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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Shooting near NIU Convocation Center occurred Sunday

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 20, 2024

Editor’s note: This piece will be updated as more information becomes available. DeKALB – At approximately 12:40 a.m. Sunday, in a parking lot on the west side of campus near the NIU Convocation Center, a shooting occurred. NIU Police and DeKalb...

The clarinet section of the NIU Marching Band plays to the time marked by the drum major in front of their section at the Homecoming Block Party event Thursday. The marching band provided music for the entire parade and pep rally. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU hosts annual Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 17, 2024

Correction: This piece was updated at 11:03 a.m. Friday to remove incorrect information regarding the DJ name. The DJ's name is not Swag Surfin. Swag Surfin is the song that was played at the end of the Block Party event. DeKALB –  Hundreds...

The Union Pacific station between North Sixth and North Seventh Street's railroad crossings sits in desperate need for repair with its boarded up windows and holes through its brick walls. The City of DeKalb expects to hear by the end of the year as to whether or not they can move forward with their plan to bring a Metra train station to DeKalb. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

City expects update on possible DeKalb Metra extension by year’s end

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | October 17, 2024

DeKALB – The City of DeKalb expects to know by the end of the year whether they can move forward with the second phase of a study to bring a Metra station to DeKalb.  Last year, DeKalb and NIU co-sponsored a feasibility study that provided insight...

Andria Revolorio, a first-year psychology major, and Ellie Andries, a sophomore jazz studies major, pick up trash alongside the East Lagoon at the clean-up event Wednesday. The event was hosted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Clean Our Campus event hosted Wednesday at East Lagoon

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 16, 2024

DeKALB – Outdoor Adventures and Campus Environmental Sustainability group held Clean our Campus - Lagoon Clean-Up Day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday  The focus was on the East Lagoon. Six people – a mix of staff and student volunteers – worked...

Jose Plascencia, a junior finance major, sits behind a desk, while Jason Gorham, director of Business Consulting in the College of Business, places papers on the desk in the Experiential Learning Center located in Barsema Hall. The Experiential Learning Center provides students with real-world experience working with a company to solve real-world business issues. (Anna Wittenkeller | Northern Star)

Experiential Learning Center provides students real-world workforce experience

By Anna Wittenkeller, News Reporter | October 16, 2024

DeKALB - The Experiential Learning Center in Barsema Hall Room 303 provides real-world experience for NIU students of all majors. As part of the College of Business, the ELC program is led by Jason Gorham, the director of Business Consulting.  “It’s...

A graphic depicts the Braven logo, "UNIV 301," a sign that says "Enroll," two people talking, an outstretched hand and a resume. Enrollment in UNIV 301 has decreased since 2022. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Enrollment in Braven class has decreased since 2022

By Joseph Ndu, News Reporter | October 15, 2024

DeKALB – Enrollment in UNIV 301: Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator, a class offered at NIU by Braven, has been on a downward trend since its inception in 2022. Ayumi Tachikawa, director of workforce strategy at Braven, described the course...

Smoothie King workers stand behind the counter preparing smoothies. Located at 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, Smoothie King opened Monday. (Mariestrella Corral | Northern Star)

Smoothie King serves up smoothies to DeKalb community

By Mariestrella Corral, News Reporter | October 15, 2024

DeKALB – Smoothie King has officially opened its doors to the public, hoping to serve the DeKalb community a healthy snack in a cup. Located at 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, between Baba’s Steak and Lemonade and Starbucks, Smoothie King opened Monday....

Matt Streb, chief of staff to NIU President Lisa Freeman and NIU political science professor, stands behind a podium and addresses the members of the DeKalb City Council. The sale of the property where the Greek Life Center will be built is set to close on Oct. 21. (Devin Oommen | Northern Star)

NIU Foundation moves closer to closing sale for Greek Life Center

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | October 14, 2024

DeKALB – The DeKalb City Council approved a rezoning request for the property located at the Northwest corner of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road. The property is the site of the planned construction of the Greek Life Center. “We’re...

Victor E. Huskie, the Silverrettes and the Huskie Marching Band perform and dance at MLK Commons for the Second Annual Homecoming Kickoff event Monday. The marching band and Silverettes began their performance at noon. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

117th Homecoming kicks off Monday at MLK Commons

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 14, 2024

DeKALB – NIU hosted their Second Annual Homecoming Kickoff event Monday at MLK Commons. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there were numerous activities available for students to partake in, including a live DJ, homecoming-themed photo booth and inflatable...

A graphic depicts an FBI police vest, a police badge, crime scene tape and a jail cell. 2023 FBI crime statistics show DeKalb is almost three times the national rate for violent crime. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

DeKalb violent crime rate down, but still thrice national rate

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | October 13, 2024

DeKALB – The rate of violent crime in DeKalb is almost three times the national rate, according to 2023 FBI crime statistics. Violent crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,...

Aidan O'Brien, student trustee for the Student Government Association, stands behind a podium and talks. O'Brien provided an update about the new energy savings agreement the NIU Board of Trustees passed. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

SGA approves new director of DEI

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 13, 2024

DeKALB – The Student Government Association voted on Bill SR56011 which approved Isabella Montoya as the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The bill passed in a vote of 14-0-0. Montoya, a junior nursing major, explained why she'd be effective...

Reise Speller, a senior electrical engineering major, writes a message to put on the “What would you say to someone who is struggling” message board next to the NIU letters in MLK Commons. The Send Silence Packing event organized by Active Minds consisted of resources to show people are not alone in their struggles. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Send Silence Packing event remembers lives lost to suicide

By Joseph Ndu, News Reporter | October 10, 2024

DeKALB – Active Minds, a nonprofit organization in partnership with Aetna Health Insurance and in collaboration with Counseling and Consultation Services at NIU, came together to host the Send Silence Packing exhibit Thursday at MLK Commons. The...