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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

An illustration of a driver's license for an individual whose organ donor status is, "No, because what if they harvest my organs rather than decide to save me?" An individual's organ donor status will not impact the care received from medical professionals.  (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Organ donor status won’t cost your life

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | September 27, 2023

It can be a life-changing choice for someone to put their organ donation status on their driver's license. Some people fear that making this statement could affect the quality of their medical care or their chances of survival in an accident. It's...

A tattered and worn shoe sits on the ground. Fast fashion is produced quick and cheap, and it is not meant to last. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Fight back against fast fashion

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | September 26, 2023

Companies like Shein, Zara and H&M offer affordable and stylish clothing options, but have you ever stopped and thought about the environmental impact these clothes can have or whether these clothes have been made ethically? Fast fashion is cheap...

An illustration of Paul McCartney sits under the words “Paul Lives on!” The Northern Star Editorial Board apologizes to the singer for encouraging false rumors of his death. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: Northern Star apologizes to Paul McCartney 54 years later

By Northern Star Editorial Board | September 24, 2023

The Northern Star Editorial Board would like to sincerely apologize to Paul McCartney, a musical icon, for our false Sept. 23, 1969, print issue that unethically speculated that he was dead. In 2004, the Star finally decided to yield to the truth...

A child pulling a wagon full of books toward a library with images from the stories floating behind. Students and community members should utilize their local public library. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Editorial: Cool people visit libraries

By Northern Star Editorial Board | September 17, 2023

In the age of technology, audiobooks and e-books are increasingly becoming more popular as buying books with one button becomes more convenient. Getting out of the house and visiting a local library tends to be forgotten by individuals looking for something...

An IUD laying on a person's hand. An IUD is a form of reversible birth control that is proven to be extremely painful, but some medical personal might downplay the pain. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Doctors, please take female pain seriously

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | September 6, 2023

When Lauren Threatte, DEI Postdoctoral Fellow with NIU’s College of Law and WGS department, went to get her IUD inserted, she was warned of mild pressure during the procedure. The actual pain, however, was among the worst she’s ever felt.  A form...

Cast and writers from "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" pose on a picket line on Aug. 29 outside Sony Pictures studios in Culver City, California. The film and television industries remain paralyzed by Hollywood's dual actors and screenwriters strikes. Pictured are Patrick Fabian (from left), Rhea Seehorn, Norma Maldonado, Aaron Paul, Peter Gould, Betsy Brandt, Matt Jones, Charles Baker, Jesse Plemons and Bryan Cranston. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The Hollywood strike shows the importance of unions

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | September 6, 2023

Hollywood is often depicted as a bunch of spoiled rich people getting into trouble, stirring up drama and furthering the idea of capitalism. However, the Hollywood strike is a time to prove the misconception wrong, showing audiences they are still people...

Cartoonist Eleanor Gentry illustrates a students walking toward the light ahead, but with gloomy clouds peaking through the beams of light. It is important for students to remain cautious when hoping for President Joe Biden’s SAVE plan to come through. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: Students, don’t get your hopes up for Biden’s SAVE plan

By Northern Star Editorial Board | September 4, 2023

November, 2022, President Joe Biden announced that he planned to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for many borrowers. Very quickly after that, multiple legal suits were filed against Biden claiming that issuing this proclamation through executive...

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel, on Aug. 23, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Vivek Ramaswamy is not the young president America needs

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

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the many Republican candidates running for the 2024 presidency, calls for a young voice to help lead the U.S. forward, but he just isn’t the person for the job.  The 38-year-old candidate took to the stage and...

 A handful of french fries sit on a table. There is a debate on which fast-food chain has the best fries. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Poll: Who has the best fries?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | August 29, 2023

French fries, chips, or pommes frites (French for “fried potatoes”) are a deliciously crispy potato snack. When you have a craving for the salty snack, where do you go?   FIVE GUYS, BURGERS AND FRIES There is no denying that while Five...

On Sept. 20, 2022, students and community members carrying the Chilean, Cuban, Panamanian, Ecuadorian and Paraguayan flags as they parade through MLK Commons in celebration of the beginning of Latino Heritage Month. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Latinos are underrepresented in media

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | August 28, 2023

There is no denying that with the new decade, Hollywood and media are becoming more diverse and inclusive. However, there is still a lot of work left to be done, particularly with those who identify as Latino.  The Latino population in the U.S. accounts...

Cartoonist Isaac Trusty illustrates a goose laying on a bed of flowers. NIU students and staff can expect to see plenty of geese around campus.

Editorial: Back to the pack

By Northern Star Editorial Board | August 27, 2023

With a new school year starting, we wanted to use our first editorial of the year to discuss the big changes happening in DeKalb and remind our readers we will try to help them informed with the news this semester.  First, there have been major updates...

Madelaine Vikse joined the Northern Star at NIU in May 2021.

EIC says goodbye with graduation ahead

By Madelaine Vikse, Editor-in-Chief | May 7, 2023

The position of editor-in-chief has challenged me in ways I never expected.  In the two years I have been here, I have formed amazing connections and gained valuable experience that I couldn’t have without the Northern Star. The different positions...