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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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

A watering can with a heart symbol waters two polka-dot flower figures in front of a yellow, plaid background. Taking care of yourself is the most selfless thing you can do. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Taking care of yourself is selfless

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 7, 2024

Self-care may sound like a selfish concept, but it’s actually the complete opposite. Caring for yourself is caring for others.  The paradox is crystal clear when we reflect on the way of the world. When those around us are healthy, we are influenced....

 A personified marijuana leaf shakes hands with a personified federal building. Marijuana is legal in some states but not at a federal level. (Aidan Renteria | Northern Star)

Marijuana should be federally legalized

By Emily Beebe, Assistant News Editor | February 7, 2024

The smell of marijuana lingers in the air, and dispensaries scatter the state of Illinois. Smoking marijuana should be legalized at a federal level. Marijuana, weed, cannabis, pot, the devil’s lettuce, whatever individuals call it, it's popular....

Iconic fashion looks and symbols from the ‘60s through the 2020s fill four panels. Which decade had the best fashion? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Which decade had the best fashion?

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 6, 2024

As individuals, we express ourselves in many ways, but fashion has often been at the forefront. Over the decades, fashion has been an outlet for creative expression and an important aspect of culture in society.  Each decade has its flare, with fashion...

Lot C sits half full during morning classes on Friday. During peak times, Lot C parking spots are often scarce as commuters and professors share paid spaces at the center of campus, close to many of the liberal arts buildings. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU faculty parking should be free

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 6, 2024

Parking fees may seem irrelevant in higher education, since most of the focus is on salaries, health insurance or retirement plans. Free parking for NIU instructors and staff is a tiny but meaningful gesture that may boost employee happiness and well-being. Sandy...

Figures dance and sing on a stage for a musical theater production. NIU should consider producing musicals through the School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

NIU should produce musicals

By Emily Beebe, Assistant News Editor | February 5, 2024

Lights, camera, action! Acting majors take the stage, always performing plays, but never musicals. NIU should offer musicals in order to benefit acting majors. NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance offers many performances throughout the semester, including...

A silhouette of the grim reaper stands between a needle and two pills beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Euthanasia. Should euthanasia be legal? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Euthanasia

By Kahlil Kambui and Emily Beebe | February 5, 2024

Euthanasia, or assisted euthanasia, is the painless killing of a person who is suffering from terminal illness, chronic incurable pain, or has little time left to live. People opt for this to end their suffering and pain. The debate of euthanasia is such...

A figure wearing a shirt with a peach icon sneers at the figure next to them, who hums happily and plays with their phone. IPhone users, stop discriminating against Android phone users. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Stop Android discrimination

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | February 4, 2024

The Apple vs. Android debate has ruffled many feathers of phone users. Both sides are extremely passionate and loyal to their phone brand. Unfortunately, the debate is too polarizing and can cause people to feel otherized.  Apple’s popularity is...

 Omar Valdez, a freshman finance major, responds to a street interviews prompt. Which major is the most difficult at NIU? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Major Pains

By Emily Beebe, Assistant News Editor | February 2, 2024

One of the important aspects of college is choosing a program that is right, based on your intended career. However, some majors are more difficult than others.  Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Some may excel at math, whereas others...

A Black woman accepts an Academy Award in front of a microphone.  Underrepresentation has long been a major issue at the Academy Awards. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Academy Awards lack diversity

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | January 31, 2024

Racism is one of the biggest controversies surrounding the Academy Awards: they’re too white and lack diversity. The academy needs to do more to combat this lack of diversity. The Academy Awards are historically bad when it comes to inclusion and...

A figure slumps over on a table in front of three shots of alcohol, one labeled with a skull and bones. Refraining from drinking alcohol is a lifestyle more people should practice. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Send alcohol down the drain

By Emily Beebe, Assistant News Editor | January 31, 2024

The month of January brings a new year, resolutions and Dry January, a time where people abstain from alcohol for the entire first month of the year. Now that January has come to an end, individuals should maintain the temperance practice. One risk...

Abstract art against a bright yellow background connects multiple copies of the number one, branching off in several directions and grouping inside a red heart. The tiny efforts of individuals should be recognized for how they add to society. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

One person can make a difference

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | January 30, 2024

Society often celebrates changes made by historical figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Rosa Parks, but what about everyday people who work toward a better world? We must value our individual efforts to increase our sense of unity and compassion.  While...

Gilbert Hall (top) and Neptune West stand under an overcast sky. Gilbert Hall is a residence hall for upperclassmen, while Neptune is a common housing choice for freshmen. Which year in college is best? (Northern Star Graphic)

Poll: What’s the best year in college?

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | January 30, 2024

It's a debate as old as time, and every college student wants to know: From the doe-eyed freshmen to the weary, wise seniors, which year in school at NIU is the best?  Every year has its positives and negatives: some are boring, some are fun and some...