hold an eight-run lead going into the fifth. The Flames came out hot in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three runs and cutting into Northern Iowa’s lead. UNI answered by scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a single from Peyton Johnson.
In the sixth inning, UIC scored five runs to cut the Panthers’ lead to just two runs at 11-9. Finley Netten answered for UNI by hitting the fourth home run of the day to extend the lead to 12-9. The Panthers put away the Flames, 1-2-3, in the top of the seventh inning to claim a 12-9 victory in Game 1 of the doubleheader.
Game 2 saw UIC score first in the top of the first
inning. A fielding error allowed the Flames to bring two runs across the plate, but UNI answered in the bottom of the first with a home run from Brynn Acton. Acton’s long ball came with Skylar Benesh on base to tie the game at 2. Three consecutive bases-loaded walks gave the Panthers a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the second inning before a sacrifice fly from Lappe added another run. Smithson hit a three-run home run, giving Northern Iowa a 9-2 lead after the second inning.
The Flames responded in the third inning, scoring five runs, and added a home run in the fourth to cut UNI’s lead to one at 9-8. Smithson hit her second home run of the game to drive in a pair of runs and extend the Panthers’ lead.
UIC scored one run in the top of the fourth on an RBI single, which would be its final run of the game. The
Panthers led 11-9 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning and went on to score six runs, including two home runs off the bat of Hinrichs followed by a two-run shot from Benesh, before Smith walked off the game with a bases-loaded single to center field. Lappe crossed the plate from third base to complete the run-rule victory as UNI won 17-9.
Action continued Saturday as the Flames started fast, scoring six runs in the first inning, including two home runs to take an early lead. UNI responded in the bottom of the second inning with a pair of two-run singles from Lappe and Smithson. Both hits came with the bases loaded and two outs as UIC led 6-4 after two innings.
A Panther error in the outfield in the top of the fourth inning allowed UIC to score its seventh run before Northern Iowa added two runs in the bottom of the
fourth to cut the lead to one at 7-6. Acton hit another home run, followed by an RBI single from Smithson to pull the Panthers closer after four innings.
UIC extended its lead to 10-6 with a three-run home run in the top of the fifth. The Panthers answered with a three-run bottom of the inning to cut the lead to one. A home run from Johnson was followed by an Acton long ball, resulting in a tworun home run to left-center field.
The Flames sent eight batters to the plate in the final two innings, but the Panthers scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to take their first lead of the game. Benesh drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 10 with two outs before Acton launched her third home run of the game with the bases loaded, giving UNI a 14-10 lead and clinching the comeback and series sweep.
Premier League 2025-26 biggest suprises
By Sam O’Hair Sports Writer
As the 2025-26 Premier League comes to an end, there were plenty of suprises, some bigger than others. Here are the biggest ones and how they shaped the league this season. Downfall of Tottenham Hotspur
Since the inception of the Premier League, six clubs have never slipped from the top division: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on April 12, Tottenham could change that fact.
Spurs currently sit 18th in the table with 30 points on the season — two points behind West Ham United, which sits in 17th. With three managers hired and fired in a matter of months, and without a Premier League win since Dec. 12, 2025, this season has marked a meltdown for Tottenham.
For a club that played in a Champions League final
in 2019 and more recently won the Europa League last season, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where it went wrong. Between poor scouting, failed ownership, disorganized management, as well as multiple injury crises, it all became too much for Spurs as relegation seems more and more imminent.
Sunderland sweeps Newcastle United Ten long seasons. Sunderland have waited an entire decade for their return to the Premier League. In the
meantime, Newcastle United have enjoyed Champions League nights and even a piece of hardware — a Carabao Cup the club won last season.
The two clubs, whose rivalry is rooted deep in history, have long relished seeing each other in domestic competition. To the surprise of many, underdog Sunderland won — twice. The Black Cats, who were predicted by many to be relegated by the end of the season, have actually had a better year than
their rivals overall. However, for supporters, the two victories over the Magpies are the highlight of their first season back in the top division.
Liverpool struggles Expectations for Liverpool peaked after its latest summer transfer window. The Reds spent £446 million on the signing of new players alone — the most spent by a Premier League club ever, according to Sky Sports. To coninue reading the article, check it out on our website at northerniowan.com.
Grant Hospodarsky/UNI Athletics
The Panthers are next in action against Southern Illinois on April 17-18. The Salukis are one of the best teams in the MVC, boasting a record of 25-14.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Panther track and field excels in California and Iowa
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
After a week off following the start of the outdoor season, the University of Northern Iowa men’s and women’s track and field teams saw a busy weekend at home and halfway across the country. While the majority of Panther athletes competed on the Blue Oval at the Jim Duncan Invitational in Des Moines, a pair of decathletes and heptathletes traveled to Azusa, California, to test their abilities against top West Coast talent at the Brian Clay Multis.
Following his AllAmerican heptathlon finish at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Carter Morton looked to build on his stellar performance as he entered his outdoor decathlon campaign. And that he did. Morton placed fourth in his decathlon group of 15 athletes at the Brian Clay Multis, three of whom were also indoor championship qualifiers. Morton set a new personal record of 7,782 total points, highlighted by firstplace finishes in the long jump and high jump.
Tye Hardin finished eighth with 6,970 points in his group of 12 decathletes. In the freshman’s first decathlon, he also took first place in the long jump, along with second in the high jump. He backed up his strong leaping showings with third-place efforts in the 100- and 400-
meter dashes.
Joey Perry continued the Panthers’ California outing with a new personal best of 5,617 points in the heptathlon. She took second in her group of 14 competitors. Perry placed first in the high jump, 200-meter dash and 800-meter run, showcasing her range in the event.
Teammate Katy Stephens finished third in her respective group of 13 heptathletes. Stephens also achieved the highest point total of her career, capitalizing on a second-place high jump performance on her way to scoring 5,728 points.
Back in Iowa, UNI faced a cool, cloudy and windy day at Drake Stadium. The Panthers got off to a strong start in the women’s 1,500 meters, with Kaylee Woolery taking second in 4:34.11. Claire Wright was just a few seconds behind in sixth, running 4:37.83.
Millie Hill ran 4:29.94 in the invitational section of the women’s 1,500 meters, good for ninth place out of 11 runners consisting of top in-state talent mixed with a few professionals. Ethan Olds also ran in the invitational section of the men’s 1,500 meters, finishing fifth out of 10 runners in 3:56.04.
Northern Iowa recorded numerous first-place finishes in sprinting, hurdling and distance events. Freshman Emma Randecker won the women’s 100 meters in 11.85 seconds and came back to take the 200 meters
in 23.73. Tinashe Chigudu also claimed the men’s 100 meters in 10.47 and the 200 meters in 20.94.
Former Cedar Falls High School standout Derek Woods led the mid-distance group, taking the men’s 800 meters in 1:49.41. Darc Wiesman won the women’s 400-meter hurdles in 1:01.50, and Meghan Wheatley took the women’s 5,000 meters in 17:24.88. Melody Ochana also posted another victory for the distance group,
winning the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:54.48.
Both the UNI men’s and women’s 4x400-meter relay teams earned the top spot in their divisions, with the men running 3:12.24 and the women posting a time of 3:42.71.
In the field events, Nolan Dempsey threw 54.27 meters as the top male discus thrower. Erica Miner won the women’s pole vault with a mark of 3.65 meters, and teammate
Josie Morland cleared 1.65 meters to take the women’s high jump.
UNI will look to use a strong two days on the Blue Oval as a confidence booster before returning to Des Moines for the Drake Relays later this month. However, both the Panther men’s and women’s teams will return to action first at the Brian Clay Invitational in California on April 16-17, as well as the Big Red Classic hosted by Nebraska on April 17-18.
Photo
The Panthers crowned 12 champions at the Jim Duncan Invitational at Drake Stadium.
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