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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 student munches on pizza from a pizza truck in front of the Holmes Student Center. Food Truck Wednesdays are an example of an NIU “tradition” that unites students, but NIU needs to create more meaningful traditions to improve campus life. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Editorial: Expand NIU’s traditions

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | April 21, 2024

The University of California Los Angeles has its Undie Run, Indiana University has its Little 500 bike race, Harvard has its Primal Scream event and Northern Illinois University has – nothing. Before entering college, prospective students are often...

A figure in high school graduation wear kicks a computer that reads FAFSA. The FAFSA backlog may have long term consequences, specifically affecting incoming NIU students. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Editorial: Consider FAFSA backlog, long-term consequences

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | April 14, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid was recently updated with the intention of creating an easier application process and an increase in aid, but now, in April, many students are still waiting for their financial aid packages.  FAFSA traditionally...

The Holmes Student Center stands under a thundercloud as money rains down from the sky. The Illinois General Assembly should approve the new funding formula to benefit Illinois universities. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Editorial: Illinois General Assembly should approve new funding formula

The Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding is proposing a new formula to calculate funding for Illinois universities. The proposed changes should be approved by the Illinois General Assembly as the new formula would increase funding...

An angry jolly rancher battles a cranky QR code in front of a sign that reads Vote in the Student Government Association Elections. The recent SGA race was highly unprofessional. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Editorial: SGA elections too unprofessional

While last week’s Student Government Association elections witnessed a record-breaking number of votes, the SGA elections last week were disappointingly unprofessional. Even if national politicians often act careless and childish, SGA should hold...

An AI interpretation of Northern Illinois University’s Altgeld Hall stands under a blue sky, developed by the AI image generator site Adobe Firefly. The Northern Star will be run by AI effective immediately, covering campus and local news via artificial intelligence. (Adobe Firefly Image)

Editorial: AI to cover campus news

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | March 31, 2024

DeKALB – In a bold move that merges tradition with innovation, the Northern Star, NIU's trusted source of news and information, has announced a groundbreaking transition. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Jane Smith, is replacing themselves...

A figure sinks down into colored layers of green and blue. Public perception of student loans can be harmful, often ignoring the possibility of drowning in debt. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Editorial: Student loans create possibility, not affordability

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | March 24, 2024

Student loans do not make things affordable. In fact, after interest accrues, they do the exact opposite. That’s not to say they aren’t a good resource for students otherwise unable to afford college, but student loans have been over-normalized as...

Alexia Musgraves, a junior public health administration major, speaks at the SGA debate Thursday. The Northern Star Editorial Board endorses Musgraves for SGA President, as well as James Innis for Vice President, Aiden O’Brien for Student Trustee and Ryan Kramer for Treasurer. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Editorial: Northern Star endorses Musgraves, Innis, Kramer, O’Brien

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | March 22, 2024

Editor’s note: The Northern Star Editorial Board Staff communicated to every student running for a Student Government Association Executive Board position via email to represent themselves in a filmed interview regarding their campaign for their positions....

A huskie puppy holds a voting ballot in its mouth with its front paws up on a ballot box that reads “Vote!” Primary elections are just as important as general elections, and college students should participate in the upcoming Illinois primary elections. (Mary Ngo | Northern Star)

Editorial: Primary elections need your vote

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 3, 2024

Primary elections are coming up, and it’s of the utmost importance to vote in them, even as college students. The Illinois primary elections are the elections that determine who will be on the ballot in November for the general elections. Tasha...

A newspaper lays open on a table to a page that reads “Letters to the Editor.” The Northern Star does not receive many letters to the editor, but the Northern Star Editorial Board would love to see readers sending in more! (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Editorial: Letters to the editor benefit journalism

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | February 25, 2024

The last letter to the editor the Northern Star published was in February 2023. Don’t be shy, readers, send in more! WHAT ARE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR? A letter to the editor is written by a reader and delivered to a publication, often to share a...

A locker room is divided down the middle with aging and broken lockers on one side and sparkling, new lockers on the other. The Rec Center’s new locker room renovations are a good start, but much more could be done. (Debbie Allen | Northern Star)

Editorial: Rec Center renovations good, but not enough

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 11, 2024

The NIU Recreation Center renovations have finally addressed the locker rooms’ glaring issues, but there is still a lot more work to be done. From the dark stains on the carpet to ugly blue lockers that began rusting what looked like years ago, the...

Two figures hold hands and walk beneath the DeKalb Theatre sign in Downtown DeKalb. The recent grants approved by the DeKalb City Council are investing in DeKalbs community and a sign of positive support from the city. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Editorial: New grants show love for DeKalb community

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 4, 2024

DeKalb City Council approved over $700,000 in grants, split between community development and local 501(c)(3) nonprofits on Jan. 22. The investment into DeKalb’s community this year shows a strong continuance of crucial support from the city. DeKalb...

An illustrated police scanner radio sends off blue, red and white radio signals. The Northern Star Editorial Board encourages readers to listen to police department radio scanner streams. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Editorial: Listen to police scanners

By Northern Star Editorial Board | December 10, 2023

While it is impossible for citizens to follow along with police officers every day, there are ways to follow what is going on in the community.  Police scanners are the one of ways police officers, dispatchers and other employees stay in contact when...