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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

The Spanish, French, Mandarin, German and Japanese translations for each language surround a black heart with a white pawprint. If you could learn another language, what would it be? (Northern Star Graphic)

Poll: If you could learn a second language, what would it be?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | March 5, 2024

Speaking another language has several benefits for college students outside the classroom. Knowing different languages has been found to boost brain function by improving memory, problem-solving and multitasking. The job market is becoming increasingly...

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)

Poll: Do you enjoy Leap Day?

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor | February 28, 2024

February brings a plethora of events such as Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, President’s Day and Groundhog Day. However, every four years is a Leap Year, which adds a day to February, so instead of 28 days, there are 29. The origin of Leap Years...

Delicious but lonely fries rest in a basket without any dipping sauces. What dipping sauce is best with french fries? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: What dipping sauce is best with french fries?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | February 20, 2024

French fries, a quintessential comfort food, are hard to beat. Fries are always a hit, regardless of the cut: waffle, straight, julienne, shoestring or crinkle. Many sauces go well with fries, such as ketchup, cheese, ranch, barbeque and honey mustard....

A copy of William Shakespeare’s 1597 “Romeo and Juliet” shows the title page of the playwright, as printed for Malone Society Reprints in 2000, and is located in the Founder’s Memorial Library. Is "Romeo and Juliet" a love story? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Is ‘Romeo and Juliet’ a love story?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Columnist | February 13, 2024

“For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo,” Act 5, Scene 3. The classic Shakespeare play was published in 1597, but whether there was never a story of more love requires debate. Let’s pick it apart, can we call “Romeo...

Iconic fashion looks and symbols from the ‘60s through the 2020s fill four panels. Which decade had the best fashion? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Poll: Which decade had the best fashion?

By Camilla Dziadosz, Opinion Columnist | February 6, 2024

As individuals, we express ourselves in many ways, but fashion has often been at the forefront. Over the decades, fashion has been an outlet for creative expression and an important aspect of culture in society.  Each decade has its flare, with fashion...

Cameras point towards the set for the Central Perk cafe from the hit ‘90s show “Friends.” Which “Friends” Thanksgiving episode is the best? (Clément Proust | Pexels)

Poll: Which ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving episode is best?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | November 20, 2023

The iconic ‘90s sitcom “Friends” had one Thanksgiving episode in each of its 10 seasons; but unfortunately, all of them could not be included in this poll.  Which of these five “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes is the best?  “The One...

Four highlight the last 4 months of the year, September, October, November and December. What’s your favorite “ber” month? (Angelina Padilla - Tompkins | Northern Star)

Poll: What’s your favorite ‘ber’ month?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | October 31, 2023

The final four months of the year, September, October, November and December, all come with their own special moments to look forward to. Seemingly rolling into each other, it is important to remember their individuality.  SEPTEMBER  September marks...

"Friends" actors (left) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc sitting in a park during "Friends: The Reunion." The group was asked if Ross and Rachel were on a break during this conversation.

Poll: Were Ross and Rachel on a break?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | March 21, 2023

A debate that has plagued the fans of the ‘90s sitcom “Friends,” is whether Ross and Rachel were on a break.  Ross and Rachel had an on again, off again relationship through the 10 season show. The first mention of the opulent taking a break...

A young woman scrolling through streaming options on her television. Each streaming service has its pros and cons, but which one is the best?

Poll: Which streaming service do you use most often?

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor | March 14, 2023

In recent years, streaming services have become increasingly popular as people turn away from traditional cable television. With the rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, viewers are able to access a wider range of content on-demand...

A young woman taking notes while on her computer during an online class.

Poll: Do you pay attention during online classes?

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | January 31, 2023

Since the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic students have grown accustomed to taking courses from the comfort of their rooms. While the ability to attend classes might be easier online, are students actually paying attention?  A study of 253 university...

A student organizing a planner so that they know when their classes are.

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

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | January 24, 2023

Whether you prefer morning, afternoon or evening classes, the course material will remain the same. Students just need to figure out what works best for their needs and personal schedules.   Morning classes  Early classes can push you to be more...