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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Society is becoming desensitized to school violence

Society is becoming desensitized to school violence

By Portia Kerr-Newman | May 1, 2011

School violence happens every day in every state, whether it is a fight, a school shooting or just general bullying. Just recently, I heard of a kindergartner bringing a gun to school in Texas. The gun fell out of the young boy's pants and went off,...

Things to consider when deciding where to take summer classes

By Portia Kerr-Newman | April 19, 2011

It's getting close to the end of the school year and students are wrapping up midterms and preparing for final exams. While some students are excited for their chance to relax following the stressful school year, not everyone is going to take a break...

Online sales taxes have positive and negative effects

Online sales taxes have positive and negative effects

By Portia Kerr Newman | April 11, 2011

Illinois' implementation of an online sales tax has its benefits and drawbacks. When I initially heard about Gov. Pat Quinn's plan, it frustrated me as someone who likes to occasionally shop online. While there are several states that pay online taxes,...

In Focus: Should Congress repeal Obamacare or keep it?

In Focus: Should Congress repeal Obamacare or keep it?

By Perspective Staff | March 24, 2011

Jack Baker, columnist It's not often that I agree with Republicans, but I have to on this issue. Obamacare was never the correct answer. Forcing people to buy insurance was supposed to lower costs how? Congress needs to revisit the health care issue and...

Campus Live Radio is a great resource for students

Campus Live Radio is a great resource for students

By Portia Kerr-Newman | February 20, 2011

Every campus has a group of things to compliment the campus, whether they be fraternities, sororities, sports teams or academic programs. But what NIU does not have is its own radio station. Being new to NIU this year, it was somewhat difficult for me...

In Focus: How will you be spending your Valentine’s Day?

In Focus: How will you be spending your Valentine’s Day?

By Perspective Staff | February 11, 2011

In Focus question: For many, Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love and relationships. For others, it is just S.A.D. (Singles Awareness Day). How will you be spending your Valentine’s Day?Aaron Brooks, columnistUnfortunately I will be in class...

Raising taxes in Illinois will only lead to more problems

Raising taxes in Illinois will only lead to more problems

By Portia Kerr-Newman | February 9, 2011

No person in their right mind would agree that the state of Illinois' idea to raise taxes was logical. Personal taxes were already 3 percent, according to a recent article by the Christian Science Monitor. The 66 percent tax increase will only make it...

College Parents Group is a valuable resource for students with children

By Portia Kerr-Newman | January 30, 2011

Some people may think it is impossible for single parents or couples with a child to attend college. Being a parent isn't an easy task and to some, going to school and raising kids may seem impossible. For those who may be struggling with such situations,...

In Focus: What do you plan on doing differently this semester?

In Focus: What do you plan on doing differently this semester?

By Perspective Staff | January 27, 2011

Jack Baker, columnist Last semester, I didn't really do those reading assignments for class. When a teacher would assign a chapter to read in the textbook, I would think to myself, "sweet, no homework." But that's going to change. I actually bought all...

In Focus: What is your New Year's Resolution?

In Focus: What is your New Year’s Resolution?

As a culture, we like to think that every year is a new opportunity to start fresh. Whether it's trying to lose weight, quit smoking, or be better people overall, as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2011, we make a resolution to improve our...