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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 group of women are gathered around a table. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes women deserve more appreciation in the workforce. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Appreciate women in male-dominated industries

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 14, 2023

As the number of careers in science, technology, engineering and math increase, we need to make room for women.  Women have constantly been underrepresented and underappreciated in the workforce, only representing 27% of STEM workers in 2019, according...

A Gryffindor scarf and round glasses lay on a table. Which Harry Potter Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is your favorite? (Vinícius Vieira ft | Pexels)

Poll: Which Harry Potter Defence Against the Dark Arts professor was best?

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | November 14, 2023

Full of wizards, hippogriffs, mediocre writing and a lovable friendship between three Gryffindors, the “Harry Potter” series was a staple in the lives of most 2000s kids.  The cursed position, teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, was somehow...

Applying for assistance needs to be easier

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 13, 2023

With the costs of essentials such as food and rent going through the roof, many individuals struggle with buying groceries or renting a house or apartment. The application process for assistance programs should not be so difficult, and individuals should...

Three figures look up at a sign. California's Food Safety Act, banning some food additives and coloring, is a step in the right direction. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

More states should adopt California’s Food Safety Act

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | November 13, 2023

Food additives are dangerous; while most other countries use natural preservatives and additives, the U.S. has chosen to be different. The difference is costing Americans their health.  Luckily, Assembly Bill 418, the California Food Safety Act, is...

A person gathers plastics while a personified corporate building looms behind them, spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Opinion Columnist Ashley Vargas believes large corporations are to blame for climate change, not the everyday civilian. (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Hold big corporations accountable for climate change

By Ashley Vargas, Opinion Columnist | November 13, 2023

Since grade school, we have been fed the belief that if we all do our part by recycling plastic bottles and taking shorter showers, we could somehow save our dying planet. While there is nothing wrong with limiting one's carbon footprint, the overemphasis...

A purple-colored person obsesses over a famous person depicted on either side of a veiny heart. Opinion Columnist Kahlil Kambui believes parasocial relationships can become dangerous and creepy. (Jesus Blanco | Northern Star)

Parasocial relationships can be dangerous

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | November 12, 2023

Taylor Swift, BTS and Beyoncé all have an intense, ever-loving fan base. But sometimes, this love fans have for celebrities can go too far. Parasocial relationships can be described as one-sided relationships where someone puts their time and energy...

A group of Northern Star staffers sit around a table. The Northern Star Editorial Board outlines the basics of news literacy. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Editorial: ‘The truth shall bear all light,’ journalism explained

By Northern Star Editorial Board | November 12, 2023

Not everyone understands the function of news or news organizations, so the Northern Star Editorial Board is outlining its functions and the capabilities of journalism. The Society for Professional Journalism: “Members of the Society of Professional...

A family sits around a table at a Thanksgiving meal. Americans should be aware of the dark past Thanksgiving has. (Getty Images)

The dark past of Thanksgiving

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | November 11, 2023

Thanksgiving is a tradition that dates back to the pilgrims. For most Americans it includes gathering around with friends and family, saying thanks and enjoying turkey and other great food. But the holiday of Thanksgiving actually has a dark past that...

A graphic includes two people and kindness logos. Opinion Columnist Alberto Briones interviewed students on what the kindest thing someone did for them lately. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Street interviews: World Kindness Week

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | November 9, 2023

Being kind can make someone's day better, and that's worth a lot. Every year on Nov. 13, people worldwide celebrate World Kindness Day which highlights the importance of being kind and compassionate. The World Kindness Movement, an international non-governmental...

A student holds up their final grades. Students, you can pull through the last bit of the semester, you got this! (Robin Gamboa | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Finals

By Robin Gamboa, Cartoonist | November 9, 2023

Former President Donald Trump speaks outside the courtroom after testifying Monday at the New York Supreme Court. Trump needs to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Trump’s martyrdom getting old

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | November 8, 2023

Former President Donald Trump needs to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign because of his inability to act civilly in, and out, of a courtroom. His actions are embarrassing, both for himself and the American public. Commonly known for his inflammatory...

A legal pad rests on a laptop. University students should not be required to take general education courses. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Gen ed courses should be abolished

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 8, 2023

A student sits in an economics class and struggles to stay awake. They’re bored out of their mind in a class they might not need to be in.  College students should not be required to take classes outside of their major. Students should have the...