JMU Alum and Fulbright recipient Ellen Atwood ('18) discusses her time at James Madison and her transition to the music scene in Germany, K. Mauser writes.

In his review of "Scream VI," Jack Calabrese says the meta, self-aware style of the film brings new life to the horror franchise, despite at times uneven dialogue.

The season finale of "The Last of Us" depicts trust, intimacy and sacrifice while delivering on authenticity and innovation of source material, writes Luke Freisner.

In the second episode of season three of "The Mandalorian," writer Andrew Kwak discusses the character Din Djarin's return to the planet Mandalore, and his explorations with Bo-Katan.

In her eighth studio album, "Endless Summer Vacation," Miley Cyrus mixes pop and other genres despite many fans expecting her to move to a more rock-and-roll style. Reviewer K. Mauser writes Cyrus manages to tell the story of all the trials and tribulations that come with love and loss "to create a great collection of works."

As Spring inches closer, Staff Writer Gracie Brogowski lists the hottest trends for the upcoming season. 

In the season 3 premiere of "The Mandalorian," reviewer Andrew Kwak discusses returning characters, elements of the Star Wars series lore and teases for the possibilities of the new season. 

In his review of "Creed III," contributing writer Grayson Banning praises Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut, comments on the absence of Sylvester Stallone — for better or worse — and the impact of rising star Jonathan Majors.

In a dystopian Soviet Union ridden with artificial intelligence, Atomic Heart offers players an exciting world and plenty of abilities to explore, but they're undermined by lackluster visuals, reviewer Andrew Kwak writes.

"The Last of Us" episode 7 focuses on Ellie's past and finally gives us answers we've been looking for in terms of why she is the way she is. However, the first half of the episode builds too slowly, writes Luke Freisner, and reaches a climax point that's already been done in the show. 

Though some technical issues and an off-putting set created some awkward tension in the first act, reviewer Evan Moody writes, the company of "Chicago" recovered to deliver an impressive conclusion in its opening night performance. The sold-out "Chicago" runs in the Forbes Center's Mainstage Theatre until March 5.

Perfume remnants of a murdered girl, cries of a secret baby, an underground maze of tunnels; all false. The rumors surrounding the famous Quad tunnels are just that, and are simply just a warehouse for the campus pipes. 

Staff Writers Evan Moody and Morgan Blair take a look at the student experience within JMU's School of Music. Students shared stories of stress and heavy courseloads with frequent classes counting for zero or one credit. However, students and faculty commended the supportive environment one can also find within the School of Music.

In his review of "Cocaine Bear," Jack Calabrese writes his biggest gripe with the movie is there isn't enough time spent with the bear, surprisingly. Instead of a film filled with funny but undeveloped characters, he wishes more time was dedicated to the antics of the cocaine bear.  

In episode 6, "The Last of Us" continues to deepen the relationship between Joel and Ellie, only to shock the audience with more heart-wrenching twists, reviewer Luke Freisner writes. Despite its slower pace and space from the action in this installment, the drama it brings makes it a standout episode.

Higher stakes bring middling, less personal character arcs and a lackluster story in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," Culture Editor Michael Russo writes. Despite an intriguing villain and more connective tissue with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they're not enough to save "Quantumania."

New Apple TV+ series "Shrinking" dives into the mind of an unconventional therapist with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford gracing the small screen. Reviewer Jack Calabrese commends Segel's comedic talents and portrayal of male vulnerability.

The Masked Singer returns with more contestants, a new stage and its biggest audience ever. In the season 9 premiere, three celebrities face off to make it to the next round.

Anicira, a nonprofit veterinary hospital, provides affordable pet care options for JMU students, Harrisonburg residents and local animal shelters. Anicira's services include spaying and neutering, vaccines, a food pantry and pet medication, among others.

In this week's installment of A Wealth of Health, Hannah Lifrieri explores the negative effects caffeine can have. She shares some ways to reduce caffeine intake as well as some natural energy boosters such as eating the right food, exercising and getting enough sleep. 

In the cafe of the Friendly City Co-Op is a display of nine photos from the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project as a way to highlight and share the Black history of Harrisonburg.  

The Breeze spoke to students on the Quad who discussed how the popular campus locale provides a social environment for students to study, unwind and enjoy the outdoors, especially as the weather gets warmer.

Last week, the Word Is Born Writers' Society held their annual Love Me, Love Me Not open mic night in Taylor Down Under. Society members read their poetry to a packed audience, who were also invited to share their own writing on stage. 

Jim Acosta ('93) comes back to campus as much as he can. JMU was the best time of his life, he says, with a run for SGA president, working as the news director of WXJM and attending the university during the "electric zoo" era of JMU basketball.

To commemorate 100 years of The Breeze, contributing writer LillyAnne Day takes a look at the fashion trends that defined each decade from the 1920s to the 2020s.

Harry Potter fans anxiously awaited the release of Hogwarts Legacy to see if they would finally be given a game that meets their standards. Andrew Kwak writes most Karry Potter vide games have been "lackluster" and "cash grabs." However, Hogwarts Legacy proves to be much more than that. 

From the State Normal School for Women in Harrisonburg, to the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg, to Madison College, to James Madison University.

Mayor Deanna Reed and Council Woman Monica Robinson talk about the challenges and achievements they've experienced as Black females leading Harrisonburg. Reed also mentions her plans to start building a new high school as well as a new homeless shelter.  

In this week's edition of A Wealth of Health, Hannah Lifrieri talks about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and how students can take advantage of the Counseling Center's therapy dogs. 

Staff Writer Morgan Blair spoke with Stephen Poulson, a sociology professor whose research has led him to finding racist depictions and imagery in college yearbooks, including at JMU. Experts say the problematic culture was prevalent from the 1920s to the '70s, and recognizing this part of history is a step toward improving it.

Bailey Ryon is a junior musical theatre with a decade of experience on the professional stage. Ryon was Matilda in the original Broadway production of "Matilda the Musical" as well as Cindy Lou Who in the "Grinch." Ryon is staring in the Forbes Center's production of "Chicago." 

With the emotional, crowdpleaser episode 3 of "The Last of Us," episode 4 had a high bar that it didn't quite meet, reviewer Luke Freisner writes. However, the deeper chemistry between Joel and Ellie and a tease for the future keeps the episode alive.

JMU alumna Rosie Grant started her now-famous TikTok account as part of a class on social media algorithms but didn't expect to go viral overnight. Since discovering a gravestone with a cookie recipe in Brooklyn, New York, Grant has now recreated 20 recipes from around the world.

JMU business professor William Ritchie is also the faculty advisor to the Association of Supply Chain Management club which recently shipped two containers full of medical supplies to Ethiopia. A nonprofit created by Virginia doctors supply the club with various medical equipment that the club loads and ships to countries in need. Since August 2020, the club has worked with 10 shipments. 

JMU's special education minor currently offers a course that allows JMU students to work with people with disabilities from the local community. However, the special education minor is being discontinued, which some faculty say adds to existing concerns over the inclusion of people with disabilities of JMU.

In his review of "Knock at the Cabin," Grayson Banning points out the intense psychological questions prompted by the film. However, the movie is overall simple in its plot and delivery. 

With the release of a remake, Dead Space now features much-improved character designs, lighting, graphics that enhance gamers' experiences, reviewer Andrew Kwak writes. With additional new traversal and gameplay features, Dead Space excels as a 5-star remake.

Episode 3 of "The Last of Us" surprised fans, including reviewer Luke Freisner, with a tearjerking, emotional arc for two minor game characters who were treated to the spotlight. Managing to be both heartwarming and tragic, "The Last of Us" deviates from its typical 1:1 adaptation and sets an interesting course for its core duo, Joel and Ellie.

Ava Max's new album "Diamonds and Dancefloors" is full of catchy hooks, sassy lyrics and songs that let the artist's let the artist's voice shine, reviewer Jake Dodohara writes. Though it lacks depth, the album's entertaining nevertheless.

As we enter Black History Month, Morgan Vuknic priveds a comprehensive list of all the events hosted on JMU's campus as well as other places in Harrisonburg you can go to educate yourself on Black history and culture.

Resident reviewer Jack Calabrese shares his thoughts on "You People," a romantic and social comedy commentary. While actors like Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy make the film entertaining with their comedy skills, Calabrese writes the movie simply does too much by trying to be both a romantic comedy and a film on social commentary.  

David Newman, adjunct voice instructor, is "iconic," as some of his students say. Known for his caring personality, uncommon abilities and the rainbow suspenders he frequently wears, Newman is a treasured teacher among JMU music students.

John Robson is a local artist who displays his woodwork creations at Oasis Fine Arts and Crafts in downtown Harrisonburg. Now through Feb. 12, Robson is showcasing his work in a solo show titled, "Sawmills, Driftwoods and Twigs,” where he highlights natural beauty through his wooden creations. 

To celebrate the opening of Merge Coffee Company's new location on JMU's campus, the University Program Board (UPB) hosted its Java Jam event. Live music and free hot cocoa for attendees paired well for a successful welcome to a local business.

With the nominees announced for the 95th Academy Awards, Staff Writer Gracie Brogowski provides her insight on which films might take home the trophy. "Everything Everywhere All at Once" leads with 11 nominations and has the momentum to win the coveted Oscar for Best Picture, Brogowski writes.

DeLanna Studi visited JMU's Forbes Center for the Performing Arts for a two-night run of her one-woman show, "And So We Walked," an autobiographical play about her experiences as a Cherokee woman and walking the Trail of Tears with her father. Minimalist stage design combined with Studi's shapeshifting portrayal of many characters in her life made for a moving show, reviewer Jake Dodohara writes.