The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
Body found at Lake Charleston
Body found at Lake Charleston
A debate of the debate of history
A debate of the debate of history
David Commanday directs a full orchestra for the Messiah performance, telling the story of Jesus life and death Friday night.
Messiah concludes performances for semester
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Holiday Fest’s Art Sale in the Concourse of Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Doudna hosts ‘CLAS Holiday Fest’
Lotería night for LASOs last meeting
Lotería night for LASO’s last meeting
Senior libero/defensive specialist Christina Martinez Mundo smiles while Head Coach Sara Thomas speaks on each of the seniors skills and impact on the team during the press conference.
Martinez Mundo announces departure from EIU
Guard Jaylin Gibson (24) warms up before their IUPUI game Thursday night. The Panthers won 75-58 against the Jaguars.
Jacobi records double double in Panther win
Eastern forward, Macy McGlone (33), attempts to jump up and shoot a layup while a Tennessee Tech player attempts to block her shot at the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Friday afternoon. The Panthers lost 61-66 to the Golden Eagles.
EIU gets a win over North Dakota on Kids Day
Marcello Woltmann, a senior sport management major and president of the Eastern Illinois University esports team, finishes playing an Overwatch 2 deathmatch match Tuesday evening in the eSports Arena in the Student Recreation Center.
COLUMN: Esports are important
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
COLUMN: Are yearly music statistics dumb?
COLUMN: Are yearly music statistics dumb?
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Social media meets squirrely winter folklore
Staff profile for Drew Coffey.
COLUMN: My top films of 2023
Dear Aunt T: Home for the holidays
Dear Aunt T: Home for the holidays
COLUMN: Friendsgiving, worth it or not?
COLUMN: Friendsgiving, worth it or not?
COMIC BY JENNA MINOR | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS Comic depicts lack of feminine hygiene products.
EDITORIAL: Pink tax is out of control, what is Eastern doing?
Jason Farias, a senior history education major, leads a group throughout campus during a student walkout demanding a free Palestine at the Mellin Steps in protest of the Israel genocide on Palestinian civilians Wednesday afternoon. Farias said there were around 100 other schools in the nation participating in the walk.
EDITORIAL: Local, student activism matters
EDITORIAL: Breast cancer awareness and education
EDITORIAL: Plan 2028 is promising, looking forward to improvements
EDITORIAL: “Plan 2028” is promising, looking forward to improvements
EDITORIAL: What is hazing and why we report on it?
EDITORIAL: What is hazing and why we report on it?
COLUMN: Are yearly music statistics dumb?
COLUMN: Are yearly music statistics dumb?
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Social media meets squirrely winter folklore
Staff profile for Drew Coffey.
COLUMN: My top films of 2023
Dear Aunt T: Home for the holidays
Dear Aunt T: Home for the holidays
COLUMN: Friendsgiving, worth it or not?
COLUMN: Friendsgiving, worth it or not?
Spencer Spear, an educational leadership graduate student, supports his wife, Shelly Spear, an English instructor, in her fight for a fair contract in front of Old Main Wednesday afternoon.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: To Provost Gatrell, get EIU strong
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: My story, not all men but enough
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: My story, not all men but enough
Madelyn Kidd is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Meet the new Editor-in-Chief for the new semester
letter to the editor
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: UPD failed me, do not let them fail others
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Coles County Faith-Based Coalition for Racial Justice thankful for Douglas Hall name change
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Coles County Faith-Based Coalition for Racial Justice thankful for Douglas Hall name change
David Commanday directs a full orchestra for the Messiah performance, telling the story of Jesus life and death Friday night.
Messiah concludes performances for semester
Lotería night for LASOs last meeting
Lotería night for LASO’s last meeting
Students apart of the Jazz Lab Band stand up to be applauded after their performance Tuesday night in Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Jazz performance run-down
The African Students Association host the African Renaissance fashion show where models from Couture, The Kat Walk, Essence, and more show off their cultural looks which is a mix of afrofuturism and afrocentrism in the Grand Ballroom of Martin Luther King Jr. University Union on Saturday night.
African Student Association hosts stylish competition on campus  
Greek Court Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2023
Greek Life and leadership: developing skills for the future
From left, Celeste Cambron, Jocelyn Cambron, and Kassandra Garcia look at the ofrenda exhibits being displayed at the Dia De Los Muertos Gala on Saturday night.
THROUGH THE LENS: Dia de Los Muertos Gala
The Mariachi band, Los Amigos, walk around campus playing their instruments and singing multiple songs during Hispanic Heritage Month. Los Amigos have been playing for 13 years and have played in every state in the Southeast.
THROUGH THE LENS: Mariachi takes over campus
A variety of people such as students and Charleston community members join Raven McBride for her new moon yoga practice at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning. Were basically here with the intention of whichever the sign the moon is to bring energy of that into our practice. The more we bring that intention to our mat, the more its going to show up into our daily life. McBride explained about new moon yoga.
THROUGH THE LENS: New intentions with New Moon Yoga
Tavon Evans, a junior TV and video production major, gets sprayed with a water gun at the Mellin Steps Tuesday afternoon for the Splash the NeoZ event presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
THROUGH THE LENS: Splash the NeoZ
Jennifer Stringfellow, the president of EIUs UPI chapter, gives one last final speech for day 2 of the strike on Friday afternoon.
THROUGH THE LENS: First two days of striking
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 45: Is ‘The Killer’ David Fincher’s Worst Movie?
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 5: Blake Ruffin
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 5: Blake Ruffin
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 4: Anthony Manaves
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 4: Anthony Manaves
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 44: Why is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Talked About So Much?
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 3: Stone Galloway
Panther Profiles Podcast: Ep. 3: Stone Galloway
The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
Staff profile for Ashanti Thomas.

Ashanti Thomas, Photo Editor

Ashanti Thomas is a senior digital media major. She previously served as photo editor and assistant photo editor at The News.

All content by Ashanti Thomas
Quarterbacks freshman Blainey Dowling (14), redshirt freshman Kevin Conway (16), and redshirt junior Jonah OBrien (6) signal to quarterback Pierce Holley during the Tennessee State game.

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Offensive lineman Drew Wilder (55) picks up redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) after he scores a third touchdown for the Panthers against the Tennessee State Tigers.

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Safety redshirt sophomore Kaelin Drakeford (22) tackles wide receiver redshirt sophomore Karate Brenson (0) at the Panthers vs. Tennessee State Tigers game.

[Photo] EIU Football ends regular season with best record since 2013

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
November 18, 2023
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) tries to break a tackle at the Panthers vs. Tennessee State game. The Panthers won 30-17 against the Tigers.

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Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) scores a touchdown vs. the Tennessee State Tigers Saturday afternoon. The Panthers won 30-17.

[Photo] Panthers of the Semester: MJ Flowers, Giovana Larregui López, Sara Thomas

Zaria Flippin and Luther Yoder
December 4, 2023
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers rushes down the field for a first down. Eastern beat Tennessee State 30-17 Saturday afternoon at O’ Brien Field.

[Photo] Flowers scores more points than Tennessee State offense in Panther win

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
November 11, 2023
Guard Naykel Shelton (3) tries to dribble past the defender. The Panthers lost 52-80 to the Fighting Illini Monday night.

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Fifth-year Jermaine Hamlin (34) blocks the ball from Illini player Ty Rodgers (20). The Panthers lost 52-80 to the Fighting Illini.

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A chalk drawing of Palestine on the sidewalk.

[Photo] Students mourn Palestinian deaths

Cam'ron Hardy, News Editor
November 10, 2023
Around 20 people joined the vigil for the 4100 plus children who have been killed in Gaza in front of the Mellin Steps on Wednesday night.

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Esraa Jarrars child picks up a sign saying, Save the kids in Gaza at the vigil for the children in Gaza who have been killed.

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9-year-old Mohammad Mohd and his 7-year-old sister Mariam Mohd raise up a Palestinian flag at the vigil for Gazas children Wednesday night.

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7-year-old Mariam Mohd draws a portrait of herself in chalk in front of the Mellin steps.

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Esraa Jarrar writes, Save the kids in Gaza on the Mellin Steps at the vigil for the 4100 plus children that have died in Gaza. Jarrar said, I have four kids and thats what makes it harder on me to see children each day dying under their own homes.

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Tahani Bilkhair writes Stop the genocide on the Mellin steps during a vigil for Gazas children.

[Photo] Remembering family during Día de los Muertos 

Chandler Smith, Reporter
November 6, 2023
Redshirt sophomore forward Kooper Jacobi puts the ball up in the paint during the Panthers first mens basketball game of the season against the Fighting Illini in the State Farm Center Monday night. Jacobi led the Panthers by scoring 10 points and rebounding 11 shots.

[Photo] Jacobi records double-double in loss against Fighting Illini

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
November 6, 2023
An ofrenda for migrants who have lost their lives.

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An ofrenda display made by students in Dr. Kristin Routts Spanish class for the Dia De los Muertos Gala Saturday night in the University Ballroom. Ofrendas are usually seen decorated with food, flowers, pictures, candles, and more.

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From left, Celeste Cambron, Jocelyn Cambron, and Kassandra Garcia look at the ofrenda exhibits being displayed at the Dia De Los Muertos Gala on Saturday night.

[Photo] THROUGH THE LENS: Dia de Los Muertos Gala

November 3, 2023
At the Dia De los Muertos Gala, people in attendance were able to vote for their favorite ofrenda display by buying votes to which all of the proceeds go to HOPE ECI, a non-profit organization for domestic violence victims.

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Alexandra Martinez, a communication disorders and sciences major, performs a Mexican folkloric ballet along with other students for the Dia de Los Muertos Gala on Saturday night

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The second annual Dia De los Muertos Gala presents a Mexican folkloric ballet performance.

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News Editor for the Daily Eastern News, Camron Hardy, a junior journalism major, checks his assignments for class.

[Photo] Student selected for New York Times mentorship program

Audra Gullquist, Assistant News Editor
November 7, 2023
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[Photo] COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports

Aidan Cusack, Sports Reporter
December 6, 2023
Michael Romans mom and step-dad Maribel Aguilar and Vincent Aguilar watch the Greek Kart race Race for Roman, which is to help fundraise for their sons battle with brain cancer.

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Jordan Pratt, an elementary education major, gets ready to race as she puts on her helmet to compete in the Greek Kart Race for Roman event.

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Miguel Hernandez, a finance major takes off his helmet after finishing the race for the Race for Roman Greek Kart race.

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Michael Barth, a senior physical education major, waves the race flag as the last team passes the finish line at the Greek Kart Race for Roman event.

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Sigma Pi Fraternity, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity race to see whos going to be the final champion for the Greek Kart Race for Roman race.

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Michael Roman, a sophomore corporate communication major, does an interview reflecting on the Race for Roman Greek Kart race that was done in support for him and his fight with brain cancer.

[Photo] Race for Roman, more than just a race

October 23, 2023
Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority win the Race for Roman Greek Kart race with a final time of 3 minutes and 19 seconds.

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Sigma Pi Fraternity win the Race for Roman Greek Kart race with a finishing time of 2 minutes and 41 seconds.

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Weller Hall sign.

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Ashton Fineout, Gaylyn Foto, and Nikki Eoute, take a picture with the pianist of Abilene, Joshua Spachts daughter after their show.

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Stella Riley and Sam Ashley hug and talk to Chloë Agnew after the Abilene show. The music overall shared so much emotion, Ashley said about the performance.

[Photo] Cello performer, Gaylyn Foto, creates backbone for Abilene performance

Cam'ron Hardy, News Editor
October 16, 2023
Fans in attendance give a standing ovation for Abilene after their last song of the night in Doudna Fine Arts Center.

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The hairs of Gaylyn Fotos cello bow break off while shes playing.

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Chloë Agnew, a singer from Dublin, Ireland joins the neoclassical quintent group Abilene, in performing a cover of the song Viva La Vida by Coldplay in Doudna Fine Arts Center.

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Cheeto the cat lays on the floor next to one of his toys.

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Emily Wilcox, a senior middle blocker for Eastern Volleyball team cat, Cheeto poses for the camera Tuesday afternoon.

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Cheeto the cat, who has over 5 thousand followers on Instagram, lays on his owners, Emily Wilcoxs floor, and stretches on Tuesday afternoon.

[Photo] Cheeto the Cat: EIU Volleyball’s pillow

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
October 29, 2023
Elvis Vasquez, apart of Los Amigos band, plays guitar at different locations on campus Monday afternoon.

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Luis Trevino, the band leader of Los Amigos, plays trumpet and sings in South Quad Dining where students and faculty applaud for them. Trevino said it has been an adventure being able to travel with the band.

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Kassandra Garcia, a human services graduate student, dances along to the music of Los Amigos band in the food court of Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

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Kenia Gonzalez records the Los Amigos band as they play a song she requested in Stevenson Dining Hall. Gonzalez said, It was amazing to see the university celebrate and acknowledge Latino Heritage Month with a mariachi band on campus. I hope we continue to see more culturally enriching activities like this.

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Los Amigos band walk across the street to continue playing at Stevenson Dining Hall.

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From left, Luis Trevino, the band leader of Los Amigos, plays the trumpet, while Elvis Vasquez and Mike McAllister play their guitars while walking past Booth Library.

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Los Amigos band walk across the South Quad playing Mariachi music.

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The Mariachi band, Los Amigos, walk around campus playing their instruments and singing multiple songs during Hispanic Heritage Month. Los Amigos have been playing for 13 years and have played in every state in the Southeast.

[Photo] THROUGH THE LENS: Mariachi takes over campus

October 9, 2023
Defensive back Nick Coates catches the ball at practice on Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] 25th ranked Panthers continue to prepare for first conference game against UT Martin

Zaria Flippin and Duane Carter
October 5, 2023
The 2023 EIU Homecoming Royalty Court awaits the announcement for who is going to be crowned queen and king.

[Photo] Lawrence, Trimble crowned as head homecoming royalty

Cam'ron Hardy, News Editor
October 2, 2023
The Little Princess of the 2023 EIU Homecoming Royalty Court gets crowned by Dr. Anne Flaherty, Vice President for Student Affairs Monday night.

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Director of Jennifer Seas walks students through the new Who Speaks for the Oceans? exhibit on Monday evening.

[Photo] The collaborative creation of Tarble’s Fall Exhibition

Audra Gullquist, Assistant News Editor
September 25, 2023
Career Services hosts a networking night at Tarble Art Center to help people network with employers and build relationships on Monday evening.

[Photo] Networking Night creates important connections

September 26, 2023
Nathan Bell on trumpet performs the piece Bernies Tune apart of the Birdland Quartet at the Jazz Showcase in Doudna Fine Arts Center Thursday.

[Photo] Jazz ensemble brings families together

Cam'ron Hardy, News Editor
September 22, 2023
Kehinde Omosor performs a solo in the song Port o Call by Michael Sweeney at the Jazz Showcase in Doudna Fine Arts Center Thursday evening.

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Jessica Nantes, a senior TV and video production major plays pickleball with her sister and friends and at the outside Lantz Arena tennis courts Tuesday evening.

[Photo] Local pickleball club consistently hits the courts, welcomes all  

September 21, 2023
A team of pickleball players touch their paddles after a game at the outside Lantz Arena tennis courts.

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Vice President for Student Affairs Anne Flaherty plays a match of pickleball along with other EIU faculty at the outside Lantz Arena tennis courts Tuesday evening.

[Photo] Local pickleball club consistently hits the courts, welcomes all  

Drew Coffey, Reporter
September 21, 2023
A variety of people such as students and Charleston community members join Raven McBride for her new moon yoga practice at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning. Were basically here with the intention of whichever the sign the moon is to bring energy of that into our practice. The more we bring that intention to our mat, the more its going to show up into our daily life. McBride explained about new moon yoga.

THROUGH THE LENS: New intentions with New Moon Yoga

Ashanti Thomas, Photo Editor
September 16, 2023
Nearing the end of the session, Raven McBride uses sound bath bowls that make relaxing sounds during new moon yoga at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning.

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Theyre getting a taste of that connectedness with themselves, their higher power, and I thrive on that, McBride said about being a messenger for other people who came to new moon yoga.

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Oscar Aguilar, a senior graphic design major, follows directions for different yoga poses.

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Raven McBride hosts the first session of new moon yoga for anyone to join at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning.

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Raven McBride, the host for new moon yoga, guides others on different yoga poses and breathing techniques during new moon yoga at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning. Ive got about 9 years sober, McBride said. So whenever I got on that wavelength I really dove into the spiritual practice of yoga.

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From left, Terri Righter and Lois Lyons join in on new moon yoga together for the first time and said that they enjoyed doing yoga outside and would definitely try it again at Tarble Arts Center Friday morning.

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Easterns volleyball team celebrate their 3-0 win against the University of Missouri Thursday night.

[Photo] EIU Volleyball clinches NCAA Tournament spot

November 22, 2023
The student section loudly cheer and show support after Easterns volleyball team win a met vs. the University of Missouri. The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers Thursday night.

[Photo] Panthers sweep Tigers for tenth straight win

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 14, 2023
Outside hitter/opposite Natalie Mitchem (7) The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers Thursday night.

[Photo] Eastern’s win over SEMO places them securely at the top of the OVC

Aidan Cusack, Sports Reporter
October 28, 2023
Defensive specialist/libero Christina Martinez Mundo (4), bumps the ball during their game vs. Missouri State. The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers.

[Photo] Panthers of the Week: Christina Martinez Mundo, Chad Smith

November 5, 2023
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Outside hitter/opposite Natalie Mitchem (7), attempts to get the ball over the net at their game vs. the University of Missouri. The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers Thursday night.

[Photo] EIU Volleyball seniors reflect on regular season, hosting OVC tournament

Aidan Cusack and Cameron Thomas
November 17, 2023
Tori Mohesky runs through the fan tunnel before the start of the EIU vs. Mizzou game. The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers Thursday night.

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Easterns volleyball team get ready to run under the fan tunnel before the start of their game vs. University of Missouri. The Panthers won 3-0 against the Tigers Thursday night.

[Photo] Takeaways from Panthers before volleyball conference play

September 18, 2023
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