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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

Barsema Hall stands with a sign reading, “College of Business.” NIU’s De La Vega Innovation Lab will host the annual De La Vega Innovation Lab Pitch Competition from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 20 at Barsema Hall. (Totus Tuus Keeley | Northern Star)

Second annual De La Vega Pitch Competition to happen

By Victoria Wakeford, News Reporter | February 14, 2024

DeKALB- The De La Vega Innovation Lab is hosting the second annual De La Vega Innovation Lab Pitch Competition for NIU students to gain experience in creating and growing a business of their own. From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 20, the De La Vega Innovation...

Multiple different foods sit on a counter with a Mardi Gras table cloth. NIU Dining Services put on a Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday lunch. (Victoria Wakeford | Northern Star)

A taste of Mardi Gras at Holmes

By Gabby Crabtree and Victoria Wakeford | February 14, 2024

DeKALB – The Grill brought a Mardi Gras celebration to NIU with food, crafts and a photo booth available for students on Fat Tuesday. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Huskie Den, The Grill had a special menu including a Cajun chicken rice wrap,...

Frank Dicaccio, DeKalbs asylum seekers citizens committee representative, shares the committees progress to the Council and the audience on Monday at the City Council meeting. The asylum seekers citizens committee is gathering assistance from local non-profits to accommodate migrants seeking asylum in the Chicago-land area. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

City Council discusses migrants finding refuge in Dekalb

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 13, 2024

DeKALB – Conversations of how the city of DeKalb would support migrants seeking asylum from the U.S. border brought financial considerations and an update to a pressing national issue to City Council Monday. Council and community members came with...

Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donut’s building sits with advertisements for their Valentine’s Day specials hung on their windows. Multiple restaurants in DeKalb are having special deals for Valentine’s Day. (Gabby Crabtree | Northern Star)

Sweet Deals on Valentine’s Day

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | February 13, 2024

DeKALB – Multiple businesses in DeKalb are taking advantage of Valentine’s Day and are offering special deals to customers and their loved ones. BASKIN-ROBBINS Love Potion #31, a white chocolate and raspberry ice cream with raspberry filled chocolate...

Three students stand at podiums talking and gesturing. SGA’s meeting on Friday reduced the number of students required in club, mandated training for club leaders and had an incident with a senator bringing in food. (Northern Star Graphic)

SGA lowers club member requirement

By Michael Mollsen, Written Managing Editor | February 12, 2024

DeKALB – The required number of students to start a club has been officially reduced to three students from the previous five after a resolution was passed at SGA’s senate meeting Friday. “We believe it's a better number since as Sergeant-At-Arms...

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...

People are sitting at a table and talking. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce held the 100th Annual Celebration Dinner Thursday at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. (Gabby Crabtree | Northern Star)

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce celebrates centennial celebration dinner

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | February 9, 2024

DeKALB – Honors of the 2024 Nonprofit Organization, 2023 Business of the Year and inductees to the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame were all announced at the 100th Annual Celebration Dinner. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. Thursday in the Barsema...

NIU President Lisa Freeman answers a question from Faculty Senate President Ben Creed on the current state of the university’s campus. The address consisted of a conversation between Freeman and Creed and a 10-minute question and answer session. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Freeman touts accomplishments, students protest at State of the University address

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | February 9, 2024

DeKALB – President Lisa Freeman spoke at Thursday’s State of the University, advocating for a push for the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s goals, specifically a push to recruit transfer students. TRANSFER ADMISSIONS Freeman spoke about NIU’s...

Dr. Laurence Lurio, a physics professor, works at his desk. NIU is piloting a Blackboard program that allows NIU staff and faculty to use AI to assist in designing coursework. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Artificial Intelligence assisting professors

By Kayla Martin, News Reporter | February 8, 2024

DeKALB – Artificial Intelligence is beginning to enter Blackboard for professors with monthly updates from the website to turn time-consuming tasks into time-efficient tasks.  Northern Illinois University's professors and students use the Blackboard...

MLK Commons sits empty surrounded by leafless trees. NIU’s AIM High Huskie Pledge adjusts a requirement to allow more students to qualify. (Northern Star file photo)

Huskie Pledge to modify gross family income requirements

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | February 8, 2024

DeKALB – The Huskie Pledge is raising its eligibility requirements to require a gross family income of $75,000 to $100,000 annually starting in the 2024-2025 school year. AIM High Huskie Pledge is a program for Illinois high school seniors that covers...

DeKalb Director of Utilities and Transportation Bryan Faivre (center) raises a glass of water at the Illinois Section American Water Works Association District 1 Water Taste Test Competition alongside representatives from engineering firm Willett Hofmann and Associates. DeKalb won first place in the district on Jan. 26 in Freeport. (Courtesy of the City of DeKalb)

DeKalb wins ‘Best Tasting Water’ in district

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 7, 2024

DeKalb will face off for the distinction of having the “Best Tasting Water” in the state after winning the Illinois Section American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) District 1 Water Taste Test Competition. The city of DeKalb competed against other...

An NIU Police car sits empty in front of the on-campus department. Crimes including mob action and aggravated battery were reported in Jan. 2024 on NIUs campus. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU crime log, January 2024

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief | February 6, 2024

DeKALB – The information in this report is compiled from the NIU Police Department’s Daily Crime Log. Any case defined as “unfounded” was not included in this list. Any case “closed by exception” means the case is closed due to circumstances...