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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A large stamp and ink pad sit on a desk beside a stack of papers labeled as Student Government Association documents and stamped with the words "try again." Six SGA senators voted against the second round of voting for the petition, claiming that the petition was too narrow, and they'd rather propose a more broad petition at an undisclosed date. (Isaac Trusty | Northern Star)

Editorial: SGA let Black students down

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 5, 2023

During a Feb. 17 meeting, the Student Government Association voted on whether to approve a petition outlining the concerns of Black students at NIU. Instead of approving the petition, SGA senators denied it.  A petition is the SGA’s highest form...

Huskies senior forward A'Jah Davis (25) runs down the court during NIU's matchup with Eastern Michigan on Wednesday at the NIU Convocation Center. Davis and the Huskies clinched a seeding in the MAC Basketball Championship bracket for next week after the Huskies beat Eastern 73-63. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

A’Jah Davis breaks double-double record in win over EMU

By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | March 2, 2023

DeKALB – Senior forward A’Jah Davis broke the all-time NIU double-double record as the Huskies defeated Eastern Michigan University 73-63 and clinched a spot in the Mid-American Conference tournament. Davis finished the game with 19 points on 8-for-17...

Senior guard Kaleb Thornton (3) tries to defend a shot from Broncos senior guard Lamar Norman Jr. during the Huskies' matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos on Feb. 11 at the NIU Convocation Center. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

Huskies clinch MAC tournament berth in win over Central Michigan

By Ethan Gonzales and Zachary Bertram | February 26, 2023

  DeKALB – A hot shooting first half propelled the Huskies to an 84-80 win over Central Michigan University. The Huskies shot 69% from the field in the first half to help punch their ticket to the Mid-American Conference tournament in Cleveland,...

 The NIU sign and Holmes Student Center on a snowy afternoon in MLK Commons. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Faculty Senate update on ChatGPT, rising graduation fee

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | February 22, 2023

DeKALB – During the second Faculty Senate meeting of the year, attendees gave an update on the use of ChatGPT in classrooms along with a change in the graduation fee. ChatGPT is an AI technology system originally designed to mimic human responses...

People hanging around at a train station with Mission III waiting outside the Metra train. The discussion to extend the line to DeKalb has circulated more than once.

Editorial: The Metra in DeKalb, a no-brainer

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 19, 2023

The DeKalb City Council’s recent approval of a transportation study will determine if the Union Pacific West Metra line should extend to DeKalb. The answer seems clear: The train line’s extension would be beneficial to NIU and its student population. A...

Altgeld Hall was built on June 10, 1896, and is home to the Board of Trustees' room. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

Pritzker moves to increase MAP grants in FY24 budget

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | February 16, 2023

DeKALB – Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced in the annual State of the State Address that there will be an increase in higher education funding and the Monetary Award Program (MAP) in his proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. During a live broadcast of the...

NIU President Lisa Freeman hugging Patrick Korellis (left) and Harold Ng, two surviving victims of the Valentine's Day shooting that took place in 2008 within Cole Hall, at the 15-year anniversary "Forward Together Forward" memorial for the victims this afternoon at the Peaceful Reflection Garden outside of Cole Hall. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU continues to stand forward, together

By Bridgette Fox, Written Managing Editor | February 14, 2023

DeKALB – The NIU community stood together in remembrance of the students who were killed 15 years ago. Tuesday’s vigil also came less than 24 hours after a fatal mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. On Feb. 14, 2008, five NIU...

NIU hockey poses with Santa during a postgame skate with the team after its 5-3 win over McKendree University on Dec. 3. (Photo courtesy of NIU hockey)

NIU hockey high effort, low profile, all heart

By Alex Crowe, Assistant Sports Editor | February 8, 2023

DeKALB – NIU Athletics is a staple of the university’s identity, with students and fans enjoying time with their friends and seizing an opportunity to watch high-quality athletes represent the school. NCAA college athletes at NIU go through rigorous...

The recently approved building for Excelleaf Dispensary sits vacant on Tuesday afternoon at 305 E. Locust St. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Dispensary gains approval for downtown DeKalb location

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 7, 2023

DeKALB – The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission approved the special permit for the location of a cannabis dispensary, Excelleaf Dispensary, at a public hearing. The dispensary location was approved for downtown DeKalb at 305 E. Locust St, formerly...

The Holmes Student Center stands beyond the Balance of Equality statue on a chilly winter day in MLK Commons. The 4.2% decrease in graduate enrollment between spring 2023 and spring 2024 is negatively impactful. (Northern Star File Photo)

Enrollment: Fewer students, increased first-year retention

By Bridgette Fox and Evan Mellon | February 4, 2023

DeKALB – Data released by NIU shows enrollment numbers have continued to drop, but the amount of students staying for another semester has increased. THE NUMBERS BREAKDOWN Spring 2023 total enrollment hosts 14,364 students, 237 fewer students...

NIU senior guard Kaleb Thornton (3) jukes past Ball State senior guard Demarius Jacobs (1) on Jan. 30. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Huskies best Broncos in balanced performance

By Ethan Gonzales, Former Sports Editor | January 31, 2023

A complete game from the Huskies on both sides of the ball helped NIU defeat Western Michigan University in a road conference victory. While NIU only compiled three double-digit scoring efforts from its starters, role players contributed to the Huskies’...

Mission III, the newest addition to the Huskie pack, walking around and meeting the NIU community for the first time on Friday at the Holmes Student Center. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Continuing the Mission legacy with Mission III

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | January 27, 2023

DeKALB – Say hello to the newest member of our pack, Mission III. Mission III’s introduction was met with awe from the crowd as he said hello with some energetic barks.  This three-month-old pup was introduced to the public at noon Friday in the...