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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 line of people wait outside the doors of Excelleaf before its grand opening. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

Excelleaf grand opening promotes ‘high’ hopes for DeKalb

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | December 3, 2023

DeKALB – A soft drizzle and a cold winter morning didn’t stop a line of people trailing around Excelleaf’s building at 305 E. Locust St., anticipating their first purchase from DeKalb County’s first marijuana dispensary. At 9 a.m. Friday, Excelleaf...

Staff of the Excelleaf recreational cannabis dispensary help out customers during the soft launch. Excelleaf is hosting its grand opening from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at 305 E. Locust St. (Michael Mollsen | Northern Star)

DeKalb’s first recreational cannabis dispensary opens Friday

By Michael Mollsen, Written Managing Editor | November 30, 2023

DeKALB – Smoke weed everyday, or whatever Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg said. Excelleaf, DeKalb’s first recreational cannabis dispensary, will be soon hosting its upcoming grand opening. Excelleaf, 305 E. Locust St., opens its doors for its grand opening...

Brendan Lai stands in front of a wall. Lai was arrested on Nov. 27 in Sycamore on theft and methamphetamine charges. (Courtesy of Sycamore Police Department)

Methamphetamine found in retail theft

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | November 29, 2023

Sycamore– Sycamore police have arrested Brendan Lai (41) of Chicago on theft and methamphetamine charges. On Nov. 27, Lai was reported having stolen $300 worth of merchandise from Menards, 1825 Mercantile Dr., Sycamore. Sycamore police officers...

A gallery inside Jubilee Artisans features framed artwork from local DeKalb county artists. Jubilee Artisans lets local artists display their art and features paintings, handmade jewelry, photographs and stationary items for sale. (Joseph Howerton | Northern Star)

DeKalb’s art scene finds home in local consignment

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | November 28, 2023

DeKALB – After unveiling two new murals in the past year and local programs like Paint-a-Plug, DeKalb’s art palette continues to grow for local artisans. Jubilee Artisans, 128 E. Lincoln Highway, is a new retail shop offering original artwork by...

Sycamore native Tammie Shered smiles toward a camera in a selfie. Shered is running for DeKalb Countys circuit clerk. (Courtesy of Anna M. Wilhelmi)

DeKalb County circuit clerk election gains another candidate

By Brandon Clark, News Reporter | November 28, 2023

DeKALB – Sycamore native Tammie Shered announced Tuesday her candidacy for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk. “I want to be a difference in this community,” Shered said. “I’ve lived here my entire life, and it’s time for change. I want to be...

DeKalb Area Women’s Center to host holiday shopping fair

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | November 28, 2023

DeKALB – The DeKalb Area Women’s Center will be hosting its annual holiday shopping fair with live music, shopping opportunities from local vendors, and refreshments.  The event is from 6 p.m to 9 p.m Dec. 1 and 9 a.m to 4 p.m Dec. 2 at Majakka...

Opportunity DeKalb administer Chad Glover describes the benefits of Project Launchpad to the City Council on Nov. 27 at the City Council meeting. Project Launchpad would provide virtual business courses for DeKalb residents. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb to offer business classes to residents

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | November 28, 2023

DeKALB – Residents of DeKalb could learn how to become entrepreneurs and learn essential business skills after the city council approved a new initiative. Opportunity DeKalb is a non-profit community development corporation created by the Annie Glidden...

DeKalb Public Library Events for the week of 11/27

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | November 27, 2023

Social Work Office Hours  From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Nov. 27 | Adult Study Room Social work interns from the University of Michigan are offering confidential referrals to resources in the community. Registration is not required.    Homeschool...

Students walk out of an NIU bus while it’s snowing. El Nino, a weather phenomena, can cause warmer and drier conditions during the winter. (Gabby Crabtree | Northern Star)

Prepare for winter despite El Nino

By Michael Mollsen, Written Managing Editor | November 26, 2023

DeKALB – “Warmer” and “drier” are adjectives better suited to the summer season, but they will now also apply to the coming winter. In a recent three month outlook, an El Nino winter has been predicted in Illinois with a higher probability...

A DeKalb firefighter walks around from the ladder truck to the front of The Terraces at DeKalb. A fire broke out around 10 p.m. Sunday at the apartment complex. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

BREAKING: Structure fire at The Terraces, fire out

By Rachel Cormier and Michael Mollsen | November 20, 2023

DeKALB – At around 10 p.m., a fire broke out at The Terraces at DeKalb apartment complex, 1100 W. Lincoln Highway, across from CVS. The fire was extinguished before 11 p.m. Sunday. DeKalb Fire Chief Michael Thomas said one resident is currently...

A police car flashes its light at the intersection of Fourth Street and Lincoln Highway. A train stopped downtown, closing major intersections for two hours on Sunday. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

BREAKING: Train stopped downtown, major intersections to reopen

By Bridgette Fox, Written Managing Editor | November 20, 2023

Editor’s note: The article was updated at 11:37 p.m. to include when the train began moving.  DeKALB – The DeKalb Police Department announced at 9:27 p.m. on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a train is blocking the roadway between First Street...

A sushi serving robot, Mushroom, is serving guests at Fushi Yami. The robot was introduced to the sushi restaurant in mid October. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Sushi serving robot rolls around Fushi Yami

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | November 19, 2023

DeKALB – Fushi Yami has introduced a new employee: a 5-foot robot named Mushroom.  Mushroom has four trays behind a black screen that displays a smile while it works. When riding through the restaurant, the robot visits tables where customers can...