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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 photo depicts President Donald Trump walking as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House. Opinion Columnist Lucy Atkinson argues that global leaders are facing stress due to Trump's policies. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

America as viewed by the world

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | April 24, 2025

Global leaders continue to face a vortex of antagonistic behavior from the Trump administration. Their grief for America is our nation’s disgrace.  ON TARIFFS Causing stress among global leaders currently is Trump’s aggressive tariff policies,...

A photo depicts the logos of different social media apps such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat. Opinion Columnist Habiba Kamel argues that the negative effects of social media are harmful to children. (AP Photo, File)

Children should not be exposed to social media 

By Habiba Kamel, Opinion Columnist | April 24, 2025

If you were to look at communication today versus 100 years ago, it is clear that advancements in technology have significantly improved our ways of interacting. Not only have our means of talking to one another changed, but so has the amount of time...

Nick Obabko, a senior political science major, responds to a street interviews prompt. Which fandom has the most unique people? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: What is the most unique fandom?

By Emily Beebe, Sofia Didenko, and Gray Edelstein | April 22, 2025

Students across NIU may have different hobbies or fandoms they enjoy and are part of, and no one should be ashamed of their interests.  Ranging from enjoying anime to “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” students provided their thoughts on which...

A photo depicts Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan giving a speech. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst argues that Turkey is a warning for democracies. (Mert Gokhan Koc/Dia Photo via AP)

Turkey is a warning for democracies

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | April 22, 2025

The judiciary has become the most important tool for resistance against President Donald Trump. News covering legal battles against the Trump administration has become increasingly prominent as federal judges have blocked numerous policy changes ordered...

The NIU letters are pictured in the MLK Commons. Should students have classes on Fridays? (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Poll: Should students have classes on Fridays?

By Habiba Kamel, Opinion Columnist | April 22, 2025

At NIU, classes run Monday through Friday. Many students believe that classes should only be held Monday through Thursday, as many social gatherings occur on Thursday nights. In addition to this, students have expressed that class attendance is minimal...

A graphic depicts a tiara and a princess. Copy Editor Rachael Swinson argues that Disney princesses do not deserve the criticism that they receive. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

In defense of the Disney princesses

By Rachael Swinson, Copy Editor | April 20, 2025

The classic princesses – Snow White, Cinderella and Aurora –  get a lot of criticism for being “damsels in distress,” just as Ariel gets criticized for “being dumb” by giving up her voice to become human and Belle having “Stockholm syndrome”...

A photo depicts Room 100 of Cole Hall which is empty. Opinion Editor Emily Beebe argues that attendance in classes should be mandatory. (Northern Star File Photo)

Attendance should be mandatory in classes

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor | April 20, 2025

College classes are vastly different from high school classes, especially when it comes to attendance. In college, attendance isn’t always mandatory, depending on the professor. Attendance should be mandatory in all college classes so students get the...

Sophomore Sean Carroll reaches out of bounds to reset at the center of the mat at the match against Purdue University on January 12. Opinion Columnist Colton Peterson argues that AEW is no longer elite. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

AEW is no longer elite

By Colton Peterson, Opinion Columnist | April 18, 2025

As a big fan of professional wrestling, I have witnessed the ups and downs of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) throughout the years. So, believe me when I say I was very excited for the creation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WWE’s biggest competitor.  AEW...

A graphic depicts the words "Body Positivity" above hands making a heart shape. Opinion Columnist Habiba Kamel argues that the body positivity movement is a way to bring people together when it comes to loving one's body. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

Body positivity does not promote obesity

By Habiba Kamel, Opinion Columnist | April 16, 2025

“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” This common quote is often recited in the world of body image. However, acceptance of all body types has become more prominent in today’s society. Body positivity is defined as the idea that all individuals...

A sign for the Northern Star's new time capsule hangs in the Peters Campus Life Building. The Northern Star is including a letter to the NIU of the future. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Dear NIU in 2050

By Brynn Krug, Editor in Chief | April 16, 2025

Editor's note: This letter will be included in the Northern Star’s time capsule to be opened in April 2050. The time capsule will be sealed at 4 p.m. Wednesday within the walls of the Peters Campus Life Building. Dear NIU in 2050, A lot can and...

A group of people stand at different booths during NIU's Karoshi-Con event. Opinion Columnist Lucy Atkinson argues that people should not judge those who are part of fandoms and to let people enjoy what they enjoy. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Reflect on snap judgments

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | April 15, 2025

All of us make unnecessary judgments, but we all have the ability to practice subduing them too. The next time you start to judge someone for something they love or a fandom they’re a passionate part of, stop and ask yourself why. Is there really...

A photo depicts a shelf full of PlayStation games. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst argues that SAG-AFTRA is shady, especially when it comes to video game companies. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

SAG-AFTRA is shadier than it looks

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | April 14, 2025

For months, video games such as “Destiny 2” have lacked English voice acting for certain characters. Skins for characters in “League of Legends” have also replaced custom voiceovers with “base voiceovers,” which means that new skins for characters...

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