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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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 phone lays on a table, open to the NIU Safe app main page. NIU has modified the criteria for what crimes are considered for a safety alert. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

What’s up With: NIU Safety Notifications?

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 12, 2024

DeKALB – NIU’s Safety Notifications have decreased exponentially. Weekly notifications of “shots fired” and “stabbings” have gone down to only five safety alerts for the entire 2023-2024 school year. Students are wondering if crime has indeed...

Redshirt Sophomore wrestler Ricardo Salinas (left) holds down Lock Haven junior wrestler Tyler Stoltzfus. Salinas was able to score four points, but lost by decision by seven points. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Wrestling and Gymnastics score big at annual ‘Beauty and the Beast’ meet

By Tim Dodge and Totus Tuus Keely | February 11, 2024

  GYMNASTICS PLACES SECOND     WRESTLING CONTINUES WIN STREAK  

Everything you need to know before watching The Big Game | StarNotes episode 4

Everything you need to know before watching ‘The Big Game’ | StarNotes episode 4

Ethan and Olivia teach Angelina how football works. The three of them go through all the key information viewers should be aware of before Sunday's big game. To vote on who you think will win, enter the Northern Star's contest for a chance to win a...

A graphic of San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs helmets sit on turf with fireworks in the distance. The 58th Super Bowl will start at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

The Northern Star to host ‘The Big Game’ Contest

By Ethan Gonzales, Sports Editor | February 6, 2024

Super Bowl LVIII’s matchup features the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The two offensive juggernauts are set for what could be one of the highest-scoring Super Bowl’s in NFL history. San Francisco’s star-studded lineup of Christian...

Empty red and black gaming chairs sit in the ESports arena. The arena held a Rocket League championship event Saturday. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

ESports’ afternoon of rockets and racing

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer | February 5, 2024

DeKALB – In collaboration with NASCAR, NIU Esports invited both casual and hardcore fans of Rocket League to an event open to all visitors for a chill afternoon of gaming.  Released back in 2015 by Epic Games, Rocket League became one of the bigger...

First-year history major Michael Ingram waves the Palestinian flag with one hand while he sits on top of the “N” of the “Huskie Pride” sculpture in MLK Commons. Students protested in support of Palestine for the second consecutive week last Friday in MLK Commons. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

‘From the river to the sea,’ brings controversy to NIU

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 5, 2024

DeKALB – “NIU you cannot hide, you’re supporting genocide,” was the new chant yelled throughout MLK Commons last Friday as Pro-Palestine protests continued against the war and the university. Students protested in response to a university comment...

Sophomore Blake West grapples a Northwestern University wrestler at the Convocation Center on Dec. 19 2023. West won his match on Saturday against the University at Buffalo by technical fall, making him 6-0 in MAC play this season. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Jackson’s late heroics win it for wrestling

By Zack Rodriguez, Sports Reporter | February 3, 2024

DeKALB – Redshirt sophomore Jacobi Jackson’s late meet heroics led NIU wrestling (11-2, 5-1 MAC) past the University at Buffalo (8-11, 3-2 MAC) 18-16 on Saturday.  “I liked that we found a way,” said NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig. “We...

Gustavo Casas (from left), Gabrielle Foreman, Tayyaba Ali and Shazor Kahn sit at a table while Ali gives a thumbs up to a person in the audience. The Young Trailblazers Panel brought four Generation Z CEO’s and entrepreneurs to talk to NIU students about their paths to success. (Gabby Crabtree | Northern Star)

Gen Z entrepreneur panelists talk inspiration, experience

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | February 2, 2024

DeKALB – The Young Trailblazers Panel brought four young CEOs and founders of businesses and non profit organizations to speak to NIU students about entrepreneurship and following their passions.  THE PANEL The panel took place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m....

Four “Just Dandy” panels depict the adventures of Dandy, the black cat, alongside the guidance of an elderly wizard. Starting out his apprenticeship as a wizard in training, he finds himself cold and in need of a change of wardrobe. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Dandy: Fire hazard

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | February 1, 2024

McKenna O’Donnell, a junior mechanical engineering major, plays Overwatch on Wednesday in the Esports Arena. NASCAR Chicago Street Race is partnering with NIU Esports to put on the Rocket League Rev Up Saturday. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Gearing up for the Rocket League Rev Up

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | January 31, 2024

DeKALB – Buckle up for Rocket League, Chicago Street Race simulators, a NASCAR pace car, Matt Bussa and prizes from Chicago Street Race which are all coming to NIU.  NIU ESports is partnering with NASCAR Chicago Street Race from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday...

NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig screams at his wrestler in a home dual against Central Michigan University on Saturday. Ludwig eclipsed the 100 career-win mark on Dec. 19, 2023. (Elyse Jones | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

From the Mat to Mentorship: Ludwig paving the path to 100 wins

By Zack Rodriguez, Sports Reporter | January 30, 2024

Thirteen consecutive NCAA qualifiers, 13 All-MAC honorees, 34 MAC champions, and 40 Academic All-MAC selections and a feat repeated just twice in program history: 100 career wins. In the grand tapestry of NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig's coaching...

Former NIU mens tennis head coach Patrick Fisher stands in front of a gray wall, wearing a red shirt, on Oct. 23, 2023 at the DeKalb Police Department. After an incident between Fisher and his wife on Oct. 3, 2023, police charged Fisher with domestic battery. (DeKalb Police via Northern Star Media)

Former NIU men’s tennis coach charged with domestic battery

By Ethan Gonzales, Sports Editor | January 29, 2024

DeKALB – Former NIU men’s tennis head coach Patrick Fisher was formally charged with domestic battery that occurred on Oct. 3, 2023. The case was deemed a misdemeanor. According to a court record from the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of DeKalb County,...