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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

Clothes spinning in washing machines in Stevenson Towers laundry room. Stevenson Towers has four set laundry rooms throughout each tower. (Ryanne
Sandifer | Northern Star)

Dorm laundry shouldn’t be a hassle

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 18, 2023

You’re running late to class, and a load of laundry is all that stops you. Your work clothes are dirty, and your shift starts in two hours – the exact length of a load of laundry. You have a date soon, and your favorite jeans smell like yesterday’s...

 A graphic includes two people and kindness logos. Opinion Columnist Alberto Briones interviewed students about the late Matthew Perry. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Matthew Perry remembered by students

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | November 16, 2023

  The world is overwhelmed with grief by the death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry.  Perry, age 54, died at his home in Los Angeles on Oct. 28, according to Business Insider. Many viewers watched "Friends" and felt they could relate to the characters....

Steam billows from Patterson Hall West after a steam relief valve burst on Nov. 14. Opinion Columnist Lexi Nebel believes NIU dorms are too expensive for structural emergencies to occur so frequently. (Courtesy of Lydia Dunker)

Expensive dorms shouldn’t experience valve bursts

By Lexi Nebel, Opinion Columnist | November 15, 2023

On Tuesday, a steam valve ruptured in Patterson Hall, causing students to evacuate the building at 2 a.m.  Although the emergency team responded quickly and efficiently, this is yet another example of the poor conditions of NIU dorms. Freshman...

Zucchini plants sprout from soil. It is important to grow your own food, even in winter. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Grow your own foods

By Jescenia Calderon, Opinion Columnist | November 15, 2023

Gardening is such a peaceful hobby, not only does it involve the outside air and interacting with your environment, but also it’s healthy.  Bryan Flower, assistant director of food system innovations at NIU, explained that at grocery stores, food...

A student in a blue hoodie sits awkwardly between three figures. Group projects are more trouble for students then what they're worth. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Group projects disappoint

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | November 15, 2023

Every semester, students from all fields face the dread of group projects. Whether the students are highly motivated or just hoping to pass class, they hate working on group assignments that count for a significant percentage of their grades.  Group...

A goose stands on top of a huskie. The NIU Huskies should become the NIU Geese. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

No more Huskies, we’re Geese

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | November 15, 2023

Editor’s note: This is a satire piece, written with the intention of entertainment and has no merit.  Oftentimes, students are surrounded by geese, honking, hissing and being intimidating to everyone they come across. Geese are well-known throughout...

A group of women are gathered around a table. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes women deserve more appreciation in the workforce. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Appreciate women in male-dominated industries

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 14, 2023

As the number of careers in science, technology, engineering and math increase, we need to make room for women.  Women have constantly been underrepresented and underappreciated in the workforce, only representing 27% of STEM workers in 2019, according...

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, Editor in Chief | 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. California's 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, Editor in Chief | 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, Assistant News Editor | 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, Assistant News Editor | 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...