All posts by Brianna Burgos, Web Editor

Arts and Entertainment

The price of true crime entertainment

 

Ted Bundy, the Menendez brothers, JonBenét Ramsey, and the Murdaugh Family Murders are among the widely covered trial cases that have been transformed into entertainment through the rise of true crime. While the genre has been facing increased scrutiny over the issues of exploitation and sensationalism, audiences continue to consume the content at high levels.

True crime dates back to the 1800s when it was commonly found in news articles, but it became a popular mainstream form of entertainment in the 2010s. With today’s platforms like TikTok, YouTube and streaming services revisiting cold and recent cases, viewers have been fascinated with the genre because of forensic science, the criminal justice system and tense narration.

Sheila Pierre, a professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, taught the true crime honors course for the first time alongside English Professor Christopher Wilson.

The course is expected to return in spring 2027.

“I was encouraging the students in the class to look at true crime through a sociological perspective on why people commit crimes, where they commit crimes, what engages them to commit crimes,” she said. “Chris was looking more at true crime through theEnglish literature perspective on how it’s written for television, podcasts, and literature.”

Pierre added that with the help of the media, true crime regained attention to cold and well-known cases through documentaries and social media.

“The Jeffrey Dahmer story was known back then when I was growing up in the 80’s. When I taught Dahmer before the Dahmer series came out in 2023, nobody had an idea of who Jeffrey Dahmer was, but since the rise of true crime and people reliving, refocusing, and re-narrating these stories, true crime has really shed light on a lot of these cold cases as well as cases that kind of were shoved under the rug.”

With cases gaining media attention, Northern Essex Community College students have noted that the genre influenced the legal system.

NECC Allora Ramos said, “So many people pressure there to be a case re-opened. We saw this happen with cases like the Menendez brothers when ‘Monsters’ came out and got a lot of attention. They were able to have some new trials.”

Another NECC student Dariellys Medina Duran said because of increased media exposure, it has brought forward details investigators may have missed.

“It can lead to the criminals being put to trial and more investigations being re-opened, thanks to new evidence.”

Beyond the impact on investigations and evidence, the genre’s popularity lies in how it connects with viewers.

“People are interested in stories that hit close to home. It could be robbery, serial killers, and all types of assaults. That’s a way to grab people’s interest. People are also kind of sleuths. We feel the need to involve ourselves directly in cases, even if they have nothing to do with us. In the time of social media, we can develop these parasocial relationships,” Pierre said.

According to Pew Research Center in 2023, 44% of U.S. podcast listeners were women compared to only 23% being men. Those numbers could have increased over time with documentaries and social media reporting on the same cases.

Students like Ramos and Medina Duran say that because women are common victims in cases, it is not surprising that the genre resonates with women to help prepare them for potential life-threatening situations.

“For me, I listen to true crime every single day and I find that in a way it makes me more aware of the things I do and very observant with the people around me,” Ramos said. “It’s also a good way for women to learn more about self-defense.”

Medina Duran also shared similar ideas, adding that fear and awareness play a role in women’s interest in true crime.

“Women are just more naturally curious about true crime due to having irrational fears of violence. It could be due to recent and past crimes towards women that has led us to be more self-aware when consuming this kind of content and more knowledgeable enough in case a situation might happen to us,” Medina Duran said.

With new documentaries and podcasts coming out, the line between profit and exploitation of victims and families is often overlooked, raising questions about who benefits from the genre’s popularity.

“The producers know that they have a market and people are going to watch it. It’s hard for families not to relive the trauma,” Pierre said. “In cases like Jeffrey Dahmer, families had to speak out about the issue of making a story on the case without their permission. True crime can really affect families and the living survivors.”

“If there’s a way for true crime to be ethical and involve the participants of whatever crime it is, then go ahead and develop the podcast or the movie. If not, maybe you should re-think about producing that crime. Money dictates a lot of things.”

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

Prime video adapts Life is Strange as saga ends

 
Photo of Life is Strange remastered collection
Photo courtesy of SquareEnix

When I first stepped into the world of Life is Strange, it was 2013 in Arcadia Bay, Oregon. It embraced 2012–2014 Tumblr aesthetics, Polaroid cameras and pop culture references. The nostalgia and the idea that every choice matters and can be undone hooked me immediately.

For many Millennials and Gen Z fans, that style of interactive storytelling shaped a generation.

After more than a decade, Life is Strange is closing its chapter and opening a new one. Amazon MGM Studios announced on Sept. 5, 2025, that the game will be adapted into a

live-action series, bringing the story of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price to familiar and newer audiences.

The video game was released in January 2015, following Max Caulfield, a photography student at Blackwell Academy who discovers she can rewind time after saving her childhood best friend, Chloe Price, from a life-or-death situation. As she begins to uncover the secrets of Arcadia Bay while investigating the disappearance of Rachel

Amber, a deadly storm is heading straight for the town and she only has a few days to top it.

Life is Strange became a phenomenon. YouTubers and streamers shared their reactions to the coming-of-age themes, LGBTQ+ representation, mental health and choice-based  gameplay. It reached 1.2 million players globally in July 2015 and grew to more than 20 million players by November 2023, marking a milestone for the franchise.

The game won Games for Impact at The Game Awards in 2015 and best story at the BAFTA Games Awards in 2016, adding to its list of wins and honors. Voice actress Ashly Burch, known for her role as Chloe Price, earned best gaming performance at the 2015 Golden Joystick Awards.

Now, the memorable story is being reimagined for television. Prime Video is developing the series with Square Enix, Story Kitchen and LuckyChap, Margot Robbie’s production company.

According to Variety, two rising stars, Tatum Grace Hopkins and Maisy Stella were announced on March 3, 2026, to play Max and Chloe. Hopkins appeared in Broadway productions and a short film called “Meek,” while Stella, a singer and actress, appeared in the musical drama series “Nashville” and the coming-of-age comedy movie “My Old A**” alongside Maddie Ziegler and Aubrey Plaza.

The outlet reported March 4, 2026, that Charlie Covell, the creator, writer and executive producer of “The End of the F***ing World,” will be the lead writer, executive producer and showrunner of the show. On March 18, 2026, Karyn Kusama, one of the executive producers and directors of “Yellowjackets,” was also announced as an executive producer and will direct the first two episodes.

The series will focus on bringing Arcadia Bay and the game’s coming-of-age themes to life. The release date has not yet been announced.

As announcements about the creative team continue, the upcoming show is drawing attention from students at NECC.

Though she has only heard of the game, Northern Essex Community College student Allora Ramos said the adaptation reflects a shift in the entertainment industry, particularly the demand for emerging talent.

“It’s irritating to see people like Jenna Ortega in everything I watch, even though I love her,” she said. “It’s important to see fresh new faces and interpretations in films and shows.”

Ramos added that the industry “has a lot of shows that represent the LGBTQ+ community well, but there needs to be more that explore deeper and give a proper example of an LGBTQ+ show.”

With the adaptation moving forward, the franchise marked another milestone on March 26, 2026, when Life is Strange: Reunion was released on major platforms. According to IGN on Jan. 20, 2026, Max must save Caledon University from a deadly fire with her time-rewind ability while reuniting with Chloe, who brings her risk/reward backtalk skill from the 2017 prequel Life is Strange: Before the Storm. The game concludes Max and Chloe’s journey, serving as the definitive ending to the storyline.

With the saga closing, longtime fans are saying goodbye to the characters that defined the franchise and welcoming the upcoming TV series that will offer a chance for new audiences to experience the story in a new form. Until then, the franchise leaves fans with its famous reminder: “This action will have consequences.”

Arts and Entertainment, Home Page News Bytes

A24 redefines film for millennials and Gen Z

 

When viewers are looking for a movie and come across an auteur-driven film, theminimalist A24 logo often appears on the screen. For Millennials and Gen Zers alike, that logo is the recognizable brand for new and old generations of cinephiles.

A24 is an independent award-winning global entertainment company, known for defying traditional Hollywood rules with its elevated horror, arthouse aesthetics and genrebending films. The studio has won 21 Oscars, 18 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys for films like “Moonlight,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Whale,” “Lady Bird.”

The studio’s popularity has also boosted its overall box office performance. Its newest record-breaking hit “Marty Supreme” recently earned $179 million globally, becoming the company’s highest-grossing release and surpassing the $148 million worldwide box office of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

As A24 continues to expand, its release schedule has increased. The company released 16 films in both 2023 and 2024, followed by 17 in 2025, helping to expand its visibility and reach a wider audience. One movie may be interesting to students at Northern Essex Community College, as it was partly filmed at the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Health and Technology Center on the Lawrence campus. “Sorry, Baby,” a semi-autobiographical film, was written by, directed by and starredcomedian Eva Victor. For students and faculty, the film’s connection to the campus adds a point of pride, especially as the film went on to win the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Following its premiere, A24 acquired worldwide rights to the film for $8 million and the film has continued its momentum this year by winning two Independent Spirit Awards. This local connection has helped transform A24 from an independent underdog of Hollywood into one of the most recognizable film brands among students at NECC.

NECC student Aidan Clark said A24 films feel more intentional compared to Hollywood blockbusters. 

“A24 films feel more human and have a clear direction,” they said. 

Clark adds that if the studio continues to focus on homegrown projects, it can continue to become known for its niche quality.

Storm Hernandez, another NECC student, said A24 stands out because it trusts its audience to uncover the deeper meaning behind its films. “A lot of the movies I’ve watched from A24 have a lot of deeper meanings,” they said. “By adding layers, it makes rewatching movies like that extra fun because there’s always something new to see.” Hernandez added that many blockbusters feel repetitive. While A24 films require more attention to understand their atmosphere, they offer a memorable viewing experience. Another student at NECC, Allora Ramos, said platforms like TikTok and Letterboxd have helped introduce more people to the company, especially for younger audiences looking for movies that have substance and strong aesthetics.

“With TikTok and Letterboxd, people get exposed to more of a variety of movies and that’s why A24 became so popular,” she said. “Successful movies like ‘Midsommar,’ ‘Lady Bird,’ ‘Aftersun,’ ‘Waves,’ feel like actual coming-of-age movies and are much more real and relatable.”Ramos added that the studio has thrived by meeting the demands of Millennials and Gen Z audiences. The studio’s rise as a cult-like brand reflects a growing demand for more personal and experimental storytelling. A24 continues to redefine what success in the film industry looks like, setting a new standard for students at Northern Essex Community College and other generations of viewers by prioritizing creativity over industry norms.

Arts and Entertainment, Home Page News Bytes

AI in the film industry raises concerns

 

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in Hollywood, some NECC students are raising concerns about synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood and their impact on opportunities for human actors.

Tilly Norwood is an AI-generated actress created by Eline Van der Velden, a Dutch comedian, writer, actress, producer and CEO of Particle 6, an award-winning AI-first production studio. The actress was announced Sept. 27, 2025, and sparked industry buzz along with backlash after reports that multiple talent agents wanted to sign the AI actress.

In 2023, a strike led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists raised concerns about studios using artificial intelligence without informed consent or fair compensation.

NECC student Allora Ramos said the union’s response to Tilly Norwood and other synthetic performers was an effort to protect the acting industry.

“I think they realize people won’t want to watch a film where the actor is AI,” she said. “The regulations against AI will last quite a while due to so many people not agreeing with AI and the strike from three years ago affecting revenue in Hollywood.”

Aside from the regulations, students also focused on the impact AI performers could have on those starting out in the acting industry.

Another student Dariellys Medina Duran said replacing actors with artificial intelligence would take away the hard work that was put into their careers.

“People have to find good agents, build a portfolio and go through relentless auditioning,” she said. “An AI actress is offensive to the people that put in the hard work to bring joy and entertainment for others.”

Some students also questioned whether artificial intelligence has been introduced as a cost reduction strategy than a creative tool.

“I definitely see AI overall as a tool for companies to save money,” Medina Duran said. “They want to make something that will give them tons of money without having to put any work into it.”

While some students expressed concerns over synthetic performers, others acknowledged the potential creative possibilities.

NECC student Eva Carias said AI in films could be interesting depending on how it is used.

“I would think as long as people have a good story and they’re able to make AI tell it properly,” she said. “I would probably look at the movies and enjoy them.”

However, students said human emotions are what makes films memorable and meaningful.

“Actors are able to add small things to a scene, like a squint to an eye or the way they say something,” Ramos said. “I believe that an AI actor wouldn’t be able to make those decisions that actors choose to make for their characters.”

Features, Home Page News Bytes

Fast fashion promises style, delivers waste

 

Ever since Shein and Temu grew in popularity, I’ve seen fast fashion take over almost every store I walk into. If you’re not familiar with fast fashion, it’s clothing that mimics new styles using cheap quality material to be sold at cheap prices. It sounds appealing when you hear it, but the clothing doesn’t last long. After a few washes, the material starts to wear out quickly or the seams come apart after you’ve only worn it a few times.

Before you know it, it’s clear what you really paid for.

Fast fashion is often called the “throwaway culture” because of how quickly these pieces are produced, worn, and then thrown away. According to the United Nations

Environment Programme, more than 92 million tons of unwanted clothing end up in waste every year globally. That also includes stores that throw away clothes from previous collections to add their newest ones in. I’ve bought clothes from stores just for them to last me less than a year or so. That’s when the realization kicks in that fast fashion means clothes need to be replaced constantly.

If you’re a student like me on a budget, you know that you want to get good quality for as little as possible. Spending $12 on a piece of clothing may seem smart at first, but the material just doesn’t last long. Meanwhile, investing $30 in one piece of clothing seems expensive upfront, but will last you longer. The truth is, we think we’re saving money this way, but we keep falling into this cycle of replacing poorly made clothes all the time.

When I started noticing these types of clothes in stores, I never expected it to get worse over time. Stores are now filled with mass-produced and trend-based clothing. It’s getting harder to find durable and long-lasting clothing because retailers want to compete with Shein and Temu. Instead of focusing on quality, they’ve prioritized quick and cheap clothing that could fall apart in your hands. You walk into a store and all you see are racks of clothes that are meant to be sold fast and replaced soon. Sometimes I walk out of stores upset because I can’t find one piece that’s worth spending my money on, and I can’t be the only one who feels this way.

But let’s be honest for a minute. With trends changing constantly, we also feel like we always need something new to wear. We buy things because they’re “in” right now, only to wear them a few times and then toss it into our closets when the trend dies.

These days, thrift stores feel like the smarter option because why spend money on decent quality clothing when you can spend on better quality at the same price? You can find tons of high-quality clothing that were sold in the past by high-quality stores.

Plus, it’s reusing clothing instead of contributing to a landfill where most of us eventually throw away our unnecessary clothes.

Now I’m not saying you can’t treat yourself to something trendy occasionally. I believe we can all have fun buying the latest clothes to express ourselves, but I am starting to think twice if something I want is worth it for the price, the durability, and if I’ll ever wear it again a year from now. If the answer is simply no, then I leave it. At the end of the day, what you buy should be worth every penny.

Features, Home Page News Bytes

Store closures leave shoppers with fewer options

 

If it feels like more stores are closing lately and malls are looking half-empty, it’s not your imagination. Across the country, thousands of stores from major retail chains like Macy’s, Party City, and Carter’s to supermarkets and pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS have closed their doors.

Bankruptcy, rising tariffs, inflation and the rise of online shopping have driven these closures, leaving communities across the U.S. facing higher costs and difficulty accessing many everyday goods.

For shoppers and NECC students alike, this has become a familiar sight.

Dariellys Medina Duran said she found it shocking to see one of her favorite retail stores closing. “I have noticed various stores closing lately and one of my favorites was

Forever 21,” she said. “To my knowledge, the company was doing very good and making sales. So, the closing felt unreal to me.”

Medina Duran said shoppers, including herself, will have to turn to the closest nearby alternative.

For many NECC students, the closures have meant relying more on online shopping.

Allora Ramos said the shutdowns in retail stores have made it harder to find affordable clothing. 

“I think all the stores being shut down has made it very difficult for people to easily shop for affordable clothing,” she said. “A lot of brands advertise online shopping  now, but I feel like this is more difficult and it makes you spend more money than you would inside a store.”

Ramos said stores like Forever 21 offered cheaper options that were easy to find and closures like these will change the type of stores students will have to rely on.

For other students, the closures have affected not just availability, but accessibility as well. 

Observer Campus Life Editor Pheonix German said their family relied on Walgreens for essentials and they were disappointed when they found out a Walgreens near their  home had closed. 

“That store wasn’t only for other items but also a pharmacy too, so it would affect a lot of people if it’s no longer accessible,” German said.

The concern about accessibility is one many students share.

Ramos said online shopping may seem convenient, but it can be less accessible for some communities. “People who rely on physical stores will definitely be affected by store closures and accessibility is more difficult online,” she said. “It’s harder for some communities to see sizing or accessibility online.”

The high prices across stores have shoppers holding on to every dollar. 

Medina Duran said inflation and tariffs are making even basic purchases harder for families. 

“Tariffs and inflation are making shopping very difficult for low-income families who like to treat themselves once in a while,” she said. “Prices are going very high, which gives peopleno choice but to stick to the necessities.”

Other students have noticed the same trend.

“Everything is more expensive and less accessible,” Ramos said. “These prices make it hard to even find basic things like a T-shirt or jeans for cheap.”

As prices continue to rise, German said they expect the shift toward online shopping to continue. 

“Most stores would end up moving online, especially because the pandemic changed people’s shopping habits,” German said. 

“Some people might find benefits in that rather than going to a store.”

Arts and Entertainment

Students say modern music has become cliche

 

As modern hits dominate streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and TikTok, many college students say today’s popular songs have lost their resonance and lyricism compared to the past.

The algorithms on social media and streaming platforms have transformed music consumption into short, catchy clips. Several students at Northern Essex Community College have expressed their opinions on the decline in lyrical depth in artists creating viral hits that are known today.

“I think modern music is less meaningful because most of the artists creating it are making songs they think will be top hits instead of writing something unique to them,” said Allora Ramos, a chemistry major. “Crystal by Fleetwood Mac is a good example of a meaningful song. It’s a song about finding clarity and love in a relationship and having a deep understanding of one another, using metaphors like the ocean to represent how natural the connection is,” Ramos said. “Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars was a song that got popular right away, but I feel like although it’s a good song, it doesn’t really have a deep meaning to it.”

Eva Carias, a medical assisting major, said, “the majority of the time a lot of music is just random words put together.” “Nokia by Drake is a good song because it’s catchy and it has a good beat, but it’s not really meaningful when it’s just talking about girls hitting up his phone.” 

“An old song that everyone loves is Stand By Me by Ben E. King, and it has  to do with love, but also talks about loyalty and companionship for others you leave when they are going through difficult times.”

“Songs were more meaningful back then with the lyrics, but now songs just don’t have that same vibe to them, especially with the lyrics,” said Observer Campus Life Editor Pheonix German, a business transfer major. “24k Magic by Bruno Mars is a song that doesn’t make sense, and the lyrics just don’t make sense.” “Heroes by Alesso and Tove Lo has been a meaningful song to me throughout my childhood, and the lyrics are significant to me.”

“Nowadays people only talk about crimes, intimacy and substance use when before there was more variety in the music industry,” said Dariellys Medina Duran, an education major. 

Medina Duran said music can be meaningful if artists use their platform to spread a positive message: “It can be used to express kind and honest feelings or even as a form of protest for what you believe is right instead of using it to demonstrate an idea that is harmful.” 

“Michael Jackson used to make meaningful songs to show how Black people were treated and still are being treated. None of Ice Spice’s songs are that meaningful because most of her songs are just her saying random things and talking about very provocative themes. I think the songs that have more meaning are the ones you have to really look at the lyrics for,” Ramos said. “That’s what makes music meaningful.”

Arts and Entertainment

Time to de-stress: Cozy viewing might be the ultimate self-care

 

 As fall stress is around the corner with school deadlines and part-time jobs, many college students are pressing play on their favorite shows. 

Rewatching shows or movies seems to be the new go-to strategy in de-stressing. The trend known as “cozy viewing” has become popular amongst young adults, finding relaxation in the comfort of their homes and an amusing plot that will keep them hooked. 

With midterms, essays, and assignments accumulating this semester, students are seeking ways to decompress. With that in mind, cozy viewing has emerged as a popular coping mechanism. 

Whether it’s the happy memories of a favorite series or the comfort in knowing how the plot goes, students are finding relief in their screen time. 

“When I’m stressed, I actually try to cancel it out by being sad. I watch crime documentaries on YouTube and that helps me not focus on what I was stressed about. Seeing what other people go and keep going through nowadays, just helps me open my eyes and be like I’m stressed by this when there’s so many people suffering,” said Dariellys Medina Duran, an education major student at Northern Essex Community College. 

“I watch thrillers, mystery, and romance in movies or shows. I prefer to rewatch my favorite shows or movies because I know the characters and the plot already,” said another student who requested to be anonymous due to shyness and would prefer to keep their viewing habits private. 

Nevertheless, not everyone copes with cozy viewing. 

“When I’m stressed, I listen to music, watch YouTube and TikTok. I don’t watch shows or movies when I’m stressed because I listen to music,” said Lirianni German, a business transfer student at Northern Essex Community College. 

These personal strategies demonstrate how young adults are turning to the media not just for entertainment, but for emotional stability. Cozy viewing helps reduce anxiety and encourage emotional connections from favorite scripted media with familiar characters and narratives. As the semester continues, entertainment is what students are relying on to manage their mental health. Whether it’s to distract, enjoy, or decompress, cozy-viewing has proven to be more than passing the time. It’s widely seen as the go-to form of self-care.