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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

NIU crime log, September 2023

By Bridgette Fox, Written Managing Editor | October 10, 2023

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...

Bottles of alcohol sit on a grocery store shelf. Illinois is now mandating that alcoholic beverages are clearly labeled and stocked in a way that does not mislead consumers about their alcohol content. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Illinois mandates clear distinction of alcoholic beverages

By Brandon Clark, News Reporter | October 10, 2023

To prevent confusion between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in retail stores, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission implemented a fixed rule on Sept. 21, regulating the placement of co-branded alcoholic beverages on Illinois sales floors. Any...

Marlon Milner, the new director of the center of black studies, is inside a room full of books. Marlon Milner spoke with the Northern Star of his new job at NIU. (Courtesy photo via Marlon Miller)

Millner puts his faith in Center for Black Studies

By Victoria Wakeford, News Reporter | October 10, 2023

DeKALB – The Center for Black Studies hired its newest director, Marlon Millner. Millner took some time to speak to the Northern Star about his position, goals and plans for the center.  WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THIS JOB?  “Well, a job is...

A sign stating "Future home of Kraft Heinz" sits in an open field. Companies like Meta, Kraft Heinz and Ferrara have begun investing in DeKalb and more big investors may follow. (Courtesy of City of DeKalb)

Financial growth earns DeKalb higher bond rating

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | October 10, 2023

DeKALB – Companies like Meta, Kraft Heinz and Ferrara have begun investing in DeKalb and more big investors may follow. DeKalb’s financial growth has increased its bond rating to A1. Bond ratings are a rating of how likely a city will pay back...

City Manager Bill Nicklas reviews the expansions of the property at 1240 Normal Road. The building was originally built by the district but was sold to NIU in 1987 and used by the School of Nursing. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb school district seeks renovations to former nursing building

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | October 9, 2023

DeKALB – The former nursing building is being repurposed as an elementary school for the DeKalb school district by 2025. The building, 1240 Normal Road, is returning to the DeKalb school district years after it was constructed in 1974 and sold to...

Jordan Francis, a bartender at Fatty's Pub and Grille, pours a beer. Francis talked about her experience of being a college town bartender. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Bartending, ‘it’s a crazy good time’

By Brandon Clark, News Reporter | October 9, 2023

DeKALB – Bartending can be a fun job, but it’s not all suds and smiles.   Jordan Francis is a bartender at Fatty’s Pub and Grille. Francis began as a waitress but jumped at the change of pace when management asked if she wanted to bartend.   “Bartending...

A gas pump sits in front of a gas station on a sunny day. Gas prices are down nearly 75 cents from Oct. 2022. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Illinois gas prices continue to drop

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 9, 2023

Compared to this time last year, the average gas price per gallon of gas in Illinois is 74.7 cents lower today, according to GasBuddy.  The average price of gas in Illinois is $3.65 per gallon today, with the national average being $3.66 per gallon.  Throughout...

The Student Government Association sign hangs on a wall located in the Holmes Student Center ground floor in the OASIS space. SGA approved six new student student organizations on Friday. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

SGA approves 6 new organizations

By Brandon Clark, News Reporter | October 8, 2023

DeKALB – The Student Government Association approved six new student organizations during its Friday meeting. New organizations are the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Huskie Bass Fishing Team, Aerospace, Society for Advancement of Chicanos and...

A classic Mustang drives down a road taking part in the 2022 homecoming parade. Homecoming will include events hosted by the university as well as local businesses. (Northern Star File Photo)

116th Homecoming gets ready to kick off

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | October 8, 2023

DeKALB – The Huskie pack is on the move this week as NIU prepares for its homecoming week of celebration. NIU, student organizations and local DeKalb businesses will host events until Oct. 15 to celebrate NIU’s 116th homecoming. Homecoming week...

Angela Nyam-Ochir, president of Fencing Club, gives instructions to members on what skills to focus on and practice in Monday night’s meeting. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Unmasking NIU’s Fencing Club

By Gabby Crabtree, Former News Editor | October 5, 2023

DeKALB – Stabbing and slashing are the usual words to describe a violent crime; but at Fencing Club, both of those actions are totally legal and encouraged. The NIU Fencing Club is a group of students who meet from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Recreation...

Mission III sits in front of the Huskies on Parade statue in the Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon Center. Mission III was introduced to NIU in January and is the university’s third “Mission” live mascot husky. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Mascot on a mission

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | October 5, 2023

DeKALB – You’ve got some big paws to fill when you’re not only the face of an entire university but also of every “Go dogs” chant at NIU. As the third in a long line of Missions, the role of NIU's live “Huskie” mascot can seem impossible,...

Illinois prison libraries to receive grant

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | October 5, 2023

Illinois is awarding $420,000 to the Illinois Department of Corrections to support 28 prison libraries in the state.  According to a press release from Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, each prison library will receive $15,000...