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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

Four highlight the last 4 months of the year, September, October, November and December. What’s your favorite “ber” month? (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

Poll: What’s your favorite ‘ber’ month?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | October 31, 2023

The final four months of the year, September, October, November and December, all come with their own special moments to look forward to. Seemingly rolling into each other, it is important to remember their individuality.  SEPTEMBER  September marks...

Six ghosts float in front of a white background. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe and Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf debate whether ghost are real. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Look both ways: Are ghosts real?

By Emily Beebe and Olivia Zapf | October 30, 2023

Ghosts are probably real By: Olivia Zapf Ghosts are real ... probably. The age old question of the existence of ghosts has mystified individuals worldwide.  With classics like “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and Slimer from “Ghostbusters,” it’s...

A woman dressed as a green witch holds a jack-o’-lantern. A person is never too old to celebrate Halloween. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Never too old for Halloween

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | October 30, 2023

After weeks of planning, the costume is on, make-up is complete and trick-or-treating has begun. There is no age when a person should stop trick-or-treating or enjoying the festive season of the undead.  Chloe Steffel, a sophomore human development...

Victor E. is dressed as a ghost hold a pumpkin basket. The Northern Star Editorial board wishes everyone a "Happy Howl-oween!" (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: History behind the ghostly holiday

By Northern Star Editorial Board | October 28, 2023

How did we go from carving turnips and frightening evil spirits to carving pumpkins and creating Jack-o'-Lanterns?  Halloween traditions, such as going around our neighborhoods asking for candy, dressing up in creative costumes and carving pumpkins...

A woman holds up her black cat dressed as Kermit the Frog. Happy early Halloween! (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Spooky cat

By Daniela Barajas, Cartoonist | October 26, 2023

A reusable coffee cup sits between two recycling logos. It is vital that more food and beverage companies switch to reusable cups. (Maddie Rock | Northern Star)

Cheers to reusable cups

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 24, 2023

It’s time for companies and communities worldwide to join hands in a concerted effort to prioritize reusable cups. Adopting reusable cups not only protects the environment but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future – one sip at a time. In...

A student sits in front of a computer with a poor Wi-Fi connection. NIU must provide both students and staff with working Wi-Fi. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

NIU needs to fix its internet

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 23, 2023

NIU can’t expect students to be productive and get their homework done if they can’t access reliable Wi-Fi. NIU needs to do better at improving Wi-Fi for students.  It is imperative that NIU’s internet improves, both for students and staff....

An open suitcase shows the various additions NIU students would like to see in DeKalb. If NIU wants to minimize its reputation as a "suitcase school," it needs to give students a good reason to stay. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: DeKalb, give us a reason to stay the night

By Northern Star Editorial Board | October 22, 2023

If NIU doesn’t want students to leave on weekends, then it needs to give students a reason to stay. NIU has a well-known reputation as a “suitcase” or “backpack” school – a university that is comprised of students that come to campus for...

A boy sits at a table and eats a single slice of bread with a tiny glass of water. Impulsive spending is a dangerous habit that can lead to long-term consequences. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Gen Z needs to save money

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 19, 2023

Generation Z needs to develop a saving mindset rather than spending money. In recent years, Gen Z has had a major problem impulsively spending money, with almost half impulsively purchasing a product they saw on social media, according to BankRate. Impulsive...

A tattoo of a lion and various geometric shapes rests on the arm of Michal Brylinski, a senior business marketing major. Employers should not discriminate against a person with tattoos and/or piercings. (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

Employers need to embrace individuality

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 18, 2023

Those who work should not be obligated to cover up tattoos or remove piercings, as the process restricts individuality and undermines workplace diversity. It is crucial that individuals feel like they can express themselves.  One third of the U.S....

 The Disney Channel logo from 2002-2014 stands in front of a white background. Which early 2000s Disney show is your favorite? (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Poll: What’s the best Disney TV show from the 2000s?

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | October 17, 2023

Arguably, Disney TV shows peaked in the early 2000s. From a secret agent platypus to a family of wizards, Disney had it all.  If there was one activity that linked most early 2000s kids together, it was watching, and loving, Disney Channel and its...

A man in a green sweater holds his diploma. NIU needs to do better at offering classes students need for their careers. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Students should not struggle with completing their degrees

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 16, 2023

If a student experiences educational setbacks when a class isn’t offered, the university has failed them. Undergraduate students at NIU pay an estimated $29,636 per year, according to NIU’s Financial Aid. It’s beyond ridiculous that students...