Northern Star
 

Advertisement

Braven
 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.

Express Yourself: A Northern Star project
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Lucy Atkinson

Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor

Lucy Atkinson first joined the Northern Star in the fall of 2022 as an opinion columnist. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, she is a junior at NIU majoring in journalism with hopes to minor in geology. In her free time, Lucy enjoys reading, going for runs, playing piano and collecting notes on Illinois’s beautiful flora and fauna!

All content by Lucy Atkinson
Savanah Brandt, a junior communications major, responds to a street interview prompt. If you could receive any gift this holiday season, what would it be? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Holiday gifts

By Jackson Shields and Lucy Atkinson
December 8, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump's appointed "border czar" Tom Homan speaks to state troopers Nov. 26. Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson believes Homan is among Trump's selections for White House officials which are a cause of concern. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Trump’s White House selections prophesize disaster

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
December 5, 2024
An analog clock in 12-hour time and a digital clock in military time sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week. Is telling time in two 12-hour periods or one 24-hour period more inconvenient? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: 12-hour versus 24-hour clocks

By Ethan Ernst and Lalita Rai
December 4, 2024
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 Editor
December 2, 2024
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)

[Photo] Generation Z’s analog technology obsession lifts spirits

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist
December 1, 2024
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 Editor
November 21, 2024
Kayla Schaffer, a senior health and human sciences major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What are your plans for after graduation? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Graduation

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
November 18, 2024
A candle glows orange over a transgender pride flag. In an Express Yourself opinion piece, Christy-Lynne Lapine reminds readers that the Transgender Day of Remembrance is not a celebration, but a commemoration of transgender lives lost. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Express Yourself: Transgender Day of Remembrance is commemoration, not holiday

By Christy-Lynne Lapine
November 18, 2024
Nuclear reactors, a solar panel and a wind turbine sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week. Is nuclear or renewable energy more beneficial and realistic? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Nuclear and renewable energies

By Ethan Ernst and Santiago Montañez Bertoletti
November 13, 2024
Five segments display five elements - sodium, iron, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen - as they appear on the period table and with a basic atomic structure diagram. Which periodic element is most like your personality? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Which periodic element best represents your personality?

By Lalita Rai, Opinion Columnist
November 12, 2024
Alessandra Alvizo, a first-year law student, responds to a street interviews prompt. What are your stress levels at right now, and how do you manage that stress? (Northern Star Grahic)

Street Interviews: Managing stress

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
November 4, 2024
A young child watches as Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris speaks Monday at a campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson pleads for voters to think of America’s future generations and cast a vote for Harris this election. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Vote for Harris, vote for the future

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
November 4, 2024
The word "Vote" is surrounded by various symbols representing issues important to the American public this presidential election. With just a few days until the election, which issue is most important to your vote? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Which issue is most important to you this election?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist
October 31, 2024
Nick Cipra, a senior geology major, poses in a large paper mache horse head as BoJack Horseman for the Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest. Cipra's first time using paper mache was for the creation of this costume! (Courtesy of Nick Cipra)

BoJack Horseman costume wins Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 30, 2024
Three contestants for the Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest pose in their costumes. Vote for your favorite costume before the spooky ballot closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 30! (Photos courtesy of Tiajuana Hernandez, Jacob Chupich and Nick Cipra)

Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest: Vote now!

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 29, 2024
Ballots that read "Yes on City Clerk" float into a green ballot box. Former second ward alderman Bill Finucane encourages DeKalb voters to vote yes on City Clerk this election, which will change the City Clerk from an elected to an appointed position. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Express Yourself: Vote yes on City Clerk

By Bill Finucane
October 29, 2024
Shopping bags, a ghost holding a trick-or-treat bag, and craft supplies sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week. Is it better to wear store-bought or homemade Halloween costumes to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Store-bought versus homemade Halloween costumes

By Ethan Ernst and Lalita Rai
October 28, 2024
Blood with a low battery symbol drips behind a salt shaker labeled “Boundaries” and a garlic head labeled “self-love.” Energy vampires might not seem as threatening as Nosferatu, but it’s important to to prevent the energy vampires in your life from draining you too often. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Don’t let the energy vampires get you

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 27, 2024
A table in the Founders Memorial Library displays Safe Passage items and information. Opinion Columnist Lalita Rai encourages all cultures, religions and societies to abandon the dangerous ideology that women should remain in every marriage, even abusive ones. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Love should never be violent

By Lalita Rai, Opinion Columnist
October 23, 2024
Five segments display different planets and symbols associated with them, all surrounding a tiny astronaut reading a book. If you had to take a remote class in outer space, which planet would you choose to study on? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Remote learning in space

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist
October 23, 2024
A tombstone reads “The Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest” between a smiling jack-o-lantern and a black cat. The Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest will open for submissions Oct. 23 and close 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Northern Star Halloween Costume Contest commences

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 22, 2024
Emma Alquicira, a junior elementary education major, responds to a street interviews prompt in Spanish. What impact do you hope to make in your career? (Northern Star Graphic)

Spanish Street Interviews: What impact do you want to make?

By Lucy Atkinson and Santiago Montañez Bertoletti
October 21, 2024
A red squirrel gnaws on a walnut shell on a tree branch at East Lagoon. NIU’s campus is delightfully graced by the presence of many squirrels, and taking the time to watch them can cheer an anxious mind. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Love letter for fluffy-tailed friends

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 21, 2024
A letter that reads “Por los que no están con nosotros,” or in English “For those who are not with us,” floats over a path of footprints surrounded by 20 Latin American flags. As Latino Heritage Month comes to an end, Opinion Columnist Santiago Montañez emphasizes the need to both celebrate the cultural impact of Latin American communities in the U.S. and remember the sacrifices made by Latin American immigrants. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Por los que no están con nosotros

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist
October 16, 2024
Alli Simmons, a junior communication studies major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What’s your favorite meal at the dining halls, and what would you most like to see changed about the dining halls? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Dining halls

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 14, 2024
A wildfire blazes Saturday near Arnegard, North Dakota. The increasing rate of wildfires is a steady warning signal that we need swift climate action. (Arnegard Fire Protection District via AP)

Wildfires are warning flags, not just tragedies

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 9, 2024
Elimelech Freites-Alvarado, a sophomore biochemistry major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What’s your game plan if the zombie apocalypse starts on NIU’s campus? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Zombie apocalypse

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
October 7, 2024
Tamiah Griffin, a freshman art major, responds to a street interview prompt. How often do you skip classes, and do you think attendance should be mandatory? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Attendance and missing class

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 30, 2024
North Carolina, a ballot box and a comment symbol sit beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week. Mark Robinson, the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, is facing controversy after multiple offensive comments were traced back to him by CNN. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Mark Robinson

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti and Will Thiel
September 30, 2024
A figure sits thinking in front of a rainbow gradient of humanities field symbols, while spiky speech bubbles coming from off-frame read: “Useless!” “Worthless!” and “Low Pay!” Opinion Columnist Sofia Didenko believes labeling certain majors useless is both harmful and untrue. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] No major is useless

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist
September 29, 2024
Five segments display different symbols for a variety of fiction genres, including: fantasy, mystery, horror, sci-fi and romance. What is your favorite genre of fiction? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What genre of fiction is your favorite?

By Jackson Shields, Assistant Opinion Editor
September 29, 2024
"Faulkner Studies," volumes one through three, sits on a bookshelf near other famous literary works in the reference section of the Founder's Memorial Library. Opinion Columnist Jackson Shields encourages the consumption of challenging art to promote deeper thinking. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Try art that challenges your thinking

By Jackson Shields, Assistant Opinion Editor
September 26, 2024
A sad, little stomach cries in a thought bubble surrounded by various breakfast foods. What college kid breakfast do you think is best? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What college kid breakfast is best?

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist
September 24, 2024
A sketching hand and clapperboard are shown inside a TV beneath the word “Look Both Ways” and above the topic of the week: Animation versus live-action TV. Is animated or live-action TV more engaging for viewers? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Animation versus live action

By Jackson Shields and Sofia Didenko
September 23, 2024
Brianna Sanders, a junior nursing major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What is your earliest memory, and what do you think is best about being a child compared to being in college? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: From childhood to college

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 22, 2024
Two orange mushrooms grow side-by-side on a mossy forest floor in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson and her older sister were delighted to find the mushroom pair in August, looking like another little pair of sisters. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

No friendship like a sister’s

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 22, 2024
A hand drops a coin into a tip jar. It won't destroy you to leave a tip, Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson argues, so choose to be courteous next time you get the chance. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Don’t be grumpy, leave a tip

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 18, 2024
Cash and a credit card are separated by a “versus” symbol beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Should society go cashless? Credit cards may be much more environmentally friendly, but cash has greater security against cybercrimes. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Should society go cashless?

By Jackson Shields and Sofia Didenko
September 16, 2024
Maya Al Massad responds to a street interviews prompt. In honor of the late actor, what was your favorite thing about James Earl Jones? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: James Earl Jones

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 15, 2024
A self-love heart floats above the palm of a hand as hearts float down toward another pair of open hands, which are about to grasp a letter. From the love of her great-grandmother, Tootsie, Editor-in-Chief Olivia Zapf has learned to push through life with care for herself and others. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] The most important skill: loving yourself, others

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief
September 15, 2024
A nest of paper wasps is covered with busy wasps inside the "Don't Walk" pedestrian sign at the intersection of Annie Glidden and Normal Road. Wasps and hornets are the subject of many people's fear, but especially as autumn approaches even the creepiest crawlies become vulnerable. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Sharp edges are vulnerable too

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 11, 2024
Four quadrants display different methods of public transportation, including: ferries, trains, buses, bikes and scooters. What method of public transportation is your favorite? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What’s your favorite method of public transportation?

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist
September 10, 2024
An eye peers out beyond chaotic gray and brown scribbles. Opinion Columnist Jackson Shields views his anxiety as a myopic - or near-sighted - enemy that aims to keep him from meaningful experiences. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] My myopic self and I

By Jackson Shields, Assistant Opinion Editor
September 10, 2024
A figure in bed sits between a map icon for school and a map icon for home beneath the words "Look Both Ways" and the subject of the week: first-years on campus. Should first-years be required to live on campus? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: First-years on campus

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti and Will Thiel
September 9, 2024
I’liyah Jones, a freshman health sciences major, responds to a street interviews prompt. What’s the nicest thing someone’s done for you today, and what’s the nicest thing that’s ever been done for you? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: National Courtesy Month

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 8, 2024
Yellow and blue flowers and a line of school pencils surround a cartoon school building and the country Ukraine. Opinion Columnist Sofia Didenko grew to love the Ukrainian School she attended as a child, grateful for the exposure it provided to her heritage. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Too cool for Ukrainian school

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist
September 4, 2024
TyLyn Martin, a junior pre-med major, responds to a street interviews prompt. How did you handle the heat on campus? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: How do you manage heat on campus?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
September 3, 2024
A Huskie reaches through trees in a forest, staring uncertainly at a calculator and a compass that reads “Deficit Plan.” Students and faculty should not be overtly concerned about the deficit, but Huskies should also be aware that NIU is not out of the woods yet. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Editorial: NIU deficit not dire but worth attention

By The Northern Star Editorial Board
September 3, 2024
Box fans line the windows in Neptune West, one of the residence halls without air conditioning. How do you manage the sweltering heat on campus? (Lucy Atkinson| Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What’s the best way to spend a hot day?

By Jackson Shields, Assistant Opinion Editor
September 2, 2024
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris talks with Liberty County High School marching band members Wednesday in Hinesville, Georgia. Popular social media platforms are among the tools the Harris Walz campaign is using to generate engagement with young, Gen Z voters. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Kamala HQ campaigns right with social media

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
August 29, 2024
Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson’s 12-year-old knees are crossed with bandaids. For children, scrapes are evidence of fun at the playground, just like failures as adults should be viewed as evidence of progress. (Courtesy of Shelley Atkinson)

Failure isn’t scary on summer legs

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
August 28, 2024
Republican presidential candidate nominee Donald Trump speaks at a rally Friday in Glendale, Arizona. Opinion Editor Lucy Atkinson believes Trump’s speaking tactics in presidential debates are harmful to the purpose of debates. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump’s debate tactics degrade purpose

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
August 26, 2024
A computer in the Founder’s Memorial Library displays NIU’s 2024-2025 academic calendar. Some universities outside the United States rely on year-round academic calendars different from the calendar used at most American universities, like NIU. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Consider year-round academic calendar

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist
August 25, 2024
Isaac Garcia, a junior health sciences major, responds to a street interview prompt. If you could take any class, real or imaginary, what would it be? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Why did you choose NIU?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
August 25, 2024
A suitcase sits in front of a door. When going on summer vacations, you should prepare for travel to make the most out of your trips. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] How to survive vacation

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor
April 30, 2024
A little personified brain experiences different types of finals across four quadrants: final exams, final presentations, final projects and final papers. As you conquer these final hurdles before summer, which type of final do you prefer? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Which type of final do students prefer?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist
April 30, 2024
An exam paper and six floating question marks rest under the word "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: standardized testing. Should standardized testing be eliminated or embraced? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Standardized testing

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti and Will Thiel
April 29, 2024
A grey square reads “No internet connection. Please check your internet connection and try again,” beneath the WiFi symbol. Don’t worry, you’re not missing out, and no photo will ever load here, but this image is a headache most people are well-accustomed with in the modern world. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star Graphic)

[Photo] Editorial: Internet needs federal funding in modern world

By The Northern Star Editorial Board
April 28, 2024
Four quadrants display symbols associated with four different types of NIU clubs: Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Department Clubs and clubs that are just for fun. Which club makes the most impact on campus? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Which NIU club is most impactful?

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief
April 23, 2024
The molted exoskeleton of a cicada nymph is left behind in the grass. The emergence of cicada broods offer us a unique opportunity to celebrate big change in our own lives. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Embrace the cicada swarms

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
April 23, 2024
A squirrel and geese rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: Wildlife campus takeover. If one of the two had to take over campus, what would you prefer: squirrels or geese? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Campus takeover, squirrels vs. geese

By Olivia Zapf and Lucy Atkinson
April 22, 2024
A donkey and an elephant linked together by a yellow connection are snipped apart by a large pair of scissors. Given the meaningful values that are often linked to our political beliefs, it is OK to break ties with family and friends over politics. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star Graphic)

[Photo] End ties over politics

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist
April 21, 2024
The Holmes Student Center Amazon Hub screen reads "There is no additional cost for shipping to an Amazon Locker." The HSC Amazon Hub could aid student package security, especially for students living in dorms. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Amazon Hub improves campus delivery

By Emily Beebe, News Editor
April 15, 2024
Two American flags and music notes rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel
April 15, 2024
School supplies rest on a table. Equity in education is critical to student success as is pushing a need for better school funding. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Equitable education critical for student success

By Nanette Nkolomoni, Copy Editor
April 14, 2024
Olivia Lesniewski, a junior music education major, responds to a street interview prompt. Share a joke! (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: National Humor Month

By James Bennett and Lucy Atkinson
April 11, 2024
Siberian squill flowers burst up along the East Lagoon, filling a patch beneath the trees with bright blue. What’s your favorite spring smell? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What’s the best spring smell?

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist
April 9, 2024
A video surveillance camera and a school building rest under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Cameras in classrooms. Should there be cameras in classrooms? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Cameras in classrooms

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti and Alberto Briones
April 8, 2024
Four quadrants contain symbols from four famous forms of poetry: haiku, sonnet, acrostic and limerick. April is National Poetry Month, what type of poetry is best? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What type of poetry is best?

April 2, 2024
A checklist, looking glass and dollar bills rest under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Higher Learning Commission accreditation. Should HLC accreditation occur more or less frequently? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Higher Learning Commission accreditation

By Emily Beebe and James Bennett
April 1, 2024
The new and final editor of the Northern Star, Jane Smith, smiles at the camera. Smith was developed through the online AI face-merging site, FaceShape, by combining all ten faces of the Northern Star’s editorial board into one. (Lucy Atkinson | FaceShape AI)

[Photo] Editorial: AI to cover campus news

By The Northern Star Editorial Board
March 31, 2024
A goose walks parallel to a passing bus at the DuSable turnaround. Riding the bus is an easy way for college students to contribute to a green cause. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Ride the bus for Mother Nature

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
March 27, 2024
A bulletin board on the first floor of Davis Hall displays potential job descriptions for hydrology. The USGS water research facility moving to campus will provide research opportunities for students interested in a variety of subjects, including hydrology, geology and environmental sciences. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] USGS water research facility benefits students

By Emily Beebe, News Editor
March 25, 2024
Ophelia Boyd, a first-year health science major, responds to a street interview prompt. Who is your favorite female historical figure, and what would you say to them? (Northern Star Graphic)

Street Interviews: Women in history

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor
March 25, 2024
Four quadrants display symbols from four famous coming-of-age books: "Looking for Alaska," "The Perks of being a Wallflower," "The Catcher in the Rye," and "The Outsiders." Which coming-of-age book is best? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What’s the best coming-of-age book?

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist
March 19, 2024
A brain is surrounded by floating hearts under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Togetherall. Will the new mental health app NIU has partnered with, Togetherall, bring positive change? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Togetherall

By Camilla Dziadosz and Emily Beebe
March 18, 2024
The Folger Shakespeare Library’s edition of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” published June 2017, is open to Act 5 Scene 2 and includes a glossary of Early Modern English terms featured on each page. Early Modern English is outdated and should be abandoned in modern theater. (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Early Modern English ineffective today

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist
March 17, 2024
A Supreme Court building and a voting ballot rest under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Trump on the primary ballot. Was the Supreme Court right to overrule Colorado’s expulsion of Trump from the state’s primary ballot? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Trump on the primary ballot

By Camilla Dziadosz and Will Thiel
March 7, 2024
Colorful music notes and a painted handprint rest under the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Separating art from the artist. As consumers of art, should we separate art from the artist? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Separating art from the artist

By Kahlil Kambui and Camilla Dziadosz
March 4, 2024
Music notes, a leapfrog, a birthday cake and an engagement ring surround the words: "Leap Year." Do you enjoy Leap Day? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Do you enjoy Leap Day?

By Emily Beebe, News Editor
February 28, 2024
A mouse peers outward beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Animal testing. Is animal testing justified? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Animal Testing

By James Bennett and Santiago Montañez Bertoletti
February 26, 2024
Delicious but lonely fries rest in a basket without any dipping sauces. What dipping sauce is best with french fries? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: What dipping sauce is best with french fries?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist
February 20, 2024
A phone with a pink heart is surrounded by floating white hearts beneath the words “Look Both Ways” and the topic of the week: Dating Apps. Are dating apps worth it? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Look Both Ways: Dating Apps

By Emily Beebe and Alberto Briones
February 14, 2024
Load More Stories