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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

Columnist Ally Formeller describes her isolating first year at NIU as a transfer student.

Firsthand account: Transferring schools during a pandemic

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | November 5, 2021

Starting my junior year here at NIU was not what I hoped it would be. Classes were all online, so exploring campus seemed awkward, and I didn’t know where I was going anyway. I was excited to meet new people, but everyone kept to themselves— making...

A piece of pumpkin pie.

Firsthand account: Thanksgiving as an out-of-state student

By Janyce-Monique Johnson | November 5, 2021

We are finally in the month of November, which means Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. For many in-state NIU students, Thanksgiving is a time to visit home and have dinner with their families. However, for out-of-state NIU students, it's time to figure...

As the holiday season approaches, Americans should stop rushing Christmas, and enjoy other holidays such as Thanksgiving too. (Madeline Schuster | Northern Star)

Stop rushing Christmas

By Janyce-Monique Johnson | November 3, 2021

After Halloween, we anticipate the November holidays, such as Thanksgiving. However, every year on Nov. 1, grocery stores, retail stores, malls, etc. immediately transition from Halloween-themed decor to Christmas, and I find it to be annoying. Nothing...

A pregnant women sits at a desk. Maternity leave is time that mothers take off after childbirth. This time not only allows them to recuperate after such a physically demanding ordeal but also allows time for them to bond with their children.

Maternity leave in US needs major updates

By Parker Otto | November 2, 2021

The Build Back Better Act has been through many changes as Democrats negotiate for what goes in it. One element of the act that has been ruthlessly butchered is maternity leave. But this mutilation of a vital element of the bill should not stand. Maternity...

Photo taken in Farmer City, IL. Despite being a blue state with a Democrat governor, a majority Democrat General Assembly, mostly Democrat reps and 2 Democrat Senators, there is a growing resentment for the party in rural areas.

Democratic Party should rethink election strategy

By Parker Otto | November 1, 2021

As the 2022 midterms approach, Democrats have the fight of their lives ahead. The party may have the presidency for the next three years, but their legislative control barely exists. With just a three-seat lead in the House of Representatives and Vice...

Janyce-Monique Johnson (bottom center) showing Huskie pride before a sporting event.

That Time I… impulsively moved to Illinois

By Janyce-Monique Johnson | November 1, 2021

In Fall 2019, I decided to move from El Paso, Texas, to Algonquin, Illinois. I am originally from Georgia, but at the time, I had been living in Texas for over two and a half years. I was enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I was taking...

A woman watching a scary movie.

5 horrible horror movies

By Janyce-Monique Johnson | October 29, 2021

As Halloween approaches, you may find yourself browsing various streaming services for a good horror movie. If you happen upon the movies on this list, I urge you  not to watch them. Beware: Here’s a list of five bad horror movies. 1. The Human...

Columnist Ally Formeller writes that Halloween doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, watching cute and festive Halloween movies is a better way to celebrate than watching scary movies.

Unpopular opinion: Cute Halloween movies are better than scary movies

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | October 29, 2021

Every October, millions of Americans spend Halloween night watching horror movies. Dozens of spooky, Halloween-themed films play on TV throughout the month.  But Halloween doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, watching cute and festive Halloween movies...

Bob Otto frequently enjoys basking in the sun.

That Time I… adopted a barn cat

By Parker Otto | October 29, 2021

One of the hardest losses is that of a pet. In August, my 12-year-old dog Chloe died. Chloe was there from the time I was eight and her death left a massive hole in my life. For the next few weeks, I would look for her when I’d come home only to realize...

An overwhelmed person looking at a laptop.

Work-life balance as a student seems near impossible

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | October 27, 2021

As a student, a good work-life balance seems almost nonexistent.  In the next week, I have two exams and three assignments due, on top of having to read multiple textbook chapters. My Google Calendar chimes, reminding me of yet another task I have...

A laptop screen shows someone writing a hateful post.

Engaging with online negativity is unhealthy

By Parker Otto | October 26, 2021

It’s hard to find something on social media that hasn’t received some form of hate, including Billie Eilish, Chris Pratt and even the new “Home Alone” reboot. It’s frankly become exhausting to see such negativity daily. While it’s nearly impossible...

A person holding a sign, advocating for reproductive rights.

Repeal the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act

By Brionna Belcher, Managing Editor | October 25, 2021

Democrats in the Illinois House and Senate are attempting to repeal a law that requires healthcare providers to notify an adult family member 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor. While the law doesn’t require consent, notifying a parent...