I entered NIU in August of 2009. All I knew about the violence at NIU was that there was a shooting the year before in Cole hall, where six students died (yes, I acknowledge the shooter). As my freshman year started, I quickly immersed myself within the...

After reading your story regarding the mother who "struggles to rise above hardships and homelessness" it was apparent not all reported information, with respect to this particular mother, was truly investigated, confirming the facts of how and where...

In response to the article about pets from shelters, I would like to emphasize that one solitary adoption in no way represents adopting from an animal shelter as a whole. I adopted a dog from TAILS in DeKalb last September and, sure, he has gotten sick...

It should come as no secret to anyone that there are questions on the safety of our campus. It also should come as no secret that students feel more needs to be done to make our community safer. In today's Northern Star, the editors decided to print a...

I'm writing in response to the planned Monsanto advertisement on a DeKalb water tower. Here's a little about Monsanto: It's a U.S based agricultural biotechnology company known for creating the herbicide "roundup." Monsanto is also known for its aggressive...

On Tuesday, April 5, NIU students and staff will have an opportunity to positively change the direction of the city of DeKalb. Yes, Election Day is once again upon us. This election will give DeKalb voters a chance to change the make-up of city council...

A columnist with the Northern Star recently published a piece titled "Allowing guns on campus makes no sense." The story was about proposals in nine other states, to permit persons with conceal carry permits to carry on college campuses. Although I have...

Editor's Note: The following is a poem in memory of William McDermott and was written by one of his colleagues.   The light was extinguished far far too soon, Charismatic and charming, a smile that lit up the room. There was never a challenge he would...

Dear President Peters, I am writing you regarding the Northern Illinois University website. NIU is a great institution and going here has been a great experience. I have no doubt that the investment I made by coming to the university will more than pay...

Illinois’ executive branch is currently not pleasing anyone. After a raise in income tax, we still see cuts in public interest spending. Our state must be in a really sticky situation if the executive branch has decided to turn to such an unpleasant...

I am writing regarding the third anniversary of the tragic loss of five students on our campus. When the events of Feb. 14 [2008] occurred, I was just a sophomore in high school in Peoria, Ill. That day was a little different for me because when I turned...

During the debate on the confirmation of Winnie Okafor, I brought up a letter that she had written to the Northern Star because of its racially charged tone. I was accused of taking things Ms. Okafor had written out of context, but that doesn't dismiss...