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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 in disappointment at the minimal food items available in a mini-fridge. MyPantry is a good start to accommodating students with allergies but should be improved. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Improve MyPantry

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | April 10, 2024

NIU offers a program for students who have food allergies or intolerances called MyPantry. MyPantry is a good start, but NIU has a ways to go to be truly accommodating to students with allergies. MyPantry is a self-access station for students with...

Siberian squill flowers burst up along the East Lagoon, filling a patch beneath the trees with bright blue. What’s your favorite spring smell? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: What’s the best spring smell?

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 9, 2024

As April’s first morning light painted the sky, NIU stirred with soft whispers of spring.  Spring is a season of fresh starts, speaking to every Huskie on campus that fresh air is here. It is no ordinary breath, but an inhalation of everything beautiful...

An artists depiction of Kendrick Lamar shows him sitting on the phone; to his right are two panels representing J. Cole’s album “2014 Forest Hills Drive” and Drake’s album “Views.” The recent beef between the three hip hops artists is an example of how rivalries in lyrics can benefit the music industry. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Beef enhances hip-hop

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | April 8, 2024

Hip-Hop’s history has been defined by numerous things – artist's creativity, ability to push boundaries with their lyricism and production styles, the social commentary with real-world effects. Of all these defining characteristics of the genre, one...

Abortion-rights activists protest in pink March 26 outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. On March 8, France inscribed abortion rights in its constitution, and other nations should follow suit. (AP Photo | Jose Luis Magana)

Make abortion constitutional right, like France

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | April 7, 2024

In an historic first, France has made abortion a constitutional right. Other countries, especially the U.S., should follow suit to support women and reproductive rights. On March 8, France officially inscribed abortion into their Constitution, according...

Seven “Just... Well?” panels depict the adventures of Well, Dandy’s brother. In this comic, Well visits Dandy and finds himself overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of magic and otherwise. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just…Well?: Overwhelmed

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | April 4, 2024

An angry jolly rancher battles a cranky QR code in front of a sign that reads "Vote in the Student Government Association Elections." The recent SGA race was highly unprofessional. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Editorial: SGA elections too unprofessional

While last week’s Student Government Association elections witnessed a record-breaking number of votes, the SGA elections last week were disappointingly unprofessional. Even if national politicians often act careless and childish, SGA should hold...

A voter casts their ballot at a polling station Tuesday in New York. Voting “uncommitted” in the November general election, as some voters did this primary season, would be a waste of a vote. (AP Photo | Seth Wenig)

Don’t vote ‘uncommitted’

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 2, 2024

The uncommitted are committed to no one in this 2024 election; voters are prompting a futile protest against President Joe Biden. Voting “uncommitted” in U.S. primaries may seem like a neutral vote, but it's a decision that could affect the outcome...

A figure balances precariously on the word “FOMO,” struggling to maintain various words indicating involvement, student life and everyday battles, including “time management,” “stress,” “school,” “food,” and “future.” Students should push back against feelings of FOMO. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

No more FOMO

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 1, 2024

College is a time for students to explore interests and invest in themselves. Because of this, students frequently struggle with fear of missing out or FOMO. The fear of being left out at social events and academic opportunities is unnecessary, and students...

An AI interpretation of Northern Illinois University’s Altgeld Hall stands under a blue sky, developed by the AI image generator site Adobe Firefly. The Northern Star will be run by AI effective immediately, covering campus and local news via artificial intelligence. (Adobe Firefly Image)

Editorial: AI to cover campus news

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | March 31, 2024

DeKALB – In a bold move that merges tradition with innovation, the Northern Star, NIU's trusted source of news and information, has announced a groundbreaking transition. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Jane Smith, is replacing themselves...

Four “Just Dandy” panels depict the adventures of Dandy, the black cat. In this comic, Dandy wears the clothes in hopes to be more like him. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Dandy: Flattery

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | March 28, 2024

A goose walks parallel to a passing bus at the DuSable turnaround. Riding the bus is an easy way for college students to contribute to a green cause. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Ride the bus for Mother Nature

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | March 27, 2024

Via planes, trains and automobiles, there’s a multitude of ways to get around the 21st century. For NIU students, the greenest way is utilizing the DeKalb public bus system, and it’s time to become better acquainted with it.  Most people understand...

A figure sinks down into colored layers of green and blue. Public perception of student loans can be harmful, often ignoring the possibility of "drowning in debt." (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Editorial: Student loans create possibility, not affordability

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | March 24, 2024

Student loans do not make things affordable. In fact, after interest accrues, they do the exact opposite. That’s not to say they aren’t a good resource for students otherwise unable to afford college, but student loans have been over-normalized as...