Skip to Main Content

Northern Star

 

Advertisement

 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A dog sitting on a couch it has destroyed, to the dismay of its owner.

Unpopular Opinion: Pets are overrated

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | September 24, 2021

I desperately wanted a pet growing up. I begged my parents to get me a dog, or a hamster or even a fish.  I never got a dog, a hamster or a fish. And I’m glad I didn’t. Maybe it’s because I didn’t grow up with one, but I don’t like pets....

One additional student tests positive for COVID-19, ten students recover

Masks are uncomfortable… but necessary

By Parker Otto | September 21, 2021

I hate wearing a mask. I hate how uncomfortable it is. I hate how it itches against my beard. I hate the way it fogs up my glasses. I hate how people can’t see the lower half of my face. But I wear it every day to save lives. As the COVID-19 pandemic...

Weekly events

Students need mental health days

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | September 20, 2021

The conversation around mental health is nothing new. Most college students experience some kind of mental health struggle. That’s why taking mental health days— whether from work or school— is important.  But college students are suddenly being...

NIU Northern Star Columnist Ally Formeller reflects on her running journey.

That time I… made running a daily habit

By Ally Formeller, News Reporter | September 19, 2021

I run four to eight miles every week. On days I don’t run, I make sure to walk at least four miles. Before last year, I could hardly run a mile, and now it’s part of my daily routine. The pandemic changed a lot for most people. Classes were online,...

Person watches movie in open cinema in green nature.

Foreign films have big potential in America

By Parker Otto | September 18, 2021

With streaming services, it’s a lot easier to become immersed in foreign cinema than it used to be, and more people need to make an effort to find films that may be unknown to them but have the potential to become something fantastic. While most Americans...

Unemployment form.

Keep pandemic-related benefit programs open

By Yari Tapia, Lifestyle Writer | September 17, 2021

On Sept. 4, several federal benefit programs expired, leaving over 7 million people affected. Three out of four of these benefit programs were for pandemic relief. Although many places of employment have long returned to business, the COVID-19 pandemic...

A half-finished Chicago deep dish pizza.

Unpopular opinion: Deep dish pizza sucks

By Parker Otto | September 17, 2021

To quote Jon Stewart, my inspirational icon and second-favorite teacher behind Jesus, “deep dish pizza is not only not better than New York pizza, it’s not pizza!” As a Central Illinoisan from the small town of Farmer City, I love visiting Chicago....

Swamp in tropical forest, fairy landscape with marsh, trees trunks, bog grass and rocks.

Ranked: Shrek series, pinnacle of American art

By Yari Tapia, Lifestyle Writer | September 15, 2021

In 2001, DreamWorks Animation created a meticulous, incredible masterpiece that would win the hearts of many lives. This gem of a series is none other than “Shrek.” With 2021 marking Shrek’s 20th anniversary, it’s time to give the films their...

Officer Larry Williams talks to student at the front desk of Stevenson Towers.

Editorial: Students lack involvement in police chief search

By Northern Star Editorial Board | September 15, 2021

Representatives from Public Sector Search and Consulting conducted two listening sessions from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 8-9 via Zoom to gather student input about what attributes the next NIU chief of police should possess. Outside of the two hosts and one guest,...

Person uses laptop computer to input keyword for search.

Internet helps mental health awareness

By Yari Tapia, Lifestyle Writer | September 10, 2021

Mental illness has been brutally stigmatized within society. Because of this, many people live without fully acknowledging their mental health concerns. However, there have been greater efforts put into education on mental health concerns via the internet....

Blackboard with text "Lupus", book, pills and stethoscope on blue wooden background.

That time I … was diagnosed with Lupus

By Janyce-Monique Johnson | September 8, 2021

I was 14 when I first had symptoms. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, symptoms of Lupus develop in mostly women of ages 15-44. Symptoms began in 2013 when I was in the 8th grade. I had a presentation in English class, and I was nervous....

A white rose is placed in the lettering of a person who was killed at the World Trade Center to symbolize their birthday.

Editorial: We remember, 20 years later

By Northern Star Editorial Board and Wes Sanderson | September 8, 2021

On Sept. 12, 2001, the Northern Star Editorial Board published its daily editorial with a drawing of the American flag with the words “The Second Date of Infamy” right below the symbol of American freedom.  For a college press, the words spoke...