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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 husky bundles up for the cold, holding a warm coffee cup. For many students, coffee is a necessity to get through the day! (Aidan Renteria | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Coffee Break

By Aidan Renteria, Cartoonist | February 1, 2024

Four “Just Dandy” panels depict the adventures of Dandy, the black cat, alongside the guidance of an elderly wizard. Starting out his apprenticeship as a wizard in training, he finds himself cold and in need of a change of wardrobe. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Dandy: Fire hazard

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | February 1, 2024

A Black woman accepts an Academy Award in front of a microphone.  Underrepresentation has long been a major issue at the Academy Awards. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Academy Awards lack diversity

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | January 31, 2024

Racism is one of the biggest controversies surrounding the Academy Awards: they’re too white and lack diversity. The academy needs to do more to combat this lack of diversity. The Academy Awards are historically bad when it comes to inclusion and...

A figure slumps over on a table in front of three shots of alcohol, one labeled with a skull and bones. Refraining from drinking alcohol is a lifestyle more people should practice. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Send alcohol down the drain

By Emily Beebe, Assistant Editor | January 31, 2024

The month of January brings a new year, resolutions and Dry January, a time where people abstain from alcohol for the entire first month of the year. Now that January has come to an end, individuals should maintain the temperance practice. One risk...

Abstract art against a bright yellow background connects multiple copies of the number one, branching off in several directions and grouping inside a red heart. The tiny efforts of individuals should be recognized for how they add to society. (Camilla Dziadosz | Northern Star)

One person can make a difference

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | January 30, 2024

Society often celebrates changes made by historical figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Rosa Parks, but what about everyday people who work toward a better world? We must value our individual efforts to increase our sense of unity and compassion.  While...

Gilbert Hall (top) and Neptune West stand under an overcast sky. Gilbert Hall is a residence hall for upperclassmen, while Neptune is a common housing choice for freshmen. Which year in college is best? (Northern Star Graphic)

Poll: What’s the best year in college?

By Kahlil Kambui, Senior News Reporter | January 30, 2024

It's a debate as old as time, and every college student wants to know: From the doe-eyed freshmen to the weary, wise seniors, which year in school at NIU is the best?  Every year has its positives and negatives: some are boring, some are fun and some...

 Adult hands cradle baby feet beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: raising kids. Are adults obligated to raise kids? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Raising kids

By Camilla Dziadosz and Alberto Briones | January 29, 2024

RAISE CHILDREN  By: Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist Raising kids is ultimately a choice, but given that we live in a world where there are kids who need a home, being a parent is a way to give back and expand our humanity. Raising children,...

An identification card with the year of birth 2004 sits on a wooden table near a virgin margarita with a red cherry. NIU should allow students aged 19 and older to enter local bars. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Allow students 19 and older in college bars

By Lexi Nebel and Emily Beebe | January 29, 2024

College bars need to be accessible to students aged 19-years-old and up in order to provide a safe and controlled drinking environment. Students that are not of legal drinking age should still be able to spend time with their older friends. Underage...

A figure clutches their wallet with tear-filled eyes as negative money signs float from it. All internships should be paid internships to support students. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

All internships should be paid

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | January 28, 2024

Internships are an excellent way for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Employers should offer paid internships because interns must be compensated for their work, time and skills. Students seek internships to receive...

An Indian woman glances down, her face hidden behind her hair. For centuries, Indian women were denied individual identity and not allowed to speak with men. She doesn’t have the rights to anything in her life and silently accepts it all. (Meghana Kotte | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Silently Accepts

By Meghana Kotte, Cartoonist | January 28, 2024

A student sits in their room, watching Netflix and eating ramen. As students, always so worn out with school work, sometimes it’s helpful to take a pause in life and just escape reality. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Avoiding Reality

By Daniela Barajas, Cartoonist | January 28, 2024

Elizabeth Nowak, a freshman anthropology major, responds to a street interview prompt. Are New Year’s resolutions worth it? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: New Year’s resolutions

By Olivia Zapf, Assistant Opinion Editor | January 25, 2024

Every Jan. 1, individuals world-wide embark on a new journey with new goals, like drinking more water or trying to be more focused. These New Year’s resolutions are highly-regarded until February, when people stop doing them.  Oftentimes, the...