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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

The East Lagoon at NIU will sit empty the first week of the Spring 22 semester. NIU announced the decision to begin online starting Jan. 18. NIU expects to return to normal learning Jan. 25.

Make the most of winter break

By Parker Otto | December 2, 2021

With finals week rapidly approaching, students are eagerly anticipating winter break which lasts from Dec. 12 to Jan. 17. However, while there is a desperate need to relax during this time, it’s important to make the most of your break while celebrating...

Headshot of lifestyle editor, Jacob Baker.

Lifestyle editor’s goodbye

By Jacob Baker | December 1, 2021

I came to NIU after spending my first two years of college on two different campuses, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the College of Lake County. I committed to NIU based on the fact that their journalism program was one of Illinois’ best.  My...

Sports editor sends his thanks

Sports editor sends his thanks

By James Krause | December 1, 2021

It’s not cliché to say that I’ve grown a ton since I first arrived at the Northern Star, in part because the Northern Star has been a part of my life since I was 15 years old. I first walked into the Northern Star offices in between my freshman...

Managing editor reflects on 3 and a half years

Managing editor reflects on 3 and a half years

By Kierra Frazier | December 1, 2021

This fall has been my seventh and last semester at the Northern Star, and it’s nothing like I expected it to be.  This semester has drained me. It’s true that the Northern Star has been the biggest source of stress this year. It’s also true...

Cold showers aren't the best, but they aren't terrible either.

Cold showers are okay (sometimes)

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | November 29, 2021

I don’t like being cold. I get cold easily, and I’m usually sporting hoodies and fuzzy socks to keep warm.  Hot showers feel like heaven, especially after a long day or when I can’t warm up in the colder months.  But cold showers aren’t...

As we approach the end of the semester, don't be afraid to reward yourself for meeting big goals.

It’s okay to treat yourself

By Parker Otto | November 27, 2021

As the end of the semester approaches, many students must face end-of-term projects, final exams and possibly graduation. College can be stressful during these last few weeks, so it’s important to remember that it’s okay to treat yourself, especially...

Various coins sit on a shelf.

Budgeting is key in learning financial responsibility

By Parker Otto | November 23, 2021

Millennials are among the poorest generation of Americans, owning just 5.6% of American wealth compared to 28.6% of Generation X, according to The Federal Reserve. Around 40% of Americans have less than $300 in savings, according to GoBanking. With college...

A laptop displays a Cyber Monday webpage. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving. (Brionna Belcher | Northern Star)

Cyber Monday is better than Black Friday

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | November 21, 2021

In years past, Black Friday meant rushing to your favorite stores right after Thanksgiving dinner in order to get the best deals. Bundled up in puffy winter jackets, snow boots and wool gloves, shoppers would form a line that stretched across the parking...

Many college students will be heading home for Thanksgiving, but holiday break doesn't always go as planned.

6 tips for surviving Thanksgiving with your family

By Brionna Belcher, Managing Editor | November 21, 2021

Thanksgiving is almost here, and many students will be heading home to spend time with their friends and family. Being back with your family can be challenging after spending so much time apart, so here are some tips on how to make your time at home go...

Graphic of a shadow of a man silencing a distraught woman by shushing her.

Stop invalidating women’s issues

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | November 19, 2021

Since the founding of the United States, women’s rights have been argued against, politicized, ignored and invalidated. Even in the 21st century, women’s rights seem to be backsliding, and it’s increasingly frustrating to see.  When women first...

Cancel culture has become a cycle of celebrities receiving vicious attacks online after fans or other netizens disagree with them, even if that celebrity has realized their mistakes and tried to change.

Cancel culture has gone too far

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | November 18, 2021

Cancel culture is a modern form of boycotting and exclusion and often attempts to remove celebrities from their platforms. At best, it smudges reputations. At worst, it ruins careers. But cancel culture often takes the past too seriously.  Sometimes,...

A Black Friday sign in the window of a store.

US should put an end to Black Friday

By Parker Otto | November 17, 2021

Even during a pandemic, one tradition that absolutely refuses to die is Black Friday shopping. Online spending for Black Friday this year is projected to be over $200 billion, according to a report from Adobe Analytics. However, as an event, Black Friday...