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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

Dani Thayer, left, and Marina Lanae, right, both of Tulsa, Okla., hold pro-choice signs at the state Capitol, Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Oklahoma City, the day after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill making it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Oklahoma abortion ban infringes on health rights  

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 21, 2022

Earlier this month, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed Senate Bill 612, a near-total abortion ban, making it illegal to perform an abortion, “except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency,” and punishable by up to 10 years in federal-state...

“Parks and Recreation” premiered in 2009 and ended in 2015, but then came back for a special episode in 2020. It stars Amy Poehler, Nick Ocafferman, Chris Pratt and Rashida Jones.

Unpopular opinion: ‘Parks and Recreation’ is better than ‘The Office’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor | April 21, 2022

“The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” are two workplace sitcoms that have been loved by many for years and rightfully so. They are both hilarious and feature talented actors, but to me, there’s one that comes out on top every time and that...

As the anticipation for the semester's end increases, and you purchase tickets to carnivals, music festivals, movies and more, you still need to do what is best for your health and the health of those around you. 

Summer plans require personal responsibility as COVID-19 lingers

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 21, 2022

It’s been over two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and everyone is ready for it to be over. The weather is getting warmer, more events are being held, restaurants are opening back up and many mask mandates have been dropped. People...

A piggy bank is filled with coins. College students should support themselves without an allowance.

College students don’t need an allowance

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 19, 2022

Growing up, some of us had an allowance while others did not, or maybe we had one for a short period of time.  Whether you had one growing up or not, you shouldn’t be receiving one as a college student.  As a student, of course, you need help paying...

Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus lost focus on the road, resulting in an accident.

That time I… kissed a semi-tractor trailer

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | April 17, 2022

This is not a tale of mechanophilia. This is my personal reminder of why one mistake on the roadway can spell dire consequences. The day was March 24, 2021. I had been traveling from a family member’s home to my own residence. Part of my journey...

Reality Bytes is an independent student film festival at NIU.

Embrace, support film festivals

By Parker Otto | April 17, 2022

This past week, I got to attend the Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival and was absolutely mesmerized by the films being made by students. As a filmmaker, I feel jealous of their work, but inspired to make stories of my own. But as Reality...

Whether the options are there or not, when faced with the average time and money constraints of an average student, sustainable living is not affordable.

Going green as a college student is not affordable

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | April 17, 2022

For Gen Z, climate change and being eco-friendly are understandably important issues, but going green is simply too expensive for most college students.  The average budget of a college student likely isn’t very high ― I know mine isn’t.  Despite...

Northern Illinois University’s theater department is only offered to those wanting to dedicate their major or minor to the subject; it is not open to all students. 

Theater should be extracurricular for non-majors

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 11, 2022

The art of performance is beautiful and enjoyable. Many students love the feeling of joining a like-minded community and stepping on the stage, personifying a character.  However, Northern Illinois University’s theater department is only offered to...

The United States needs to pursue greater energy independence and the best way to do that is by pursuing nuclear energy as a primary source of power. 

Nuclear energy: A better source of power

By Parker Otto | April 11, 2022

With gas prices being consistently above $4 per gallon, there is a desire to find a more consistent kind of energy. A source of power that won’t be as affected by global politics. The United States needs to pursue greater energy independence and the...

If there’s one thing the bottle bill proves, it’s that economic incentives are the key to improving the environment. 

Environment would benefit from Illinois bottle bill

By Parker Otto | April 10, 2022

When I went to Michigan with some buddies on spring break, I was amazed to discover that so many people in the state care about recycling. During the break, my friends and I filled several bags with plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass bottles and...

An American flag at the Barsema Alumni and Visitor's Center on Nov. 3.

US can be self-sufficient without Russia

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 8, 2022

The past month has been unpredictable with everyone's eyes glued to the news to see what Russia will do next and what the rest of the world is going to do about it.  Our first instinct was to throw sanction after sanction at Russia. One of the heaviest...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the Parental Rights in Education bill at Classical Preparatory school Monday, March 28, 2022 in Shady Hills, Fla. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is a step back for LGBTQ+ rights

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | April 8, 2022

In late March, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill will effectively ban teachers from holding any lessons about gender identity and sexual orientation, according to NPR. The bill explicitly prohibits instructors...