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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 deer and a moose sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week. Is taxidermy right or wrong? (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Taxidermy

By Sofia Didenko and Lucy Atkinson | February 27, 2025

TAXIDERMY IS WRONG By: Sofia Didenko, Assistant Opinion Editor Do the living owe bodily autonomy to the dead, when all that's left behind are their bodies? After all, the dead don't have much to say about it.  Despite this, the bodies of the...

A cartoon depicts a raised fist in honor of Black History Month. The Northern Star Editorial Board argues the celebration and education of Black history should be year round. (Kaylee Rutherford | Northern Star)

EDITORIAL: Celebrating Black history, culture does not end in February

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 26, 2025

As the shortest month of the year comes to a close, the upliftment of Black history should not. February is designated to be Black History Month and the celebration and education of Black culture should be year round.  NIU hosted a plethora of events,...

Landon Welchel, a first-year mechanical engineering major, answers a prompt. If you were NIU's president for a day, what would you change? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Talk: Being NIU’s president for a day

By Emily Beebe and Louis Banet | February 25, 2025

There are many things that students would change at NIU if given the opportunity. From changing the buses to bringing back the pool, NIU students provided their thoughts on what they would change if they were NIU’s president for a day. Landon Whelchel,...

Matt Agnew, a junior sport management major, responds to a street interviews prompt. How has the cold weather been affecting you? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Cold weather

By Emily Beebe and Gray Edelstein | February 25, 2025

As the brutal cold of winter has consumed DeKalb, the longing for spring and warmer weather is increasing. The cold weather is not fun for students who must walk outdoors to get to class. NIU students provided their thoughts on the recent cold weather...

Poll: Where is the best sweet treat spot in DeKalb?

By Gray Edelstein, Opinion Columnist | February 24, 2025

The phenomenon of getting a “sweet treat” has skyrocketed on social media like TikTok and Instagram. Whether you are craving a warm cookie, a delicious slice of cake or a cold refreshing scoop of ice cream, the perfect dessert spot can turn even...

Trevor Mitts, a junior marketing major, answers a prompt. Which NIU building has the most interesting shape? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Talk: Which NIU building has the most interesting shape?

By Emily Beebe and Louis Banet | February 24, 2025

There are many buildings across NIU that have different, unique shapes. From Altgeld Hall looking like a castle to Zulauf Hall looking like a cereal box, NIU students provided their thoughts on what building has the most interesting shape. What NIU...

A graphic depicts books, the word "English," a pencil writing on paper and a graduation cap. Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst changed his major from engineering to English and found his passion. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

Losing, then finding purpose

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | February 23, 2025

Whenever I am asked why I became an English major, I tell the same story.  During middle school, I was tasked with writing the first chapter of a novel for a project. I had recently seen the Disney animated movie “Atlantis” and chose to use it...

Emily Hernandez, a first-year accountancy major, answers a prompt. Which is better: Huskie Den or Fatty's? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Talk: Fatty’s vs. Huskie Den

By Emily Beebe and Jorge Carreón | February 23, 2025

Huskie Den and Fatty’s both have similar food options and are popular spots for students. However, it's up to personal preference as to which one students prefer most. NIU students provided their thoughts on whether they prefer the Huskie Den or...

President Donald Trump points as he arrives to speak at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Summit Wednesday. Opinion Columnist Lucy Atkinson argues that Trump's cuts to federal science funding is harmful and hurts scientists. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Trump’s attacking science, not purging waste

By Lucy Atkinson and Gray Edelstein | February 20, 2025

The onslaught of aggressive executive action has been overwhelming in the month since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. But among Trump’s most outrageous – and concerning – power plays is the recent cuts to federal science funding.  By...

Jaylah Moore, a junior finance major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What are your thoughts about Black History Month? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Black History Month

By Emily Beebe and Nia Jackson | February 20, 2025

February is Black History Month, a time where people celebrate the history, culture and contributions made to America by African-Americans. NIU students provided their thoughts on what Black History Month means to them. What does Black History Month...

A cartoon depicts a woman sliding on ice. Ice can be slippery in the winter, especially on the sidewalks before the salt gets put down. (Kaylee Rutherford | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Winter snow

By Kaylee Rutherford, Cartoonist | February 20, 2025

A cartoon depicts a football player holding a football and running toward mountains. The Northern Star Editorial Board believes NIU's move to the Mountain West Conference has more pros than cons. (Georgie Fortuna | Northern Star)

Pros outweigh cons in football’s move to the Mountain West

By Northern Star Editorial Board | February 20, 2025

NIU’s Board of Trustees approved a $2 million entrance fee for NIU football to move from the Mid-American Conference to the Mountain West Conference on Jan. 7 after spending over two decades in the MAC.  While the move leaves the remainder of NIU’s...