When a public official abuses his position and power, he or she drains the public trust and discredits the principles of democracy. This is why it was so troubling when the Chicago Tribune printed an article last week showing two jurors in the corruption...

Everyone at some point in their lives experiences an "aha" moment. It could be positive or negative, but it teaches us a life lesson that will undoubtedly have a profound effect on our lives for years to come. DeKalb residents had that moment after a...

The great thing about living in America is having the right to choose. We have the right to choose where we eat, what we say and who we associate with. We also have the ability to choose whether we vote. Unfortunately, this week's campus election shows...

On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich accomplished an incredible feat — he became the only Democratic governor in the state to receive the party's re-election nod since 1965. Still, the governor has his work cut out for him if the results from the...

President Bush stared resolutely into the camera during his Jan. 31 speech and pledged, "Preparing our nation to compete in the world is a goal that all of us can share." Yes, Bush sounded emboldened and determined with his statement, but with the recent...

Hey! Are you blind or something? I'm driving here!" Until recently, screaming this on the roadways at other vehicles was just exaggerated road-rage rhetoric. But now, thanks to the misguided concerns of the Chicago Public School system, it's a legitimate...

With the probable student fee increases right around the corner, it would be wise to keep students in mind whenever NIU receives increased state funding. Sadly, this won't be the case for the $1.2 million increase NIU could receive from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's...

What's in South Dakota? Well other than Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and good scenery, not much. But South Dakota state legislature recently put the state in the national spotlight by passing the most restrictive abortion bill in decades. The legislature...

About a year ago, DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer ran on a platform proclaiming he would reform the city's confused liquor code. He's doing just that, beginning two nights ago at the liquor commission meeting. For those who missed yesterday's issue, the Northern...

Congratulations DeKalb. After several years of debate, the DeKalb City Council finally passed the smoking ban 5-2 during its Monday meeting. There were many concerns about the ban, one being that it would create an island effect, or smokers going to establishments...

It's a good thing NIU has a fleet of buses ready to pick people up at regular intervals. If it didn't, there might be students standing in the cold for longer than expected, waiting for rides that don't exist. It would be horrible. Imagine it, late to...

It's been 35 years already, stop the debate! You guys are making students just a little nervous! Friday's Northern Star reported on the university's indecision — for three and a half decades — over whether to add pluses and minuses to teachers' repertoire...