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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

Rapper Killer Mike sings into a microphone on a stage. Killer Mike’s wins at the 2024 Grammys were deserved and serve as an example of why artist popularity should not be prioritized over music quality. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Judge artists by quality, not popularity

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | March 6, 2024

Looking at the lineup from the 2024 Grammys, Killer Mike's album “Michael” stood out as an outlier in a sea of projects from the biggest names in hip-hop. What made it an outlier was Killer Mike’s lack of popularity compared to other nominees. There...

Two figures hold the Costa Rica and Puerto Rico flags while two figures in the back ask, ¿Estamos pintados o que? which translated to English means Are we paint on the wall or what? to indicate someone is being ignored. The NIU Latino Resource Center needs to provide recognition of all Latino students – not just those with Mexican heritage – to truly be Hispanic-serving. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Represent all Latinos, NIU

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | March 6, 2024

NIU is close to getting its Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) certification, given the large number of Latino students on campus. However, to truly be considered HSI, some aspects of the NIU Latino Resource Center need to be reviewed, especially regarding...

The Spanish, French, Mandarin, German and Japanese translations for each language surround a black heart with a white pawprint. If you could learn another language, what would it be? (Northern Star Graphic)

Poll: If you could learn a second language, what would it be?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | March 5, 2024

Speaking another language has several benefits for college students outside the classroom. Knowing different languages has been found to boost brain function by improving memory, problem-solving and multitasking. The job market is becoming increasingly...

A personified pencil raises a fist next to a voting ballot featuring a red dog and a blue cat beneath the words: “Let’s Vote!” Voting is critical to democracy and should be mandatory in the United States. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Voting should be mandatory in US

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | March 5, 2024

With the 2024 election year, numerous campaigns are taking place. It’s crucial citizens go to the polls and vote. Mandated voting in the U.S. would make sure society’s voices are heard. One key principle of democracy is that the people are the...

Colorful music notes and a painted handprint rest under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Separating art from the artist. As consumers of art, should we separate art from the artist? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Separating art from the artist

By Kahlil Kambui and Camilla Dziadosz | March 4, 2024

DON’T SEPARATE ART FROM THE ARTIST By: Kahlil Kambui, Opinion Columnist Separating the art from the artist is not an excuse to consume the art of people who have done or said terrible things. We need to hold them accountable and not consume their...

A sketched figured whistles and tunes their guitar. Country music is often hated on, but the classic genre deserves your support. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Give country music a chance

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

We’ve all heard it said: ‘I’ll listen to anything but country music.’ A statement that completely disregards a culture and alienates it as well. Country music doesn't deserve that. Give it a chance. In September 2023, over 150 million Americans...

Donald Trump raises two fists at a campaign rally Saturday in Richmond, Virginia. Opinion Columnist Will Thiel is voting for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. (AP Photo | Steve Helber)

I’m voting for Trump, here’s why

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | March 3, 2024

With his strong leadership and unique vision, Donald Trump is the candidate who can unify the fractured GOP and secure the future of America. Voting is especially hard when the age-old debate about presidential term limits is in the headlines for the...

Courtney Pincuspy, a first-year biology major, responds to a street interview prompt. What do students look for in a political candidate, and do students feel their votes matter? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Voting in elections

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | February 29, 2024

The March 19 Illinois primary is quickly approaching, and voting is imperative to ensure your voice is heard and your values are represented. Knowing which issues you value makes you a more informed voter, which is integral in our misinformed society. Heading...

A lilac ribbon with a white heart in its center represents eating disorder awareness. National Eating Disorder Awareness Week will end on March 3. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Expand eating disorder awareness

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | February 29, 2024

Feb. 26 to March 3 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Eating disorders should be openly discussed without shame or judgment all of the time, not only during the week of awareness.  This annual campaign aims to educate the public about eating...

A figure dressed in black, white, yellow and red regalia spreads their arms beneath a yellow wolf head inspired by the First Nations Native Alliance’s artwork. NIU should implement an Indigenous Resource Center as petitioned by the First Nations Native Alliance. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

NIU should approve Indigenous Resource Center

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 28, 2024

To embrace diversity, NIU must understand the needs of student groups and provide for them. An Indigenous Resource Center is necessary to foster community and give representation to Indigenous people. Indigenous students are faced with a wide range...

Music notes, a leapfrog, a birthday cake and an engagement ring surround the words: Leap Year. Do you enjoy Leap Day? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Do you enjoy Leap Day?

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | February 28, 2024

February brings a plethora of events such as Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, President’s Day and Groundhog Day. However, every four years is a Leap Year, which adds a day to February, so instead of 28 days, there are 29. The origin of Leap Years...

Former president Donald Trump raises a fist on Feb. 24 at a primary election night party in Columbia, South Carolina. Opinion Columnist Will Thiel believes Trump’s recent controversial statements about NATO were justified. (AP Photo | Andrew Harnik)

Trump’s NATO remarks benefit America

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | February 27, 2024

Donald Trump is the only viable presidential candidate who can say what he wants on TV because he is not afraid to challenge the status quo and expose the political left's hypocrisy.  Holding a minority lead in the polls, Trump manages to capture...