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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

The WHO admits the pandemic is not over but the end of it is near.

Mr. President, the pandemic is not over

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | September 28, 2022

President Biden sat with American journalist Scott Pelley for a CBS News 60 minutes on Sept. 19. Throughout this interview, Pelley and Biden discussed various controversial topics, such as inflation, China and Taiwan as well as student loan relief. Still,...

Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes NIU can do more for their transfer students.

NIU drops the ball on programs for transfer students

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | September 27, 2022

NIU prides itself in being a great place for transfer students but does little for them once they arrive on campus.  Across the United States, many students choose to attend a community college before transferring to a university. 31% of community...

Founders Memorial Library is one of the many options on campus to use as a study spot.

Poll: What are the best study spots at NIU?

By Max Honermeier, Opinion Columnist | September 27, 2022

Most college students have been in this situation: There’s a big test to study for or a paper to write, but there’s something in the way. Maybe it’s a distraction nearby, or there’s a lack of inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. Environments...

While being one of the top states in public schools education, Illinois education policies hans't fixed the problems that has come up since the pandemic started.

Illinois politicians should focus on education policies

By Quade Evans, Opinion Columnist | September 26, 2022

It’s no secret that the political climate as of late has been troubling to say the least. In the midst of all the fighting between Democrats and Republicans it becomes difficult to see what they even agree on anymore. The one thing that they do have...

The popular show ran from 2005 to 2013 with a total of nine seasons.

Unpopular opinion: ‘The Office (US)’ is overrated

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | September 26, 2022

There is no denying that “The Office” is a popular television show. I have never been a fan. I tried, I really did, but just can’t see the humor in it.  The show is extremely slow-moving; I can barely sit through an entire episode. There is...

Mosquitos search for nectar and serve as the storks of the floral world, carrying pollen from plant to plant.

Unpopular opinion: Spare the mosquitos

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | September 25, 2022

Their buzz is a horrifying sound and their kiss an itching nuisance. The mosquito is undoubtedly one of the most hated creatures of the animal kingdom. But when you run into people you find annoying, you don’t kill them, do you?  When I was little,...

A movie screen with theater seating around it.

Fill in the blank: Movie theaters are…

By Abhishek Poddar, Opinion Columnist | September 23, 2022

... nostalgic. Sitting in a theater, popping popcorn, sipping up sodas, waiting for the lights to dim, being presented with trailers of future releases, getting past previews, and finally, the 35 mm art — are those memories of the past?  Well,...

Columnist Lloyd joined after-school reading programs when he was was in third grade.

That Time I…. was suspected of cheating on a reading quiz

By Mason Lloyd, Opinion Columnist | September 22, 2022

As a former 90s kid, current 20-year-olds might think I came out of an archaeological dig. Why were we so obsessed with slap bracelets (and why were they banned from school, for that matter)? Why spend so much of our meager allowances on cardboard circles...

Cheating during an over-the-board game of chess is difficult and rare.

Checkmate: Did a rook beat a king?

By Derek Bos, Opinion Columnist | September 22, 2022

There’s been an obscene amount of drama mushrooming within the chess community since Sept. 4 due to the tantrum of the sport’s all-time highest rated player and current world chess champion, Magnus Carlsen.  19-year-old Grandmaster Hans Niemann,...

Columnist Arduini believes monetary bail only furthers the gap between the rich and poor as low-income individuals are less likely to be able to afford bail.

Unpopular Opinion: Ending cash bail will benefit Illinoisans

By Philip Arduini, Opinion Columnist | September 21, 2022

Illinois’ elimination of cash bail will benefit many of its residents. On Jan. 22, 2021, the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to make changes regarding the state’s...

Mission II sitting before NIU's game against Maine last September.

NIU… It’s time for a new mascot name

By Derek Bos, Opinion Columnist | September 21, 2022

Mission II, “Mission” for short. Mini Mish. These are all the same dog. In the name of sports fans, dog fans and long-suffering media editors, please NIU: No Mission III!  Lisa Boland, trainer of Mission I and II, has confirmed that NIU has elected...

Social media has become a defining feature of our culture and developed beyond simply sharing photos and memories.

Poll: How large of a role does social media play in your life?

By Yusra Jaleel, Opinion Columnist | September 20, 2022

In consideration of National Suicide Prevention Week ending Sept. 10, it is important to examine the effects that our routine and daily habits have on our mental well-being. Impulsive social media usage is a large part of many people’s routines, but...