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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

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, Editor in Chief | 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...

An individual kneeling on the ground surrounded by fire, while an established individual turn faces away from them. The image alludes to wealthy individuals turning a blind eye to those in need during the Maui fires crisis. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

We didn’t start the fire, but we’ll pay for it

By Veronica Neville, Opinion Columnist | September 11, 2023

Power lines ripped down by hurricane Dora sparked wildfires that ravaged Maui, Hawaii. Drought conditions and strong winds catalyzed the blaze that decimated the region of Lahaina on Aug. 8.  The death toll has exceeded over 100 people and has displaced...

The first page of the U.S. Constitution on display. The constitution has experienced many amendments and should always be allowed to evolve through the generations. (Courtesy of Wikicommons)

Constitutional amendments are necessary

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | September 11, 2023

In early August, Ohio voters rejected Issue 1, an amendment that would have made future amendments to the state’s constitution more difficult to implement. While the rejection is a victory, it’s disappointing to witness the political manipulation...

An audience member holding up a phone to record a concert. While it can be good to capture moments of a concert on a camera, it is also important to be in the moment with the artist. (Courtesy of Wikicommons)

Stop using your phone at concerts

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | September 10, 2023

The hall is crowded. The lights are dimmed. Each person’s shoulders are pushing up on at least two other sets of shoulders. It smells like stale beer with an undercurrent of sweat. The show was set to start at 7 p.m., but it’s now almost 8 p.m. Your...

A Period Project basket filled with menstrual products and disposable bags is located in a Peters Life Campus Building bathroom. Run by the GSRC, the Period Project works to combat period poverty among students. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

Students should utilize free period products

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | September 10, 2023

For years, there has been a stigma surrounding the talk of menstrual cycles. This stigma needs to end. Having a period is perfectly normal, and people need to have access to hygiene products.  The average person who menstruates has about 450 periods...

NIU ranking is great for LGBTQ+ students

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | September 8, 2023

NIU is one of the many colleges that is committed to providing diversity, equity and inclusion. It has definitely paid off as NIU has recently ranked as the No. 1 campus in Illinois for LGBTQ+ students, according to BestColleges. College ranking lists...

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appears to be freeze while speaking on May 24. McConnell and other elderly congress members' abilities to do their jobs are coming into question. (Drew Angerer | CC BY-SA 4.0)

Age limits for politicians necessary for representation

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | September 8, 2023

With the new election cycle coming up and recent political debates, the ages of the people in power have started to be questioned.  With people like 81-year-old Mitch McConnell appearing to freeze on multiple occasions during his speeches and the...

Increase in NIU accidents: Drivers, be careful

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | September 8, 2023

As students have returned to NIU’s campus, there has been an increase in reported traffic violations.  The first week of classes had the same number of tickets as the two weeks before classes combined, according to the NIU Police Department’s...

Cars passing the NIU mural on the underpass of South Annie Glidden Road and Lincoln Highway. One side of the mural reads “NIU” and the other “Huskie Nation” with paw prints on each side.
(Ariyonna McGahee | Northern Star)

New mural is welcoming, despite students’ reactions

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | September 7, 2023

Long referred to as “Huskie Nation,” it’s no secret that DeKalb loves its NIU students. Now with a freshly painted mural of red and black, it’s hard to not find the city’s enthusiasm adorable. The mural, painted by the Street Operations...

An illustrated Davis Hall stands under a peaceful night sky. The observatory is now open from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Check out reopened Davis Hall Observatory

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | September 7, 2023

Stargazers and space explorers, take note. After a three-year break due to COVID-19, the Davis Hall Observatory is open again and inviting NIU and the surrounding community to join its cosmic celebration. Imagine a comfortable evening under the night...