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Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Angelina Padilla-Tompkins

Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor

Angelina Padilla-Tompkins is a senior majoring in communications minoring in journalism. Originally from Washington, Illinois, Angelina joined the Northern Star in January 2022 as an opinion columnist. Angelina hopes to move south, to a warmer climate, after graduating in the spring of 2024. Angelina enjoys reading a good book on rainy days.

All content by Angelina Padilla-Tompkins
A screenshot of various streaming services sit grouped together on an iPhone. Which streaming service is your favorite? (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Which streaming service is your favorite?

September 12, 2023
Cast and writers from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul pose on a picket line on Aug. 29 outside Sony Pictures studios in Culver City, California. The film and television industries remain paralyzed by Hollywoods dual actors and screenwriters strikes. Pictured are Patrick Fabian (from left), Rhea Seehorn, Norma Maldonado, Aaron Paul, Peter Gould, Betsy Brandt, Matt Jones, Charles Baker, Jesse Plemons and Bryan Cranston. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The Hollywood strike shows the importance of unions

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 6, 2023
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel, Aug. 23, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley has a respectful approach to politics

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 4, 2023
Peter Campus Life Buildings new parking signage stands with campus in the background. Senior Columnist Lucy Atkinson questions whether the new parking changes will be enough for students. (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

[Photo] It’s too soon to tell if NIU’s parking changes will be enough

August 31, 2023
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel, on Aug. 23, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Vivek Ramaswamy is not the young president America needs

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 30, 2023
An iPad sits on a conference room table with Zoom on the screen. The videoconferencing company is now asking its employees to return to the office. (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

Even Zoom shifts to in-person work

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 30, 2023
A handful of french fries sit on a table. There is a debate on which fast-food chain has the best fries. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Poll: Who has the best fries?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 29, 2023
On Sept. 20, 2022, students and community members carrying the Chilean, Cuban, Panamanian, Ecuadorian and Paraguayan flags as they parade through MLK Commons in celebration of the beginning of Latino Heritage Month. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Latinos are underrepresented in media

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 28, 2023
Migrants are loaded onto a bus at the Border Patrol headquarters on Hondo Pass, in El Paso, Texas. Officials say Illinois will provide for a funeral and burial for Jismary Alejandra Barboza González, the three-year-old migrant girl who died Aug. 10 on a bus headed to Chicago from Texas. (Mark Lambie/The El Paso Times via AP, File)

Texas, you’re playing with lives

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 27, 2023
At a comic convention in Brussels, Belgium a group of people dressed in DC characters (left) and Marvel characters face each other symbolizing the great debate of Marvel vs. DC Comics. (Miguel Discart | Wikimedia commons)

Poll: Marvel or DC Comics?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
May 2, 2023
The DeKalb County History Centers logo is red and has white text on it. Understanding local history is important so that you can learn from the past. (Patrick Murphy | Northern Star)

Knowing local history is important for the community

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 28, 2023
A list of ingredients in a drink, including food coloring, sugars, preservatives, artificial flavors and more. Senior Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins urges students to pay more attention to their food and drink ingredients.

Students should read the ingredients in packaged foods

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 26, 2023
A female student talking with her boss while holding a pen. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes college students should not stress about getting internships over the summer and should enjoy it instead.

It’s OK if you don’t have a summer internship

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 19, 2023
(left) Chris Pratt, Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans are smiling at the camera. There is a strongly contested debate of which of the Chrises is the best. (Gage Skidmore/Elen Nivrae | WIkimedia Commons)

Poll: Who is the best Chris?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 18, 2023
The cast of Outer Banks, Rudy Pankow, Madelyn Cline, Drew Starkey, Carlacia Grant, Chase Stokes, Jonathan Davis and Madison Bailey at the season three premiere in Los Angeles. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins shares her thoughts on the newest season of the famous Netflix show.

Unpopular Opinion: ‘Outer Banks’ season 3 was a disappointment

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 16, 2023
A map of Latin America countries represented by their flag. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes Latinx doesnt accomplish what was it intended to.

‘Latinx’ is unnecessary

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 12, 2023
A Margherita pizza on a plate with tomatoes and basil besides it. Senior Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins debates which pizza place is the best.

Poll: Who has the best pizza?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 11, 2023
Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb is inactive Monday during rush hour.

Fill in the Blank: DeKalb is…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 5, 2023
A plate of pancakes with peanut butter and strawberries sitting on a table. Peanut butter with pancakes is a great way to improve the taste and texture of pancakes.

Unpopular Opinion: Peanut butter is essential for pancakes

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 4, 2023
A VHS copy of Titanic sits ready to be played Monday on a desk. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Poll: Could Jack fit on the door?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 3, 2023
A pregnant woman holding her belly while talking to a doctor. WeCare4NIU is a outreach organization working with the We Care Clinic Pregnancy Clinic in downtown DeKalb.

WeCare4NIU is misleading to students

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 29, 2023
A wax figure of Spider-Man at Madame Tussauds London. Ever since Tom Holland became Spider-Man in the third adaption of the Marvel comic, many debate who best embodies Spider-Man.

Poll: Who was the best Spider-Man?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 27, 2023
Friends actors (left) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc sitting in a park during Friends: The Reunion. The group was asked if Ross and Rachel were on a break during this conversation.

Poll: Were Ross and Rachel on a break?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 21, 2023
The Patterson Hall East on an overcast Winter day. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU housing cost does not reflect dorm conditions

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 20, 2023
A researcher working on creating genetically modified organisms in a lab. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and columnist Lucy Atkinson look at the pros and cons of having GMOs in our plants and foods.

Look Both Ways: Are GMOs good for us?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Lucy Atkinson
March 9, 2023
Bourbon Street during a Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday.

The Time I… attended Mardi Gras 

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 7, 2023
A headshot of Selena Gomez during a 2021 Whitehouse visit beside a shot of Hailey Bieber walking down the sidewalk in January. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Stop incessant drama between celebrities

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
March 1, 2023
The cast of Outer Banks, Rudy Pankow, Madelyn Cline, Drew Starkey, Carlacia Grant, Chase Stokes, Jonathan Davis and Madison Bailey at the season three premiere in Los Angeles.

Love, treasure and legacy are on the docket this weekend

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 28, 2023
Fuller House, a reboot based of the 1987 sitcom Full House, on Netflix. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Unpopular Opinion: Enough with the reboots

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 20, 2023

Street Interviews: What was the most memorable Super Bowl Halftime show?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 20, 2023
Sets of dice which spell out the words I Love You and I Hate You being balanced between the words love and hate.

Fill in the Blank: Valentine’s Day is…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 14, 2023
The U.S. debt has hit the ceiling once again, raising concerns whether or not Congress should continue raising the debt ceiling.

Look Both Ways: Should we raise the U.S. debt ceiling?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Lucy Atkinson
February 13, 2023
An Overview of Lot C that was taken Tuesday afternoon from DuSable Hall. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

NIU parking desperately needs improvement

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 13, 2023
In a homage to the Boy Meets World theme song, a paper plane behind a man speaking on the podium.

Boy meets… Congress?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 8, 2023
A graphic of various animals including a giraffe and a elephant.

Look Both Ways: Are zoos good or unethical?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Nanette Nkolomoni
February 7, 2023
Tourists come from all over the world speaking more than just english. Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes that the United States can provide more accessibility.

The United States is not prepared for tourists

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 6, 2023
A pink and red heart characters holding hands. Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes that everyone should celebrate Valentines Day no matter your relationship status. It is a day for love for anyone.

Unpopular Opinion: Don’t hate on Valentine’s Day

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
February 1, 2023
A young woman taking notes while on her computer during an online class.

Poll: Do you pay attention during online classes?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 31, 2023

The FDA sides with reproductive rights

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 26, 2023
The Medieval Torture Museum, located in Chicago, shows how humans in the past were tortured in place of their mistakes.

That Time I… went to a torture museum

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 25, 2023
A student organizing a planner so that they know when their classes are.

Poll: When is the best time of day for classes? 

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 24, 2023
A sign at Twitter headquarters is shown in San Francisco, Dec. 8, 2022. New research shows climate misinformation has been flourishing on Twitter since Elon Musk purchased the platform last year. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Elon Musk, you’re in over your head

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 23, 2023
Senior Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins iPad Pro with the Hotel at Holmes Student Center in the background.

That Time I… went fully digital for school

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 18, 2023
A student studying and taking notes.

Fill in the Blank: Starting a new semester is…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 17, 2023
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin from the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969.

Putting man back on the moon might be worth the expense

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
January 16, 2023
Vanessa (left to right), Aunt Gris, William (Father), Angelina, Thalia, Bianca, Leticia (mother). Angelina’s family joined, in masks, her to celebrate her high school graduation during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That Time I… graduated high school during a pandemic

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
December 1, 2022
Women dressed in white and carrying suffragist banners of the last century, march to the Capitol in Washington D.C., July 9, 1978. The group urged Congress to extend the time for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Women’s rights have made great strides over the past 100 years

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 29, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins managed to get five tickets for the Eras tour through Ticketmasters verified fan presale.

That Time I… made it through the great Ticketmaster queue

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 20, 2022
Taylor Swift receives the award for Best Video for All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylors Version) at the European MTV Awards 2022 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022.

Taylor Swift did not deserve backlash on her ‘Anti-Hero’ music video

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 16, 2022

BTS not seeking military exemption says a lot about their character

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 15, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes we shouldnt start celebrating the Christmas season so soon after Halloween.

Unpopular Opinion: It is too soon for Christmas cheer

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 13, 2022
Recently, climate change activists have become more outspoken by doing bizarre things to gather attention.

Climate change protests distracts from the message

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 8, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes voting is essential for our democracy and if you dont vote, you shouldnt complain.

Unpopular Opinion: If you don’t vote, don’t complain

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
November 1, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins explains why she votes.

Fill in the Blank: I vote because…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 31, 2022
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor as spring 2023 enrollment opens next month.

Poll: Should academic advisers have a degree in the field they advise in?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 25, 2022
Shrimp boats lie grounded atop what was a mobile home park, following the passage of Hurricane Ian, on San Carlos Island in Fort Myers Beach, Fl., Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

Migrants will be essential to rebuilding Florida after hurricane Ian

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 24, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins talks about her first visit to the ER.

That Time I… had my first ER visit

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 20, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks about gas prices in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Washington.

Don’t blame Biden for the recent gas price increase

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 19, 2022
Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins offers her recommendations on how to celebrate spooky season in DeKalb, Chicago and at home.

Fill in the Blank: My recommendations for spooky season are…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 17, 2022
To become more empathic, it has been suggested to read more fiction books.

Reading fiction helps develop empathy

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 10, 2022
A stack of oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk in the background.

Unpopular Opinion: Oatmeal raisin cookies are better than chocolate chip

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 6, 2022
Career fairs offer opportunities for networking, resume help, workshops/ seminars and practice for interviews.

Career fairs are essential for students

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
October 1, 2022
Angelina Padilla-Tompkins discovered her newfound love for stingrays on a trip (Courtesy of Angelina Padilla-Tompkins).

That Time I… discovered my love for stingrays

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 29, 2022
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, Opinion Editor
September 28, 2022
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, Opinion Editor
September 27, 2022
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, Opinion Editor
September 26, 2022
In the age where everything is digital, making students pay for online access to their assignments while they’re already paying for textbooks, tuition and other fees just is too far.

Opinion: Access codes are absurd

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 20, 2022
For asthmatics, having a generic version inhaler can costs families over $1,000 each year.

Prescription drugs necessary for survival should be cheaper

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 19, 2022
Angelina Padilla - Tompkins of Washington, IL has been celebrating her Hispanic heritage since a young age.

Fill in the blank: You should celebrate Hispanic Heritage month because…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 18, 2022
Thomas Rhett performs during CMA Fest 2022 on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.

That Time I… went to a country concert

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 14, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington.

Opinion: Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness is a step in the right direction

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 10, 2022
A blood bag filled with fruit punch.

That Time I… visited Mystic Falls

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 8, 2022
Andrew Tate is a dangerous role model to generations.

Andrew Tate is a dangerous role model

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 1, 2022
Laptop screen depicting Crime Grades interactive crime map of DeKalb

Opinion: Gun violence and crime is out of control

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 1, 2022
Just because two songs sound similar, doesn’t mean it was stolen.

Unpopular opinion: Songs that sound similar aren’t stolen

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
September 1, 2022
While concern for the monkeypox virus has started to increase, it is becoming more important to educate yourself on the disease.

Monkeypox reactions reflect the AIDS epidemic

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 28, 2022
There is joy, freedom, excitement and belonging at festivals.

Opinion: Community festivals are essential

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 26, 2022
A colleges ranking does not determine the outcome of a students happiness or success.

Opinion: College rankings are not important

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 25, 2022
Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO.

The Time I… went to my first professional baseball game

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 25, 2022
Thousands of people of color need new organs.

Organ donation is important, especially for people of color

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
August 16, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Madelaine Vikse and Angelina Padilla-Tompkins
May 5, 2022
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, Opinion Editor
April 28, 2022
Some believe that money cant 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, Opinion Editor
April 27, 2022
District 14’s representative Lauren Underwood opened her new office this weekend in Sycamore, Illinois.

Rep. Lauren Underwood’s Sycamore office holds grand opening

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 25, 2022
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, Opinion Editor
April 21, 2022
As the anticipation for the semesters 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, Opinion Editor
April 21, 2022
A piggy bank is filled with coins. College students should support themselves without an allowance.

College students don’t need an allowance

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 19, 2022
Northern Illinois University’s theater department is only offered to those wanting to dedicate their major or minor to the subject; it is not open to all students. 

Theater should be extracurricular for non-majors

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 11, 2022
An American flag at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center on Nov. 3.

US can be self-sufficient without Russia

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Opinion Editor
April 8, 2022
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Northern Star

The Northern Star is the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. and is a limited public forum whose content is determined exclusively by its student editors. Information presented on this website and in its print products is not controlled by NIU administration, faculty or staff. The Star publishes online at northernstar.info and sends out its TLDR newsletter Monday through Friday.

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The Northern Star is the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. The Northern Star covers NIU campus news, DeKalb news, NIU Huskie sports and northern Illinois entertainment.

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Northern Star

The Northern Star is the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. The Northern Star covers NIU campus news, DeKalb news, NIU Huskie sports and northern Illinois entertainment.

Our Coverage

Campus

City

Sports

Opinion

Lifestyle

About Us

The Organization

Staff

Contact Us

Apply to the Northern Star

Submit a Tip
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