The Northerner

NKU musical theatre major Cody Combs recently starred in Paramount Theatre’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen.” The musical, a six-time Tony Award winner, debuted at the regional theater outside of Chicago from February to March. Combs played Evan Hansen, embodying the anxious high schooler who becomes caught in a web of lies to gain friendship and popularity.

Tucked away in Covington, one local cafe is selling more than just coffee— it’s giving community members the chance to connect, relax and even go home with a new furry friend. The Purrfect Day Cat Cafe is not your typical coffee shop — the space feels alive. Cats climb along shelves, curl up beside guests and wander between tables looking for attention. The cafe is a space where many people find refuge, whether they are simply enjoying the moment or trying to find their new companion.

Adam Blair takes a deep breath, getting into his rhythm, “Boom. Boom. Boom.” The ball hits the floor. Blair holds the ball right in front of his face with his arms out straight, looking relaxed. He throws the ball up; it reaches more than ten feet in the air. He takes a skip, then soars up into the air using his high vertical jump, “ Wack.” The ball goes flying over the net, hitting in bounds. “Great serve, Adam,” Head Coach Jim Palilonis yells to him during practice.

NKU’s first production of “Mamma Mia!” premieres Friday at the School of the Arts. Filled with ABBA classics and plenty of disco dancing, the popular musical — held at Corbett Theatre through April 19 — has already sold out several shows. With songs such as “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” and “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia!” blends energetic dance numbers with enduring themes of love and family.

NKU women’s basketball forward Jamaya Thomas has entered the transfer portal, according to a post on her X account. Thomas came to Highland Heights from Lawrence North High School, where she was an eight-time letterwinner in basketball and track and field and a Class 4A state champion. In her X post, she stated that she’s loved her time as a Norse and thanks everyone for the love and support. “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the NKU basketball team.

After 15 years at the helm of Northern Kentucky University’s College of Informatics (COI), Dean Kevin Kirby is preparing to return to his roots. Provost Diana McGill announced today that Kirby will step down from his deanship at the end of June to rejoin the faculty, marking the end of a transformative era that spanned three-quarters of the college’s history. In McGill’s email, she reflected on her personal friendship with Dr. Kirby over their years of working together.

With the slate for President and Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2026-2027 school year being unopposed, the president will be Kyah Smith and the vice president will be Chance Baugh. The Northerner sat down with Smith and Baugh to learn about the plans they have for their administration. Smith is a junior accounting major from Cincinnati, Ohio, who plans to earn her certified public accountant license (CPA) and work in public accounting after graduation.

The U.S. government is no longer making  pennies due to the rising cost of production. Minting of pennies stopped in the U.S. in February of 2025. This decision has sent banks, grocery stores and small businesses scrambling to adjust. “I bank at U.S. bank, and I used to go once or twice a week to get coins,” said the owner of Discovery Aquatics shop, Andrew Myatt. Now, Myatt says his local business can no longer rely on a steady supply of pennies from the bank, forcing him to consider alternatives.

It happens quietly, nearly overnight, until one morning, I’m walking to class and a cool, perfumed breeze brushes across my face. The sun shines a little warmer, its soft rays embracing me. For the first time in months, my eyes lift from the sidewalk and there it is: the hope for spring. Pastel tulips and vibrant, yellow daffodils sway in the breeze; they, too, reach for the sun. My need for spring—the warmth, the freedom, the fresh, bright days—is what propels me forward.

Late into the third set, the Norse are cruising, winning the set 24-21 and have made the game 2-0. They are looking for their first sweep in conference play. Queen’s opposite side, Connor Dell, serves the ball, looking to make a push against the Norse. “Wack,” he hits the ball as it goes flying over the net and Libero Trace Klausing digs the ball up, bumping it to Nick Whitley, who sets it up for Adam Blair. Blair gets into his stride and hits the ball with authority.