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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

Afternoon snow settles onto the Greek Row houses of Greenbrier Drive just off campus. NIU's Presidential Task Force on the Revitalization of Greek Life has presented their findings and recommendations in a report to the University after a year of research. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

NIU task force recommends how to save Greek life

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | February 5, 2023

DeKALB – A task force created by NIU President Lisa Freeman, dedicated to revitalizing and improving Greek life, gave its findings to the university after research and data gathering from various subcommittees during the 2021-2022 academic year. According...

The southern Grant Towers sit vacant on Saturday night as the northern Towers light up the surrounding parts of campus. The Grant Towers were built between 1965 and 1966, with the southern Towers most recently having been used for COVID-19 surveillance testing. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

What’s Up With: The South Grant Towers?

By Rachel Cormier and Joseph Howerton | February 5, 2023

Editor's note: This story is a part of the "What's Up With?" series. To submit a question for the Northern Star to see, fill out the form here. DeKALB – A quartet of towers stand resolute between the West Lagoon and Central Park. Grant Towers are...

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...

Artist Danielle Casali (far left) led a brainstorming workshop with the Fox
Valley Jewish Neighbors organization before creating a mosaic mural in Geneva. Casali
will hold similar workshops at the DeKalb Public Library on Feb. 18 and Feb. 22 to help
identify motifs and imagery for a mural that will be created on DeKalb City Hall. All
community members are encouraged to attend. (Photo courtesy of the City of DeKalb)

Community invited to participate in City Hall mural design

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | February 3, 2023

DeKALB – The City of DeKalb has announced plans for a new mural and they’re looking to local residents for inspiration. According to a press release from the city, NIU alum and artist Danielle Casali will lead two workshops where attendees will...

Re-enrollment increases over spring semester

By Evan Mellon, News Reporter | February 2, 2023

DeKALB – The NIU University Council met to discuss the increase of re-enrollment rates and SGA funding. Executive Vice President and Provost Beth Ingram said that the re-enrollment rate for full-time first-year students this spring semester is 88.3%,...

A tour being given in the Ellwood House in which the guide is pointing out a sculpture.

Ellwood House wanting to train new guides

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | February 2, 2023

DeKALB – Training in guided tours is being offered at the historic Ellwood estate. Volunteers will learn the history of barb wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood’s Victorian home and how to share this knowledge with the public. Content will focus on...

In celebration of Black Heritage Month, NIU and the Center of Black Studies will be hosting 11 events.

NIU to host events for Black Heritage Month

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | February 1, 2023

In honor of Black Heritage Month, the Center for Black Studies hosts a variety of events celebrating African Ameircans contribution to United States history. This year the theme is The Black Resistance.  The themes for Black History Month are chosen...

Vote for your favorites in Best of DeKalb 2023.

Northern Star opens voting for Best of DeKalb 2023

By Northern Star Staff | February 1, 2023

It’s time to vote for Best of DeKalb 2023! Best of DeKalb gives you the opportunity to vote for your favorites in 27 categories such as Best Fraternity, Best Sorority, Best NIU Faculty Member, Best Pizza Place, Best Place to Watch Sports, Best Coffee...

The Tails Pet of the Week, Fairbanks, is a three year old Red Husky. (Courtesy of Tails Humane Society)

Tails Pet of the Week: Fairbanks

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | January 31, 2023

This week’s Tail’s Pet of the Week is a red husky named Fairbanks and he is looking for a family to call his own. He is about 3-years-old and is on the smaller side, weighing under 45 lbs. Fairbanks was formerly found strolling down country roads...

A view of the Union Pacific owned train tracks looking southwest from the currently out-of-service DeKalb train station parking lot at the corner of East Locust Street and North 6th Street in downtown DeKalb. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Firm begins DeKalb Metra study

By Colin Kempsell | January 31, 2023

DeKALB – NIU is missing a major mode of transportation: A commuter rail. This could change in the coming years as the city evaluates the possibility of a Metra train station and has already begun investing in one. On Jan. 9, the DeKalb City Council...

Gas prices this afternoon set to $3.99 per gallon for regular unleaded from Marathon gas station at 125 N Annie Glidden Road. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Weekly gas averages show prices still increasing

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | January 30, 2023

DeKALB–  Gas prices in Illinois have now been on the rise for five consecutive weeks with the average price being $3.65 per gallon which is 13.3 cents higher than last week.  Compared to last month, the price of gas is 41.9 cents higher according...

Valentine's Contest 2023: Best 'Meet-Cute' Story

Valentine’s Contest 2023: Best ‘Meet-Cute’ Story

By Northern Star Staff | January 30, 2023

In honor of Valentine's Day, we are asking couples to submit their "meet cute" story (how they first met before they started a romantic relationship). Please fill out the form telling us your “meet cute” and submit a photo of you and your partner...