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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

Various pills are scattered on the table. May will begin National Mental Health Awareness Month, and its important to discuss the benefits of mental health medication as a form of treatment. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Normalize mental health medication

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | April 30, 2024

Medication is one of the greatest advancements in the history of humankind. It has changed people’s ability to live healthy lives and done exponential good for those who take it. Of the different types of medication, those that provide support for mental...

A little personified brain experiences different types of finals across four quadrants: final exams, final presentations, final projects and final papers. As you conquer these final hurdles before summer, which type of final do you prefer? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Which type of final do students prefer?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 30, 2024

Finals are around the corner, and students are preparing to take exams and finish projects, papers or presentations. Finals exist to evaluate a student’s understanding of the entire course material. They also serve to test if students are retaining...

Protesters march with Palestine flags during the first intifada in Dec. 1987 within the Gaza Strip. Hamas was formed as a Palestinian militant group in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin during the intifada, which was a Palestinian rebellion against Israeli occupation. (Efi Sharir / Dan Hadani collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection)

Understand Hamas’ origins before condemning Israel

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | April 29, 2024

The war between Hamas and Israel reached a horrible point in January with the seizure of the hospital Al-Shifa by Israeli forces and division of the Gaza Strip. Some defend Hamas but do not realize the terrible and crass mistake of not condemning Hamas:...

Jatavion Young, a sophomore middle level teaching major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What’s your plan if a goose attacks? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Goose attack

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 25, 2024

As spring falls upon campus, the sun isn’t the only thing rising this season. Watch out, as the sidewalks are their runways, and every passerby could be the star of their next honking attack! I’m referring to the feathered celebrity of the...

A soldier stands facing a massive explosion. War has severe environmental consequences that must be considered by environmental activists. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Shift environmental focus to wars

By Sofia Didenko, Lifestyle Writer | April 24, 2024

Environmental awareness has increased within the last decade. Most people have noticed this, whether they are a media ace or just someone who flips on the evening news every few days. However, not enough awareness is brought to a devastating planet destroyer...

A laptop open to a movie script rests on a table near a NIU Theatre Arts Bachelors Degree. NIU’s Fine Arts program should be expanded for the benefit of arts students. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Fine Arts program must be flexible

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | April 24, 2024

Artists pursue higher education as a way to learn how to grow in their fields and develop their passions. This is great, but when it comes to NIU, the opportunities for artists to grow can be hit or miss.  Students may feel like their needs are not...

Four quadrants display symbols associated with four different types of NIU clubs: Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Department Clubs and clubs that are just for fun. Which club makes the most impact on campus? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Which NIU club is most impactful?

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | April 23, 2024

NIU has a multitude of student organizations; from its chapter of the American Meteorological Society to Circle K International, everyone can find something they can relate to and a group to connect with. Club-based events are constantly occurring on...

The molted exoskeleton of a cicada nymph is left behind in the grass. The emergence of cicada broods offer us a unique opportunity to celebrate big change in our own lives. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Embrace the cicada swarms

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | April 23, 2024

As seniors get ready to graduate, cicadas are preparing for a brilliant graduation of their own. When they come crashing through the Midwest — get ready — we’re in for a fantastic show, and maybe we can learn something from the curious insects along...

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a campaigning event on Sunday. Kennedys campaign has no chance against Joe Biden and Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

Kennedy’s running a doomed campaign

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 22, 2024

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s declaration of presidency is a bid that won't gain momentum this year, even if his uncle was former president John F. Kennedy. Almost everyone is looking for an alternative as we witness a Trump and Biden rematch, but voting...

A squirrel and geese rest under the words Look Both Ways and the topic of the week: Wildlife campus takeover. If one of the two had to take over campus, what would you prefer: squirrels or geese? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Campus takeover, squirrels vs. geese

By Olivia Zapf and Lucy Atkinson | April 22, 2024

GEESE SHOULD TAKE OVER By: Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor Is it better to be feared or loved? Machiavelli would argue feared – and so would I. Squirrels, while cute, are no match for the menacing, honkin’ geese that NIU has been blessed...

A donkey and an elephant linked together by a yellow connection are snipped apart by a large pair of scissors. Given the meaningful values that are often linked to our political beliefs, it is OK to break ties with family and friends over politics. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star Graphic)

End ties over politics

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 21, 2024

It's another election year, and political differences are increasing stress on family and friendships. Some may say it's important to preserve these ties despite ideological differences. However, we must stand up for our values. Our mental and emotional...

Lilliana Campbell (left), a sophomore psychology major, and Adé Basurto, a junior communicative disorders major, respond to a street interviews prompt. What are your favorite food trucks? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Food Trucks

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 19, 2024

NIU’s food trucks are special for many reasons, but most importantly, they are convenient. These mobile restaurants near the Holmes Student Center provide tasty, fast meals without leaving campus. Food trucks provide variety with their different...