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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

A figure stares at a computer as a red, demon-like being with yellow eyes peers over their shoulder. Artificial intelligence is a new temptation in the classroom for students to overcome. (Aidan Renteria | Northern Star)

Cartoon: LifeHACK

By Aidan Renteria, Cartoonist | August 26, 2024

A computer in the Founder’s Memorial Library displays NIU’s 2024-2025 academic calendar. Some universities outside the United States rely on year-round academic calendars different from the calendar used at most American universities, like NIU. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Consider year-round academic calendar

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | August 25, 2024

Summer break has the perfect weather for summer outings through the different villages of the Midwest, and the perfect opportunity to attend — without pressure — different sports championships, concerts and more. However, the extended break in...

One “Just Well & Dandy” panel depict the brothers, Well and Dandy, and their uncle. In this comic, they find a moment to just slow down and relax. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

All is: Just Well and Dandy

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | May 2, 2024

Two students with pensive expressions study a professor with three stars above his head but only one star filled in. Students should consider Rate My Professor reviews when registering for new classes and contribute to the website to benefit future students. (Aidan Renteria | Northern Star)

Rate your professors

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | May 1, 2024

With the vast accessibility of information students have at their fingertips, it’s easy to look up courses or professors before selecting class schedules for the semester. Online platforms like Rate My Professors can be useful to students for sharing...

Various pills are scattered on the table. May will begin National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's important to discuss the benefits of mental health medication as a form of treatment. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Normalize mental health medication

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | April 30, 2024

Medication is one of the greatest advancements in the history of humankind. It has changed people’s ability to live healthy lives and done exponential good for those who take it. Of the different types of medication, those that provide support for mental...

The “no internet connection dinosaur” runs in his desert landscape alongside the “no internet connection” robot underneath a “no internet connection globe” sun. Internet is a necessity to everyday life in the modern world, and there must be federally-funded programs to support internet accessibility. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Editorial: Internet needs federal funding in modern world

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | April 28, 2024

Many of the pandemic social service programs are coming to a close: the Affordable Connectivity Program is one of them. In recent years, internet access has become a necessity – not merely a want; thus, this program should be worked into the federal...

Jatavion Young, a sophomore middle level teaching major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What’s your plan if a goose attacks? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Goose attack

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 25, 2024

As spring falls upon campus, the sun isn’t the only thing rising this season. Watch out, as the sidewalks are their runways, and every passerby could be the star of their next honking attack! I’m referring to the feathered celebrity of the...

A soldier stands facing a massive explosion. War has severe environmental consequences that must be considered by environmental activists. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Shift environmental focus to wars

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | April 24, 2024

Environmental awareness has increased within the last decade. Most people have noticed this, whether they are a media ace or just someone who flips on the evening news every few days. However, not enough awareness is brought to a devastating planet destroyer...

The molted exoskeleton of a cicada nymph is left behind in the grass. The emergence of cicada broods offer us a unique opportunity to celebrate big change in our own lives. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Embrace the cicada swarms

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | April 23, 2024

As seniors get ready to graduate, cicadas are preparing for a brilliant graduation of their own. When they come crashing through the Midwest — get ready — we’re in for a fantastic show, and maybe we can learn something from the curious insects along...

A squirrel and geese rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: Wildlife campus takeover. If one of the two had to take over campus, what would you prefer: squirrels or geese? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Campus takeover, squirrels vs. geese

By Olivia Zapf and Lucy Atkinson | April 22, 2024

GEESE SHOULD TAKE OVER By: Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor Is it better to be feared or loved? Machiavelli would argue feared – and so would I. Squirrels, while cute, are no match for the menacing, honkin’ geese that NIU has been blessed...

A donkey and an elephant linked together by a yellow connection are snipped apart by a large pair of scissors. Given the meaningful values that are often linked to our political beliefs, it is OK to break ties with family and friends over politics. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star Graphic)

End ties over politics

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 21, 2024

It's another election year, and political differences are increasing stress on family and friendships. Some may say it's important to preserve these ties despite ideological differences. However, we must stand up for our values. Our mental and emotional...

Lilliana Campbell (left), a sophomore psychology major, and Adé Basurto, a junior communicative disorders major, respond to a street interviews prompt. What are your favorite food trucks? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Food Trucks

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 19, 2024

NIU’s food trucks are special for many reasons, but most importantly, they are convenient. These mobile restaurants near the Holmes Student Center provide tasty, fast meals without leaving campus. Food trucks provide variety with their different...