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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

Multiple people holding phones with bright lights illuminating their face.

We rely on technology too much

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 22, 2023

In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our lives by making our lives easier and more efficient. But it has also become something of an addiction. The convenience of technology is a big factor in why we have become so addicted....

"Friends" actors (left) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc sitting in a park during "Friends: The Reunion." The group was asked if Ross and Rachel were on a break during this conversation.

Poll: Were Ross and Rachel on a break?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | March 21, 2023

A debate that has plagued the fans of the ‘90s sitcom “Friends,” is whether Ross and Rachel were on a break.  Ross and Rachel had an on again, off again relationship through the 10 season show. The first mention of the opulent taking a break...

The Patterson Hall East sits on an overcast Winter day. NIU's housing cost does not reflect its poor condition. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU housing cost does not reflect dorm conditions

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | March 20, 2023

NIU housing has left students with broken elevators, surrounded by flooding and leaking. The housing cost needs to reflect the low-quality dorms.  In 2022, Patterson Hall East had three separate occasions where a pipe burst and students were affected...

A young woman scrolling through streaming options on her television. Each streaming service has its pros and cons, but which one is the best?

Poll: Which streaming service do you use most often?

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 14, 2023

In recent years, streaming services have become increasingly popular as people turn away from traditional cable television. With the rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, viewers are able to access a wider range of content on-demand...

Two wooden figures with a heart shaped hole in between them. Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni expresses that friends growing apart is a natural process.

That Time I… realized outgrowing friendships is normal

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Copy Editor | March 10, 2023

Friendships are something I value and cherish deeply. The feeling of being understood and having a confidant that not only respects you but is there for you through highs and lows is priceless. The first best friend I ever had, I met in the second-grade....

No more ‘boys will be boys,’ let’s hold them accountable

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | March 8, 2023

The CDC recently released a report documenting a significant increase in depression among teenage girls. The report also revealed a possible reason behind this wave of sadness and stress: a horrifying increase in sexual violence against teenage girls....

Bourbon Street during a Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday.

The Time I… attended Mardi Gras 

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | March 7, 2023

I first visited New Orleans in December 2019, and ever since then I told myself I would return one year for Mardi Gras; 2023 was the year I made it happen.  My fiance and I both turned 21 this year, so our trip to New Orleans turned into a birthday...

Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni debates the topic of whether or not men should practice obstetrics and gynecology because of the potential of making women feel uncomfortable in certain situations.

Poll: Are patients comfortable having a male gynecologist?

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Copy Editor | March 7, 2023

The number of men entering the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is decreasing while the number of women entering the field is increasing, according to the National Library of Medicine; in 2019, nearly 84% of residents in obstetrics and gynecology...

Spain recently passed a bill allowing menstruating employees to take paid leave ranging from three to five days.

United States ought to provide paid menstrual leave

By Nanette Nkolomoni and Lucy Atkinson | March 6, 2023

Amid a series of sexual rights reforms, Spain has begun offering menstrual leave to employees. For the health and comfort of all menstruating people, the United States should follow suit.   Spain’s new bill, passed into law on Feb. 16, will provide...

The Six Flags ride The Wild One with riders who have their hands up as it drops over a curve.

Unpopular Opinion: Six Flags is overrated

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

While Six Flags is beloved by many people, I think it is overrated.  It is overrated because of the prices, the speed of the rides and the heights. Six Flags Great America has many rollercoasters and rides. They have family rides, thrill rides...

Instead of leaving men to internalize their issues, there should be more support systems for men to access and get help from.

We need to support men’s mental health more

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

Anxiety and depression can be considered two of the most common mental health issues in the world. Both men and women can suffer from these issues, and we need to break the stigma surrounding men and mental health. The fact that mental health for the...

Sigma Nu’s Greek house on an overcast afternoon at 114 Blackhawk Road. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Is it worth reviving Greek life?

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

Is Greek life worth bringing back? There are many reasons why Greek life should be revived. Currently, there are 691 students involved in Greek life – this number is relatively low. However, NIU is looking into investing and reviving Greek life.  Under-enrollment...