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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

A graphic shows a turkey centered in the middle of various autumnal leaves. What's the best way to spend Thanksgiving break? (Jackson Shields | Northern Star)

Poll: What is the best way to spend Thanksgiving break?

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | November 19, 2024

As Thanksgiving break creeps up, NIU students should prepare their plans for the half week off next week.  From Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, you'll have the perfect opportunity to unwind and celebrate with those close to you. Even if the holiday isn't celebrated...

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)

Poll: Which periodic element best represents your personality?

By Lalita Rai, Opinion Columnist | November 12, 2024

Chemistry is the science of the structure, composition and unique properties of elements and compounds.  To date, scientists have identified 118 elements, each with its own distinct characteristics. Just like elements, people also have unique personalities...

Six panels show pictures of different classic international foods and the flags of the countries they originate from, including: tacos, croissants, sushi, pizza, burgers and momo. What's your favorite classic international dish? (Northern Star Graphic)

Poll: Which classic international food is your favorite?

By Lalita Rai, Opinion Columnist | November 7, 2024

The beauty of the United States is its diversity of people. When people from various places gather, they bring different cultures, food and languages.  In the U.S., there are lots of options for finding international foods from Mexico, Japan, France,...

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)

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

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | October 31, 2024

The Nov. 5 general election is nearly upon us, and the two main candidates – Kamala Harris and Donald Trump – have spent the campaign season outlining their proposals and ideas and garnering the support of their respective parties.  This election...

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)

Poll: Remote learning in space

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist | October 23, 2024

“Star Trek” has popularized the idea that space is the “final frontier” for human expansion, and people like Elon Musk aim to make this a reality. Yet human colonists on other planets will still need to learn, and we already have the means for...

Five segments display different popular board games, including checkers, chess, Clue, the Game of Life and backgammon. What is your favorite classic board game? (Jackson Shields | Northern Star)

Poll: What’s the best classic board game?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | October 15, 2024

During college, students shouldn’t always be studying. You need to have some space to rest your mind and have fun with friends.  Some of these moments can be entertained by board games, popular among many cultures and known throughout the world,...

The front of a local Wingstop plastered with invitations to try their wings. Which Wingstop flavor is the best? (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Poll: Battle of the wings

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | October 8, 2024

Everyone should check out the new Wingstop location in Sycamore; it’s to die for. It’s also the closest Wingstop to NIU!  With 13 flavors of chicken wings to choose from, dry to wet, wing enthusiasts trust that Wingstop can quench their thirst...

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)

Poll: What genre of fiction is your favorite?

By Jackson Shields, Assistant Opinion Editor | September 29, 2024

Stories are strange and winding roads that can take us to many different places. Maybe that’s at the wheel of a great galleon ship being tossed between the waves, in the thick of battle with swords raised high, or aloft in a gnarled tree’s nook, gazing...

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)

Poll: What college kid breakfast is best?

By Will Thiel, Opinion Columnist | September 24, 2024

Breakfast – the most important meal of the day.  But let’s face it – college students have their own quirky take on what makes a “balanced” breakfast. It’s National Better Breakfast Month, so with a dash of sarcasm, let’s dive into the...

Students wave Latin American flags during the Latino Resource Center’s parade for Latino Heritage Month on Monday. How are you celebrating Latino Heritage Month this year? (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Poll: How are you celebrating National Latino Heritage Month?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist | September 17, 2024

On September 15, the Latino Resource Center will begin to celebrate Latino Heritage Month, hosting several events about how Latin culture has influenced modern American history. There will also be several celebrations throughout the month to remember...

The MLK statue sits near the Holmes Students Center. MLK Commons is where many activities and events are held during the semester. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Poll: What’s the most iconic spot on campus?

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | August 27, 2024

Put away your backpacks and pencils, Huskies, and pull out your thoughts on the most iconic place at NIU. Everyone has their favorite spot to grab a snack or study, but some places at NIU trump the rest.  Some icons, like William the Goose and...

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)

Poll: Which type of final do students prefer?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | April 30, 2024

Finals are around the corner, and students are preparing to take exams and finish projects, papers or presentations. Finals exist to evaluate a student’s understanding of the entire course material. They also serve to test if students are retaining...