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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 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...

Five “Just Dandy” panels depict the adventures of Dandy, the black cat. In this comic, Dandy attempts to deliver mail, only to discover a not so conventional, "school-spirited" mailbox. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Dandy: Mailbox

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | March 21, 2024

An abstract design shows a forest burning from bright red flames, with the red sun beaming bring and hard. Our planet deserves better. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Recent weather shifts can’t be ignored

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | March 20, 2024

While the coverage of climate change is nothing particularly new, the pressing issue doesn’t match actions taken for resolution. We shouldn’t wait for more chaotic weather to arise to prioritize prevention of the climate crisis – it may be too late...

Eight fists raise toward a purple sky. Students should practice advocacy for political and social issues they care about. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Participate in student activism

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | March 19, 2024

With climate change, poverty and human rights violations, it is more crucial than ever to be politically engaged. College students must advocate to make a difference in their communities, express their beliefs and better their lives. Monserrat Garcia,...

A brain is surrounded by floating hearts under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Togetherall. Will the new mental health app NIU has partnered with, Togetherall, bring positive change? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Togetherall

By Camilla Dziadosz and Emily Beebe | March 18, 2024

NIU has added another mental health resource to its repertoire, this time it’s a mental health app called Togetherall.  Togetherall is a mental health app that consists of self-assessments, courses and a message board for students to anonymously...

A person in a patterned sweater and sunglasses smiles as they cast a vote. Voting is cool, and young voters deserve to have their voice counted.(Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Make your vote matter

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | March 6, 2024

Elections have shifted from upholding democratic values to becoming a strategic play on human psychology. The tactics employed by politicians are manipulative and require a careful critique.  The shared desire for a better political system has become...

A personified pencil raises a fist next to a voting ballot featuring a red dog and a blue cat beneath the words: “Let’s Vote!” Voting is critical to democracy and should be mandatory in the United States. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Voting should be mandatory in US

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 5, 2024

With the 2024 election year, numerous campaigns are taking place. It’s crucial citizens go to the polls and vote. Mandated voting in the U.S. would make sure society’s voices are heard. One key principle of democracy is that the people are the...

A sketched figured whistles and tunes their guitar. Country music is often hated on, but the classic genre deserves your support. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Give country music a chance

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | March 4, 2024

We’ve all heard it said: ‘I’ll listen to anything but country music.’ A statement that completely disregards a culture and alienates it as well. Country music doesn't deserve that. Give it a chance. In September 2023, over 150 million Americans...

A huskie puppy holds a voting ballot in its mouth with its front paws up on a ballot box that reads “Vote!” Primary elections are just as important as general elections, and college students should participate in the upcoming Illinois primary elections. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Editorial: Primary elections need your vote

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 3, 2024

Primary elections are coming up, and it’s of the utmost importance to vote in them, even as college students. The Illinois primary elections are the elections that determine who will be on the ballot in November for the general elections. Tasha...

Five “Just Dandy” panels depict the adventures of Dandy, the black cat, as he goes on an aerial delivery trip. In this comic, Dandy is placed in a position of unexpected — and unwanted — leadership! (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Dandy: Following the Leader

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | February 29, 2024

A figure dressed in black, white, yellow and red regalia spreads their arms beneath a yellow wolf head inspired by the First Nations Native Alliance’s artwork. NIU should implement an Indigenous Resource Center as petitioned by the First Nations Native Alliance. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

NIU should approve Indigenous Resource Center

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 28, 2024

To embrace diversity, NIU must understand the needs of student groups and provide for them. An Indigenous Resource Center is necessary to foster community and give representation to Indigenous people. Indigenous students are faced with a wide range...

A person stares in horror and humiliation at something on their screen, whispering: "No, that can't be me." Deepfake pornography must be outlawed at a federal level to protect citizens from emotional trauma. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Outlaw deepfake pornography

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | February 27, 2024

The world of AI has taken a dangerous turn and needs to be taken seriously. People are being taken advantage of through deepfake pornography. Deepfake porn is when people edit and use AI programs to alter photos of others to make nonconsensual porn....