The leaves outside may be falling, and the temperature winding down, but the team here at the Independent is turning up the heat; amidst a busy semester and the adjournment of midterms, we’ve been working hard at bringing you news that’s 

1) neither caught up in the nitty-gritties of campus nor too far removed, 

2) publications that are timely but not time-consuming, and 

3) content that is uplifting and not upsetting. 

The Specials Section aims to publish articles that are enjoyable and entertaining, but no less lacking in quality, to read. Our commitment covers depth and breadth: everything from food reviews to campus fashion to what doesn’t exactly fit into one of our already existing sections to extensive rants to short and sweet polls to special features…

…it’s a lot. As such, we decided to simply group all these together under the memorable name of a “Special” Section. Here’s a further breakdown of what can be expected going forward*:

• Blue vs. Gold: What’s NEIU wearing? Wonder no more with our campus fashion expertise. Our report will show you what’s “blue,” or “out,” and what’s “gold,” or “in.” (‘Cause who doesn’t love gold, especially when it’s also NEIU’s colors?) You’ll be your own judge, of course, of whether to invest in those trendy platform boots everyone has or toss your crocs to the trenches, ‘cause you know, Croc-tober’s over. 
• Features: This is where you’ll find lengthier pieces, interviews, annual events, distinguished guest speakers and whomever else finds a way in.
• Games and Doodles: Look out for word searches, crosswords, and other themed activities you just might need to look back for clues in the articles to find the answers. Print only–.
• Goldie’s Gourmet Reviews: long-awaited and highly anticipated ratings of where you can get the best quality food within walkable or commutable distance of NEIU’s main campus (and perhaps El Centro and CCICS too). 
• Holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, the actual winter gift-giving holidays, New Year’s, etc., add an extra splash of specialness to the daily routines of those who celebrate them. As such, this part of the Specials Section will aim to reflect how the university community honors such widespread traditions and highlight local and/or lesser-known ones. 
• Partner Profiles: Whether a class, company, or some other means of copartnership forms with the Independent, we’ll highlight it here. To put the abstract into more concrete terms, expect to learn more about NEIU’s partnership with Telemundo Academy, which is currently on the lookout for aspiring journalists, the concerns of a First-Year Experience Justice Studies class, an art project that was the result of a collaborative effort of 30 pieces to further the mission of Parole Illinois, and more. Open to partnerships whether for class credit, company recruitment, raising awareness, or other causes; see contact information at the end. 
• Student Scoop Swoop: The best study spots on campus, the cheapest vending machines (yes there’s actually a price disparity), which water fountain gives foolproof ice water – did you know these are all ideas students have approached us with? Well, we’re gonna find out and keep asking for what you want to know.
• Throwbacks: Just because an event happened a week or a month ago doesn’t mean it cannot hold significance after it’s passed. Throwbacks will aim to highlight events that may have previously missed the opportunity of being reported on, and simultaneously serve as encouragement to engage with the abundance of campus events happening at all times.

Stay tuned for next week’s throwback of October’s Alumni Awards Ceremony, a trip with the Independent to Indiana (no we didn’t get to see Taylor Swift, but the farm we toured that had lots of space to run would have probably made her proud), an upcoming art project collaboration, and possibly more. 

In the meantime – or really, anytime – if you have a topic you’d like to read and see covered, by all means, let us know. (Online readers: take two minutes or less to submit an idea; print readers: email [email protected] or DM @the.swiftreader on Instagram.)

Interested in contributing in any way? Reach out. 

As the Special Section Editor, I extend my warmest welcomes to all our readers. Take it as an invitation to start exploring!

*listed in alphabetical order; publication of some may be more frequent than others; also note that not all articles will necessarily fall into one or another of these labels.