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

The Daily Eastern News
McKinney Halls boat makes it back to land in one piece as the winner of the boat race between all of the residence halls on Thursday afternoon at campus pond.
McKinney wins annual boat race
Following an investigation, the mens swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
EIU suspends men’s 2023 swim meets for hazing investigation
A house smoking from a fire at 912 Oakcrest Drive in Charleston, Ill., on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
Fire at four apartment units
President Jay Gatrell invited Eastern Illinois University campus community for a fall update where he provides information on EIU five year blueprint for success at Doudna Fine Arts Center Concourse Wednesday morning.
Gatrell’s plan to improve the University
Grace Hosey, a senior marketing major, ask questions about job opportunities with members of ESPN at Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom job fair Wednesday afternoon.
Fall Job & Internship Fair seemingly disappointing
Sophomores Mason Stoeger (190) and Michael Atkins (181) run during the Walt Crawford Open meet at the Panther Trail during the 2022 season.
Panthers’ XC hope to improve as a team at Louisville Classic
Sam Eccles, a senior forward, dribbles between two Lindenwood defenders at Eastern Illinois University Lakeside Field Thursday afternoon.
Eastern stages last minute comeback to overcome the Lions
Following an investigation, the mens swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
EIU suspends men’s 2023 swim meets for hazing investigation
Junior wide receiver Eli Mirza celebrates after he scores a touchdown against McNeese cowboys at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
‘We’re chasing after greatness’ Mirza says previewing game against Northwestern State
Chad Strickland, a senior exercise science major, performs offensive line drills at OBrien Field on Eastern Illinois University Campus Monday Evening
Strickland selected as trophy semifinalist
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: More in-class writing will retain college students
Brie Coder is a graduate student studying graduate student in communication and leadership and can be reached at bmcoder@eiu.edu or 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Is Jake Paul a legitimate fighter?
Staff profile for Drew Coffey.
COLUMN: ‘Reservoir Dogs’: A group of truly colorful characters
COLUMN: The beauty of close proximity friendships
COLUMN: The beauty of close proximity friendships
EIU PD Squad Car 42
EDITORIAL: Inform students, even if it’s redundant
EIU PD Squad Car 42
EDITORIAL: Inform students, even if it’s redundant
EDITORIAL: New method at the Counseling Clinic has high hopes
EDITORIAL: New method at the Counseling Clinic has high hopes
EDITORIAL: Despite delayed elections, Student Senate is in the same predicament
EDITORIAL: Despite delayed elections, Student Senate is in the same predicament
EDITORIAL: Welcome to The News
EDITORIAL: There needs to be more education on steps after a sexual assault
EDITORIAL: There needs to be more education on steps after a sexual assault
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: More in-class writing will retain college students
Brie Coder is a graduate student studying graduate student in communication and leadership and can be reached at bmcoder@eiu.edu or 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Is Jake Paul a legitimate fighter?
Staff profile for Drew Coffey.
COLUMN: ‘Reservoir Dogs’: A group of truly colorful characters
COLUMN: The beauty of close proximity friendships
COLUMN: The beauty of close proximity friendships
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Octogenarians and optics 
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
Circus and movement artist Alex Oliva performs with the Cyr wheel as a apart of the Cirque Night Out show.
A Cirque Night Out, a night to remember 
COLUMN: The only movie you will ever need- The Princess Bride
COLUMN: The only movie you will ever need- ‘The Princess Bride’
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: Taylor Swift is sort of metal
Brie Coder is a graduate student studying graduate student in communication and leadership and can be reached at bmcoder@eiu.edu or 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: The CM Punk Comeback Era has abruptly ended
Jaedah Franks, a sophomore biological sciences major, is congratulated by Yolanda Williams after being crowned Miss Black EIU 2022 on Saturday in the Grand Ballroom.
Annual Miss Black EIU pageant to be canceled
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
Junior Addison Brown loses in her singles match against Amelia Gorman of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saturday afternoon at the Rex Darling Courts. The Panthers lose to the Cougars 5-2.
THROUGH THE LENS: Tough loss for women’s tennis vs. SIUE
Cory Meadows, a sophomore criminal justice major, and Billy Hung, a biology professor, listen to event organizer Theo Edwards, a senior psychology major, as they deliver their speech.
THROUGH THE LENS: Students rally for Transgender Day of Visibility
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 35: Napoleon Dynamite
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 35: Napoleon Dynamite
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 33: Pulp Fiction
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 33: Pulp Fiction
DEN Delivery: EIU Lifts uplifts newcomers
DEN Delivery: EIU Lifts uplifts newcomers
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 32: Toy Story
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies: Ep. 31: 2001: A Space Odyssey
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
Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 581-2912 or lrtaylor@eiu.edu.

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter

Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major. He previously served as summer Editor-in-Chief, associate news editor, news editor, multimedia news editor and Editor-in-Chief for the fall 2022 semester at The News.

All content by Luke Taylor
Members of EIU-UPI chant about what they want in a new contract during their strike.

[Photo] EIU-UPI accepts Eastern’s contract offer Tuesday

April 25, 2023
Students, community members and members of other campus unions picketed alongside members of the EIU-UPI during their strike at Old Main.

[Photo] Strike day 1: EIU-UPI march in the picket line

April 6, 2023
Jeff Duck, an academic advisor, passes out pizza that was sent to members of the EIU-UPI via Doordash. Duck also served pulled pork sandwiches he made with ingredients paid for by the union. Union members had lunch between picketing and a rally at Morton Park Thursday afternoon.

[Photo]

A member of EIU-UPI films students as they speak to union members and press during a rally at Morton Park Thursday afternoon.

[Photo]

Francesca Jones, an Eastern alumna who studied biosciences, brought Dunkin hot chocolate and doughnuts to union members who were picketing in front of Old Main on Thursday. Jones and her husband, Jermaine, both attended Eastern and had their wedding on campus. They still live in Charleston, and Jones says she wants her children to attend Eastern too because of the support she and her husband received from their professors. I had such a hard time when I started [going to school], I started with two children, Jones said. All my professors, if I said my kids are sick, theyd say, this is what were doing, heres how to make it up. They got us through.

[Photo]

Cameron Craig, a geography instructor, walks alongside other members of Easterns chapter of UPI during the unions strike for a fair contract Thursday morning.

[Photo]

Easterns Old Main was quiet Thursday morning while educators who had left the office to strike picketed outside.

[Photo]

An EIU-UPI member holds a sign explaining his feelings on a new contract during informational picketing in front of Old Main on March 29.

[Photo]

Billy Hung, biology professor and lead negotiator for EIU-UPI, leads other union members in chants about what they want in a new contract March 29. The group was attempting to raise awareness of their cause by doing “informational picketing,” which Hung joked about being a “practice run” for any future protests.

[Photo]

EIU-UPI members gather in front of Old Main for “informational picketing” March 29. They cheered as passing drivers honked in support.

[Photo]

Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 581-2912 or lrtaylor@eiu.edu.

COLUMN: The impact staff and professors have on Eastern

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
April 5, 2023
Members of Eastern s chapter of University Professionals of Illinois negotiation team head toward their bargaining meeting at the Union Monday morning.

EIU-UPI holds meeting to reach agreement

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
April 4, 2023
Members of Eastern s chapter of University Professionals of Illinois negotiation team head toward their bargaining meeting at the Union Monday morning.

[Photo] EIU-UPI to picket, rally Thursday after admin walks out on bargaining

April 4, 2023
Union member and organizer Todd Bruns, the dean of library services, talks about how the Work Out event went last week before Easterns chapter of University Professionals of Illinois negotiation team go their bargaining meeting at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Monday morning.

[Photo]

Kate Dean (12), a freshman psychology major, hits the ball over the net during a game against the Lindenwood Lions at Sister City Park Sunday afternoon. The Panthers won the match 4-1.

[Photo]

Catalina Rochaix (9), a sophomore international studies major, bumps the ball upon return during a game against the Lindenwood Lions at Sister City Park Sunday afternoon. The Panthers won the match 4-1.

[Photo]

Jake DeFries, a graduate infielder for Butler University, swings at a pitch during the baseball game against Eastern at Coaches Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Panthers lost 6-5, and are now 15-8 in season play. The Bulldogs are 6-20 in season play.

[Photo]

Cory Meadows, a sophomore criminal justice major, and Billy Hung, a biology professor, listen to event organizer Theo Edwards, a senior psychology major, as they deliver their speech.

THROUGH THE LENS: Students rally for Transgender Day of Visibility

Rob Le Cates and Luke Taylor
April 2, 2023
Several states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia have already passed anti-trans legislation, with around 20 or so states pending bills.

[Photo]

More than 30 people attended the protest organized by members of Eastern Illinois Universitys Pride group.

[Photo]

Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 581-2912 or lrtaylor@eiu.edu.

COLUMN: Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility, even though I do not want to

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
March 31, 2023
The 2023 Unofficial house crawl started at 9 a.m., with the first party going until noon, then the second from noon to 2 p.m., then the final house party from 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

[Photo] Preparing for Unofficial takes months to organize

March 8, 2023
From right, Mitchell Cox (Danny), a freshman theatre major, criticizes Benjamin Woolery (Sonny), a rehearsal theatre major, for wearing roller skates to a business meeting during rehearsal for Xanadu Sunday evening in The Theatre.

An in-depth examination of “Xanadu”

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
March 1, 2023
Benjamin Woolery (Sonny), a freshman theatre major, climbs up a ladder to Mount Olympus during the first dress rehearsal of Xanadu.

[Photo]

Benjamin Woolery (Sonny), a freshman theatre major, sings while on a call with a landlord during the first dress rehearsal of Xanadu Sunday evening.

[Photo]

Brianna Olshawsky (Calliope, Aphrodite), a freshman theater major, practices singing during Xanadu rehearsal in early February.

[Photo]

Vocal Instructor Rebecca von Kamp helps the Xanadu cast learn the songs during rehearsals at the beginning of February in The Globe Studio.

[Photo]

Becca Geffs (Kira), a junior music education major, kisses Benjamin Woolery (Sonny), a freshman theatre major, during the first dress rehearsal of Xanadu Sunday evening in the Theatre.

[Photo]

Chloe Hempel (Erato, Eros, Hera), a sophomore vocal music education major, stands still during a songs freeze frame during Xanadu rehearsal Sunday evening in The Theatre.

[Photo]

Becca Geffs (Kira), a junior music education major, whispers into Benjamin Woolerys (Sonny), a freshman theatre major, ear during the first dress rehearsal of Xanadu.

[Photo]

From left, Becca Geffs (Kira), a junior music education major, runs through lines with Mitchell Cox (Danny, Zeus), a freshman theater major, during rehearsal.

[Photo]

Olivia Enlow, a freshman theater major, rehearses lines as an understudy for Calliope, one of the nine muses.

[Photo]

Dungeon Master Peter Grichnik, a senior chemistry major, runs a game of Generic Universal RolePlaying System (GURPS), with fellow students in the Gamers Guild registered student organization in the Bridge Lounge in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Sunday afternoon.

Gamers’ Guild: where you’ll never get ‘board’

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
February 21, 2023
Getting Emotional

[Photo] Getting Emotional Ep.1: Introductions, Women’s Basketball

February 19, 2023
From left, Chris Wilkerson, Easterns newest head football coach, receives a jersey from EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael for becoming the football team’s new head coach at WIlkerson’s press conference on Friday in the Hall of Champions in Lantz Arena.

Michael says EIU athletics is excited to work with Gatrell

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
February 8, 2023
Rob Le Cates is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at 581-2912 or rllecates@eiu.edu.

[Photo] COLUMN: Queer media, take notes on atypical relationships and love

February 15, 2023
Olivia Enlow, a freshman theater major, rehearses lines as an understudy for Calliope, one of the nine muses, in Xanadu in The Theatre in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Wednesday night.

THROUGH THE LENS: “Xanadu” week four rehearsal

Luke Taylor, Senior Reporter
January 19, 2023
Mitchell Cox, a freshman theater major, answers a pretend phone during rehearsal for Xanadu in The Globe Studio in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Wednesday night.

[Photo]

From left, Becca Geffs, a junior music education major, runs through lines with Mitchell Cox, a freshman theater major, during the Xanadu rehearsal in The Globe Studio in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Wednesday night.

[Photo]

Easterns Director of Disability Services, April Jackson speaks at the accessibility forum to address current and future work being done to improve accessibility on campus Thursday afternoon at the University Ballroom.

[Photo]

Easterns student government hosted an accessibility forum to address current and future work being done to improve accessibility on campus Thursday afternoon at the University Ballroom. Members on the committee include administrations members, student success faculty, and a student government University Enhancement Committee member.

[Photo]

Several students walk around campus, going to and from classes on Thursday afternoon as the first week of classes wraps up.

Lack of official process creates accessibility challenges at Eastern

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2022
For the first 100 customers, store franchisee and owner Krishna Patel handed out free insulated tumblers. Krishna said they were looking at Charleston for a long time and were trying to find the right location. “We’re looking forward to working with the community, college, everyone,” Krishna said.

Charleston’s running on Dunkin’

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2022
Charleston residents wait in line to vote at the Coles County Courthouse.

Coles County citizens, activists vote for their causes

Luke Taylor and Rob Le Cates
November 8, 2022
Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Artistic inspiration in unexpected places; or, how D&D made me a better writer 

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2022
Get to know local candidates

Get to know local candidates

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 2022
Bradyn Wambach (right) and Gentry Cospy (left) hold the planchette while communicating with spirits through an ouija board at Airtight Bridge on Wednesday night, Oct. 12. The group performed a séance in the middle of Airtight Bridge in an attempt to communicate with spirits, with help from Tristen Marlow. Some spirits include Diana Marie Riordan-Small, a resident of Bradley, Ill, who dissappeared from her home a short time before her remains were found in Airtight Bridges river bed.

Investigating Airtight Bridge

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2022
EIU-UPI President Jennifer Stringfellow hands grievance form to Judith Garrell, the secretary for University President David Glassmans office. Glassman was unavailable at the time the grievance were delivered.

[Photo] EIU-UPI delivers grievance to Glassman last Friday

October 20, 2022
Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: ‘Do Revenge’ could save the ‘girl movie’ genre

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2022
Students walk outside the Human Services Building Monday afternoon.

Sarah Bush to operate on-campus pharmacy

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2022
Carmans potential: firefighter training

Carman’s potential: firefighter training

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2022
Luke Taylor is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Corn kid shows online fun, memes are no longer free

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2022
Rob Le Cates is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

[Photo] COLUMN: Complaining should not be necessary to get proper service

January 20, 2023

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: In with the new, but we’re still the same

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
August 28, 2022
Kymoni Dixon, a sophomore majoring in exercise science for physical therapy, works at Thomas Dining hall, swiping cards. Dixon said she likes the convenience of having an on-campus job although being a student worker can become hectic.

Taylor Dining to stop serving dinner

Luke Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
August 11, 2022
COLUMN: Sonder is a testament to student creativity, filmmaking

COLUMN: “Sonder” is a testament to student creativity, filmmaking

Luke Taylor, Columnist
May 19, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 30: The Bad Guys & The Northman

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
May 5, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 29: Legally Blonde & Fear

Adam Tumino, Luke Taylor, and Corryn Brock
April 28, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 28: Hoosiers & White Men Can’t Jump

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
April 21, 2022

[Photo] Eastern updates mask mandate on sponsored transportation

April 20, 2022
Eastern community celebrates National ASL Day 2022

Eastern community celebrates National ASL Day 2022

Luke Taylor, Multimedia News Editor
April 15, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 27: Looper & Terminator

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
April 14, 2022
Copy-of-Click-here-to-take-our-poll-for-Womens-History-and-Awareness-Month

[Photo]

the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 26: All Eight Harry Potter Movies

Adam Tumino, Luke Taylor, and Rob Le Cates
April 7, 2022

[Photo] Police chief responds to on campus safety concerns for women

April 5, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk April 1, 2022

Luke Taylor
March 31, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 25: American Psycho & Promising Young Woman

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
March 30, 2022
Felony charges by men in 2021-2

[Photo] Coles County drug court: How the former ‘Meth Capital of Illinois’ responds to addiction

March 31, 2022
Eastern student to present on hate crimes, more this week

Eastern student to present on hate crimes, more this week

Luke Taylor, Multimedia News Editor
March 28, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 24: The Power of the Dog & Nomadland

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
March 24, 2022
Untitled design (5)

[Photo] Women to be celebrated March 30

March 25, 2022
Click-here-to-take-our-poll-for-Womens-History-and-Awareness-Month

[Photo]

the news desk

The News Desk March 11, 2022

Luke Taylor, Corryn Brock, Madelyn Kidd, and Rob Le Cates
March 11, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 23: West Side Story 1961 & 2021

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
March 10, 2022
vehicle

[Photo] ‘The Vehicle’ to celebrate 60th anniversary

March 8, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk March 4, 2022

Luke Taylor
March 3, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 22: Annihilation & The Martian

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
March 3, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk Feb. 25, 2022

Luke Taylor
February 25, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 21: The Incredibles & Ratatouille

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
February 23, 2022
Gordon Baltazar, a freshman biology major, poses for a headshot in the South Quad on Monday.

What does Eastern want in a president?

Luke Taylor, Multimedia News Editor
February 23, 2022
African-American-Heritage-Month-Cleopatras-History-and-more-2

[Photo] More African American Heritage Month events, more this week on campus

February 21, 2022
HAIR-SALON

[Photo] SSD Hair Salon reopening in Union on Tuesday

February 21, 2022
Lions-in-Winter

[Photo] Lions in Winter features poet W. Todd Kaneko Thursday evening

February 17, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 20: Forgetting Sarah Marshall & the Hundred Foot Journey

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
February 16, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk Feb. 11, 2022

Luke Taylor and Madelyn Kidd
February 10, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 19: Fight Club & Joker

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
February 9, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk Feb. 4, 2022

Luke Taylor and Corryn Brock
February 3, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 18: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull & What We Do in the Shadows

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
February 2, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk Jan. 28, 2022

Luke Taylor and Corryn Brock
January 28, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 17: Macbeth & the Green Knight

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
January 26, 2022
the news desk

The News Desk Jan. 21, 2022

Luke Taylor and Adam Tumino
January 22, 2022
the movie den

The Movie DEN Ep. 16: Thor: Ragnorak & Spider-Man: No Way Home

Adam Tumino and Luke Taylor
January 19, 2022
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