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NI 04-22

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CEDAR FALLS, IA

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026

Growing up doesn’t mean growing apart A brothers’ decision to stay together in college

Editor’s Note: Siblings have a unique bond that little else can touch. Whether you adore your sibling and would do anything for them, or think they’re annoying and wish they would stop following you around, it’s something special to you both. UNI houses many sibling students, and this is the first story of three in a series about sibling relationships at UNI and how those sibling dynamics change when you share the same college campus.

A brotherly bond is hard to break. The feeling of trust, responsibility and care that they possess from growing up side by side is something untouchable. A brother is someone you go to in your time of need, someone you talk to when you feel there is no one else and a steady force when all else seems like it’s one sneeze away from falling apart

However, there comes a time in many brothers’ lives when they have to be apart. That steady presence that you’re so used to goes away and you’re left with an odd hole in your chest as you attempt to figure out how you’re going to be able to function without someone who’s been beside you since you learned how to walk. Just ask UNI students Michael and Ethan Spahn.

See BROTHERS, page 3

New NISG leaders plan to bring their advocacy to the Capitol

Salazar’s passion to make a difference started in 6th grade

During the 2025-26 school year, when Gabriel Salazar was the vice president of Northern Iowa Student Government and second-in-command to President Alli Webster, one of their main focuses was informing students across campus about NISG and what it did for the university.

Now elected president of NISG for the coming academic year, Salazar and his vice president, DeeDee Benton, want to continue spreading the word about NISG to UNI and to the state legislature in Des Moines.

THIS WEEK IN Board of Regents:

The Iowa Board of Regents will meet for its monthly meeting on April 22 and 23. This month includes several key agenda items for the University of Northern Iowa, including program changes, a proposed tuition increase and the razing of the Alumni House.

The university will be proposing several department changes, including the termination of three programs currently being offered. UNI is requesting termination of the professional science masters in industrial mathematics, MA in psychology and MA in teaching English in secondary schools. Industrial mathematics and MA in psychology both have had zero enrolled students since 2020 and 2024. The teaching English program has 45 students currently enrolled, and will transition to an emphasis area within an existing master of arts in English.

Secondly, the university is requesting to merge the Department of Sociology and the Department of Geography to create a newly named School of Community and Geographic Innovation. The new school will align with both academic trends and workplace demands, and should reduce overhead costs, resulting in resource savings.

Additionally, UNI is requesting approval for a new online bachelor of science in cybersecurity and network administration program. UNI currently offers an on-campus, face-to-face cybersecurity and system administration program. This request would be to offer an online version of the major in addition to the existing in-person program.

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE AT northerniowan.com

Courtesy Photo/@gabrielanddeedee4uni on Instagram
Gabriel Salazar (left) and Dee Dee Benton (right) stand in front of UNI’s Campanile.
Courtesy Photo Michael Spahn (left) and Ethan Spahn (right) walking to class together on campus.

UNI’s Spectrum Project changes lives

On Sunday April 19, the Spectrum Project completed its spring season with a performance at GallagherBluedorn called “Dreamers Explorers.”

According to Kevin Droe, coordinator and UNI associate professor of music education, the Spectrum Project began with a grant from the university in 2015. It was originally called Spectrum Music before expanding to include art, dance and theater.

The project pairs Cedar Valley students from ages 5 to 19 who are on the autism spectrum with college student buddies. They rehearse together in age groups to learn fine arts skills and prepare to perform.

Students also participate in arts activities, including collaging, painting, molding clay and more. Artwork is on display in the lobby during the performance.

UNI junior and Spectrum art director Emily White said that her experience with Spectrum will help her be a better art teacher in the future. White’s favorite part of the organization is the community and the children involved.

“The kids are so welcoming and so kind and just seeing their different personalities, I think, has been part of the joys of working at Spectrum,” said

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White.

UNI senior and second-year Spectrum buddy Maddy Moen said that being involved with Spectrum will also help her on her path to speech pathology.

“A lot of my future is going to be working with kiddos who have disabilities, who communicate differently and all of that,” said Moen. “I see a lot of that here at Spectrum too, so it’s giving me ideas of things that I can use in my future job and also a resource to recommend to families in the future.”

Droe described the impact on the students well.

“Sometimes extracurricular opportunities for children with special needs are few and far between, and so this is an opportunity for them to participate in an arts program, to be an actress on stage, to be a rock musician, to be able to paint … so it’s a great opportunity for them,” Droe said.

UNI junior and first-year dance instructor Ripley Wickham noted how group sizes and sound levels can be more controlled in the Spectrum environment, so everyone can feel safe and enjoy the fine arts.

“There’s one kid in particular, he was very much not into dance at all at

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first, but the last few times, now that he’s kind of gotten it in his bones, he’s been smiling so big, and it makes me so happy to see him so happy to be doing something like this,” said Wickham.

Senior RTNL major and first-year buddy Erin Ochoa enjoys witnessing the power of fine arts as well.

“I love seeing the kids in my group play music. The music section during the Spectrum Project is their absolute favorite, and they have just a blast. I just love seeing them just really become themselves with music and be able to express themselves in ways that they normally don’t ever do,” Ochoa said.

UNI student Kate VanCorp, in her third year with Spectrum and second year as music director, said that during the music section, they often do non-traditional activities and games to teach fundamentals of music and prepare kids for the performance.

The college students who participate also seem to get a lot out of the experience.

“I signed up and have loved it ever since,” Ochoa said.

Droe noted how not only can UNI students get experience with kids on the spectrum, but they also get the

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chance to relax and have a fun time alongside the kids.

Droe has been a part of the Spectrum Project for over 10 years now, and he became emotional describing the power of the Project.

“One of my favorite moments was when a boy came to Spectrum Project and he said that he invited another boy to his birthday party, and I think that was when I realized it was making an impact, when kids were making friends, enough to invite them to their birthday party.”

Droe said that the word he would most use to describe the Spectrum Project is “life-changing.” It seems to have changed lives, for the younger students, their college buddies and everyone involved.

VanCorp agreed.

“The Project’s important because it showcases to the community that these kids can do anything and everything. They can be in the performing arts … it’s meant for everyone, not just the audience, but the performers themselves, so it just lets the audience see that these performers can do anything, and I think that’s a really important thing,” she said.

CHRIS MARTIN christopher.martin@uni.edu

CIRCULATION

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LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan UNI students involved in the Spectrum Project are paired with students ages 5 to 19 who are on the autism spectrum.
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan UNI Spectrum Project’s Gold Group performs to “Someday” from the movie “Rags.” The students with autism dream of becoming Spectrum Project Hollywood stars as they explored their dreams.

BROTHERS continued from page 1

When Michael left their home in Dubuque for college, this brotherly bond was tested. Moving out can be a difficult time for a lot of people, but for siblings, the decision to leave home is also the decision to leave your brother or sister behind.

But for some, that doesn’t have to be the case. A Harvard study from 2014, “The Relationship Between Siblings’ College Choices,” states that one-fifth of younger siblings follow their older siblings to their respective colleges and the University of Northern Iowa is no exception. This university is a place where people feel safe and respected, and because of that, many people who attend encourage their younger siblings to go there. This

NISG continued from page 1

is certainly true of the brothers Michael and Ethan Spahn, two UNI students who understood that leaving for college doesn’t always have to mean leaving your brother at home.

Michael is a junior at UNI and is majoring in digital media journalism and production. Ethan is a sophomore and is majoring in business administration. Michael explains that his decision to come to UNI was long in the making, as it was something he was thinking about even in middle school.

“I always knew that I’d end up here, based on the three state schools, this one felt like it was the right fit,” Michael said. Ethan shared this sentiment, explaining that though he visited other campuses, he found

them to feel too large and that when he would visit Michael at UNI, the campus felt just right.

When Michael found out that Ethan was going to follow him to UNI he was enthusiastic about having his brother with him at college.

“I was fired up. I really was. No doubt I really wanted him to come here, just cause we’re really close and always have been growing up. Just the fact that we could hang out here and continue that journey together was awesome,” said Michael.

Ethan said that having Michael at UNI was definitely a big reason why he picked the college. Having grown up so close together, the brothers felt the other’s absence heavily.

“Honestly, my senior year of high school, going home after school low-key sucked because I’m like, Michael’s not there anymore. I’m like, this house is pretty empty,” said Ethan.

Although the brothers weren’t involved in any high school activities together besides one year on a bowling team, when they arrived on campus, they found a fun way to connect through the on-campus intramural sports. Both enjoy playing flag football, and Ethan has even refereed a few games Michael was playing in.

While they’ve played against each other on opposing teams several times, there was one rare occurrence where they found each other on the same side. Ethan played quarterback for the game, and Michael was a receiver, subbing in for a missing player from Ethan’s team. The brothers connected for two touchdowns, creating a great

“One of the biggest things we plan on tackling is continuing our legislative advocacy, especially at the Capitol. We want to continue to foster those important relationships with not only the student relations officer, but also the legislators out there, and let them know that we are here, and we are here to fight for the UNI community,” Benton said.

Salazar and Benton also plan to continue to push for mental health funding for all three regent universities throughout their time as president and vice president.

Salazar said that his decision to run for office was driven by a desire to make a difference in his school community, a drive that began in middle school for Salazar.

“Back in middle school, I would get bullied for the color of my skin a lot, and that really affected me. I also realized there are a lot of students like me who don’t have their voices heard, and that’s when I started doing student government in 6th grade. From there, I just enjoyed doing it, so I continued through high school and saw the great group that NISG was, and how they represent and advocate for students, so that inspired me to continue going through UNI, and eventually run for president,” Salazar said.

The two begin their NISG leadership in the fall 2026 term.

brother moment on campus.

In an attempt to stay connected and regularly see each other in the busy world of college life, Michael explains the concept of “bro-lunch.” Every Thursday, the boys grab lunch somewhere, most often the dining hall Rialto, and it serves as their time to catch up and ask each other about their lives. They also hold a tradition of watching Sunday night football together during the NFL season, a practice that has carried over from their time at home into their homes on campus.

When talking about their friend groups on campus, Ethan explained that they each have their own friends, but states, “I’d definitely say that bro is my best friend everywhere, so definitely even on campus.”

Michael expanded on that to say that they have a lot of mutual people they know, creating a lot of shared hangouts, but agrees that “bro is definitely my best friend.”

Michael and Ethan both agree that coming to UNI together has only strengthened their sibling relationship, though they attest they have been close their whole lives.

Having a year apart was difficult on the brothers, but Ethan states he wasn’t too upset because he knew he would be at UNI with Michael soon enough.

“I remember that first month, I was like, in a year we’ll be at UNI together, so I mean it was definitely, like okay, we’re chilling,” Ethan said.

Michael nodded and added that he remembered being dropped off freshman year, and expressed that it felt very emotional to be leaving his family,

but agreed that it was the constant reminder that his brother was going to come to UNI in a year that helped him to stay focused.

The Spahn brothers’ compassion for each other showed itself when Ethan talked about some of his first days as a freshman at UNI, as someone who dislikes huge change.

“The first month of college was pretty hard on me. But we grabbed dinner at the dining hall, and it was pretty nice to just forget about everything and just have something normal for once,” Ethan said.

In a space where everything felt unfamiliar, Ethan was able to reach out to something he recognized. A big brother. Something that never changes, no matter how old you get, or how far from home you may feel. Michael explained that Ethan is often the person he’s most open to about things that happen in his life, and is often the person he confides in when something is going on — showing that as often as he shows up for Ethan, Ethan shows up for him too.

As siblings grow up, they often have to face the uncomfortable reality of being apart from one another. But as our research shows, more and more siblings are choosing to stay together as they pursue higher education. The Spahn brothers agree that their experience at college would be very different without having each other there.

“He’s a crucial part of my life,” Michael said. “And to have a withdrawal from that would be very tough.”

Learn about the history of Northern Iowa Student Government

Student government has been around since the beginning of UNI. For the first 40 years, each class and sometimes each program within a class, elected officers such as a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. These officers planned social events, and often chose a class gift.

The second type of student government involved the literary societies. Most students were members of these groups, which gave them chances to practice parliamentary procedure, debate and public speaking. These societies helped students prepare to become stronger teachers and more responsible citizens.

A larger student government did not begin until fall 1916, and it has continued in different forms since

then. It was first called the Student Council and was meant to represent all students and share their opinions. In 1945, the name changed to the Student League Board. In 1965, it became the Student Senate.

In 1970, it changed to the University of Northern Iowa Student Association (UNISA). In 1989, it became the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG), which is still its name today. These name changes often came with new rules and changes in how the group worked.

Over the years, the power and responsibilities of the student government have changed a lot.

For many years, there were also student groups based on gender. In 1929, the Women’s League was

started after Sadie B. Campbell became Dean of Women. In 1949, it changed its name to Associated Women Students and lasted until 1972. By 1934, men created a group called Men’s Union, which lasted until 1969. These groups focused on issues related to men or women. Sometimes they also had representatives in the main student government.

Another early type of student government was residence hall government, which likely began around 1915 and still exists today. This group focused on planning social events, helping make dorm rules and dealing with small rule violations in residence halls.

- Olivia Harrington
Courtesy Photo Ethan Spahn (left) and Michael Spahn (right) playing flag football together, where they scored two touchdowns total.
Courtesy Photo/@gabrielanddeedee4uni on Instagram Dee Dee Benton (left) and Gabriel Salazar (right) are NISG’s elected vice president and president for the 2026-2027 term.

N.I. EN ESPAÑOL

EN ESPAÑOL

Una nueva era para el histórico centro comercial College Square

El centro comercial College Square tiene nuevos propietarios, un nuevo nombre y una oportunidad para una nueva vida.

Nota del Editor: Esta es una continuación de la historia de NI ‘College Square Stilled’ de 2024

Traductora María Guadalupe Mendoza, Traductora invitada, estudiante del curso SPAN 3016

La reciente demolición del centro comercial Crossroads en Waterloo ha dejado a muchos residentes del Cedar Valley preguntándose cómo se verá el futuro del centro comercial College Square. Después de ver una rápida disminución en sus inquilinos y una caída en su popularidad, el centro comercial ha estado casi vacío durante los últimos 10 años. Con eso, se desconocía el futuro del centro comercial que durante sus 50 años de historia ha sido el centro de Cedar Falls. Sin embargo, con la reciente compra del centro comercial por Jon Davis y su familia, un cambio de nombre a ‘The Mall at College Square’, una ceremonia de corte de listón y una jornada de celebración y puertas abiertas el 10 de abril, el centro comercial puede finalmente ver una nueva vida y popularidad.

El 10 de marzo, Davis y su familia compraron College Square. La familia también son propietarios de la tienda de muebles Slumberland en Cedar Falls, y durante los últimos años han estado observando al centro comercial, con la esperanza de un día comprarlo.

Después de comprar Slumberland, Davis había estado en contacto con el grupo inmobiliario de Namdar, los anteriores propietarios del centro comercial. Durante años, el precio solicitado por el centro comercial era mucho mayor que el valor real del centro comercial. Pero, sin un verdadero incentivo para venderlo, Namdar nunca estuvo dispuesto a bajar el precio. Sin embargo, con la venta de Crossroads y su posterior demolición, Namdar finalmente llegó a un compromiso.

“Mi papá seguía dicién -

doles que aquí es donde está su valor, que nadie más les va a dar el dinero,” dijo Kennan Davis, el hijo de Jon Davis. “Al final, llegó al punto que Namdar vendió la ubicación de Waterloo, así que ya era hora."

La familia Davis está emocionada por la oportunidad de dar nueva vida a lo que antes fue un centro comercial lleno de actividad y ya han visto algún éxito en las primeras semanas después de la compra.

Jung también enfatizó la importancia del crecimiento local y de no apresurarse llenando el centro comercial con tiendas de marcas nacionales.

“Ha habido un gran cambio cultural en todo el país

Vintage Fest convenció a Jung y Davis que la comunidad quiere ver más que solo tiendas dentro del centro comercial. El centro comercial ya ha cerrado el regreso del Vintage Fest este otoño, así como exhibiciones de

...hay muchas oportunidades en esta pequena propiedad en el centro de Cedar

Falls

“Hay muchos frentes abiertos”, dijo Chris Jung, el director de desarrollo del centro comercial y yerno de Jon Davis. “Ha habido mucha plática y entusiasmo alrededor de todo…así que todos estamos a bordo, vámonos.”

hacia el apoyo a las pequeñas empresas y esas tiendas de “Mamá y Papá”, dijo Jung. “Así que, con propietarios locales, hay alguien aquí que se puede ver que no es una corporación multimillonaria sin rostro.”

El reciente éxito

– KEENAN DAVIS Hijo de Jon Davis

carros este verano, con la esperanza de otros eventos comunitarios en el futuro. También esperan apoyar a los estudiantes en nuevas maneras.

“Supongamos que un estudiante viene y dice que ha estado haciendo juguetes

geniales con su impresora 3D y quiere venderlos. Genial, yo tengo un kiosco,” dijo Davis. “Nuestro objetivo es simplemente intentar ayudar a lograr los sueños de todos”.

Durante los próximos cinco años, Jung y Davis esperan ver al centro comercial prosperar. Dicho esto, dejaron claro que, aunque puedan tener sus sueños secretos para el centro comercial, quieren que el centro comercial crezca de una manera orgánica, basándose en movimiento natural de la comunidad.

“Ya hemos hablado sobre la posibilidad de expandir el edificio… así que no nos ponemos límites,” dijo Davis. “Queremos evaluarlo todo, entretener todas las opciones y ver lo que pasa. Porque hay muchas oportunidades en esta pequeña propiedad en el centro de Cedar Falls”.

del Iowa
Translation for Heritage Speakers
Courtesy Photo La familia Davis está emocionada por la oportunidad de dar nueva vida a lo que antes fue un centro comercial lleno de actividad y ya han visto algún éxito en las primeras semanas después de la compra.

OPINION

On March 25, 2025, Nintendo released the first teaser trailer for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, almost 12 years after the original Tomodachi Life game.

Immediately following the announcement, fans of the franchise went wild, posting about the news on every social media platform they could find and expressing their hope for the new features the game would bring. It’s safe to say that Nintendo’s reveal was incredibly popular and brought lots of old and new fans to the life simulator.

April 16 marked the official launch of the virtual experience, and one question is being thrown around: Does it live up to the hype, or did we underestimate Nintendo’s mediocrity?

I can’t lie and say I wasn’t excited for this game to come out. I was one of the fans who was so excited by the announcement that I immediately shared the news with my friends and family, even if they didn’t care.

When the release date was announced, I added it to my calendar and counted down the days until April 16. I remember bringing my Switch to a hangout and counting down the hours until midnight, much to the disdain of my friends. And from what I’ve seen online, other users had a similar experience to mine.

I played the original Tomodachi Life on the 3DS when I was a kid. I enjoyed the game immensely, and found myself deleting and creating new islands for people I knew personally and the characters that I wanted to interact with.

The game was something I could pour my own creativity into, watching my Miis (Nintendo’s customizable avatars) get into fights, start relationships, and have children.

It was a key part of my childhood, and I hoped that my grievances with the original game would be fixed in Living the Dream. I was pleasantly surprised, but these changes came with costs.

The first thing I need to praise in this new installment is the character customization. This was one of the most exciting updates for fans, as Mii designs in the past have always felt extremely abstract and plain.

Living the Dream introduces brand new hairstyles, facial features, and an all-new face paint feature, just in case the default selection doesn’t have what you’re looking for. Players have already used this component to create incredibly detailed and unique Miis.

Something I was a huge fan of was the relationships and interactions between Mii characters. In the new game, you can finally push Miis together and get them to talk without waiting for that pesky friendship thought bubble to pop up.

Although they start as acquaintances, it’s only a matter of time before a friendship or romance blossoms. There are also several cute interactions between characters, showcasing a bit more of that quirky dialogue from the original game.

Speaking of quirks, Living the Dream introduced “little quirks,” giving certain movements and repetitive motions to your Miis. For example, a few of my Miis walk “with rhythm,” while others may have a bigger appetite than most. The feature brings charm to the game, as it’s no fun having a bunch of characters doing the same thing constantly.

Looping back to customization, the game also gives the player the opportunity to create their own clothing, treasures, food, and much more. Each of these items can have its own texture, taste, and smell, all chosen by the creator. This helps players make items that aren’t normally in the game, and expands the already endless creativity that the game promised.

Players also have the opportunity to expand and structure their island, similar to the Animal Crossing games. This is a huge change from the original game, as all that was the same island layout, and an apartment building that housed all 100 Miis. More minor features I enjoyed were the quirky things Miis would do when left alone, and some of the new games that you can play with your islanders.

Although I enjoyed several parts of the game, there is still room for improvement on multiple levels.

For one, Living the Dream removes several fan-favorite minigames and locations from the original game, including the Concert Hall, Rank -

ings Board, Quirky Questions, and Compatibility Tester. Some of these have been slightly redone, as the Miis can ask random questions to you throughout the game, but fans have been very vocal about their opinions.

While the customization is an incredible upgrade to the original, some players have pointed out that the game lacks diversity in physical disorders, including things like vitiligo, hearing and mobility aids, and heterochromia. Several have argued that this heavily limits the creation of the character, and claim that they do not feel represented in their Mii due to this lack of customization.

The two major complaints I have noticed are the child Miis and the repetition. Originally, babies produced by two Miis would grow up in the span of around five days, and then the player could choose to send them away or keep them on the island.

This has been changed, and the baby grows up in a minute-long montage before the choice is brought up. I was personally confused by this choice, as I expected more interaction with the baby as it grew. I wish this were more fleshed out, and it felt like you could do more with the children in the original game.

The game gets extremely repetitive after a while of playing it, but that’s also kind of the point. Tomodachi Life isn’t a game you sit down and play for hours, as the idea of a life simulator relies on the player waiting for things to happen. It’s a game that requires patience and a check in two or three times a day. Yes, the game is incredibly fun, but the gameplay and concept aren’t ones you can complete and speedrun.

Overall, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a great sequel to the original game, and I think it deserves all of the hype surrounding it.

However, the game has obvious flaws, and we shouldn’t be completely blind to them. I’ve seen several people online get backlash for giving simple criticisms, and I believe just because a game is popular doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

Starting with a 78/100 on Metacritic, if you truly want to “live the dream,” even if it’s an imperfect life, then this game is for you.

Estelle Johnson/Canva
A new virtual experience, called “Tomadachi Life: Living the Dream” was officially released by Nintendo on April 16, 2026.
Video game enthusiasts have a variety of positive and negative opinions on the game.

CAMPUS LIFE

Are energy drinks fueling college students, or draining them?

Convenience

stores all over campus offer them.

Vending machines planted in multiple buildings display their bright cans. Grocery markets sell affordable variety packs.

For many students rushing between classes, energy drink consumption has become “normalized” as part of their daily routine.

Catered to the younger generation with their bright colors and celebrity promotion, energy drink sales are surging. Even with the unpleasant side effects, ranging from sleeplessness, anxiety spikes, heart problems, and dehydration, the demand still grows.

Kaitlyn Sellner, UNI junior and volleyball player, said energy drinks have “easily” become part of her daily routine. “Depending on the drink, sometimes I’ll have two,” she said. “They definitely help during practice, and I can totally feel whether I’ve had them or not.”

For students, energy drinks work as a fast and easy kick for focus. Whether it is a late night study session, or energy to get through the day, highly caffeinated drinks have become the new normal.

Energy drinks are widely available across campus convenience stores and vending machines. Students can pick from a variety of drinks including Monsters, Reigns, and Monster Confettis, where students can DIY their own energy creation.

According to UNI campus dining data, thousands of energy drinks were sold last year across campus, generating thousands in revenue.

Student energy drink consumption, as documented in a health survey, reflects these numbers.

During the spring of 2024, UNI’s health survey reported 20.7% of students drank five or more energy drinks or shots in the past 30 days. Only two years later, the same survey question reported an increase of 16%, suggesting that students are drinking energy drinks more fre-

quently in a month.

As energy drinks remain a common sight on campus, health experts say awareness is key to understanding how these habits affect both short and longterm health.

“College students in general, they have this idea most of the time that they need caffeine to keep going…It’s very normalized,” said UNI health promotion coordinator, Megan Cahalan.

According to Austin Lott, another health promotion coordinator, a high use of energy drinks can cause individual well-being to decline.

“A lot of people are using energy drinks to maybe stay up late and study homework, all the things that students have to deal with,” he said. “Sleep is one of the big ones. Anxiety is tied to that as well.”

More noticeable effects include irregular heartbeats, and seen more often, dehydration. “If it’s a long term thing, it can cause dehydration too, believe it or not. It’s a liquid, but it’s not the water that you need,” Cahalan said.

For college students, having a sharp and focused mind is necessary. However, when staying up late to study or hang with friends, a quick, yummy energy drink in the morning substitutes getting good sleep. This pattern becomes an issue when it continues every day.

Attempting to break the addicting cycle is difficult. Tessa Navrkal, UNI freshman, found that when she tried to quit drinking Monsters everyday, it was too hard. “I tried one time because I thought I was getting sick off of them, but then I decided I can’t live without them,” she said.

What often starts as a simple stimulant for energy can quickly become a habit harder to control. Whether students drink them for the social aspect, flavor, or routine, energy drink consumption gradually builds over time.

Without intervention, quitting may no longer feel like an option. “Once you start it, having caffeine as a daily part of your routine, you just can’t stop,” Sellner said.

Avery Dykstra
Many college students find themselves reaching for an energy drink in campus convenience stores. Is this helping students focus on their work, hurting their health long
Avery Dykstra and Estelle Johnson/Data Graph

TheatreUNI’s ‘Witch’ is devilishly comedic

Jen Silverman’s “Witch” premieres in the Bertha Martin Theatre on April 24, 25, May 1, and 2 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. Content warning: “Witch” contains adult language and themes and a scene of bloody violence. Smoke and haze effects and flashing lights may be used throughout each run of its production.

As spring semester wraps up, TheatreUNI’s 2025-2026 season of Stories Unbound comes to a close with dark comedy, “Witch,” directed by UNI associate professor Matthew Weedman and written by playwright Jen Silverman.

Serving as an adaptation of “The Witch of Edmonton,” a play by William Rowley, Thomas Dekker, and John Ford, at the core of this play is a devastating reality set in 1621 London, where a woman named Elizabeth Sawyer was accused of witchcraft, tried, convicted and hanged after an unsolved dispute.

The play is set during a reimagined version of the Jacobean era, following Scratch, a junior salesman devil who comes to the village of Edmonton to bargain for souls, but finds the outcast “witch,” Elizabeth Sawyer, to be a difficult target, leading to unexpected passions and a subversive exploration of hope and worth.

Silverman’s perspective is that the play’s time period is “then-ish, but also now-ish,” Weedman said, indicating it is not strictly confined to the year of 1621, allowing the production team to craft a setting that exists outside of a fixed time period.

Weedman described the play as an “unpleasant comedy,” given its central themes on societal marginalization and desire, choosing to highlight the text itself and have the actors in an evocative but very simple playing area, with quick and efficient scene shifts.

Because the performance takes place in the Bertha Martin Theatre, the scenes are structured cinematically, being brief and quickly shifting

between locations, intertwining all the characters’ stories in a swift motion.

“People who know me know how much I hate scene shifts, so I like for them to go quickly,” Weedman said, regarding the staging.

Choreographed by junior Skylar Zimmerman, an important element of this play is Morris dancing, a traditional English folk dance characterized by choreographed, rhythmic stepping performed by groups or “sides” while wearing bells on their shins.

Weedman was visually drawn to movement, color, and lighting, and was inspired by images such as dim train stations as well as hanging Edison bulbs.

Scenic designer Mark Parrott’s main visual feature is a dome-like structure, complemented by a total of 185 hanging light bulbs. Each of these bulbs is individually wired to establish the atmosphere of the space.

Parrott was inspired by the idea of “entropy” for artistic influence, noting that “It’s the idea that systems inevitably break down over time” that steered his vision.

Costume designer Katrina Sandvik utilized distinct color palettes and costume symbolism for each character, placing them in different time periods.

This design choice highlights the play’s “out of time” quality, notably, with the characters who have sold their souls being visually marked by small touches of red in their costumes.

Very keen eyes will notice that lighting designer, Jonathan Allenader Zivic, employs a subtle yet sophisticated approach to this environment.

Prioritizing light intensity and angle over vi -

brant colors, Zivic achieves an aesthetic that is warm, realistic, and evocative of a painting. The use of shadows is key, particularly for Scratch, where their long, distorted shapes heighten the unsettling atmosphere.

To complement the play’s dark atmosphere, sound designer Ethan Hussel focused on the theme of history repeating itself. The design will feature a ticking clock sound moving throughout the space at the beginning.

Furthermore, each deal that Scratch makes will be marked by a specific sound cue, which will become increasingly unsettling as the play unfolds and transitions moving from structured to chaotic.

Demetrius Mitchell, who portrays Scratch, said this production has a message for the audience. “I think it reflects what we’re going through in the world right now. Everyone has different emotions and struggles, and this show helps people figure out where they stand. It asks: if you have hope, how do you keep going? What does hope look like for you?” he said.

In her final role for TheatreUNI and portraying the titular character, senior Hannah O’Connell reflected on her as a character and final performance.

“She’s difficult to figure out because so much of what she does is internal. She’s intelligent, strong-willed, and fun to play,” O’Connell said. “It’s exciting to take on that challenge as my final role. She has beautiful monologues, and I love showing up every day to work through them. It feels like a really good goodbye.”

Projecting the top 10 draft picks

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated offseason events in sports. Teams across the league are searching for players who can change the trajectory of their franchise. Several “blue-chip” prospects are expected to be selected within the first 10 picks. Here is how the board could fall early in the draft.

Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers football

Mendoza has been the projected No. 1 pick since leading Indiana to a national championship this year. The Raiders have been searching for a long-term answer at quarterback since Derek Carr’s departure. The 22-year-old from Boston could fill that role in Las Vegas.

New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech Red Raiders football

Bailey is one of the top edge rushers in the class, recording 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss last season. The Jets need a reset on the defensive line after moving on from Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson. Bailey fits well in New York, especially under defensive-minded coach Aaron Glenn.

Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Buckeyes football

Although Arizona needs offensive line help, selecting the best player available makes sense here. Reese is a strong prospect who played a key role in Ohio State’s

national championship run. At 20, he could become a foundational defensive piece for the Cardinals.

Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Buckeyes football

Back-to-back Buckeyes come off the board early. With defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh now leading the Titans, drafting a middle linebacker to anchor the defense is logical. Styles recorded 82 tackles last season and could make an immediate impact.

New York Giants: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

The Giants land one of the most dynamic players in

the draft. Love, a Heisman Trophy finalist, has a rare combination of agility and athleticism that allows him to break explosive runs. Pairing him with Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart could make New York’s offense dangerous heading into 2026.

Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes football

The Browns need more weapons for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Tate is a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field and contribute in short-yardage situations. Cleveland may address offensive line needs later in the first round.

Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes football Downs has the potential to become one of the league’s top safeties. The 21-yearold excels in coverage and tackling. Washington could benefit from a standout defensive back, and Downs could be its best at the position since Sean Taylor. New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain, Edge, Miami Hurricanes football Bain is among the top edge rushers in the class. The Saints are looking for a successor to veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan. Bain has the tools to develop into a productive pass rusher and fill a key defen-

sive need.

Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Tigers football

After trading cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs need immediate help at the position. Delane is a strong prospect with solid speed and ball-tracking ability, making him a logical fit.

New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Sun Devils football

The Giants add another offensive weapon tafter selecting Love earlier. Tyson is one of the most dynamic receivers in the class and could contribute immediately for coach John Harbaugh’s team.

NFL draft rumor mill heating up

Nothing is more exciting in the NFL offseason than draft day. On Thursday, the nation’s top college football players will receive the call that fulfills their dreams. It is an exciting moment for fans, who get to see which players their teams will trust with the future. However, draft night is rarely straightforward.

Trades often shake up the board Last year, the Cleveland Browns traded the No. 2 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who selected Travis Hunter, surprising many. With the depth and variety in the 2026 class, more trades are expected.

Over the weekend, a trade reshaped the top 10. The New York Giants dealt AllPro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 pick. The Giants now hold picks

No. 5 and No. 10. Many expect them to target wide receiver Jordyn Tyson or safety Caleb Downs at No. 5. With the talent available, it is possible they could land both. That scenario depends on how the board unfolds, particularly where running back Jeremiah Love is selected.

Potential landing spots include the Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders or Arizona Cardinals. If Love is selected early — especially by Washington — it could open the door for the Giants to select Downs. If not, linebacker Sonny Styles could be another strong fit for coach John Harbaugh’s defense alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The Cardinals have reportedly received calls about trading the No. 3 pick, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys among the interested teams. Both could be targeting pass

rushers such as David Bailey or Arvell Reese, who are among the most explosive defenders in the class. The situation may hinge on the New York Jets, who are projected to select Reese at No. 2 after canceling Bailey’s top-30 visit. That could leave Bailey available at No. 3. With the Cardinals potentially entering a rebuilding phase after parting ways with Kyler Murray, trading down could be beneficial.

The Cowboys may offer picks No. 12 and No. 20, giving Arizona flexibility to address multiple needs. Prospects such as Keldric Faulk and Ty Simpson could become options in that scenario.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a league-high 12 picks, including five in the top 100, making them a candidate to move up. Their primary needs are quarterback and interior offensive line. With uncertainty surround-

ing Aaron Rodgers and the team naming Will Howard as QB1 entering training camp, a move for a quarterback appears unlikely. Instead, the focus could shift to the offensive line.

The Miami Dolphins at No. 11 present a potential trade partner. Moving just outside the top 10 would not require

a significant package. Offensive linemen Olaivavega Ioane and Spencer Fano could be targets, offering immediate impact. While some projections mention wide receiver or safety, recent additions — including Michael Pittman Jr. and Jaquan Brisker — make those positions less urgent.

Reuters/Jacob Musselman Fernando Mendoza, the likely first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, answers questions at the scouting combine.
Reuters/Kirby Lee Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman prepares for his 14th draft.

‘Full Swing’ or Half Swing? Netflix releases controversal fourth season of ‘Full Swing’

Netflix’s docuseries “Full Swing” released its fourth season this past Friday, and it is already creating controversy. Previous seasons ranged from seven to eight episodes, but the most recent season has only four. This has many viewers questioning not only why, but also what the future looks like for the series.

“Full Swing” has shown success in past seasons by highlighting top moments from the PGA Tour and providing inside access to golfers’ lives outside tournaments. Previous seasons did a strong job of that, but with only four episodes, this season feels more lackluster by comparison. Only about eight players are highlighted this season, compared with 10 to 12 in previous installments.

As a golf fan, this season was a bit disappointing. There is only one episode about Rory McIlroy and his completion of the career Grand Slam — arguably a historic moment — and then he is not featured again. The next three episodes focus solely on the Ryder Cup, a moment many U.S. golf fans would rather forget, especially stretched across three episodes because of the outcome.

The second episode looks at the careers and lives of

Reuters/Brian Snyder

Rory Mcllroy was only mentioned once after completing the career Grand Slam last year.

J. J. Spaun, Ben Griffin and Maverick McNealy. It covers their paths into golf, including hardships and the rewards of being a rookie. It also highlights the suspense of whether they have done enough to make the Ryder Cup team. By the end, the episode shows the triumph of Spaun and Griffin making the team and the disappointment

of McNealy falling short. Episode three focuses on Cameron Young and Tommy Fleetwood. The two had very different seasons, which is reflected throughout the episode. Fleetwood faced struggles and several close calls before earning his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship. Meanwhile, Young showed perseverance

as he worked to turn potential into results and make the Ryder Cup team for the first time.

The final episode highlights the ups and downs of Keegan Bradley’s run as Ryder Cup captain and the roller coaster weekend for the U.S. team. Bradley carried the burden of the role after not being selected as a player

two years earlier by former captain — and Iowa native — Zach Johnson. It felt like a full-circle moment when he was later named captain. Throughout the episode, Bradley’s emotion is evident, as is how seriously he takes the role. In the end, the U.S. did not win, but rallied to narrow the margin to two points after trailing by seven the previous day. Still, the disappointment was clear. “I would just like to win one Ryder Cup before I’m done,” Bradley said. As a golf fan, it is hard not to sympathize with him. He remains one of the most likable figures in the sport, and a victory would have completed that full-circle moment.

Overall, the four episodes are solid, but they do not match previous seasons. Notably absent is Scottie Scheffler, who had a historic season with six wins, including two majors — the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. Some moments feel overlooked, while others could have been explored in more depth.

It is not yet confirmed whether another season will be produced, but with fewer episodes already, the future is uncertain — leaving some to wonder whether the title should remain Full Swing or, with half the content, shift closer to “Half Swing.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are three of the favorites to bring home the NBA title.

After six months of regular-season play, the NBA playoffs are finally here.

Eighty-two games determined the 16-team field, with four teams earning spots through the NBA Play-In Tournament. After years of predictability, with many of the same teams appearing in the NBA Finals, the league has seen increased parity in recent seasons. Each of the last seven champions has been a different team. For comparison, from 2000 to 2018, only seven different teams won the title. The NBA now appears as wide open as ever. Multiple teams believe they have a legitimate chance to win, but only one will emerge as champion.

Here are my top three contenders in each conference and my prediction on who I think will raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.

Detroit Pistons

Starting in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Defense, physicality and intensity have been traits of many of the great Pistons teams, and this one is no different. The Pistons haven’t made the NBA Finals since 2005, and with a superstar like Cade Cunningham on their team, they have what it takes to get back. They were the most consistent team in the East all season, and the only thing holding them back is playoff inexperience. Their path starts with the Orlando Magic, who fell off at the end of the season and had to

win a do-or-die play-in game over the Hornets. Assuming the Pistons get it done in Round 1, they’ll have to face the Cleveland Cavaliers or Toronto Raptors. Detroit split the season series with Cleveland and went 2-1 against Toronto. Cunningham will take the Pistons as far as he wants to go, and I think Detroit is a major threat to contend for a conference title.

Boston Celtics

Nearly two years removed from their 18th NBA title in team history, the Boston Celtics enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the East. The Celtics are led by their dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles last postseason and miraculously returned just 298 days later.

In his absence, many role players had to step up, including Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Now, with Tatum back, Boston has one of the deepest rosters in the league.

The Celtics are also one of the most balanced teams in the NBA, ranking No. 1 in defensive points allowed and No. 3 in 3-pointers made per game. The Celtics have proven they have what it takes to win it all. They match up with the Philadelphia 76ers in Round 1.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers round out the Eastern Conference contenders as the No. 4 seed. During the trade deadline, the team traded for James Harden, pairing him with Donovan Mitchell. The duo, along with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, form one of the best starting lineups in

the NBA. Since acquiring Harden, Cleveland is 20-6. The Cavs give Harden a chance to make up for his playoff shortcomings and finally win a ring. Last year, Mitchell struggled in some of the high-stakes playoff games. Is Harden the missing piece? Only time will tell. The Cavs play the Toronto Raptors in Round 1.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference is the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder have been the heavy favorite to win the title all season, despite suffering injuries throughout the year. They’re led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co-star Jalen Williams, who had 40 points in Game 5 of last year’s Finals. Chet Holmgren is often the X factor and was a big reason for last year’s championship run. This year is championship or bust for Oklahoma City, and with the core being young and an abundance of draft picks, it will likely be in that position for the foreseeable future. They’ll match up with the Phoenix Suns in the opening round.

San Antonio Spurs

One of the biggest surprises of the NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs return to the playoffs after a six-year hiatus as the No. 2 seed in the West. Led by their 7-foot4 star Victor Wembanyama, who led the team in points, rebounds and blocks, the Spurs have emerged as one of the teams to beat in the league. Wembanyama isn’t the only source of offense, as the Spurs had seven other

players average double figures in the regular season. This could be a matchup nightmare for an opponent.

The Spurs will take on the Portland Trail Blazers to open the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets

Last, but certainly not least, are the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets come in as the No. 3 seed in the West and had the best offense in the NBA during the regular season, averaging 122.1 points per game. The Nuggets are spearheaded by their All-NBA duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, who became the first teammates to each record at least 1,500 points and 500 assists in the same season.

The Nuggets will take on the Timberwolves, a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference

semifinals. The question for the Nuggets is their defense, which ranked No. 21 in the regular season. The Nuggets are as dangerous as ever, and if Murray and Jokic are both clicking, they could be the team to beat.

NBA Finals prediction I think the Oklahoma City Thunder will repeat as NBA champions. I know it’s the chalk, safe pick, but I think the Thunder have a big advantage over the field. They have arguably the best player in the league, the best roster and the best homecourt advantage. Until someone beats them, I won’t bet against them. I think they will defeat the Boston Celtics in seven games in one of the best NBA Finals in recent years.

Reuters/Brad Penner - Imagn Images CJ McCollum and the Hawks tied the series at 1-1.

Victories near and far

From California to Wisconsin, the Panthers make their mark

Just one week after the University of Northern Iowa track and field team sent a group of decathletes and heptathletes to compete in the Bryan Clay Multis in Azusa, a pair of Panthers returned to the Golden State to compete in the Bryan Clay Invitational. Fittingly, both were distance athletes making the long trip away from stormy weather in Cedar Falls. Meanwhile, the rest of the UNI men’s and women’s squads traveled to La Crosse to compete in the Phil Esten Challenge.

Halfway across the country, Millie Hill and Colin Lille represented UNI as the

lone Panthers competing in the Bryan Clay Invitational.

In her only event, Hill ran the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:30.04, a 27-second personal record for the cross country standout. Likewise, Lille set an outdoor personal best in the men’s 5,000 meters, finishing in 14:45.25.

Back in Wisconsin, both the Panther men and women captured numerous individual and team victories on the track.

Tyler Sickerson sprinted to a win in the men’s 100-meter dash in 10.64 seconds. Olivia Kramer claimed the women’s 100-meter hurdles in 14.23 seconds after also winning the preliminaries. Freshman

Emma Randecker continued her strong start by winning the women’s 200 meters in 24.02 seconds. She also took the 400 meters in 54.52 seconds, with teammate Jersy Jones close behind in 55.09 seconds. Darci Wiseman added a win in the women’s 400-meter hurdles in 1:00.30.

In the middle-distance events, Josee Simonson won the women’s 800 meters in 2:13.95, nearly two seconds ahead of second place. Derek Woods also took the men’s 800 meters in 1:50.47, narrowly missing the 1:50 mark for what would have been the third time in his career. Chase Lauman secured a one-second victory in the men’s 1,500 meters, finishing in 3:54.30

in his third race back from injury.

On the relay side, the Panther men posted a sub40-second performance in the 4x100-meter relay, winning in 39.77 seconds. The UNI women also captured the 4x400-meter relay in 3:47.42.

Northern Iowa’s field athletes also recorded several individual titles. Josie Moreland cleared 1.68 meters in the women’s high jump to win by 0.03 meters. Daniel Adams tied for first in the men’s high jump, clearing 2.01 meters.

Josey Dunbar won the women’s long jump with a mark of 5.92 meters, 0.12 meters ahead of second place. Brenna Hackman claimed

the women’s shot put with a throw of 14.10 meters.

Carson Lienau led the men’s shot put with a mark of 18.26 meters. Teammates David Russell and Spencer Kessel finished second and third, respectively, with throws of 18.09 meters and 17.89 meters. Russell also won the men’s hammer throw with a distance of 60.02 meters.

As a result of their performances, the UNI women earned the team title with 197.5 points. The Panther men finished second with 168 points.

Both Northern Iowa teams return to action April 22–25 at the Drake Relays in Des Moines.

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panther women took home first place with 197.5 points, while the men brought home second with 168 points.
Graphic/Cohen Kamaus

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1) Chocolate syrup brand 2) Default font in

Docs 3) Swiss capital 4) Toy on a string 5) Public transit option 6) 1994 Julia Sweeney movie 7) Get-out-of-jail money 8) Henry ___, British Army officer who invented the exploding shell 9) Enters gradually 10) When repeated 3 times, name of a song by 40D 11) The Terminator said... 12) Arrive 13) Whack 18) Follow 22) ___ San Lucas: Baja resort 25) Double curve 27) Jacuzzi feature 28) Counting everything 29) Fencing sword 30) Cincinnati team 31) "Stat!" 32) Overdo the praise 33) Word after heat, fire, or water

37) Like some errors

38) Small battery size 40) Artist with hits like "Espresso" and "Juno" 41) Notion 42) Yellowfin tuna

43) Hoisting device 45) Temporary wheels 46) Kilt features 49) Prefix with -lithic 50) Crude carrier 51) Babble 52) Gold-coated 53) One of the Great Lakes 54) Only 56) Bottom lines? 59) - Cool ___

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