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

The Daily Eastern News
  • Welcome back to the Daily Eastern News!
  • Check out our podcasts on Spotify!
  • Oct. 17- Untitled (Cut) @theTarble from 1-6 pm at the Tarble
  • Oct. 17- Women's Soccer vs. Tennessee Tech at 3 pm
  • Oct. 17- Jazz Combos in the Black Box at 7:30 pm
  • Oct. 18- Eastern Symphony Orchestra in the Dvorak Concert Hall at 7:30 pm
  • Oct. 19- Volleyball vs Tennessee Tech in Groniger Arena at 4 pm
  • Oct. 20- Women's Soccer vs UT Martin at Lakeside field starts at 1 pm
  • Oct. 20- Flute Studio Recital in the Doudna recital hall at 4 pm
  • Oct. 21- Faculty Chamber Recital in the Doudna recital hall at 7:30 pm
  • Oct. 22- Trans*formation Station Ribbon Cutting and Fashion Show at 7 pm
  • Volleyball standings: 4-11 on the season (0-5 in conference)
  • Soccer standings: Women's at 5-6-5 (3-2-2), Men's at 1-9-1 (0-5)
  • Football standings: 1-6 on the season (0-4 in conference)
  • Check out our newsletters on Overlooked!
Alex Sausman, a senior in marketing, and the owner of Artic Ice making a snow cone for Elian Encarnacion, a junior in business analytics, at the Small Business Fair in the Library Quad Saturday.
Small Business Fest brings plushies, cosmetics, more
The map of Coles County Board District 6. 
Who’s running for Coles County Board in District 6?
Executive Director and Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer John Blue talking to the students in the Union Loft on Oct. 17, 2024, for a lead lunch.
Executive director and senior diversity and inclusion officer gives advice at lunch
Katie Gillespie, a junior English education major and the president of EIU Pride on Saturday, Oct., 19, 2024,  selling pre-sale tickets for the EIU Drag Show at the overhang of Coleman Hall on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in Charleston, Ill., at Eastern Illinois University. 
Professional, student participation to come at EIU drag show
A major point in discussion from the weekly Student Senate meeting on Wednesday was the transparence of fees in the billing of students. Speaker of the senate Madison Veatch (left) senate parliamentarian Megan Fox (middle) and VPSA Mason Tegeler (right) discuss with fellow senate members at the senate weekly meeting on Wednesday
Student government discusses fees, approves RSO
Sophomore forward Alex Tetteh (22) gains control of the ball during the women's soccer game against the University of Tennessee Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Tetteh had three shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.
EIU women’s soccer loses last home game of season
Senior midfielder Avery Richardson stands still during a break in the game for a green carding during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston, Ill. EIU won 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Avery Richardson, Conner Colston
Senior outside hitter Kaitlyn Flynn taps the ball over the net during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville.
EIU volleyball splits games to Tennessee Tech
Aidan Cusack
COLUMN: Why your OVC mascot may or may not suck
Sophomore middle blocker Julia Stanev spikes the ball over the net, during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville
EIU volleyball wins during Greek night
Anderson reflects on Yankees career during 9/11
Freshman right-handed pitcher Slater Wilcox (32) pitches at Coaches Stadium on Sunday for the EIU baseball game.
EIU Baseball’s path through OVC Tournament
Men's Baseball team players stand in the dugout at home against Bellarmine at Coaches Stadium on March 12, 2024. Eastern beat Bellarmine 9-4 Tuesday afternoon.
EIU Baseball honors seniors, win over MSU
Junior Outfield (1) Quade Peters join the team in excitedment after sliding into home base at the game against Bradley
EIU Baseball drops second game against MSU
The baseball team game get suspended due to the weather, the team walked back to the locker room at the game against Bradley University Tuesday
EIU Baseball loses fifth straight game
Matt Bollant yelling at the referee during the women basketball game against UT Martin thursday night in Groniger Arena
Bollant leaves EIU basketball program
Junior guard/forward Kyndall Davis hangs onto the rim in Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 72-57 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena.
Davis, Luers enter transfer portal
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) celebrates a touchdown with redshirt junior offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72). Eastern beat Tennessee State 30-17 Saturday afternoon at O’ Brien Field.
Panthers of the Year: MJ Flowers, Macy McGlone, Sara Thomas
Senior guard Jordan "Tiger" Booker during the men's basketball game against Tennessee Tech Thursday night at Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59.
Panthers of the Semester: Tiger Booker, Macy McGlone, Tara Archibald
Daily Eastern News “Staff Picks”
STAFF PICKS: NBA finals winner
Payton Liggins, sophomore, sports media relations.
COLUMN: What went wrong with EIU football?
Chloe Proffitt
COLUMN: Female athletes are just as capable as male
Patrick Schmitz
COLUMN: Court storming should be a thing of the past
Aidan Cusack
COLUMN: Court storming needs to stay
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
COLUMN: EIU should move on from swim program
Freshman Joe Stoddard (117) runs at the 2023 EIU Walt Crawford open.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Alex Tetteh
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Taris Thornton, a junior forward, attempts to rebound the ball during the during second quarter of the women's basketball game against the Western Illinois University Leathernecks at Groniger Arena on Saturday afternoon. Thornton scored 13 points, had two rebounds and shot 4-6 for field goals. The Panthers won 72-62 against the Leathernecks.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Taris Thornton
Panthers of the Week: Macy McGlone, Isai Morales
Panthers of the Week: Macy McGlone, Isai Morales
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
Charleston head coach Brian Halsey talks to his team following the Trojan's 35-23 loss to Taylorville on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Trojan Hill.
Charleston Trojans lose 35-23 to Taylorville Tornadoes
Charleston sophomore running back Treylin Couch bobble the ball before securing it and running for his fourth touchdown during the third quarter of Charleston’s 45-34 win against Jersey on Sept 13, 2024, in Charleston Illinois.
Charleston prepares for must-win game against Taylorville
Panther football's Pierce Holley (3) prepares to throw the ball at the EIU v. UofI game Thursday.
Panthers hope for first conference win against Tigers
Charleston high senior defensive back Jayden Sikorski and senior defensive end Mason Redfern drag down Mattoon junior quarterback Shayden Neff during the second half of the Coles County Clash against Mattoon at O’Brien field on October 4th. Charleston lost 20-17.
Charleston loses 42-10 at homecoming
Charleston High Trojan fans getting ready with body paint and posters for the Coles County Clash against Mattoon at O’Brien Field on October 4. Charleston lost 20-10.
Charleston looks to break losing streak against Mount Zion
Sophomore forward Alex Tetteh (22) gains control of the ball during the women's soccer game against the University of Tennessee Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Tetteh had three shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.
EIU women’s soccer loses last home game of season
Senior midfielder Avery Richardson stands still during a break in the game for a green carding during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston, Ill. EIU won 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Avery Richardson, Conner Colston
Forward sophomore Abby Reinl scores the second point, making the game 2-1 during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill. EIU won 2-1
EIU women’s soccer wins two in a row
Incarnate Word head coach Kiki Lara greeting alumni and others after Incarnate Word beat Eastern 4-1 Thursday afternoon at Lakeside Field.
Former EIU soccer coach returns for first game since departure
Defender Kyle Ward Sophomore about to throw the ball into play during the Eastern Illinois University vs University of Incarnate word, Oct 10, 2024. at Lakeside Field
EIU men’s soccer loses 3-0 to Houston Christian University
Sophomore infielder, Kendall Grover swings and misses the ball during the Eastern Illinois University softball game against Tennessee State.
Grover, Oslanzi, Archibald win OVC Awards
Freshman pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi throwing a pitch on April Saturday 20, 2024 against Tennessee Tech University.
Panthers of the Week: McKenzie Oslanzi, Joe Stoddard
Senior guard Jordan "Tiger" Booker during the men's basketball game against Tennessee Tech Thursday night at Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59.
Panthers of the Semester: Tiger Booker, Macy McGlone, Tara Archibald
Freshman catcher Sophia Olman catching a pitch on Saturday April 20 2024 against Tennessee Tech.
Catcher talks about being a black belt in Q&A
softball
EIU softball loses nine-game winning streak to Tennessee Tech
Senior midfielder Avery Richardson stands still during a break in the game for a green carding during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston, Ill. EIU won 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Avery Richardson, Conner Colston
Through 40 years of coaching: Scott Teeters
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
COLUMN: EIU should move on from swim program
The women's swim team lost their first home meet of 2024 149-109 against the University of Southern Indiana.
EIU swim competes for first time in 2024
Jackson Penny, a sophomore individual medley and breaststroke swimmer, jumps from the grab start of the men’s 200 yard medley relay for the breaststroke segment at the swimming meet on Saturday at Padovan Pool. The Panthers won 169-93 against Valparaiso.
EIU Swim competes as whole
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Junior infielder Danny Infante tags University of Dayton freshman infielder David Mendez during their double header on March 16 and 17 at Coaches Stadium
Panthers of the Week: William Hays, Danny Infante
Tennis ball by the nets at the Darling Courts Wednesday afternoon
EIU men’s tennis gets second straight victory with win against USI
Fifth year senior Max Pilipovic-Kljajic is a computer science major from Brisbane, Australia, practicing his serve and is currently attending Eastern Illinois University
EIU tennis siblings’ journey from Australia
Head Coach Robin Cambier (mens and womens tennis) during pratice on wed Feb 14, 2024, helping players improve skills Macfee on Eastern Illinois University in Charleston Ill ©
EIU tennis coach with varied past: Robin Cambier
Senior outside hitter Kaitlyn Flynn taps the ball over the net during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville.
EIU volleyball splits games to Tennessee Tech
Sophomore middle blocker Julia Stanev spikes the ball over the net, during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville
EIU volleyball wins during Greek night
Junior outside hitter Matilda Dahlström, supports the volleyball team from the sideline during the matchup between Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Junior outside hitter talks about support system in Sweden in Q&A
EIU volleyball wins first conference game
EIU volleyball wins first conference game
Freshman outside hitter Destiny Walker waits for a serve from Southern Indiana at Friday's game in Groniger Arena. The Panther's lost 3-0.
Takeaways from EIU volleyball
Graduate studio art major Tristen Hahn paints a piece of fabric using a screen printer during the Scream Print event in the Tarble Arts Center on Oct. 18, 2024.
‘Art is screaming’ at the Tarble Arts Center
Chris Vallillo performing " This Little Light of Mine" along with songs of the Civil Right Movement" to show how music played an important role in historical struggles as a way to spread the message of equality and justice, in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, on Thursday night
Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement brings music and history together
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘Piece by Piece:’ building a new entry into the documentary/drama genre
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘Lars and the Real Girl:’ a very, very different type of rom-com
Monica Alifantis, a junior public relations major, does lateral pull downs in the student recreation center in Groniger Arena Sept. 13.
Fitness, followers, family: Monica Alifantis
Aidan Cusack
COLUMN: Why your OVC mascot may or may not suck
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘Piece by Piece:’ building a new entry into the documentary/drama genre
Jason Farias, Sophomore, History education
COLUMN: Future educators: get organized
Gunnar Olson, Senior, Journalism.
COLUMN: Boo! Get off the stage!
EDITORIAL: Ranked choice voting is the way to go
EDITORIAL: Ranked choice voting is the way to go
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 70: Joker: Folie à Deux and the Horrible, No Good, One Bad Day
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 69: Rebel Ridge: Every Ridge Has A Plateau
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 68: Whiplash: Aggression vs. Passion
Panther Playbook logo
Panther Playbook Ep.5: Football in a hurricane, The Coles County Clash, EIU teams begin OVC play
The Overton Window: Ep. 6: Under the Radar Races
The Overton Window: Ep. 6: Under the Radar Races
There were 24 finishers in the 50-mile race at the Tour De Charleston Saturday. First place finished the race in 2:10:16.22.
THROUGH THE LENS: Tour De Charleston
The Camp New Hope had a small Mattoon train that took people around the camp sight seeing during the Camp New Hope 50th anniversary.
THROUGH THE LENS: Camp New Hope celebrates 50th anniversary
Students start to cook the beans and corn for meatless tacos during a healthy cooking class.
THROUGH THE LENS: Something’s cooking in Klehm Hall
Students were given glow sticks at the Glow Foam Party in South Quad on Saturday.
THROUGH THE LENS: Glow Foam Party lights up South Quad
Wednesday mornings, Bob Bennett and Mike Clayton pick the tomatoes they want to take home on at the Charleston farmer's market Wednesday.
THROUGH THE LENS: Fresh produce at the Charleston Farmer’s Market
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
Payton Liggins, sophomore, sports media relations.

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter

Payton Liggins is a sophomore sports media relations major and can be reached at 581-2812 or paliggins@eiu.edu.

All content by Payton Liggins
Panther football's Pierce Holley (3) prepares to throw the ball at the EIU v. UofI game Thursday.

Panthers hope for first conference win against Tigers

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
October 12, 2024
Graduate student middle blocker Ireland Hieb cheers with her teammates in Groniger Arena at Eastern Illinois' campus Charleston Illinois, Sept. 26 2024

Hieb returns to volleyball program after one year away

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
October 1, 2024
Payton Liggins, sophomore, sports media relations.

COLUMN: What went wrong with EIU football?

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 29, 2024
Offensive lineman shares confidence for 2024 season in Q&A

Offensive lineman shares confidence for 2024 season in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 27, 2024
Quarterback Pierce Holley gets tackled during the Eastern Illinois University vs Illinois State University in Normal Ill, Sept. 21,2024 at Hancock Stadium, Panthers Lost 31-7.

Turnover margin gets the best of the Panthers in Mid-America Classic

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 22, 2024

Offensive lineman shares faith based pre-game routine in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 19, 2024
The football team is practices for their home opener on Saturday.

Eastern prepares for home opener against Indiana State

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 5, 2024
Spring 2024 staff portrait of Payton Liggins.

Celebrating Freedom: The Significance of Juneteenth

Payton Liggins, Reporter
June 19, 2024
Spring 2024 staff portrait of Payton Liggins.

Pride and perseverance

Payton Liggins, Reporter
June 18, 2024
Spring 2024 staff portrait of Payton Liggins.

Column: The ethics of AI

Payton Liggins, Reporter
May 28, 2024
Assistant coach Carlif Taylor runs drills with players during football practice at O'Brien Field April 4.

Former NFL player takes new coaching role at Eastern

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
April 16, 2024
Senior Christina Martinez Mundo (4) pets Bear the dog before starting their game vs. Valparaiso Friday night in Lantz Arena.

EIU libero reveals why she’s transferring in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
March 20, 2024
Freshman education major, Alyssa Vergara works on her math 1160 homework in the bridge lounge of the Martin Luther King Jr. Union Monday. Vergara continued to work on her homework after a tutoring session from a math professor. She listed the campus being close to home, a small and the professor to student ratio as the reasons she chose Eastern.

How EIU students manage busy majors

Payton Liggins, Reporter
March 19, 2024
Spring 2024 staff portrait of Payton Liggins.

COLUMN: My journey from shot put to sports media

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
March 1, 2024
Mark Aitken (2) congratulates his teammate NiJhay Burt (34) on his interception at the EIU vs. Indiana State game Thursday night.

EIU football teammates share controversial opinions in Q&A

Zaria Flippin and Payton Liggins
February 28, 2024
Track and field senior thrower Taylor Iverson throws a shot put .

EIU thrower Iverson shares shot put technique in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 22, 2024
Redshirt sophomore forward Kooper Jacobi puts the ball up in the paint during the Panther's first men's 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.

Kooper Jacobi speaks on religion in Q&A

Zaria Flippin and Payton Liggins
February 21, 2024
(From Left to Right) Rachel Koon (12), Kylie Decker (11), Kathryn Cichon (3) and Brenda Torres (2) vie for positioning at the beginning of the mile run at track meet.

EIU track and field hope to win OVC Championship

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 21, 2024
Freshman guard Lalani Ellis and redshirt freshman forward Sydney-James Desroches.

Q&A with Lalani Ellis and Sydney-James Desroches

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 11, 2024
Junior Guard/Forward Kyndall Davis shoots a perfect three pointer during the mens basketball game against UT martin Thursday night in Groniger Arena

Q&A with Kyndall Davis

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 8, 2024
Women’s head coach Matt Bollant instructs the Eastern women’s basketball team against University of Tennessee at Martin Thursday evening in Groniger Arena.

Meet the Coaches: Matt Bollant

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 6, 2024
Eastern men’s basketball head coach Marty Simmons instructs his team against the University of Tennessee Martin Skyhawks.

Meet the Coaches: Marty Simmons

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
February 5, 2024
Safety NiJhay Burt (34), intercepts the ball for a 67 yard return touchdown. The Panthers won 27-0 against the Sycamores Thursday night.

COLUMN: How does bad weather affect football players?

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
January 26, 2024
Eastern's men's baseball team practices in the Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse on Thursday evening. The team's first game will be against the Florida A&M Rattlers on Feb. 16 in Tallahassee at Bragg Memorial Stadium at Florida A&M's campus.

EIU baseball prepares for 2024 season

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
January 19, 2024
Greek Court Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2023

Greek Life and leadership: developing skills for the future

Payton Liggins, Reporter
November 10, 2023
Many groups in the Charleston community walked in the 2022 Homecoming Parade throughout downtown Charleston like Eastern's Panther Marching Band, Charleston High School's Marching Band, several political organization group candidates, churches, Fair and Bagel Fest Queens, and more.

EIU Homecoming Event Run-Down

Payton Liggins, Reporter
September 30, 2023
The Black Student Union provides a welcoming space for students

The Black Student Union provides a welcoming space for students

Payton Liggins, Reporter
September 20, 2023
Unfriending procrastination presentation helps students

Unfriending procrastination presentation helps students

Payton Liggins, Reporter
September 8, 2023
Kaleb Hemrich (left), a senior environmental biology major, and Jason Miller (right), a senior pre-biological sciences major, poses at Eastern's First Day of Class Photo set up outside of the Library Quad.

Students have mixed feelings after one day of classes

Payton Liggins, Reporter
August 23, 2023
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