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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

Transfer student reflects on two years at the Star

Transfer student reflects on two years at the Star

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | May 5, 2022

Being a transfer student during COVID, I didn’t get to spend as much time at the Northern Star as I would have liked.  I joined the Northern Star in my junior year. I wouldn’t call myself a seasoned journalist, but I’ve been a part of a few...

Brionna Belcher says goodbye to the Star as she prepares to graduate in May.

Managing editor contemplates self growth

By Brionna Belcher, Managing Editor | May 3, 2022

While I’ve learned a lot at the Star, the biggest lesson that I’ve taken away from my experience is to believe in myself.  As a journalism major, I considered applying to the Star many times, but I always thought that I wouldn't be good enough.  Thanks...

Parker Otto sits outside on NIU's campus.

Senior reporter excited for future

By Parker Otto | May 3, 2022

At the time of this writing, it’s two in the morning and I am trying to summarize four years of working for the Northern Star. Being a writer often is made up of late evenings, fueled by Coca-Cola and a deadline. But as I write one of my final articles...

When it comes to investing in skincare, those with acne-prone skin are forced to spend way more money on products based on the ingredients and purposes.

Skincare should be affordable for all skin types

By Elisa Reamer | May 2, 2022

Having acne-prone skin means having to spend thousands of dollars over your lifetime and constantly hearing, “Just drink more water!” “Do you wash your face?” and “You know, if you didn’t eat that, your skin would clear up.”  People...

Actor Johnny Depp stands in the courtroom after a break at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Monday, April 25, 2022. Depp sued his ex-wife Amber Heard for libel in Fairfax County Circuit Court after she wrote an op-ed piece in The Washington Post in 2018 referring to herself as a "public figure representing domestic abuse."

Men can be victims too 

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

TW: mention of sexual assault and domestic violence.  As Sexual Assult Awareness month comes to a close, we know anyone can be a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence, but there is one aspect that isn’t talked about enough: men can be victims...

Wes Sanderson poses for a photo after taking Huskie football photos for the Star.

Final Goodbye: Wes Sanderson

By Wes Sanderson | April 27, 2022

Ask me to talk about the news, sports or issue of the day and I could talk to you for a good couple of hours. Ask me to talk about my relationship to the Northern Star, and I couldn’t even think where to begin. This semester has been a rollercoaster....

The word "Matter" from the phrase "Black Lives Matter" is painted in red letters along Castle Drive.

Editorial: Repaint Castle Drive BLM mural

By Northern Star Editorial Board | April 27, 2022

What once served as a powerful recognition of the importance of Black lives is now barely visible as the words “Black Lives Matter” continue to fade on Castle Drive.  The Northern Star Editorial Board believes that the words Black Lives Matter...

Some believe that money can't buy happiness, but others argue that it can solve a lot of problems that cause stress.

Unpopular Opinion: Money can buy happiness 

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

Money is very important to happiness, especially in today’s society.  It is no secret that money causes stress for families and individuals. As a student we constantly have to think about finances whether it be saving to move out, a credit card,...

A person holds period products.

Sanitary disposal boxes are a necessity in campus bathrooms

By Derek Bos, Opinion Columnist | April 24, 2022

To better safeguard the privacy of everyone who visits campus,  NIU should implement sanitary disposal boxes or tiny waste bins in not just women’s bathrooms, but in all bathrooms, period.  Sanitary disposal boxes allow for people to discreetly...

Dani Thayer, left, and Marina Lanae, right, both of Tulsa, Okla., hold pro-choice signs at the state Capitol, Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Oklahoma City, the day after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill making it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Oklahoma abortion ban infringes on health rights  

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 21, 2022

Earlier this month, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed Senate Bill 612, a near-total abortion ban, making it illegal to perform an abortion, “except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency,” and punishable by up to 10 years in federal-state...

“Parks and Recreation” premiered in 2009 and ended in 2015, but then came back for a special episode in 2020. It stars Amy Poehler, Nick Ocafferman, Chris Pratt and Rashida Jones.

Unpopular opinion: ‘Parks and Recreation’ is better than ‘The Office’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor | April 21, 2022

“The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” are two workplace sitcoms that have been loved by many for years and rightfully so. They are both hilarious and feature talented actors, but to me, there’s one that comes out on top every time and that...

As the anticipation for the semester's end increases, and you purchase tickets to carnivals, music festivals, movies and more, you still need to do what is best for your health and the health of those around you. 

Summer plans require personal responsibility as COVID-19 lingers

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 21, 2022

It’s been over two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and everyone is ready for it to be over. The weather is getting warmer, more events are being held, restaurants are opening back up and many mask mandates have been dropped. People...