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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A graphic depicts a scale, a clock, the words "find balance" and books. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst appreciates the little things, especially when it comes to finding balance between being a busy college student and doing things he enjoys. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

The importance of finding time to relax in college

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | January 26, 2025

College is dreadfully busy for me, and finding time to relax without feeling guilty is tough. I need to attend class and take notes, but the instructor is dull and I can’t get a good idea for my steampunk story out of my head. My homework keeps...

The Barb City Manor retirement home, formerly known as the Joseph F. Glidden Hospital, sits on a Thursday afternoon. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst believes that raising the retirement age is needed, but also may be difficult. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Change the retirement age with care

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | January 24, 2025

The rising national debt of the United States has increased interest in reducing federal spending, and social security is one of the government’s most expensive programs. Raising the retirement age would decrease the cost of social security and increase...

A cartoon depicts a day in the life of the ordinary rooming with the unexplained in a puzzling matter. The cartoonist created different panels representing a comic strip and got their inspiration from the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. (Nicholas Rojas | Northern Star)

Rick and Tom: Puzzle

By Nicholas Rojas, Cartoonist | January 23, 2025

Goodoin Zuslan located in the Sukhbaatar District Court outside the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, sits on a winter day. Goodoin Zuslan is a summer camp located north of the capital city. (Jenny Javkhlantugs | Northern Star)

Mongolian government should take action toward eliminating pollution

By Jenny Javkhlantugs, Video Editor | January 23, 2025

When the pollution appeared in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, I began to wonder how bad the air has been since I’ve lived in the United States. The toxic air that fills your lungs makes you cough and makes you wear face masks all the time.   On Dec. 9,...

Speech bubbles and the word "JavaScript" sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week. Are soft skills or hard skills better for the workplace? (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Soft vs. hard skills in the workplace

By Emily Beebe and Sofia Didenko | January 22, 2025

SOFT SKILLS ARE BETTER FOR THE WORKPLACE By: Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor When students get a job after graduation or during their academic journey, employers look for candidates who have soft and hard skills. Soft skills include good communication,...

A graphic depicts a graduation cap, the nervous emoji, a question mark and an hourglass. Opinion Editor Emily Beebe graduates college in a few semesters and is nervous about life post-graduation. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

It’s OK if you don’t have life fully figured out yet

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor | January 21, 2025

While earning a degree is the goal, college is supposed to be a fun time. There’s a saying that the college experience is what you make it out to be. Believe me, college can be fun and exciting. You have opportunities to get involved in organizations...

Keyondra Muhammad, a junior psychology major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What do you do for self-care? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: What do you do for self-care?

By Emily Beebe and Gray Edelstein | January 21, 2025

In honor of January being self-love month, it’s important to engage in self-care activities. Self-care is good for your mental health and is a good way to unwind after a long day of classes or work. Some students across campus shared what they do...

DuSable Hall sits Friday evening as the sun sets in the background. Which building on campus is the best to have classes in or study in? (Sofia Howell | Northern Star)

Poll: Which NIU building is the best to take classes at or study?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | January 20, 2025

With the return to class, many students may have forgotten their old academic routine. Getting up early and going to class is something we had partially forgotten for a month, taking advantage of the end-of-year festivities.  However, the new semester...

President Donald Trump sits on a throne in a prison cell. Opinion Columnist Lucy Atkinson argues that Trump being sentenced with an unconditional discharge in his "hush money" case is disappointing but not surprising. (Georgie Fortuna | Northern Star)

President Donald Trump’s unconditional discharge is disappointing but not surprising

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | January 20, 2025

On Monday morning, the first ever convicted felon was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States of America, only 10 days after his sentencing.   Donald Trump received his sentence Jan. 10, after the president was found guilty on all 34...

A group of adults play pickleball during the "In the Kitchen" community event which took place Tuesday. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst believes more emphasis should be placed on people living a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid contracting conditions such as cancer or heart disease versus treating these conditions once they occur. (Jesus Aranguren | AP Photo)

Society should advocate more for healthier lifestyles

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | January 16, 2025

The top two causes of death in the U.S. have been heart disease and cancer for years. Treatments for both conditions are expensive, so it would be better for American citizens if they could avoid contracting these diseases entirely. Preventive care...

Gilbert Hall sits in front of Gilbert Drive on Wednesday afternoon. Which NIU residence hall is the best one to live in? (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Poll: Which residence hall is the best to live in?

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor | January 16, 2025

As a college student, especially a first-year student, you may decide to live in a residence hall in order to have a sense of freedom and live away from home. Other times, depending on how far away you live, you may be required to live in a residence...

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