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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

Tea, coffee and energy drinks contain varying levels of caffeine, a stimulant that triggers mental alertness.

Caffeine, alcohol affect students

By Anthony Parlogean | October 20, 2019

College students love two specific drugs: caffeine and alcohol. Many students will inevitably find themselves indulging in one or both. Students should determine for themselves the individual costs and benefits associated with consistent consumption of...

How will recreational marijuana affect the NIU community?

By Noah Johnson | August 26, 2019

With Gov. J.B. Pritzker signing House Bill 1438 in June, the long-standing era of marijuana prohibition will come to an end for the state of Illinois starting Jan. 1.   The bill aims to regulate and tax cannabis in a similar manner to alcohol, while...

Vaccines should be mandatory

By Ashley Hines | February 6, 2019

Choosing not to vaccinate a child has deadly consequences for the family making the decision and the population. With recent preventable outbreaks, it is imperative to public safety for the U.S. to make vaccinations mandatory for all individuals.In 2018,...

Take painkillers only when needed

Take painkillers only when needed

By Blake Glosson | October 7, 2014

Although taking over-the-counter painkillers won’t fix health problems, they can be useful for pain relief when used correctly.By understanding the function, risks and benefits of over-the-counter pain medications, you can develop a plan of action to...

Two suspects at large in local cocaine bust

By Kelly Marshall | May 1, 2013

Police are still searching for two suspected crack cocaine dealers following a number of arrests Tuesday. Ten people were arrested on drug conspiracy possession charges Tuesday. Another suspect, Antonnio Sanders, 31, of Chicago, was caught in Chicago...

DeKalb sees increase in drug-related crimes

By Ali Combs | February 12, 2013

From 2011 to 2012, there was an increase in the number of drug arrests made in 10 of 15 different drug-related charges in DeKalb, including a spike in possession of cannabis arrests, according to a police report provided by DeKalb Police Commander Jason...

Drug crimes overpower violent ones

By Danny Cozzi | January 29, 2013

Most of my friends know me for being a joker. Most of the astutely hilarious jokes I tell are blatant and exaggerated lies. I wish this story could be one of those. Here’s the would-be punch line: Every 42 seconds someone is arrested in America for...

‘Operation Safe Streets’ aims at efficiency, raising awareness

By Melissa Mastrogiovanni | March 5, 2012

Efficiency and raising awareness about a drug problem in DeKalb were the reasons 30 warrants were issued simultaneously in connection with a Thursday’s warrant sweep operation, said DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler. The drug sweep concluded the six-month...

Dead Man Walking

By Thomas Verschelde and Dave Gong | November 20, 2011

Editor's note: Due to the sensitive nature of this material, the subject's name has been changed at his request to protect his privacy. At age 21, Adam Larson died for the first time. Larson, a Rockford resident, began using drugs at age 16. "I smoked...

Physician accused of improperly issuing drugs to patients

By Kelly Bauer | October 27, 2011

  A doctor from the Sauk Medical Center, who has offices in Sterling and DeKalb, has had his physician & surgeon and controlled substance licenses suspended for allegedly prescribing drugs to patients without properly evaluating them, according to...

Pot Suckers

By Olivia Willoughby | October 24, 2011

Pot Sucker: shaped like a marijuana leaf, tastes like a sour apple. While these candies do not carry the marijuana drug inside them, some students thought the product was misleading and promoted the wrong message to children. "The name sounds ridiculous,"...

SSDP hosts psychedelic drug lecture

October 17, 2011

Thomas Roberts, professor emeritus of educational psychology, will speak on the broad field of psychedelic drugs at a lecture hosted by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP).The lecture is at 8 p.m. today in Room 405 of the Holmes Student Center and...