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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

CARTOON: May flowers

By Isaac Trusty, Cartoonist | March 9, 2023

A researcher working on creating genetically modified organisms in a lab. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and columnist Lucy Atkinson look at the pros and cons of having GMOs in our plants and foods.

Look Both Ways: Are GMOs good for us?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Lucy Atkinson | March 9, 2023

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are foods, animals and microorganisms that are changed genetically. It has been a long debate about whether GMOs are good or not, and many countries have even created laws to reflect those debates.  GMOs are not...

No more ‘boys will be boys,’ let’s hold them accountable

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | March 8, 2023

The CDC recently released a report documenting a significant increase in depression among teenage girls. The report also revealed a possible reason behind this wave of sadness and stress: a horrifying increase in sexual violence against teenage girls....

Street Interviews: Selena Gomez or Hailey Bieber?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | March 7, 2023

DeKALB – As Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber fans battle for the honor of their favored celebrity, the situation is becoming increasingly heated. Among NIU students, the general consensus seems to be an urgency to rally behind Selena, who has remained...

Bourbon Street during a Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday.

The Time I… attended Mardi Gras 

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | March 7, 2023

I first visited New Orleans in December 2019, and ever since then I told myself I would return one year for Mardi Gras; 2023 was the year I made it happen.  My fiance and I both turned 21 this year, so our trip to New Orleans turned into a birthday...

Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni debates the topic of whether or not men should practice obstetrics and gynecology because of the potential of making women feel uncomfortable in certain situations.

Poll: Are patients comfortable having a male gynecologist?

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Copy Editor | March 7, 2023

The number of men entering the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is decreasing while the number of women entering the field is increasing, according to the National Library of Medicine; in 2019, nearly 84% of residents in obstetrics and gynecology...

Spain recently passed a bill allowing menstruating employees to take paid leave ranging from three to five days.

United States ought to provide paid menstrual leave

By Nanette Nkolomoni and Lucy Atkinson | March 6, 2023

Amid a series of sexual rights reforms, Spain has begun offering menstrual leave to employees. For the health and comfort of all menstruating people, the United States should follow suit.   Spain’s new bill, passed into law on Feb. 16, will provide...

A large stamp and ink pad sit on a desk beside a stack of papers labeled as Student Government Association documents and stamped with the words "try again." Six SGA senators voted against the second round of voting for the petition, claiming that the petition was too narrow, and they'd rather propose a more broad petition at an undisclosed date. (Isaac Trusty | Northern Star)

Editorial: SGA let Black students down

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 5, 2023

During a Feb. 17 meeting, the Student Government Association voted on whether to approve a petition outlining the concerns of Black students at NIU. Instead of approving the petition, SGA senators denied it.  A petition is the SGA’s highest form...

The Six Flags ride The Wild One with riders who have their hands up as it drops over a curve.

Unpopular Opinion: Six Flags is overrated

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

While Six Flags is beloved by many people, I think it is overrated.  It is overrated because of the prices, the speed of the rides and the heights. Six Flags Great America has many rollercoasters and rides. They have family rides, thrill rides...

CARTOON: April Showers

By Isaac Trusty, Cartoonist | March 2, 2023

Instead of leaving men to internalize their issues, there should be more support systems for men to access and get help from.

We need to support men’s mental health more

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

Anxiety and depression can be considered two of the most common mental health issues in the world. Both men and women can suffer from these issues, and we need to break the stigma surrounding men and mental health. The fact that mental health for the...

Sigma Nu’s Greek house on an overcast afternoon at 114 Blackhawk Road. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Is it worth reviving Greek life?

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | March 2, 2023

Is Greek life worth bringing back? There are many reasons why Greek life should be revived. Currently, there are 691 students involved in Greek life – this number is relatively low. However, NIU is looking into investing and reviving Greek life.  Under-enrollment...