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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

Editor in Chief Sam Malone lies on copies of the Northern Star with a mask covering her face.

Saying goodbye to something special

By Sam Malone | May 6, 2020

As a little girl I dreamed of walking across a stage to receive my college degree, and nothing could have prepared me for this reality. The reality of a graduation without a ceremony — an accomplishment without smothering hugs from my family.  But...

A message to graduating seniors

A message to graduating seniors

Hello seniors. We didn’t think it’d end this way, did we? You’re in your final week of your NIU career, and finals may be pretty low on your list of priorities. With graduation postponed until at least August, the realization that it is the end...

NIU President Lisa Freeman sits in her office at Altgeld Hall.

President Freeman’s temporary powers are limited but still important

By Northern Star Editorial Board | April 27, 2020

The abrupt disruption of life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many decisions that effect student life at NIU, including the Board of Trustees’ decision to grant NIU President Lisa Freeman expanded authority. The board’s decision was made...

Take Earth Day to reflect on how our actions affect the planet

Take Earth Day to reflect on how our actions affect the planet

By Jordan Radloff | April 22, 2020

Wednesday marks the 50th year Earth Day is being celebrated in the U.S. since its creation in 1970. During the current health crisis, however, the holiday that celebrates the great outdoors of our planet will occur while people stay indoors during a global...

Our community can remain positive despite pandemic crisis

Our community can remain positive despite pandemic crisis

By Northern Star Editorial Board | March 24, 2020

The past few days and weeks have certainly been a difficult and confusing time for both our community and the world. Unexpected changes to daily life can cause unwanted stress and anxiety, and it is important to focus on self-care during a crisis such...

Angel Tapia displays his "I Voted Today" sticker as students participate in budget participation election March 5 at Maryvale High School in Phoenix.

Letter to the editor: presidential election voter turnout

By Sarah Beste, DeKalb Resident | March 23, 2020

Letters to the editor are the the author's opinion alone I would like to express my passion and concern for the voter turnout of NIU students in this year’s presidential election. Voting is one of the strongest powers we as citizens have, and I would...

Career and job fairs benefit students and employers

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 23, 2020

Finding a job after college can be a daunting task for many students. Thankfully, NIU offers many career fairs throughout the year that students should attend in order to make connections and find a career best suited for them.Career fairs are a popular...

Hookah bar business could be increased by marijuana

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 16, 2020

The legal smoking age of tobacco was raised from 18 to 21 in December. Because of this, many hookah bars have found themselves struggling after a large portion of their customers became unable to partake in business. Aromas Hookah Bar, 811 W. Lincoln...

Weed usage should be protected from business drug testing

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 13, 2020

Now that marijuana is legal in Illinois, there is a concern regarding employment. How will business’ drug-testing policies affect employees who use marijuana? Because marijuana is now legal, using it should be the same as going home and drinking a beer....

That time I transferred schools to change my major

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 12, 2020

Many people change their major while in college, but fewer people move to a new school for that change. This is exactly what I did.After spending four years at Illinois State University, I realized late in the game I wanted to study journalism instead...

Enrollment can increase by encouraging students to start at NIU

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 9, 2020

Going away to college is something a lot of people dream of. Every year, students around the world apply to and enroll at different universities. Despite this, NIU’s enrollment is dropping every year. If the university hopes to break this trend, it...

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right), tears her copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday after he delivered it to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Trump’s State of the Union address doesn’t unify

By Jack Baudoin, Lifestyle writer | February 5, 2020

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right), tears her copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday after he delivered it to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington.