Rats have empathy and are capable of forming bonds. In that way, they are much like humans. It can be highly alarming to spot a rat, but just like all animals, they deserve more respect and protection from animal testing. Rats tend to have a bad reputation...

America's two-party system is flawed and needs to change. The current system offers mediocre candidates who don’t represent America. A multi-party system is the necessary fix for underrepresentation and polarization. In the U.S., the two-party system...

With a new year comes new goals. Some students opt to maintain or get better grades, be more organized and use planners or work out and hit the gym. A popular resolution is also to stay hydrated.  Hydration is the latest trend among Generation...

Winter isn’t the same as it used to be. The playful snow days as children will always have a place in our hearts, but leaving them behind and adapting to the responsibilities we are faced with in our present lives has beauty on its own. Challenges develop...

AVOID WHITE LIES Trust takes years to build and minutes to tear apart, and maintaining trust and honesty is imperative for healthy relationships. White lies, while they seem miniscule, can be detrimental to the trust between two people.  Coming...

After winter break, students came back to DeKalb and were met with 34 below zero degree wind chills and a lot of snow. On Jan. 16, NIU chose to keep university operations in-person despite the intense cold and actions of other local schools and universities.  NIU...

If you were once a young girl, you might have experienced teasing on the playground by a boy, followed by the adult response: “He’s mean to you because he likes you.”  “Yeah, I heard it all the time,” said Alondra Rodriguez, a first-year...

The first week of the new semester brought frigid temperatures. Before the bitter cold, students were interviewed about their feelings toward the El Niño winter.  Although we haven’t witnessed many warm temperatures so far, El Niño holds the...

In today’s fast-paced world, students seek to finish their college degree as quickly as possible, often looking to take accelerated courses. Education should not be treated like a race, and with accelerated courses, students miss a richer and more fulfilling...

Editor’s Note: It’s clear what Calderon voted for in this week’s poll, but this column is no attempt to sway your own vote, reader.  Rock music is everywhere, and with sub-genres such as spoken word, deathcore, punk and classic rock, it might...

Music is often considered therapy and brings joy to many people. Incorporating themes such as nostalgia, going through a breakup or falling in love can make music inspirational and relatable. The most popular genres of music tend to be rock, country...

Editor’s Note: The Northern Star does not encourage readers to replace therapy with rage room visits. Students seeking counseling can contact Counseling and Consultation Services.  It’s time for a new therapeutic activity in town. By implementing...