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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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 ticking watch hangs in front of a computer screen opened to the Blackboard home page. Accelerated courses move at a quicker rate than some students expect. (Northern Star | Photo Illustration)

Accelerated courses are overrated

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | January 17, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, students seek to finish their college degree as quickly as possible, often looking to take accelerated courses. Education should not be treated like a race, and with accelerated courses, students miss a richer and more fulfilling...

An artist’s depiction of a baseball bat and mallet crash into the glass screens of a microwave and television. An on-campus rage room would provide students with a satisfying outlet to express their fury. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

NIU needs a rage room

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | January 16, 2024

Editor’s Note: The Northern Star does not encourage readers to replace therapy with rage room visits. Students seeking counseling can contact Counseling and Consultation Services.  It’s time for a new therapeutic activity in town. By implementing...

A student sits irritably in class as an instructor points at a chalkboard with a cold face. It’s important to maintain a friendly environment in the classroom as faculty and students return for the spring semester. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Professional doesn’t mean cold

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | January 15, 2024

Syllabus week is here: the first impression professors and students will get of each other before work begins. This semester, professors, please keep classrooms friendly. Students, let’s make that possible for them. Reviewing the many rules of the...

An illustrated police scanner radio sends off blue, red and white radio signals. The Northern Star Editorial Board encourages readers to listen to police department radio scanner streams. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: Listen to police scanners

By Northern Star Editorial Board | December 10, 2023

While it is impossible for citizens to follow along with police officers every day, there are ways to follow what is going on in the community.  Police scanners are the one of ways police officers, dispatchers and other employees stay in contact when...

A person in green winter clothing is frozen in ice. A common enemy between students is the coming and going of winter. Remember to bundle up everyone! (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

CARTOON: Colder than cold

By Robin Gamboa, Cartoonist | December 7, 2023

A person in a purple sweater sits on their bed knitting green yarn while a thought bubble near their head reads “I can’t wait to see their reaction.” Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes homemade gifts are more meaningful than store-bought ones. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Give more homemade gifts

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | December 6, 2023

‘Tis the Christmas season when gifts rest under a festively decorated pine tree. The traditional opening of presents may feature those homemade, others store-bought, and the rest somewhere in between. However, one type should stand above the rest during...

A woman in a yellow sweater spreads her arms beneath a bright source of light. How do you de-stress during finals week? (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Poll: How do you de-stress during finals week?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | December 5, 2023

The semester is coming to a close with finals, the final hurdle before winter break. Exams, projects or both might make the last week of the semester hectic for students. There is a lot of pressure because finals affect our marks, and many students have...

A severe weather forecast centers in the midwest. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf believes radar holes in weather forecasting are dangerous and need to be patched. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Radar holes must be patched

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | December 4, 2023

Severe weather can occur anywhere, and all areas deserve equal protection and accurate forecasts. Radar holes, spots where precipitation cannot be forecasted completely accurately, are dangerous and need to be patched.  Meteorologists use radars to...

A person looks at a Northern Star Tweet. The Northern Star Editorial Board explained the delivery issues experienced with its daily newsletter, TLDR. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: TLDR newsletter flagged ‘malicious’

By Northern Star Editorial Board | December 3, 2023

The Northern Star’s daily newsletter TLDR is not being delivered to Outlook emails, but the management board will continue to produce it despite this setback. Northern Star staff and readers began reporting on Nov. 7 that their Monday and Tuesday...

A graphic shows two images of Sexiest Man Alive award winner Patrick Dempsey. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf interviewed students about whether they find Dempsey sexy. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Street interviews: Patrick Dempsey, hot or not?

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 30, 2023

There is no doubt that Patrick Dempsey holds a place in the hearts of many “Grey’s Anatomy” fans. From his role as McDreamy in the hospital drama to his role as a sheriff in the 2023 movie “Thanksgiving,” Dempsey has proven to be a versatile...

Four people watch a movie with disappointed expressions. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes live-action remakes are not up to par with animated classics. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Stop releasing live-action remakes

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | November 29, 2023

Live-action remakes have taken over theaters in recent years with movies such as “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” Although live-action films can be fun to watch, the overabundance of them needs to end.  Filmmakers should...

A hand scratches out the Facebook logo on a smartphone with a digital pen. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes social media platforms infringe on the freedom of speech when they limit what users can post. (Thought Catalog | Pexels)

Freedom of speech should extend to social media

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | November 28, 2023

Freedom of speech should extend to social media, so individuals can express their ideas freely on various platforms. Facebook, X – formerly known as Twitter – and Instagram have connected people over continents. Today, social media isn’t a place...