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The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

Grandpa (Dennis) Johnson received a quilt of valor for his service in Vietnam.

Importance of Veterans Day

ESTELLE JOHNSON, Executive Editor Nov 12, 2025

Like many students at the University of Northern Iowa, I have family members who served in the U.S. military. My grandpa Dennis served in the Air Force as a mechanic during the Vietnam War. My grandpa...

Yo-Yo Ma performed at the Gallagher Bluedorn on. Nov. 2, as the signature artist featured for GBPAC 25-year milestone. During the show, Ma shared personal stories and his philosophies with the audience.

Yo-Yo Ma: Greatness comes from the heart, not just pure talent

LILY MUNNIK, News Editor Nov 5, 2025

Attending a Yo-Yo Ma concert is not just an evening of music —  it is an experience that changes the way you perceive art, humanity and the sheer joy of living. I had the privilege of seeing him perform...

News editor Lily Munnik, head photographer Maci Swanson, executive editor Estelle Johnson and sports editor Cohen Kamaus stand back and look at the decorated homecoming golf cart. The team had mixed emotions about their decorative work.

A student organization changed my life: Let one change yours

ESTELLE JOHNSON, Executive Editor Oct 15, 2025

Being a member of the Northern Iowan has changed my life. When I started my academic journey at the University of Northern Iowa, I wanted to be an artist. My first major was studio art – though I...

From left to right: Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, UConn star Azzi Fudd and Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers and Fever's star Caitlin Clark.

The WNBA needs a reboot, and Cathy Engelbert needs to resign

JENNA WESTENDORF, Managing Editor Oct 7, 2025

As the WNBA 2025 season comes to an end, there is a lot to be proud of. In the 2024 season, the league generated over $200 million in revenue, with projections for the 2025 season even higher. All-Star...

The iconic UNI Campanile has reopened in time for Sesquicentennial celebrations after significant renovations throughout the summer.

UNI Homecoming: Celebration events scheduled for Oct. 3, 4

ESTELLE JOHNSON, Executive Editor Oct 1, 2025

Monday, Sept. 29 marked the beginning of the University of Northern Iowa’s 150th homecoming week.  The ringing of the Sesquicentennial bell took place on Monday at 11 a.m. by the Commons on campus....

Music has always learned to adapt with its time and allow people to express themselves in ways that they couldn’t.

Music through the years

LEILA MUFTAH, Staff Writer Sep 29, 2025

Music has always been a subjective topic. Everyone has their own opinions regarding music, and each person has their own specific genre of music they like to listen to. Ever since its rise to popularity,...

Adopting a cat from a shelter can easily fit a college students tight budget.

Why Every College Student Should Consider Adopting a Cat — From a Shelter

LILY MUNNIK, News Editor Sep 24, 2025

College is stressful. Between classes, part-time jobs and the looming anxiety of adulthood, many students find themselves burnt out and emotionally drained. While universities are scrambling to expand...

Can AI truly be a tool?

Can AI truly be a tool?

Leila Muftah, Staff Writer Sep 11, 2025

“AI is a tool. The choice about how it gets deployed is ours.” - Oren Etzioni.  Since its rise to prominence in recent years, AI has been the subject of numerous discussions. How can AI be used?...

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health services, the suicide hotline at 988 is a free resource provided to anyone who calls. The University of Northern Iowa has counseling services that students can take advantage of during their academic years.

Shining a light: September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Ally Knight, Staff Writer Sep 11, 2025

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide can be a hard thing to talk about, but it is a problem that should be addressed. Suicide is the second leading cause of death between the ages of...

Best Restaurants in the Cedar Valley

Best Restaurants in the Cedar Valley

ESTELLE JOHNSON, Executive Editor Sep 3, 2025

Burgers, tacos, sandwiches and pizza – whatever a hungry college student might need, a restaurant in the Cedar Valley has it. As someone who was born and raised in this area, I know firsthand how...

Pictured above is Bailey Klinkhammer’s backpack and the transgender flag pin that she acquired from a UNI Proud tabling event her freshman year, four years ago.

We will still be here

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER, Executive Editor Apr 23, 2025

There’s a transgender flag safety-pinned to the flap of my Speedo backpack. It’s resided there for four years now, battered by the everyday wear and tear of my busy schedule. I think I acquired it...

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