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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

A vertical, columnar statue reads “DeKalb” with the circular penny emblem at its top. Which iconic small town spot in DeKalb gives you the most feels? (Sofia Didenko | Northern Star)

Poll: Which iconic small town DeKalb symbol is your favorite?

By Sofia Didenko, Assistant Opinion Editor | December 3, 2024

Coming from the third largest city in the United States, living in a small town has been a big change for me.  Although only an hour and a half away, DeKalb’s scene proves to be the opposite of Chicago’s. However, as I spend more time here, I...

From the back of President-elect Donald Trump's head comes a speech bubble that reads "you're fired" as he faces the United States Department of Education. The Northern Star Editorial Board broke down several of Trump's expressed education goals during his administration - all of which are very concerning. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Editorial: Education must not be reformed as Trump intends

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | December 3, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has discussed plans to change higher education as we know it, and the implementation of these plans could be problematic. Trump claims his administration’s plans will remove liberal bias from the education system and...

President-elect Donald Trump wears a Make America Great Again hat, which shadows his face. Opinion Columnist Santiago Montañez Bertoletti fears Trump’s proposed international policies will be dangerous for Europe and much of the rest of the world. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP)

Trump’s plans for Ukraine should worry you

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | December 2, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump should not stop the military aid in Ukraine or stab the backs of European allies either. The new threats that he released to NATO are not only prejudicial to Europe but to the entire Western hemisphere. Russia and Ukraine...

A protest sign from 2018 reads “Your religion doesn’t trump my rights!” Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst worries Christianity has become too closely intertwined with conservative politics, degrading the true purpose of the religion as well as America’s fundamental values. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Remove religion from politics

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | December 2, 2024

I was raised in a Christian family, surrounded by people who believe in and adhere to the teachings of Christ and authority of the Ten Commandments. Yet, I worry that Christianity will lose its way if it becomes excessively involved in politics. History...

Abby Byer, a junior business administration and hospitality and tourism management major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What winter holiday are you looking forward to? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Winter holidays

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | December 2, 2024

It’s the first week of December, and many winter holidays are rapidly approaching. From Hanukkah to New Year’s, Christmas and Kwanzaa to Winter Solstice, there are many reasons to celebrate even the chilliest weather.  And there’s plenty of...

A modern instant camera, “instax mini 12,” sits in front of two vinyl records. Opinion Columnist Sofia Didenko see Generation Z’s appreciation for nostalgic analog technology as a worthy way to jump back in time. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Generation Z’s analog technology obsession lifts spirits

By Sofia Didenko, Assistant Opinion Editor | December 2, 2024

The flash of a digital camera can brighten a room and lift the spirits of the Generation Z user behind the lens. Currently, Gen Z is surfing through a wave of popularity for different types of old technologies. Many of us in this generation, which...

A graphic shows three bubbles containing a house, a person working at a computer and a map marker, representing the first, second and third places respectively. Opinion Columnist Sofia Didenko believes that both the NIU campus and the surrounding DeKalb area could benefit from the incorporation of more third places: areas of relaxation and socialization. (Jackson Shields | Northern Star)

DeKalb needs more third-spaces

By Sofia Didenko, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 21, 2024

A change of scenery can often create excitement and provide a new sense of motivation. Whether it be a place to study or hang out with friends, the ever-changing environment of a third place is fulfilling and adds nuance to a student’s day. However,...

Magenta rhododendrons, pink petunias, orange anemone flowers, red columbine, blue gentians, hyacinth and yellow carnations sprout from a cartoon Earth under the words: “Mother Earth arranges a Victorian bouquet for America, November 5, 2024.” During the Victorian era, flowers were used to express hidden meaning; the flowers in Mother Earth’s bouquet symbolize America’s failure to protect her by allowing another Trump administration to occur. Rhododendrons express a warning, petunias symbolize hatred and resentment, orange anemone flowers symbolize withered hopes and desertion, blue gentians express the message ‘you are unjust,’ red columbine symbolizes anxiety, hyacinths symbolize sorrow and yellow carnations symbolize disappointment and foolishness.  (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Cartoon: Floral message

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | November 21, 2024

A brown cow with a tag on its ear stands on a manure-covered ground. Opinion Columnist Lalita Rai encourages consumers to avoid purchasing furs, skins and other styles of fashion that cost animal lives. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Fashion shouldn’t cost lives

By Lalita Rai, Opinion Columnist | November 20, 2024

On the way to modern-day civilization, people across the globe formed families and communities to wear clothes, store food and handle various resources. For thousands of years, humans used animal skins and furs, tree bark and leaves to cover themselves.  Over...

A tax form and two arrows – one pointing up and the other pointing down – sit beneath the words "Look Both Ways" and above the topic of the week. Should taxes be lowered? (Jackson Shields | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Taxes

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti and Lalita Rai | November 20, 2024

During the 2024 election season, voters saw differing proposals from candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and president-elect Donald Trump.  As the former president was chosen, his policies will govern the United States for the next four years.  With...

Dark substance floats up toward the Illinois state flag while light and heart-shaped flowers burst from the top of the flag. The Northern Star Editorial Board encourages other states to dedicate government action toward addressing hate crimes, as Illinois will do with the Help Stop Hate program. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons | Northern Star Graphic)

Editorial: Help Stop Hate program heads Illinois in right direction

By The Northern Star Editorial Board | November 19, 2024

With recent political unrest, hate crime is at a record high. Action needs to be taken to lower this number. Illinois’ launch of the “Help Stop Hate” program is a step in the right direction. “We are here today to officially launch Help Stop...

A graphic shows a turkey centered in the middle of various autumnal leaves. What's the best way to spend Thanksgiving break? (Jackson Shields | Northern Star)

Poll: What is the best way to spend Thanksgiving break?

By Sofia Didenko, Assistant Opinion Editor | November 19, 2024

As Thanksgiving break creeps up, NIU students should prepare their plans for the half week off next week.  From Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, you'll have the perfect opportunity to unwind and celebrate with those close to you. Even if the holiday isn't celebrated...