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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

Photo illustration of student looking over transcripts.

Editorial: Let students decide grading system

By Northern Star Editorial Board | April 7, 2021

The termination of spring break, in exchange for two days off, was not an entire student body decision and has driven students to a new level of burnout out this semester. The Northern Star Editorial Board believes the university needs to incorporate...

Illustration of crowd of men and women facing different ways.

Editorial: Morris, Barnes miss diversity in platforms

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 30, 2021

 Election Day of the DeKalb consolidated election is April 6, and this year DeKalb has two candidates running for Mayor: Carolyn Morris and Cohen Barnes. With the election less than two weeks away, the Northern Star Editorial Board would like to offer...

David Byrd will become the city’s first Black police chief in its 135-year history.

Editorial: Police chief announced, continue including community

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 17, 2021

On March 8, DeKalb named Illinois State Police Col. David Byrd DeKalb’s police chief, making him the first Black man to ever hold the position in DeKalb’s 135 year-long history.  The Northern Star Editorial Board is excited to see a needed change...

Senior Northern Star Sports Editor Jarrett Huff listens during an editorial board meeting on Tuesday January 27.

Editorial: Year review as students in pandemic

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 9, 2021

On March 9, 2020, the world as we knew it stopped. This was the date that some say was the official start of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine. As college students, we have a very unique perspective that no other age group has. We are coming into our...

With the transition to in-person learning on the horizon, continuing to provide virtual classes will make learning more accessible for students.

Editorial: Continue virtual learning after pandemic

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 2, 2021

Once classes resume in-person, the Northern Star Editorial Board thinks students should still be able to attend class virtually if they are unable to attend class in person. We suggest a Zoom or virtual class being set up alongside the regular in-class...

Spring Break sign with beach background

Editorial: Two administrative closure days do not compensate for Spring Break

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 23, 2021

Thursday marked the first of two administrative closure days, but the “break” did not do what the university intended it to do.  The administrative closures were decided at an Oct. 7 University Council meeting.  These dates were Thursday and...

A doctor holds a vaccine vial in their gloved hand.

Editorial: COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory and provided by NIU

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 12, 2021

As COVID-19 vaccines roll out in Phase 1B in Illinois, college students wait eagerly for their distribution in Phase 2 to go back to social events and a proper classroom setting. However, speculation continues to interject, and vaccines remain optional,...

A surveillance testing sign hangs on the entrance of the NIU Health Services building.

Editorial: Students should get tested before returning to campus

By Northern Star Editorial Board | November 24, 2020

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the university released its plans and recommendations for Huskies traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday in a Nov. 5 email sent by NIU President Lisa Freeman. Freeman wrote students returning to campus after traveling...

DeKalb Police Department warns against unemployment scams

Editorial: DeKalb Police Department must condemn excessive use of force

By Northern Star Editorial Board | November 19, 2020

During an arrest in the Lincoln Towers parking lot in August 2019, DeKalb Sgt. Jeffery Weese was caught on video choking Aurora resident Elonte McDowell, 26. On Nov. 11 it was announced that Weese would be resigning from his position in the DeKalb Police...

Editorial: Vote yes for the fair tax amendment

Editorial: Vote yes for the ‘fair tax’ amendment

By Northern Star Editorial Board | October 29, 2020

Election day is less than a week away, so it is important to understand what's on the ballot. Everyone knows about the presidential candidates, but what Illinois voters may not know is there is a new proposed amendment that involves taxes. It has been...

The NIU Foundation has denied at least three FOIA requests since 2016.

Editorial: Anyone can, should file FOIA requests to keep university accountable

By Northern Star Editorial Board | October 7, 2020

The Illinois Attorney General’s office ruled Aug. 7 that the NIU Foundation must respond to Freedom of Information Act requests after the foundation denied at least three requests since 2016. In the aftermath of this ruling, the Northern Star editorial...

NIU bus driver speaks with a passenger Monday outside the Holmes Student Center.

Editorial: Respect COVID-19 guidelines and concerns of fellow Huskies

By Northern Star Editorial Board | August 10, 2020

In less than a month, classes will begin again.  The Northern Star Editorial Board would like to remind students to consider their health and safety and the safety of those around them as we return to campus. During this uncertainty we live in, it...