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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 person stares in horror and humiliation at something on their screen, whispering: No, that cant be me. Deepfake pornography must be outlawed at a federal level to protect citizens from emotional trauma. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Outlaw deepfake pornography

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | February 27, 2024

The world of AI has taken a dangerous turn and needs to be taken seriously. People are being taken advantage of through deepfake pornography. Deepfake porn is when people edit and use AI programs to alter photos of others to make nonconsensual porn....

A red embryo is linked to the adoption symbol. Biological connection is not necessary to establish a loving bond between parent and child. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Consider adoption over procreation

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 26, 2024

Too often humans are engulfed in the narcissistic and primal desires to procreate. The natural inclination for procreation distracts people from having a considerate purpose for having children, which is evident when we observe the foster care crisis.  The...

A mouse peers outward beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Animal testing. Is animal testing justified? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Animal Testing

By James Bennett and Santiago Montañez Bertoletti | February 26, 2024

ANIMAL TESTING IS UNJUSTIFIED By: James Bennett, Opinion Columnist Animal testing is among the most prevalent forms of experimentation worldwide, all justified under the guise of making the world safer for humans. Not only is this morally wrong,...

Beauty products are broken and scattered against a light blue background. Customers need to respect free samples laid on display for their advantage at stores. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Customers should respect cosmetic samples

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | February 25, 2024

Lately, there have been instances in beauty stores where customers are disrespectful toward sample products and employees. Consumers need to respect cosmetic samples and refrain from destroying or mishandling them. In beauty stores like Sephora and...

Genesis Dun, a sophomore art education major, responds to a street interview prompt. What experiences have students had with artificial intelligence? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Artificial Intelligence

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 22, 2024

The potential of artificial intelligence may not be at the level we see in sci-fi movies, but it is reaching a threshold where its applications in our world may be concerning. About 56% of students said they have used AI to complete projects and...

An angry individual kicks a printer while it displays $$$ and requires money to function. Printing should be freely accessible for all students. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Student fees should cover printing

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 22, 2024

NIU students work hard to succeed academically while handling a multitude of challenges. Printing services should be free to show NIU's mission to empower students educationally. The use of paper resources as a requirement of academic success is a...

An individual struggles against restraints while a syringe labeled Vaccines points at him and a mad scientist smiles to the right. Deciding to be vaccinated should be an individual decision, not a compulsory one. (Aidan Renteria | Northern Star)

Vaccines shouldn’t be mandatory

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | February 21, 2024

Vaccinations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been a major point of debate. Individuals should not be required to get any vaccine; the decision should be left up to the individual. Vaccine mandates could be considered an infringement...

A gray cup pours water into a sink. DeKalb should not have won the award for Best Tasting Water on Jan 26. (Olivia Zapf| Northern Star)

DeKalb’s water isn’t best tasting

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | February 20, 2024

For people who don't drink bottled water and like to indulge in the city's tap and fountain water – great news – DeKalb won best tasting water at the Illinois Section American Water Works Association, but it is not well deserved. To determine who...

Delicious but lonely fries rest in a basket without any dipping sauces. What dipping sauce is best with french fries? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: What dipping sauce is best with french fries?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 20, 2024

French fries, a quintessential comfort food, are hard to beat. Fries are always a hit, regardless of the cut: waffle, straight, julienne, shoestring or crinkle. Many sauces go well with fries, such as ketchup, cheese, ranch, barbeque and honey mustard....

An illustration of a heart has lines around it. Women masturbating has always been stigmatized. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Break stigma around women masturbating

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 19, 2024

The conversation around sex is ever-changing, but what about masturbation? Getting in tune with our bodies through masturbation, especially for females, is healthy and empowering.  Masturbation has long been addressed and directed toward males, but...

Fuzzy handcuffs and a set of keys sit against a red background. BDSM is a normal and healthy form of sexual expression. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

Normalize BDSM

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 19, 2024

BDSM – bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism –  has notoriously been considered “other” or “deviant” within society. When practiced healthily, BDSM is simply another form of expression – it’s not weird,...

Stacks of romance books with cartoon covers are displayed at the Peoria Barnes and Nobel location. Books with smut should not be marketed toward minors. (Angelina Padilla-Tompkins | Northern Star)

Stop giving kids smut

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | February 19, 2024

“Icebreaker”, “The Love Hypothesis” and countless other romance novels are smut-ridden (shoutout to Chapter 9). While these may be good reads for adults, they should not be marketed to minors.  Experiencing sexual content through a book –...