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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

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...

A figure, Ambrosia, cradles the Earth in her hands, as she floats in a purple cosmos. Ambrosia is a character based off the first phone I owned. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Ambrosia

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | April 17, 2024

The University of Southern California lines up against the University of Louisville during the American football 2023 Holiday Bowl (left), and Atalanta soccer player Isak Hien charges for the ball alongside Verona player Federico Bonazzoli during the Italy Serie A soccer match on Monday. Which “football” deserves the title more: American football or soccer? (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Spada/LaPresse via AP)

Poll: Which ‘football’ deserves the title most?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | April 16, 2024

Throughout history, there has been much discussion about the differences between soccer and American football.  Fans of each sport struggle with which of these two sports deserves to carry the title of football, as only the true sport can bear the...

Two American flags and music notes rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel | April 15, 2024

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS GETTING EXCESSIVE, DIAL IT BACK By: Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter I’m well aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but here goes: The national anthem does not need to be played before every sporting event.  I...

A figure in high school graduation wear kicks a computer that reads "FAFSA." The FAFSA backlog may have long term consequences, specifically affecting incoming NIU students. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Editorial: Consider FAFSA backlog, long-term consequences

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | April 14, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid was recently updated with the intention of creating an easier application process and an increase in aid, but now, in April, many students are still waiting for their financial aid packages.  FAFSA traditionally...

Four “Just Well & Dandy” panels follow up on Well’s story, “Just…Well?” In this comic, Dandy checks up on his brother and finds that a kind gesture can bring great comfort — and hugs. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Well and Dandy: Feline Fine

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | April 11, 2024