North Star News October 28, 2019
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Issue 5
Journalism Class, Fall 2019
Updates on the Turkey and Syria conflict By Nicole Nantz October 28, 2019 Photo courtesy of the Hill▶
The conflict between Syria and Turkey has risen as on October 23, President Trump lifted all sanctions in Turkey, the ceasefire expired on October 21, as on October 20 500 USA personnel move through Syria, and the release of Trump’s letter to Turkish President, Tayyip Erdoğan, which was sent on October 9. The conflict between the Kurdish, Syria, and Turkey has been going on since 1978. The Kurds are the largest ethnic group in Syria, and have large populations in Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. They are mostly Sunni Muslims, the majority of Muslims are Sunni. There are many reasons why there is a conflict between the Kurdish and Turkey, one reason is that the Kurdish want to be independent from Turkey. The main reason why the US got involved was to weaken ISIS. On October 9, Trump sent a letter to Turkish President Erdoğan about the conflict. It was released to the public on October 16. Erdoğan, reportedly, threw the letter in the bin. If you wish to read the letter, click here. The ceasefire between Syria and Turkey expired on October 21, it was meant to give the Kurdish time to withdraw from the area that they had been self-ruling. In more recent news, on October 23 Trump lifted all sanctions in Turkey, and that the ceasefire will be permanent. “The government of Turkey informed my administration that they would be stopping combat and their offensive in Syria,” Trump said. “And making the ceasefire permanent.” Since October 20, 500 USA personnel have been moving through Syria. The personnel were reported first gathered at Hasakah, Syria, and en route to the east border. Even though this conflict is far away from us, it still affects many of the Niles North students who may be from, or have family in Syria or Turkey. “We’re talking about these kids’ homes,” said Aaron Minkus, a Modern World History, ALCUSH, and Honors American History teacher. “And, we’re talking big populations of our students, not only the Assyrian community but the Syrian community in this school that is directly affected by this...This is personal for many people, many kids and staff in this school.” If you wish to continue following the live updates on the story, click here.
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Vaping tax bill released this week By Olivia Frey October 28, 2019Â
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 According to website ​The Hill​, on October 23, the vaping discussion continues after lawmakers in the house taxed vaping products. The bill, announced by Chairman Richard Neal (D.-MA), was bipartisan (supported by both Democrats and Republicans), and was introduced by representatives Tom Suozzi and Pete King. The bill was passed out by a committee, with a 25 to 14 vote.  The Hill s​ tated that bill is expected to raise close to 10 billion dollars over the next decade, because it would reduce other bill costs, and make health plans cover costs of medications such as inhalers. The tax will cover nicotine vaping products, like Juul, 50 dollars per 1,810 mg. “Younger people are more sensitive to price changes,â€? Suozzi said. “We know that this will help. Will it solve the whole problem? Absolutely not,â€? as quoted by ​The Washington Examiner.​  The outrage has come from thousands of cases regarding mysterious lung-related illnesses that have affected teens nationwide. The CDC recently confirmed that because of these illnesses, thirty three people have died and fifteen hundred people are hospitalized. The illness has mostly affected teenagers in middle school and high school.  According to a recent survey done by the television show ​Today​, approximately 28% of high schoolers use some sort of e-cigarette, which is twice as many users since 2017. Recently, the CDC has confirmed that thirty-three people have died and fifteen-hundred people are ill because of what is suspected to be e-cigarettes.  Â
Celebrate Halloween on Thursday By Darlene Sese October 28, 2019 Â
 With Halloween coming up in a few days, it is important for students to have fun during the school day within respectable limits. As a reminder from the deans’ office, throughout the school hours, students may not wear masks or full face paint, no props/costumes that represent weapons or acts of violence, no costumes that represent drugs or alcohol, no bare midriffs or revealing clothing, no costumes misappropriating other races, cultures, religions, or genders, and hats are only allowed as part of your full costume.  The faculty and staff of Niles North are permitted to modify or ask you to change your costume if it is too distracting or causes interference with learning as well as if it is a violation to the dress code policy. If you are unsure if your costume is school appropriate, you may stop by the Deans’ office for feedback.  Â
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Doctors push flu shots for everyone By Nicole Nantz October 28, 2019 Â
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Starting in October, doctors are pushing for people around the USA to get flu shots to prepare for the upcoming flu season. According to new sources such as WTCHR, there have already been two confirmed deaths related to the flu, both in Indiana.  Since Australia and other southern hemisphere countries have their flu season during our summer, most doctors use this to predict what will happen in the USA. In 2017, ​79,000 people died from the flu in Australia Due to this, many companies are recommending that people get their flu shots before the season starts. A statement of Alex Novielli, manager of immunization in Pharmacy and Retail of Walgreens. ​“As does the CDC, we recommend everyone six months of age and older get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October,â€? Novielli said. “It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to fight the flu after getting your flu shot, so it’s important to get it before the flu spreads in your community to best protect yourself and loved ones.â€? Doctors especially recommend children, pregnant women, the elderly(65 years and older), and people who have chronic health conditions to get a flu shot before the season starts. The flu season can last from October to, possibly, May, so it will be here for a while. ​Click here to get more information on the flu.   Â
U.S. - China trade war cripples some businesses By Lanie Mae Rasay October 28, 2019Â
 BEIJING--President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi JinPing’s meeting. / Picture credits: Jonathan Ernst Â
On October 7, the Trump administration created a blacklist called the “Entity Listâ€? which contains 28 Chinese groups, which is one unintended consequence to the trade war. The Entity List was created because of the concerns of China’s human rights violations due to detainment of Uighur Muslims and other religious minorities. ​ (cont. Page 4)Â
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“The world's two largest economies—the US and China—have been integrated. But now the Trump administration is trying to change that. And the trade war is not only going to affect American businesses and consumers,” PBS NewsHour’s Foreign Affairs correspondent Nick Schifrin said. The blacklisted Chinese tech companies were believed to partake in the oppression of the religious minorities in China. China’s government considers the detainment as “re-educating” the +1 million citizens. “Our center is to prevent terrorism thoughts from happening,” a detention center director said. These businesses lost the privilege to sell in the U.S. and lost the freedom to purchase U.S. goods. U.S. companies need government consent in order to do business with any of the blacklisted companies. China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said, “We strongly urge the U.S. to immediately stop making irresponsible remarks on the issue of Xinjiang (and to) stop interfering (in) China’s internal affairs, and remove relevant Chinese entities from the list of entities as soon as possible.” “The Chinese government is Communist and good at having control,” Niles North Social Studies instructor Kristin Pommerenke-Schneider said. “The Chinese government is controlling information.” Pommerenke-Schneider also described that their government wants Muslims to have loyalty to the People’s Republic of China; the Chinese government officials fear the power of religion. "They are quite adept at silencing minority voices and controlling their media." China put efforts to get foreign investment into Chinese business. There is U.S.-China trade progress according to CNBC, but there is evidence that the blacklist may increase too.
Niles North’s Student Government is hosting a blood drive By Juliana Peña October 28, 2019
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia
On October 31 during all periods in the Student Commons, Niles North’s Student Government will be hosting a blood drive that will be open to anyone 16 and older. Students who are 16 and 17 years old will need parental consent but are still eligible to donate blood. If you are interested in donating blood, you can sign up using this form, or during your lunch period outside the cafeteria on October 21 to October 25. If you do end up deciding to donate, you could receive a Vitalant charging cable. Sophomore Grace Murphy encouraged students by saying, “All eligible students should donate because this is the easiest way to save lives. Many people, with conditions such as cancer, anemia, or who have experienced trauma need blood in order to live. Giving the gift of blood is giving the gift of life.” Murphy is the head of the Blood Drive Committee. Senior Mayha Syed is planning to donate blood this year and marked how the experience is beneficial to her by saying, “I will continue to donate blood in the future because, again, I feel it is an amazing opportunity to help out and requires no effort.” If you are unable to donate blood, Murphy marked the importance of spreading the word by saying, “Students (16+) are eligible to donate, but all students can help out by promoting the blood drive through social media. You can make an online post yourself or screenshot an email sent out by Ms. Benjamin containing information. Students without social media who still want to help promote blood drive can still help spread the word.”
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Chowdhry earns recognition for ​Recycling​ Club By Lanie Mae Rasay October 28, 2019Â
 (left to right: Muhammad Chowdhry, Elliot Parrish, Lanie Mae Rasay, & James Edwards at Board Meeting.) “Niles North Principal James Edwards recognized three students who are creating awareness throughout the school about environmental issues.â€? District 219 announcement said.  Â
Sophomore Recycling Club President Muhammad Chowdhry was honored along with other students on October 15 at D219’s board meeting for making an environmental difference. ​Chowdhry described his participation in his club, “I have done 28 hours of community service, and I have gone 50+ times.â€?  According to Dr. James Edwards,​ “(Chowdhry) came to Recycling Club last year more than anyone in many, many years.â€? Recycling Club sponsor and Mathematics instructor Arlene Sagan said, “He was always willing to go the extra mile to make sure all paper in his area made it outside to the recycling bins-even if it meant making three trips. No one else has done that!â€? In his speech at the meeting, he points out the benefits of his club, “By adopting a recycling program, a school not only removes materials from the waste stream, but can also reduce disposal costs, save valuable landfill space, conserve natural resources, provide students educational opportunities, and empower students with the knowledge that their actions can make a difference!â€? He also plans to continue to help the environment in his future. “I look forward to going to a four year university, and to major in computer science. With that degree I look forward to changing the climate.â€? Come to Recycling Club any Tuesday in room 1400 after school for community service hours.Â
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 Blizzard under heat from players and politicians  By Misha Raykhlin October 28, 2019 ​đ&#x;”ť Image from Extreme Tech Â
In early October, Video game developer Blizzard was under heat by fans when they banned a Hearthstone player named Chung ‘blitzchung’ Ng Wai after he said pro Hong Kong statements. But recently Blizzard has gave a press statement about the matter and has reduced some of the punishments against ‘blitzchung.’ But blitzchung wasn't the first person to be banned for stating pro Hong Kong statements. In addition other players who voiced their support for the Hong Kong protest were also getting banned from competitive games, including Casey Chambers, a former team captain of American University’s esports team, raised a sign saying “Free Hong Kongâ€? and “Boycott Blizz.â€? ​ (cont. Page 6)Â
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The main reason why Blizzard is doing this is because they are partly owned by a giant Chinese gaming company Tencent. After the wake of this there was by-particent agreement on the matter. From Democrat Senator Jon Wyden to Republican Senator Tom Cotton and much more in agreement against Blizzard. ​ (continued on page 5) As of this moment there are plans for a boycott of “BlizzConâ€? a major convention hosted by Blizzard to show off their games. Stay tuned if “BlizzConâ€? gets boycotted. With a niles north student Nicole natz said “I am against Blizzard blocking specific players for their beliefs on the Hong Kong protest. And I believe that its is possible against the player’s own interest and the company to do that.â€? Â
NN students want more language options By Lauren Sonnier October 28, 2019Â
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In a ​recent poll​, Niles North students say that American Sign Language (ASL), Japanese, and Arabic are the world languages most desired to be offered as classes. With ASL coming in at 52.5%, Japanese at 43.6%, and Arabic at 40.8%, the student body responded with enthusiastic, warranted claims.  The following student responses to the question “What are the benefits of offering additional world languages to the Niles North curriculum?� reflect this zest: Google
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We have a very diverse school. More languages means more opportunities for different people to embrace their culture or a culture they enjoy (e.g. anime and manga in Japanese, K-pop in Korean or Russian literature). Also, a lot of students come from a family where the parents speak a certain language, but the students don't. I'm sure many of them would love to have an opportunity to learn the language their family speaks, such as Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, or Tagalog. Â
Offering more languages allows for people to be exposed to more cultures. In addition, the offering of specific languages (ex. Latin) can be useful and applied in other classes. For us as a school to offer more language also broadens our perspective on the world and allows us to connect more with the community at large. To speak someone else’s language is to connect with them on a deeper level. The opportunity to gain additional knowledge is always one that we should take as a school, as it benefits not only our students but the surrounding community with whom we interact.Â
The benefits of offering additional world languages would give students more options and variety to use languages that aren’t predominantly European.Â
I feel that Arabic would be an amazing addition due to the amount of knowledge it can give students and how it cultural relates to more than one place and it is also a UN recognized universal language.Â
It helps students who want to pursue careers that Learning ASL would greatly help bridge the gap in communication involve other languages besides the typical school between hearing and deaf people. taught ones, and it can also help students who want to travel abroad, so they will be able to communicate with others. (cont. Page 7)Â
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The broad benefits of widening the World Languages curriculum are, at least to the student body, apparent. Students overwhelmingly expressed an affinity towards ASL, Japanese, and Arabic; so from an academic standpoint, what are the benefits of these languages?  ASL is the 4th most studied modern language at colleges and universities across the U.S., according to the Modern Language Association's statistics. Bilingualism is known to enrich cognitive processes; this benefit applies to ASL along with bimodal, or using visual-spatial medium, enhancement. This expands visual-perceptual skills: spatial awareness, mental rotation skills, and visual sensitivity. Most importantly, offering ASL as a class would also enable students to communicate with deaf people, or those who are otherwise unable to verbalize. In district 219, Niles West has an ASL club; Niles North currently does not.  In an increasingly global economy, language can be a valuable tool in widening business options. Japan is notoriously a challenging and lucrative place to do business; whether it’s a fast-food company trying to open a chain there, or salespeople trying to navigate the subtle communication practices of Japanese culture, language barriers undoubtedly complicate the process. Taking this into account, learning Japanese may be a long term investment for the futures of students wishing to pursue careers in business. Although Niles West offers a Japanese Club, Niles North currently does not. Spoken by up to 422 million people across more than 20 countries, Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Arabic is also the language of Islam, studied and spoken by Muslims across the globe. For non-Muslims, learning Arabic offers the chance to learn about, and promote tolerance and understanding towards, this religion and culture. At Niles North, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) club meets on Fridays after school; the next meeting is on November first in room 1810. “The U.S. is substantially behind in teaching our children the importance of multilingualism.â€? Latina social studies teacher Lauren Velasquez said. “Inclusion is everything. Culturally, es muy importante.â€? Â
What to Know About Harry Styles’ New Hit Single: Lights Up October 28, 2019 By Lisett Becerra Â
đ&#x;”˝ Photo by: @harrystyles
On October 11, former One Direction star Harry Styles, released a music video to his new single ​Lights Up w ​ hich hit 18 million views in two days. His image as a famous boy band member has split onto his solo career as many fangirls religiously listen to him. The video has caused both negative reactions and positive.  “The different color lighting throughout the music video enhanced the mood,â€? senior Kimberly Nem said. “The scenes were a bit sensual but also brought out Harry’s soft side through his smiles in between scenes.â€? The music video includes Harry riding a motorcycle and multiple people holding him while he sings his iconic song. With such a big reaction to the video, Styles reacted to his supporters.  “Thank you so much to everyone listening to LIGHTS UP.â€? Styles tweeted. “I loved making it, hope you’re enjoying it. Love, H.â€? Listen to​ this new hit single​. Â
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Gymnast Simone Biles advances to 2020 Tokyo Olympics   By Sabha Fatima October 28, 2019Â
 Gymnast Simone Biles broke all the barriers and just became the world’s most decorated Olympic woman. At just 4 feet and 8 inches, this 22-year-old performs stunts unlike any other on the gymnastics floor. Feeling adventurous on the final night of the Women's Gymnastics Championship in Kansas City, Biles became the first person to ever attempt a double-twisting, double somersault that people are now calling ‘the Biles’. "I feel I haven't been as confident on bars this year as I was last year,â€? says the young gymnast about the triple-double. "To finally do a good routine like I can do it, I was really happy. I was very happy and the last event, so I was like, 'Thank God we're done.'" In addition to this, Biles was also part of the "Final Five", the gold-medal-winning team, at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. So far, she has received 14 gold world championship medals - the most ever recorded in gymnastics. Finally, on April 25, Biles announced that she would be competing in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics. Before the 2016 Rio Summer Games, Biles had committed to UCLA, but was unable to get her degree. She has now decided that the University of the People, a non-profit online institution, would be the best place for her to pursue a college degree in Business Administration. Simone Biles will be back for more at the 2020 Olympics in Japan and she is sure to put up a stunning performance and wow the crowd once again.Â
California signs bill that pays college athletes By Hannah Freireich October 28, 2019Â
On Monday September 30, California Governor Gavin Newson signed the Fair Pay to Play Act into law. This law allows for college athletes in California to be paid and allows them to hire agents to represent them and also allows them to earn compensation for the use of their likeness. Current NCAA laws do not allow for college athletes to be paid.  California is the first state to allow this law and will take effect on January 1 of 2023. It has been a huge controversy on whether college student athletes should be paid or not. ​ (cont. Page 9)Â
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The NCAA has strongly opposed this law and they even threatened to ban California schools from playing in the postseason, including them from playing in the NCAA tournament. The NCAA banning California universities will also destroy the Pac-12 which is a college athlete conference that takes place in the Western United States and includes California schools. These schools are huge money makers for the NCAA so banning them could be a problem. Possible negotiations of other states passing this law are in discussion in many states including Florida, Washington, and Colorado. If any more states join to pass this bill and if the state has a larger population and is huge on college athletics then any hope in change for the NCAA is probably not going to happen unless they negotiate.
NN girls basketball is right around the corner By Hannah Freireich October 28, 2019
Girls basketball program after a morning shooting before school (photo courtesy Daniel Paxson)▶
The Niles North girls basketball program is putting a lot of time and work on the courts to prepare for the 2019-20 season with tryouts on November 4. The Niles North girls are fired up and ready for the season. They have been training hard in the off season. “We started preparing in late August. Two days per week, we condition after school,” varsity coach Daniel Paxson said. “Our conditioning includes ACL strengthening exercises, plyometrics, core strengthening, and sprints. We also include some long distance running as a way to prepare for those tight 4th quarter games! Our goal is to become better conditioned than all of our opponents.” The program has many new players joining including many freshmen. Many returning players are hoping this season will be a fresh start with a new change in the conference as well as being able to communicate well as a team. “For basketball season, I’m looking forward to being a leader on this team this year as a senior and helping to grow our team dynamic since we’ll have a lot of new players in the varsity program this season,” senior varsity player Udoka Nwansi said. “We are looking forward to our opening Thanksgiving tournament. Last year was our first year in the tournament (IC Catholic Prep Thanksgiving Tournament) and we had some success. We hope to represent ourselves this year in the same way. Personally, I am looking forward to coaching a very young team. We enter a new side to our conference this year, so it will be fun playing against teams that we have not faced recently. Maine West is in our conference and they finished as the number one team in the state last year as well as being nationally ranked. For all of these reasons, it is personally a joy coming to practice everyday!” Varsity Coach Daniel Paxson said.
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Five North staff members run Chicago marathon October 28, 2019 By Ian Imhof
Five members of the Niles North staff raced through the streets of the city of Chicago on Oct. 13. Some ran for a personal best or self improvement, while others ran for a cause or an organization. The five staff who ran the marathon include biology teacher, Jessica Garcia, physical welfare instructor, Carol Herlocker, social work intern, Renee Ridolfi, boys cross country coach, Jonathon Roberts, and physical welfare instructor Terri Vanderjeugt. Why did you choose to run?
What do you think is the most challenging part of running a marathon?
Do you think it is Have you ran a important for marathon before? someone to run a If so, when? marathon at some point in their life?
Carol Herlocker, Physical Welfare instructor
Have run the last 4 years- ran for Team Zero in Honor of Calvin Albazi - Head of Computer Help Desk here at Niles North
Your body/ mind telling you to stop but you can't quit!
No- Its only for crazy people. It is truly draining on your body. My body goes into shock every year for a few hours after the race.
Last 5 year- I do about 13 Triathlons every summer. the Marathon is the race to end the racing season for me.
Terri VanderJeugdt, Physical Welfare instructor
I could sit here and write out a list of wonderful things that the RMH offered for my family that raising $1,500 for them was nothing. Having my family stay with us during Taylor's two bone marrow transplant was priceless, and of course meeting new families of which they turned into our forever friends. I will always give back when I can or still able too physically.
Maybe I should of trained before deciding to run the 2019 Chicago marathon which is 26.2 miles
Ohhhh, God Lord, do I feel it in every part of my body... hurts, and as I tell my athletes: "Pain is temporary" but the fight to survive of anyone who has to go through any kind/form of treatment due to a life threatening illness can last for days, weeks, months and even years.
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Jessica Garcia, Science Teacher
Renee Ridolfi, Social Work Intern
I run the Chicago marathon every year as a mentor for a Students Run Chicago (SRC), a youth training program. I work with a number of students throughout the training season and we participate in a number of target races with our calumniating race being the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October. This is our 6th season and marathon as a non-profit servicing the students of Chicago. This year was the first year we invited Niles North students to join SRC and we were honored to support Ena Guzina in her training.
The goal is to run a marathon, but the greatest challenge is the training. The challenge is not in the distance, anyone can run a marathon if they wanted to. The training is tough for two reasons; one is the physical strain and second is the mental capacity. The training program is 26 weeks, that starts in April...Completing a training run regardless of the weather is a mental and physical challenge that prepares your body for the unknowns of race day...The mental capacity of scheduling school,work, family, and social life around marathon training is the second toughest challenge...Distance runs are twice a week.
Absolutely! I feel that training for a marathon makes us appreciate how the human body functions. Our body is a machine and with proper training all things are possible.
I ran for the dog rescue, One Tail at a Time, to raise money for shelter dogs!
The training! Waking up at 4am on Saturdays isn't fun, especially when you've got a 20 mile run ahead of you.
It depends on the person. Running a marathon was something I always wanted to do, so it was important for me. But everyone is different!
Training.
I think it's important Yes. 2014. for every person to find their version of a marathon. Find something that tests your limits; work for it, and take pride in completely something that once seemed impossible.
Jonathon Roberts, It was the cheapest way to tour the city Boys Cross of Chicago. Country Coach
Yes, I have run multiple Chicago Marathons and a few trail marathons. I run this marathon every year and I do it for the same reason, to experience the physical and mental transformation of a student. The magnitude of the BOA marathon really helps bring much needed attention to the accomplishments of the students.
Nope. This was my first!
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(Clockwise: Carol Herlocker, Terri VanderJeugdt, Renee Ridolfi, Jessica Garcia, and Jonathon Roberts
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