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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media 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 donkey and an elephant linked together by a yellow connection are snipped apart by a large pair of scissors. Given the meaningful values that are often linked to our political beliefs, it is OK to break ties with family and friends over politics. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star Graphic)

End ties over politics

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 21, 2024

It's another election year, and political differences are increasing stress on family and friendships. Some may say it's important to preserve these ties despite ideological differences. However, we must stand up for our values. Our mental and emotional...

Lilliana Campbell (left), a sophomore psychology major, and Adé Basurto, a junior communicative disorders major, respond to a street interviews prompt. What are your favorite food trucks? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Food Trucks

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 19, 2024

NIU’s food trucks are special for many reasons, but most importantly, they are convenient. These mobile restaurants near the Holmes Student Center provide tasty, fast meals without leaving campus. Food trucks provide variety with their different...

Four “Just Well & Dandy” panels depicts the preparations for the brothers' newfound adventure. In this comic, Well reads aloud a letter explaining their uncle has fallen ill, and Dandy sets about to delivering a cure ASAP! (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Just Well and Dandy: Quest Accepted!

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | April 18, 2024

A pair of lungs display bright, blue veins. Asbestos was recently banned by the Environmental Protection Agency, and the ban is a step in the right direction for American public health. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Breathe easy, not asbestos

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | April 17, 2024

Breathe! Asbestos has recently been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency for its harmful effects on human health. The banning of asbestos is beneficial for human health. On March 18, the EPA announced a comprehensive ban on asbestos, according...

A figure, Ambrosia, cradles the Earth in her hands, as she floats in a purple cosmos. Ambrosia is a character based off the first phone I owned. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Ambrosia

By Christa Kim, Cartoonist | April 17, 2024

A magnifying glass zooms in on the TikTok logo, which is marked with a red X. The strongly opposed legislation aimed at prohibiting foreign adversary controlled applications would prove beneficial to national security. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons | Northern Star Graphic)

TikTok regulation beneficial to national security

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | April 16, 2024

TikTok is captivating our generation and keeping us fixated on our phones. Our private information is at risk of exposure to external threats from China, yet students appear to be largely indifferent to the potential dangers.  If we don’t exercise...

The University of Southern California lines up against the University of Louisville during the American football 2023 Holiday Bowl (left), and Atalanta soccer player Isak Hien charges for the ball alongside Verona player Federico Bonazzoli during the Italy Serie A soccer match on Monday. Which “football” deserves the title more: American football or soccer? (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Spada/LaPresse via AP)

Poll: Which ‘football’ deserves the title most?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | April 16, 2024

Throughout history, there has been much discussion about the differences between soccer and American football.  Fans of each sport struggle with which of these two sports deserves to carry the title of football, as only the true sport can bear the...

A figure reaches for a door on a blue hub of Amazon delivery lockers. An Amazon Hub was recently added to campus in the Holmes Student Center. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Amazon Hub improves campus delivery

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | April 15, 2024

Amazon Hubs could become the new norm for receiving packages. Students should use Amazon Hubs to pick up their packages versus getting them shipped to their dorms to show support for the latest delivery improvement on campus. Amazon Hubs are storage...

Two American flags and music notes rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel | April 15, 2024

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS GETTING EXCESSIVE, DIAL IT BACK By: Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter I’m well aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but here goes: The national anthem does not need to be played before every sporting event.  I...

School supplies rest on a table. Equity in education is critical to student success as is pushing a need for better school funding. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Equitable education critical for student success

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Copy Editor | April 14, 2024

Many students born or raised in communities that are impoverished are at a significant disadvantage compared to students in affluent communities. This is an issue that needs resolution by prioritizing equality and quality in education to ensure that all...

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...