The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater
The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater
The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater
Alton Northup

Alton Northup, News Director

Alton is the news director for The Kent Stater and KSTV. A senior journalism major, this is his seventh semester with The Kent Stater. He previously served as a reporter, campus editor and editor-in-chief. He enjoys finding stories that impact the community and helping student journalists reach their potential.

Contact him at [email protected]. 

All content by Alton Northup
Transformation 2028 plan would reduce the number of colleges at the Kent campus. The restructuring is primarily a cost-cutting effort.

Kent State releases two new restructuring models

Alton Northup, News Director
December 18, 2024
Kent local Katy Thomas hosts the “Kent in Good Company” podcast. Every Wednesday, a new episode is released featuring Thomas sitting down with a local business owner and learning their story.

[Photo] ‘Kent in Good Company’ podcast aims to share local business stories

Lauren Cohen, Beat Reporter
December 14, 2024

Kent State USG president resigns

Alton Northup, News Director
December 4, 2024
The National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow warning for Portage County. As much as 10 inches of snow may hit the region from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Friday.

Lake-effect snow warning issued for Portage County

Alton Northup, News Director
December 4, 2024
Kent State Ashtabula canceled classes for the second day this week as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a state of emergency for snow hit counties. | File photo

DeWine declares state of emergency for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties

Alton Northup, News Director
December 3, 2024
Earlier this week, the House Ethics Committee deadlocked along party lines whether to release a report investigating allegations against Gaetz of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor and misused state identification records. | Official Congressional Portrait

Gaetz withdraws from attorney general consideration

Alton Northup, News Director
November 21, 2024
Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski came under fire for online remarks about Vice President Harris that launched voter intimidation complaints. | Courtesy Portage County Sheriff's Office

Controversial incumbent Bruce Zuchowski defeats Jon Barber for Portage County Sheriff

Alton Northup, News Director
November 6, 2024
Freshman Michael Satola and junior Trevion Billingsley sat down to cast their votes for the presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024.

First-time voters express discomfort, frustration and a sliver of optimism at Rec Center

Alton Northup, Reporter
November 5, 2024
Not making it home to vote before Tuesday doesn’t mean a student missed their chance to vote, as long as they're registered to vote in Ohio.| File photo

Registered in Ohio but not in Kent? You can still vote

Alton Northup, News Director
November 4, 2024
In a survey from The Kent Stater/Department of Sociology and Criminology, 253 students listed the issues that mattered most to them in the 2024 election. The top responses were cost of living, abortion, the economy and the climate.

Kent State students are thinking of these issues as they go to the polls

Lauren Bischof, Lauren Cohen, Ari Collins, John Engoglia, and Alton Northup
November 4, 2024
A majority of Kent State students say in survey they plan to vote for Harris

A majority of Kent State students say in survey they plan to vote for Harris

Alton Northup, News Director
November 4, 2024
36-year-old Nicholas Fontaine of Kent was one of six indicted for illegal voting, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday. Fontaine is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018, according to the Attorney General’s office. | File photo

Kent man charged for illegal voting

Alton Northup, News Director
October 22, 2024
President Todd Diacon said the university ends fiscal year 2024 with a $9.9 million deficit. The announcement follows a series of warnings from the president over declining state funding and enrollment. | File photo

Kent State sounds alarm after outspending budget

Alton Northup, News Director
October 19, 2024
The Kent Stater has launched a survey on Kent State student's thoughts this election. The survey is in partnership with the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

The Kent Stater launches election survey

Alton Northup, News Director
October 10, 2024
LGBTQ+ students across campus woke up on Sept. 17 to see homophobic graffiti on Korb Hall. After numerous attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, the university’s response has always been silence. | File photo

Kent State must take action against homophobia

Alton Northup, News Director
October 1, 2024
Nearly 250 Kent State students have until Oct. 7, 2024, to re-register to vote. If they don't, they may be turned away from the election.

These Kent State students may not be able to vote

Alton Northup, News Director
September 30, 2024
Ellen Glickman, then-director of Kent State University School of Health Sciences, called 911 on May 9, 2024, to tell police she was locked out of Nixson Hall and had to use the bathroom. | Screen grab from police body camera footage

Former Kent State director faults medical issue for campus arrest, not intoxication

Alton Northup and Adriana Gasiewski
September 16, 2024
Students still use rooms belonging to famous alumni like Steve Harvey and James Harrison.

Do you live in a famous dorm?

Alton Northup, News Director
September 7, 2024
Jim Tasker, a semi-retired Anglican priest, has called Ohio home for more than 40 years. When he watched Sen. J.D. Vance receive the Republican nomination for vice president, he said he felt a "sense of pride."

Ohio Republicans find neighbor in J.D. Vance

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
July 20, 2024
Each year, Wizardly Weekend brings wizards and warlocks of all kinds to downtown Kent as it transforms into the world of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter-themed weekend to return to downtown Kent

Alton Northup and Editor-in-chief
July 18, 2024
Trump picks Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate

Trump picks Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
July 15, 2024
Za'Nya Henderson received the Kent State University NAACP Scholarship, which provides four years of full tuition. Now, she said she worries other Black students will miss out on scholarship opportunities. | Courtesy Za'Nya Henderson

Kent State eliminates race from scholarship criteria after review

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
July 13, 2024
Three weeks before his death, 17-year-old Brant Clark suffered a psychotic episode after smoking cannabis. | Photo courtesy Ann Clark.

Cannabis-induced psychosis cost their sons their lives. More could be next.

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
July 10, 2024
A student enters Flash Bistro on June 25, 2024, in the Student Center. The market installed Amazon Just Walk Out technology, removing the need for cashiers or self-checkouts.

Flash Bistro upgrades with Amazon Just Walk Out technology

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 27, 2024
U.S Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg interacts with a robotic dog in the Cognitive Robotics and AI Laboratory on Monday, June 24, during a visit to Kent State.

Pete Buttigieg visits Kent State

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 24, 2024

Kent State to test gas turbines, warns of potential outage

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 18, 2024
A Kent State University police officer stands in the flooded parking lot of Leebrick Hall on Monday, June 17, after a water pipe submerged the area.

Leaking pipe floods Leebrick parking lot

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 17, 2024
A student looks over financial aid resources in the One Stop office located in the Kent campus library. (File photo)

Kent State sends out financial aid offers

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 17, 2024
Courtesy the National Weather Service

Kent under Air Quality Advisory

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 16, 2024
Poor air quality has been monitored across Ohio. Orange indicates the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. -- Courtesy of Airnow.gov.

Kent under Air Quality Alert

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 4, 2024
Trial date set for former Kent State student accused of rape

Trial date set for former Kent State student accused of rape

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
June 3, 2024
CourtNews

[Photo] Kent State student reaches settlement after suing university

June 3, 2024
Kent State University's Lowry Hall is home to the College of Public Health.

The Kent Stater THROWBACK: When Lowry Hall closed as a dorm

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
May 28, 2024

[Video] Experience the sights and sounds from the Kent Memorial Day parade

Alton Northup, Editor-in-chief
May 27, 2024
The audience listens to Melody Tankersley address the graduating class during her speech at the Education, Health and Human Services graduation ceremony on May 13, 2022.

Kent State Spring Commencement 2024: What you need to know

Alton Northup, Campus Editor
May 7, 2024
A sign on a bin shares details about the university’s recycling system.

How to actually recycle on campus

Alton Northup, Campus Editor
March 18, 2024
The Kent State University fountain is located on Risman Plaza.

University rolls out cannabis education after statewide legalization

Alton Northup, Campus Editor
February 8, 2024

Police investigate ‘uninvited’ party guests at TKE fraternity house following reported gunshots

Anthony Zacharyasz and Alton Northup
February 5, 2024
Designs by Mia Marino

Students spend pretty penny at Rosie’s Market

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
December 11, 2023
A car sits outside of the duplex where a 35-year-old woman was killed Nov. 21, 2023.

Kent police search for homicide suspect

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
November 22, 2023
Medical marijuana products on display at Bliss Ohio, located at 331 E. Main St.

Ohio votes to legalize marijuana

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
November 8, 2023
While the spotted lanternfly itself is harmless to humans, it poses a serious threat to agriculture.

‘Pretty pest’: the invasive species taking over the Midwest

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2023

Issues 1 and 2 energize advocacy groups across state

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2023
Kent State's Police Services department is located in Stockade Safety Building on 530 E. Summit St. (The Kent Stater files)

University police department recognized with CALEA accreditation from community feedback

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
September 23, 2023
Diacon announces Human Resources and DEI merger, discusses other topics in latest ‘Talking with Todd’

Diacon announces Human Resources and DEI merger, discusses other topics in latest ‘Talking with Todd’

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
September 13, 2023

Students can now learn how to combat suicide through university’s prevention course

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
September 13, 2023
A duplex with addresses 428 and 430 E. College Ave. is demolished as of Sept. 1, 2023. In 2011, the Kent State Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of the duplex for $230,000.

University begins demolition of its properties near campus

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
September 1, 2023
Artificial Intelligence generated the image for this story.

AI-generated songs fuel ethics debate

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
August 28, 2023
A car parked in the R-3 lot near Taylor Hall has two boots and is plastered with tickets on February 14, 2023. According to Kent State's Parking and Transit Services, a car that has been issued nine or more tickets is at risk of booting or towing.

Parking Services issued more than 30,000 tickets last year

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
August 19, 2023
Kent State junior psychology major Marie Comi was one of many abortion-rights protesters who took to Risman Plaza April 25, 2023.

Anti-abortion demonstration sparks counter protest on K

Jacob Hansen and Alton Northup
April 25, 2023
A Kent State student holds his Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry card. Identifying patient information has been removed to protect his identity.

Marijuana laws cause conflict on campus as dispensary opens

Alton Northup, Reporter
April 20, 2023
Delta-8 displays of products, found at one of the FlashVapes locations on East Main Street.

Delta-8: marijuana alternative widespread across nation

Alton Northup, Reporter
April 18, 2023
Volunteer Belinda Marburger (left) and Anne Marie Noble (right), the executive director of Haven of Portage County. It is located at 2645 State Route 59 in Ravenna.

The Haven of Portage County marks full year of operations

Alton Northup, Reporter
March 24, 2023

Local food pantries brace for increased demand as SNAP benefits come to an end

Alton Northup, Reporter
March 12, 2023
Officer Trevor White patrols the streets in the early morning on Fake Paddy's Day March 12, 2022.

University, police prepare for Fake Paddy’s Day

Alton Northup, Reporter
March 10, 2023
Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest revives interest in CPR

Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest revives interest in CPR

Alton Northup, Reporter
March 8, 2023

CAPS’ ADHD testing may not be for every student

Alton Northup, Reporter
February 18, 2023

DAAPP to provide resources for drug, alcohol addiction

Alton Northup, Reporter
February 9, 2023

CAPS introduces new Flexible Care Model

Alton Northup, Reporter
February 4, 2023
Moving down the train tracks, the operator moves the debris to a separate pile.

Crews clear debris as community mourns loss of downtown landmark

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
December 3, 2022
Peter Jarvio handed out 3D-printed models of a flat Earth and explained why the moon landing was fake to students on the University Esplanade.

Flat Earth advocate detained on campus

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2022

With roommates, communication goes a long way

Alton Northup, Reporter
November 4, 2022
Danielle Attme keeps the line entertained outside of The Kent Stage. Attme encouraged people to go to local drag and burlesque shows.

Hundreds gather to celebrate Kent Halloween

Genevieve Krejci, Isabella Schreck, Alton Northup, and Jenna Bal
October 30, 2022
Dozens attended Eric Garner's discussion regarding the media's response to mass shootings.

“Let them tell their story”: Parkland survivor discusses media response

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
October 26, 2022
Parkland survivor to hold virtual discussion Oct. 25

Parkland survivor to hold virtual discussion Oct. 25

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2022
One of the pride flag banners on the Main Street bridge shown vandalized.

Pride flag banners vandalized in downtown Kent

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
October 14, 2022
Yung Gravy, known for hits like “Betty” and “Mr. Clean,” performs at the Kent State Homecoming Concert on Thursday, September 29.

Yung Gravy throws Lunchables, cereal boxes into crowd to kick off homecoming weekend

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
September 30, 2022
Fans wait on the barricade for Yung Gravy to perform September 29.

Over 1,000 students lined up and attended Yung Gravy's concert on September 29.

DJ Smillz open for Yung Gravy at the Kent State Homecoming Concert on Thursday, September 29.

Yung Gravy, known for hits like “Betty” and “Mr. Clean,” performs at the Kent State Homecoming Concert on Thursday, September 29.

Yung Gravy to headline homecoming concert

Yung Gravy to headline homecoming concert

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
August 24, 2022
A photo from the scene of a fatal crash that killed Kent State student Colin Pho on Summit Street near Dix Stadium. It shows a broken car mirror and part of the scooter Pho was riding when he was struck from behind August 22 around 9 p.m.

Kent State student riding scooter dies after hit-skip crash

Alton Northup, Staff Reporter
August 23, 2022
Masks required indoors on main campus as of July 29

Masks required indoors on main campus as of July 29

Alton Northup, Reporter
July 29, 2022

Kent State’s second Juneteenth Jubilee happening June 18

Alton Northup, Reporter
June 17, 2022

Faculty Senate approves new academic forgiveness policy

Alton Northup, Reporter
June 16, 2022

Kent State to hold first Anti-Racism Conference in October

Alton Northup, Reporter
June 16, 2022
Kent State students order salads, a healthier option, at "The Slice" in the Hub on Thursday evening, Oct. 16, 2013. Photo by Melanie Nesteruk.

Meal swipes expand to downtown, campus dining update

Alton Northup, Reporter
April 23, 2022

Grant awarded to Kent State invests in anti-cancer therapy research

Alton Northup, Senior Reporter
April 21, 2022
Quavo, the co-founder of hip-hop trio Migos, performs at FlashFest on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Members of Undergraduate Student Government worked quickly to get Quavo to perform after original headlining artist Blackbear, pulled out of the show Tuesday due to COVID-19 exposure.

Blackbear to Quavo: USG hosts successful FlashFest concert despite last minute changes 

Alton Northup, Reporter
April 15, 2022
Load More Stories