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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 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...

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...