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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

Janet Rodriguez (left), president and academic chair of sorority Alpha Sigma Omega, and Liliana Guerrero, secretary, co-fundraising and co-public relations of ASO, stand at a fundraising table in DuSable Hall. The sorority had fresas con crema available for purchase. Over the summer, NIUs student involvement made changes to its regulations for student organizations hosting food fundraisers. (Alberto Briones | Northern Star)

New food policy hurts student organizations

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | September 20, 2023

As the academic year goes on, student organizations are getting ready for a new round of activities, events and fundraising. These groups, which are essential to campus life, depend on fundraising to keep going. A recent shift in policy by Student Involvement...

A child holds a tattered book covered in cobwebs while an adult tells them they are lucky to even have the book. All children deserve more than a hand-me-down education, no matter where they live. (Jesus Blanco | Northern Star)

It’s time to end hand-me-down education

By Ashley Vargas, Opinion Columnist | September 20, 2023

The American public school system has become just as frigid as our Midwest winters. There is no room for growth, to get a better house, to go to a better school, to get a better job, to live a better life. So, in order to survive we must make do with...

A user’s log-in information hangs from a fishing hook under the sea. Students should utilize NIU’s online phishing training and stay educated on cybercrime. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Stay educated about online phishing

By Lexi Nebel, Opinion Columnist | September 19, 2023

In the digital age, technology has transformed the way that we live our day to day lives. Unfortunately, there are consequences that come along with the rise of technology, such as a rise in cybercrimes. Within the past several weeks at NIU, students...

Victor E. Huskie waves at the camera in front of Altgeld Hall. The upcoming 116th Homecoming at NIU will be a great opportunity to exhibit Huskie pride. (Courtesy of Northern Illinois University)

Homecoming unites campus and city

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | September 19, 2023

NIU students are in for a week of spirited celebrations from Oct. 8 to Oct. 15. This is a great chance for students to show their Huskie pride and get excited about both their alma mater and the lively city of DeKalb. NIU's homecoming isn't just a...

A group of students eat a meal together outside. Which on-campus restaurant is your favorite? (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Poll: Which on-campus restaurant is best?

By Olivia Zapf, Opinion Columnist | September 19, 2023

Food, undoubtedly, is both the bane of our existence and the reason we wake up in the morning. Sometimes, NIU dining halls just don’t cut it, or classes make it impossible to take the time to sit down and eat in the dining halls.   Luckily, there...

The United States Supreme Court Building stands under a clear sky in Washington, D.C. Enforcing term limits for members of Congress and Supreme Court justices would benefit democracy. (Courtesy of Wikicommons)

Term limits are essential for democracy

By Emily Beebe, Senior Opinion Columnist | September 18, 2023

Term limits for government officials like House members, Senate members and Supreme Court justices can bring the change Americans need. In the world of politics, change and new perspectives are of the utmost importance. A democracy truly thrives through...

A woman in a red long-sleeve writes on a chalkboard. While advanced placement courses sound beneficial, dual-credit courses will better prepare students for college. (Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)

Dual-credit courses are better than advanced placement

By Olivia Zapf, Opinion Columnist | September 18, 2023

American high schools put too much emphasis on the Advanced Placement Program, despite alternative options that increase chances of success for students. Students are failing to be adequately prepared by the program, according to a 2021 study published...

A poster that says Shoplifters will be handed to the Police is taped to a wall. Shoplifting can be a way for poor people to access necessities that they couldnt get otherwise. (Katangais | CCA 2.5)

People shoplift to attain basic needs

By Kahlil Kambui, Opinion Columnist | September 18, 2023

With inflation and cost of living on the rise, it is getting harder for people to buy basic necessities to survive and live comfortably. Because of this, people have resulted from shoplifting to meet these needs.  You may have heard the saying “if...

Organ anatomy figurines lay scattered among wooden building blocks. Family members should donate organs to loved ones in need. (Karolina Grabowska | Pexels)

Save lives one organ at a time

By Emily Beebe, Senior Opinion Columnist | September 15, 2023

Every day, countless lives are cut short due to organ failure. Being an organ donor, whether that be for family members or strangers, can prevent people from losing their lives. Donating organs to family members is crucial in order to have them live a...

Lincoln Hall sits in front of New Hall and will be torn down to be turned into a Health Informatics Technology Center. The funding for the project is proving to be more challenging in the aftermath COVID-19 and inflation. (Northern Star File Photo)

Tearing down Lincoln Hall is beneficial, but overdue

By Olivia Zapf, Opinion Columnist | September 14, 2023

Retired in 2013, the Lincoln Hall dormitories have sat empty for a decade. After allowing the building to sit empty for years, NIU decided to tear down the structure and build a Health Informatics Technology Center on the property to bridge the gap between...

A screenshot of various streaming services sit grouped together on an iPhone. Which streaming service is your favorite? (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

Poll: Which streaming service is your favorite?

By Ashley Vargas, Opinion Columnist | September 12, 2023

Now that the presence of cable television has seemingly become obsolete in the modern American household, we need to find the answer to an almost decade old question: Which streaming service is the best?  NETFLIX Starting off with perhaps the parent...

The woman in purple has a self defense weapon with her and she looks worried. The purple symbolizes her fear and anxiety as there is a figure watching her on the path. The other side of the composition focuses on a man in orange. Orange is a color of ignorance and greed. He is looking the opposite way and ignoring his surroundings, including the path. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Women’s safety on campus needs our attention

By Lexi Nebel, Opinion Columnist | September 12, 2023

Students at NIU were welcomed warmly to campus over the past week, settling into their dorms and then beginning classes the following Monday. Within less than a week on campus, however, students were already being informed through email of a sexual...