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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

A Gryffindor scarf and round glasses lay on a table. Which Harry Potter Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is your favorite? (Vinícius Vieira ft | Pexels)

Poll: Which Harry Potter Defence Against the Dark Arts professor was best?

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 14, 2023

Full of wizards, hippogriffs, mediocre writing and a lovable friendship between three Gryffindors, the “Harry Potter” series was a staple in the lives of most 2000s kids.  The cursed position, teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, was somehow...

Three figures look up at a sign. Californias Food Safety Act, banning some food additives and coloring, is a step in the right direction. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

More states should adopt California’s Food Safety Act

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 13, 2023

Food additives are dangerous; while most other countries use natural preservatives and additives, the U.S. has chosen to be different. The difference is costing Americans their health.  Luckily, Assembly Bill 418, the California Food Safety Act, is...

A person gathers plastics while a personified corporate building looms behind them, spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Opinion Columnist Ashley Vargas believes large corporations are to blame for climate change, not the everyday civilian. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Hold big corporations accountable for climate change

By Ashley Vargas, Opinion Columnist | November 13, 2023

Since grade school, we have been fed the belief that if we all do our part by recycling plastic bottles and taking shorter showers, we could somehow save our dying planet. While there is nothing wrong with limiting one's carbon footprint, the overemphasis...

A purple-colored person obsesses over a famous person depicted on either side of a veiny heart. Opinion Columnist Kahlil Kambui believes parasocial relationships can become dangerous and creepy. (Jesus Blanco | Northern Star)

Parasocial relationships can be dangerous

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | November 12, 2023

Taylor Swift, BTS and Beyoncé all have an intense, ever-loving fan base. But sometimes, this love fans have for celebrities can go too far. Parasocial relationships can be described as one-sided relationships where someone puts their time and energy...

A family sits around a table at a Thanksgiving meal. Americans should be aware of the dark past Thanksgiving has. (Getty Images)

The dark past of Thanksgiving

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | November 11, 2023

Thanksgiving is a tradition that dates back to the pilgrims. For most Americans it includes gathering around with friends and family, saying thanks and enjoying turkey and other great food. But the holiday of Thanksgiving actually has a dark past that...

A graphic includes two people and kindness logos. Opinion Columnist Alberto Briones interviewed students on what the kindest thing someone did for them lately. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Street interviews: World Kindness Week

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | November 9, 2023

Being kind can make someone's day better, and that's worth a lot. Every year on Nov. 13, people worldwide celebrate World Kindness Day which highlights the importance of being kind and compassionate. The World Kindness Movement, an international non-governmental...

Former President Donald Trump speaks outside the courtroom after testifying Monday at the New York Supreme Court. Trump needs to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Trump’s martyrdom getting old

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 8, 2023

Former President Donald Trump needs to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign because of his inability to act civilly in, and out, of a courtroom. His actions are embarrassing, both for himself and the American public. Commonly known for his inflammatory...

A legal pad rests on a laptop. University students should not be required to take general education courses. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Gen ed courses should be abolished

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | November 8, 2023

A student sits in an economics class and struggles to stay awake. They’re bored out of their mind in a class they might not need to be in.  College students should not be required to take classes outside of their major. Students should have the...

A student sits at a desk with their phone on silent. It is important to put away electronic devices during class. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Technology should not be allowed in classrooms

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | November 7, 2023

A student goes to use their phone in class, the professor catches the student on their phone and tells them to put it away. In their class, this professor enforces a strict policy against using electronics. More professors should enforce a strict no-technology...

A lit Christmas tree stands under a night sky. When is the perfect time to put up your Christmas tree? (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Poll: Best time to put up Christmas tree?

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | November 7, 2023

The great Christmas tree debate has started as families wonder when is the best time to put up their tree.  One of the major traditions of the holiday is putting up a Christmas tree dressed in colorful lights and ornaments. But, when is it too soon...

Neptune bathroom stalls stand against a blue-green wall. NIU student needs to take better care of their bathrooms. (Sarah Rose | Northern Star)

Keep our bathrooms clean

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | November 6, 2023

The communal showers and bathrooms on campus are disgusting, to put it best. There’s either a strange stain on the floor or a terrible smell coming from the ceiling.  Students have a part in keeping their bathrooms clean for themselves and others....

Chase Kaminski, ESA with Counseling and Consultation Services, sits in front of fall foliage. NIU should invest in more therapy dogs. (Courtesy of Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University)

NIU needs more therapy dogs

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 6, 2023

NIU should invest in more therapy dogs because of their benefits to the mental health of the NIU community. By helping students, faculty and staff, therapy dogs can assist in developing healthy mentalities throughout NIU.  Additionally, the increasing...