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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
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A 2024 political map of Ukraine showing the regions it has lost to Russia, Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst argues that Negotiations will not stop the war between Ukraine and Russia, and that the indecision of Ukraine allies is costing Ukrainian lives. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Opinion: Negotiation will not stop the Ukraine War

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist
September 8, 2025
Two wedding bands sit overlapped on one another on a pride flag. Opinion Columnist Habiba Kamel believes that states across the U.S. should protect the right of marriage between same-sex couples. (Getty Images

[Photo] Opinion: States across the U.S. should protect the right of same-sex marriage

By Habiba Kamel, Opinion Columnist
September 7, 2025
A photo depicts a newspaper with the headline being "Good News." Opinion Columnist Lucy Atkinson argues that despite all of the bad news that is in the world, people should seek out good news stories. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Opinion: Read good news without guilt; Trump can’t steal all hope

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist
September 4, 2025
A pair of chopsticks pick up Lo mein noodles. The Asian American Resource Center held a noodle kitchen night Monday to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Culture told through cuisine in ‘Noodle Night’

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
January 27, 2025
Fingers touch a wooden block that has a symbol of a person on it. For a successful college experience, students should identify what's important and choose what to value in life. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Identify values, reinforce personal growth

By Sierra Usmani, Lifestyle Writer
March 24, 2024
A person uses a gas pump to fuel a car. The average gas price in Illinois rose from $3.03 in December 2023 to $3.19 in January 2024. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

[Photo] Gas prices steadily rising in Illinois

By Kayla Martin, News Reporter
January 30, 2024
A group of people dance on a hardwood floor with red and green lights. Dance Dimension is set to hold its third annual Tinsel an' Tutu event in December. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

[Photo] Dance Dimension to hold third annual Tinsel an’ Tutu

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer
November 15, 2023
An assortment of fresh food sits on a table. The DeKalb County Community Gardens recently announced its schedule for December. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

[Photo] DeKalb County Community Gardens announces December schedule

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer
November 8, 2023
An electric car charges at a charging station. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently announced $27 million in funding for new charging stations. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

[Photo] Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to fund electric charging stations

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2023
An altar holds pan de muerto, sugar skulls and marigolds in celebration of Day of the Dead. DeKalb's Day of the Dead celebrations take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Create Health Mobility Clinic. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Celebrate Day of the Dead in downtown DeKalb

By Lindsay Curtis, Lifestyle Writer
November 2, 2023
Graduation cap sits on $100 bills. The U.S. Department of Education withheld over $7 million to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority for sending late billing statements to over 800,000 borrowers. (Getty Image)

[Photo] U.S. Department of Education withholds funds from loan authority

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter
October 30, 2023
Little girl in witch costume has fun outdoors on Halloween trick or treat. The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds trick-or-treaters to be aware of potential dangers this Halloween. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Illinois Department of Public Health’s tips for trick-or-treaters

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer
October 25, 2023
Small amounts of psilocybin are placed in a dosette box. The legalization of psilocybin in Illinois could legitimize its usage for therapeutic purposes. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

[Photo] Ending the psilocybin ‘prohibition’ in Illinois

By Brandon Clark, Senior News Reporter
October 11, 2023
A do not cross line is place in font of police lights. The Clery act requires a yearly report be disclosed that includes crime statistics on incidents that happen on or near campus. NIU released their report Thursday. (Getty Images)

[Photo] NIU reports a spike in rape and domestic violence

By Devin Oommen, Senior News Reporter
September 28, 2023
A person holds their card in one hand and papers in the other. Impulsive spending can lead to debt, bad credit and other issues. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Gen Z might be spending, not saving

By Gabby Crabtree, News Reporter
September 25, 2023
The Illinois Capitol Building sits in the sun. The SAFE-T Act, going into effect on Sept. 18, will eliminate cash bail in Illinois. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Illinois to become first US state to eliminate cash bail

By Gabby Crabtree, News Reporter
September 8, 2023
Students walking up stairs on their way to class. The rate of students leaving college with some credits but no degree has gone up 3.6% since 2022.

[Photo] Student population with some college credits, no credentials grows

By Michael Mollsen, Senior News Reporter
April 26, 2023
A map of Latin America countries represented by their flag. Senior columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes Latinx doesn't accomplish what was it intended to.

[Photo] ‘Latinx’ is unnecessary

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
April 12, 2023
A car parked at a gas pump station. Head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Hann, said to expect gas prices continue rising throughout the spring.

[Photo] Gas prices continue rising ahead of summer

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter
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.

[Photo] Poll: Who has the best pizza?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
April 11, 2023
A crowd of faces with multiple different colors with the social justice scale symbol. Columnist Emily Beebe believes the LGTBQ+ community deserves more legal protection when it comes to their rights in the U.S.

[Photo] LGBTQ+ people deserve better federal protection

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
April 10, 2023
A man holding a rock on his shoulders. Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni explains that it is important to not let hardships defeat you.

[Photo] Unpopular Opinion: Hardships are necessary in life

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
April 6, 2023
Two vegan chickpea burgers sitting on a platter. Columnist Lucy Atkinson suggests taking a chance on vegan options when eating at fast-food chains.

[Photo] Go meatless at the next drive-thru

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist
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.

[Photo] Unpopular Opinion: Peanut butter is essential for pancakes

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
April 4, 2023
The blue zodiac signs in a circle in front of a galaxy background. This week's horoscope gives each reader a haiku to help set their expectations for this week.

[Photo] Haiku horoscopes to heal your heart

By Abigail Lamoreaux
April 2, 2023
The Rainbow Rave will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center. Registration is free.

[Photo] Rainbow Rave; night of contests, face paint, free food

By Joseph Howerton
March 31, 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.

[Photo] WeCare4NIU is misleading to students

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
March 29, 2023
The sun shining through a tree in a meadow. Human composting offers another form of after-death service that involves being one with earth's soil.

[Photo] Illinois should legalize human composting

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist
March 29, 2023
A man paying for gas at a gas pump. Gas prices went up by 6.8 cents per gallon since last week.

[Photo] Gas prices continue to fluctuate

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter
March 29, 2023
A white toy poodle prancing in a field while the sun sets.

[Photo] That Time I… got my first pet

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
March 28, 2023
A man fixing the gear shift on the rear wheel of a bike.

[Photo] Adventure Center to provide bike servicing

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter
March 27, 2023
International Transgender Day of Viability is March 31. There are multiple events happening at NIU in celebration of the holiday.

[Photo] Transgender Day of Visibility events

By Bridgette Fox, News Editor
March 27, 2023
The symbols for each sign laid out in a circle in front of a sunset. This week's horoscope reveals music for you hidden in the stars.

[Photo] Horoscopes: Music recommendations from Eilish to Eartha

By Abigail Lamoreaux
March 26, 2023
Opinion columnist Nanette Nkolomoni explained how students could benefit from a longer spring break. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Fill in the Blank: Spring break is…

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
March 23, 2023
Multiple people holding phones with bright lights illuminating their face.

[Photo] We rely on technology too much

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
March 22, 2023
Star shaped cracked arranged in the shape of the zodiac symbol for virgo. The horoscopes for this week pair each sign up with a different food ideal for their mood this week.

[Photo] Food and drink recommendations written in the stars

By Abigail Lamoreaux
March 19, 2023
Two wooden figures with a heart shaped hole in between them. Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni expresses that friends growing apart is a natural process.

[Photo] That Time I… realized outgrowing friendships is normal

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
March 10, 2023
A young woman scrolling through streaming options on her television. Each streaming service has its pros and cons, but which one is the best?

[Photo] Poll: Which streaming service do you use most often?

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
March 14, 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.

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Are GMOs good for us?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Lucy Atkinson
March 9, 2023
A man holding a gas nozzle to pump gas into his car.

[Photo] Gas prices continue to fall, but will rise soon

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter
March 8, 2023
Some vintage radios and stacks of old vinyl records on a wood shelving unit. Albums like Miles Davis’ “Ascenseur Pour L’échafaud” and Lloyd Cole’s “Don’t Get Weird on Me Babe” are perfect for spring listening.

[Photo] Top albums for the start of spring

By Eli Tecktiel
March 8, 2023
An anime-style sunset. Lifestyle Writer Anika Haley will be watching a slew of dramatic media this weekend.

[Photo] Dramatic content to watch this weekend

By Anika Haley, Lifestyle Writer
March 8, 2023
Apple TV+ was launched Nov. 1, 2019.

[Photo] Does Apple TV+ pay off or fall flat?

By Eli Tecktiel
March 7, 2023
Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni debates the topic of whether or not men should practice obstetrics and gynecology because of the potential of making women feel uncomfortable in certain situations.

[Photo] Poll: Are patients comfortable having a male gynecologist?

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
March 7, 2023
Spain recently passed a bill allowing menstruating employees to take paid leave ranging from three to five days.

[Photo] United States ought to provide paid menstrual leave

By Nanette Nkolomoni and Lucy Atkinson
March 6, 2023
The astrological signs assembled around a white circle on a black background.

[Photo] Dos and don’ts for the zodiac signs

By Abigail Lamoreaux
March 5, 2023
Women's History Month written on a March 2023 calendar in front of a wood background.

[Photo] Women’s History Month event calendar

By Eli Tecktiel
March 2, 2023
Instead of leaving men to internalize their issues, there should be more support systems for men to access and get help from.

[Photo] We need to support men’s mental health more

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
March 2, 2023
Gas prices are decreasing generally.

[Photo] Overall gas prices fall, inflation causes concern

By Caleb Johnson, News Reporter
March 1, 2023
Anika Haley ranked her top three nostalgic TV shows.

[Photo] Nostalgic TV shows for 2000s kids

By Anika Haley, Lifestyle Writer
March 1, 2023
Multiple people with thought bubbles over their heads. Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni speaks on being more open to a diverse range of thoughts because not everyone thinks the same.

[Photo] The importance of diversity of thought

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
February 28, 2023
The TikTok logo on a phone screen with other apps around it.

[Photo] TikTok’s potential U.S. ban: What we know

By Sarah Rose
February 28, 2023
A blue and orange sunset where the zodiac signs are shown in front of the orange side of the sky.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Feb. 26 – March 4

By Abigail Lamoreaux
February 26, 2023
The pickup basketball games will be held at the NIU Recreation Center.

[Photo] NIU to host faculty, staff pickup basketball games

By Jermel Williams
February 24, 2023
A man sitting on the floor playing video games with the blue light from the tv on his face.

[Photo] New horror game leaves zombies in the dirt, focuses on karaoke

By Anika Haley, Lifestyle writer
February 23, 2023
Last week, the CDC released a report outlining record-high levels of sadness among teenage girls. Columnist Lucy Atkinson believes it's time to listen to and support teenage girls.

[Photo] Teenage girls are suffering, desperate for mental health support

By Lucy Atkinson
February 22, 2023
Interns walking across a hallway while interacting with each other.

[Photo] Poll: What type of internship is better to have?

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
February 21, 2023
A young woman with a cu of coffee watering plants in front of a window in her dorm room.

[Photo] Plants that can survive the dorm life

By Sarah Rose
February 20, 2023
Two actors bowing on stage while auditioning in the lights on a theatre stage. (Photo by Getty Images)

[Photo] That Time I… auditioned for a musical

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
February 20, 2023
The symbols of the astrological signs in a circle lit up in front of a sky background.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes offers films handpicked for you

By Abigail Lamoreaux
February 19, 2023
Opinion columnist Nanette Nkolomoni discusses why being extroverted over introverted is better.

[Photo] Unpopular Opinion: Being extroverted is better

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
February 16, 2023
A woman watching television with a remote in one hand and a bowl of popcorn in the other.

[Photo] Free streaming services to consider

By Eli Tecktiel
February 16, 2023
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starts Feb. 20.

[Photo] NIU Nutrition hosts events for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

By Michael Mollsen, News Reporter
February 15, 2023
A stack of books on a wooden table in front of many shelves full of books.

[Photo] Books by Black authors to read during Black History Month

By Sarah Rose
February 14, 2023
Sets of dice which spell out the words "I Love You" and "I Hate You" being balanced between the words love and hate.

[Photo] Fill in the Blank: Valentine’s Day is…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins
February 14, 2023
A little boy hiding behind his mother while she is talking to a stranger. Many people approach strangers, depending on the situation.

[Photo] Poll: How friendly are you to those you don’t know?

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
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.

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

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Lucy Atkinson
February 13, 2023
Zodiac symbols on a white piece of paper with shiny golden hearts on top.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Feb. 12-18

By Abigail Lamoreaux
February 12, 2023
The Spring 2023 term ends May 12.

[Photo] Spring 2023 graduation deadlines: What to know

By Joseph Howerton, News Reporter
February 10, 2023
Hy-Vee grocery store will be host to NIU Nutrition Coaching's Huskies in the Aisles event. (Getty Images)

[Photo] Textbook Affordability Task Force expands, offers guides

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter
February 9, 2023
A young woman in an online course taking notes at a desk.

[Photo] Fill in the Blank: Online classes are…

By Emily Beebe
February 9, 2023
Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni believes that rather focusing on the past, Black people should focus on the future.

[Photo] Unpopular opinion: It’s time for Black Future Month

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
February 8, 2023
A red velvet cookie with white frosting with a chunk broken off and crumbles on the table.

[Photo] Love at first bite: Valentine’s Day recipes to try

By Sarah Rose
February 8, 2023
A graphic of various animals including a giraffe and a elephant.

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Are zoos good or unethical?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins and Nanette Nkolomoni
February 7, 2023
A memory box with letters, a cassette tape and photos used to remember time on a vacation.

[Photo] Keep your college memories alive

By Sarah Rose
February 7, 2023
Students raising their hands for the teacher. Columnist Emily Beebe gained internship experience her freshman year as a student-teacher.

[Photo] That Time I… got an internship as a freshman

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
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.

[Photo] The United States is not prepared for tourists

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
February 6, 2023
Cookies with red and white frosting on them sitting on an astrology chart.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Feb. 5-11

By Abigail Lamoreaux
February 5, 2023
A young woman hiding under the covers as the light from a television lights her up.

[Photo] Unpopular Opinion: Scary movies are overrated

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Columnist
February 2, 2023
A journal with notes on resolutions and pencil on a table at a cafe with a cup of coffee on a saucer.

[Photo] A new year calls for new resolutions

By Sarah Rose
February 1, 2023
In celebration of Black Heritage Month, NIU and the Center of Black Studies will be hosting 11 events.

[Photo] NIU to host events for Black Heritage Month

By Caleb Johnson, News Reporter
February 1, 2023
A pink and red heart characters holding hands. Columnist Angelina Padilla-Tompkins believes that everyone should celebrate Valentine's Day no matter your relationship status. It is a day for love for anyone.

[Photo] Unpopular Opinion: Don’t hate on Valentine’s Day

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
February 1, 2023
Opinion Columnist Nanette Nkolomoni shares her heartwarming story about her becoming her grandmother's caretaker.

[Photo] That Time I… became my grandmother’s caregiver

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Opinion Columnist
January 31, 2023
A young woman taking notes while on her computer during an online class.

[Photo] Poll: Do you pay attention during online classes?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins
January 31, 2023
A young woman flips through the pages of a book while sitting in bed.

[Photo] Time travel, second chances featured in book picks

By Sarah Rose
January 30, 2023
GettyImages-1452355025

[Photo] Valentine’s Contest 2023: Best ‘Meet-Cute’ Story

By Northern Star Staff
January 30, 2023
Since COVID-19 started in March 2020, air travel has decreased and has struggled to adjust to the new normal.

[Photo] COVID-19 has changed outlook on travel

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist
January 29, 2023
The astrological signs in a circle on a gradient space background.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Jan. 29 – Feb. 4

By Abigail Lamoreaux
January 29, 2023
Long curving rows of red theater seats with a dark background.

[Photo] Film review: ‘M3GAN’

By Nick Glover
January 24, 2023
A student organizing a planner so that they know when their classes are.

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

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins
January 24, 2023
Space exploration hit new highs in 2022 and Columnist Lucy Atkinson believes it's good we're going up into the sky again.

[Photo] A new space race is looming

By Lucy Atkinson
January 23, 2023
The All-Majors Internship and Job Fair will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Convocation Center.

[Photo] Internship, job fair to be held at Convocation Center

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter
January 23, 2023
A wheel of the astrological signs against a space background.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Jan. 22-28

By Abigail Lamoreaux
January 22, 2023
Cannabis Dispensary sales in adult use went up more than $1.5 billion from the previous year according to Gov. JB Pritzker.

[Photo] Illinois hits record-setting year in adult use cannabis sales

By Michael Mollsen, News Reporter
January 18, 2023
A student studying and taking notes.

[Photo] Fill in the Blank: Starting a new semester is…

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Senior Opinion Columnist
January 17, 2023
The astrological signs against a space background.

[Photo] Weekly horoscopes: Jan. 15-21

By Abigail Lamoreaux, Chief Copy Editor
January 17, 2023
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