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!
  • Check out our newsletters on Overlooked!
Screen grab from agrivoltaics video.
Land-use conflict sprouts new agricultural and energy collection method
Chairman of the Coles County Democratics Mac White gives a speech about jobs at the May Day rally protesting the current administration in honor of workers in Morton Park on Saturday.
Charleston community holds speeches at May Day protest
Emergency personal responded to Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, for a car crash. Mattoon Police Chief Sam Gaines said the force is investigating a potential DUI.
One dead, one injured from crash into Mattoon nursing home
Marie Mullinax performed in the theatre department's performance of Children of Eden on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on Nov. 1, 2023.
Senior’s last hooray for Cabaret
Undergraduate graduation statistics and rates between fiscal year 2013 and 2023.
Looking back before EIU graduation
Eastern Illinois baseball head coach Jason Anderson, who was named the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference coach of the year, talks to the team after being doused with water following a 9-7 victory over Western Illinois that secured the OVC regular season title Saturday afternoon at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois
Eastern Illinois baseball prepares for OVC tournament as 1-seed
The Eastern Illinois baseball team poses for a photo after beating Western Illinois 9-7 at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois Saturday afternoon to become regular season champions of the Ohio Valley Conference for the first time since 2009.
EIU baseball wins first OVC regular season title in 16 years
Mike Pugliese, the Eastern Illinois baseball hitting coach, speaks with the Panther hitters following the team's 10-2 win in game two of the series against Western Illinois Friday afternoon at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois. The Panthers out-hit Western Illinois 13-6.
EIU baseball clinches series, double bye in OVC tournament
Eastern Illinois baseball pitching coach Max Feske (right) hugs graduate left-handed pitcher Tyler Kapraun (left) after Kapraun pitched seven scoreless innings against Western Illinois on Thursday at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois. Both Feske and Kapraun were members of the Western Illinois baseball team last year.
Kapraun throws seven scoreless innings in win over Western Illinois
Tennis ball by the nets at the Darling Courts Wednesday afternoon
Eastern cuts men’s, women’s tennis programs
Eastern Illinois baseball head coach Jason Anderson, who was named the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference coach of the year, talks to the team after being doused with water following a 9-7 victory over Western Illinois that secured the OVC regular season title Saturday afternoon at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois
Eastern Illinois baseball prepares for OVC tournament as 1-seed
The Eastern Illinois baseball team poses for a photo after beating Western Illinois 9-7 at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois Saturday afternoon to become regular season champions of the Ohio Valley Conference for the first time since 2009.
EIU baseball wins first OVC regular season title in 16 years
Mike Pugliese, the Eastern Illinois baseball hitting coach, speaks with the Panther hitters following the team's 10-2 win in game two of the series against Western Illinois Friday afternoon at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois. The Panthers out-hit Western Illinois 13-6.
EIU baseball clinches series, double bye in OVC tournament
Eastern Illinois baseball pitching coach Max Feske (right) hugs graduate left-handed pitcher Tyler Kapraun (left) after Kapraun pitched seven scoreless innings against Western Illinois on Thursday at Coaches Stadium in Charleston, Illinois. Both Feske and Kapraun were members of the Western Illinois baseball team last year.
Kapraun throws seven scoreless innings in win over Western Illinois
Charleston High School senior Luke Bonnstetter pitches during game one of the Trojans' doubleheader against Mattoon on Monday afternoon at Mattoon High School in Mattoon, Illinois
CHS baseball ends losing skid against Robinson
Offensive Line sophomore, (77) Sandro Malicevic picks up wide receiver senior Cooper Willman after a touch down in the end zone, at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamore, at O'Brien Field. Saturday night. Panthers won 27-20.
Panthers of the Year: Cooper Willman, Macy McGlone, Dan and Kristi Paulson
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Senior, guard NaKyel Shelton, makes a free point during the game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill. Panthers lost 66-49.
Panthers of the Semester: NaKyel Shelton, Macy McGlone, Marqus McGlothan
Men's basketball practices before the Morehead state game, tomorrow in Groniger Arena, Jan 22,2025. Men's basketball has lost six games in conferences so far this year. on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
STAFF PICKS: Who will win the 2025 NBA finals?
Forward redshirt freshman Georgia Cox looking for someone open to pass too, during the game Thursday Feb 20,2025 in Evansville Indiana against Souther Indiana Screaming Eagles, panthers lost 66-46. at Liberty Arena.
EIU women’s basketball forward announces departure from program
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Patrick Schmitz
COLUMN: Bring back region-based conferences
Drew Farrell
COLUMN: You should start cycling
Drew Farrell
COLUMN: The NFL should adopt the fourth-and-20 play
Cameron Thomas
COLUMN: Why the NBA ratings are down
Fans of Meridian High School watch as St. Anthony High School has the ball near the end of the first quarter of the Illinois High School Association Class 1A Super sectional game at Groniger Arena on Monday.
What does Eastern get from hosting high school sports events?
Forward senior Macy McGlone plays defences ready for the ball, during the game Thursday Feb 20,2025 in Evansville Indiana against Souther Indiana Screaming Eagles, panthers lost 66-46. at Liberty Arena.
Panthers of the Week: Abraham Johnson, Macy McGlone
(Thumbnail Edition) Ramsey Hunt competes in the men's long jump category for the second day of EIU Big Blue Classic. Hunt finishes first in the finals with a mark of 7.35m at the O’Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Graduate jumper looks to make big leap in final year at EIU
Sophomore multi track and field athlete Ben Jessup stretches and prepares to compete in the John Craft Invite on Saturday.
Eastern track and field athlete returns after injury setback
Freshman Joe Stoddard (117) runs at the 2023 EIU Walt Crawford open.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Alex Tetteh
Offensive Line sophomore, (77) Sandro Malicevic picks up wide receiver senior Cooper Willman after a touch down in the end zone, at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamore, at O'Brien Field. Saturday night. Panthers won 27-20.
Panthers of the Year: Cooper Willman, Macy McGlone, Dan and Kristi Paulson
Safety redshirt freshman Josh Brown left throws the ball to another player during football Pratice at O'brain Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Redshirt freshman safety shares fraternity lifestyle in Q&A
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Running back, redshirt Freshman Jacarre Fleming takes the ball running during Football pratice at O'Braine stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Panther running back shares meaning behind nickname in Q&A
Graduate student safety Tienne Fridge gets interviewed by the Daily Eastern News sports editor during football practice at O'Brian Stadium.
New EIU football captain shares swimming experience in Q&A
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Eastern Illinois women’s soccer junior forward Abby Reinl fighting with Illinois State junior defender Erika Wells to get the ball during Eastern’s lost to Illinois State 1-0 at its spring game at Lakeside field on April 12, 2025., on the Eastern Illinois University campus. Charleston ILL. 
EIU women’s soccer faces Illinois State in second spring game
(Thumbnail Edition) SUBMITTED PHOTO | BLAINEY DOWLING From left to right: senior safety Tienne Fridge, junior forward Katiebeth May, redshirt sophomore defender Elizabeth Galvin and redshirt sophomore quarterback Blainey Dowling at the Uplifting Athletes Conference Saturday Feb 1 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Uplifting Athletes conference teaches EIU athletes fundraising, leadership
Josh Oakley has left the Eastern men's soccer program after two years as head coach.
Men’s soccer head coach leaves Eastern
Centerback Sarah Hagg, then a sophomore, playing in a game against Purdue Fort Wayne on August 21, 2022 . Eastern won the game 2-0. at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Past EIU defender signs for professional soccer club
Offensive Line sophomore, (77) Sandro Malicevic picks up wide receiver senior Cooper Willman after a touch down in the end zone, at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamore, at O'Brien Field. Saturday night. Panthers won 27-20.
Panthers of the Year: Cooper Willman, Macy McGlone, Dan and Kristi Paulson
Eastern Illinois softball team surround junior infielder Kendall Grover after she stole home to win the Ohio Valley Conference championship against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 1-0 on Saturday.
EIU softball wins second OVC championship in three years
Eastern Illinois softball sophomore outfielder Karson Davey slides into home plate past Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior catcher Piper Montogomery in the 10th inning to win the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinal against SIUE 5-4 on Friday.
EIU softball beats SIUE to advance to championship game    
Eastern Illinois softball sophomore catcher Sophia Olman celebrates after scoring in two runs in the bottom of the sixth during the Ohio Valley Conference tournament game against the University of Southern Indiana with Eastern winning 4-1 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex on Thursday.
EIU softball defeats USI, advances into OVC Tournament winner bracket
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Redshirt junior guard Obadiah Curtis drives to the basket against Graduate student forward Jack Mielke during the second half of Eastern’s lost to Southern Indiana 64-60 on Saturday
Panthers of the Week: Obadiah Curtis, Autumn Grinter
Members of the EIU women's basketball game rush to the student section to celebrate a 51-49 win over the University of Southern Indiana Groniger Arena Saturday. The Panthers won 51-49 in a late game layup and free throw with 13 seconds left allowing the Panthers to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Panther Roundup: Women’s basketball undefeated in OVC, men’s swim wins almost every event
Senior Freestyle swimmer Conner Colston reacting to getting fourth place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.26 during the Eastern Illinois men’s loss against Lewis University 152-110 on Friday evening.
EIU swim celebrates seniors against Lewis
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
Tennis ball by the nets at the Darling Courts Wednesday afternoon
Eastern cuts men’s, women’s tennis programs
Freshman Eastern Illinois tennis player Duarte Trocado readies to backhand the ball during Eastern’s Horizon League conference opener against Tennessee State University as Eastern lost 5-2 on Saturday.
Men’s tennis loses home conference opener against TSU
Freshman tennis player Fabien Planchard backhands the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.
EIU tennis prepares for weekend games
Members of the EIU women's basketball game rush to the student section to celebrate a 51-49 win over the University of Southern Indiana Groniger Arena Saturday. The Panthers won 51-49 in a late game layup and free throw with 13 seconds left allowing the Panthers to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Panther Roundup: Women’s basketball undefeated in OVC, men’s swim wins almost every event
Players of the Eastern Illinois University women's basketball team cheer on teammates during their game against the Indiana State Sycamores on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 in Groniger Arena.
Panther Sports Roundup: What you missed over the weekend
Eastern Illinois University’s volleyball coach Ryan Millar gives directions to his players at the Sister City Park Beach Volleyball courts on March 13.
Olympic gold medal winner joins EIU’s coaching staff for volleyball
Junior Lilli Amettis dives down to get the ball during Eastern's beach volleyball game against Lindenwood University. Amettis' teammate, redshirt junior Julia Udell, watches her back on April 10, 2025 at Sister City Park in Charleston Ill.
EIU beach volleyball suffers close loss to Lindenwood
Junior Sylvia Hasz (left) and senior Kaitlyn Flynn (right) compete in a beach volleyball match against the Lindenwood Lions on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Sister City Park in Charleston, ILL
EIU beach volleyball set to host only home match against Lindenwood
Head Volleyball Coach Sara Thomas high fives her players before the volleyball game against the University of Missouri Tigers Friday afternoon at Lantz Aren. The Panthers lost 3-1.
Head EIU volleyball coach resigns
(Thumbnail Edition) Associate Head Coach Manolo Concepcion talks to the Volleyball team from the side lines during the game against Tennessee State at the Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Nov 20,2024. Charleston ILL.
EIU volleyball coach contract not renewed
Students perform in the play, "Squirrels Against Students," for the New Works Festival on April 8 in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Eastern students direct plays at New Works Festival
Senior music major Joseph Tucker performs his written song "Alarm Clock" during Open Mic night during the Liberation Mic event at the EIU Cultural House.
Liberation Mic presents Eastern-based performances
Students, staff and parents join together in the Tarble Arts Center to award undergraduate EIU student work and to view the artwork of undergrads and graduate students from on Saturday.
Tarble Arts Center features EIU student, graduate student artwork
Chanticleer's countertenor Adam Brett sings during act two of the performance Saturday evening at the Dvorak Concert Hall.
Chanticleer delivers memorable moments for audience
Chanticleer will be performing at 7:30 in the Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Saturday, April 5.
Grammy award-winning Chanticleer to perform at Doudna
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: One final Q&A
The finished and tied newspapers stacked on top of each other ready to be dispersed throughout campus buildings.
EDITORIAL: Now is the time. Stand with free press
Drew Farrell
COLUMN: RFK Jr. is wrong about autism
Tyrone Naylor
COLUMN: Food is too consistent on campus
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘Sinners’ is heavenly
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 92: Cam’s Final Episode + The Future of the Podcast
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 91: Eyes Wide Shut: More Romantic Than Meets the Eye
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 90: Kept Woman: Can I Have My Time Back?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 89: Is ‘Opus’ Really That Grand?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 88: There’s More to Action Films Than Killing
Vendors line the sidewalks in front of the Dounda Fine Arts Center selling goods like plush animals, lithography prints, clothing and more during Spring Fest which ran from Thursday to Saturday.
Spring Fest brings vendors, live music
Ben Rienbolt, the international student coordinator who ran the event for Holi and set up for the day for students, got to participate himself in the festival of colors.
Unofficial Holi festival of colors celebration lights up Library Quad
Saxophonist Chad LB solos on a jazz chart with the Eastern Illinois Jazz Ensemble during the first song of Eastern Jazz Festival.
THROUGH THE LENS: Award-winning saxophonist Chad LB plays at EIU
Redshirt junior running back Jay Pearson throws a cream pie into the face of a faculty member in the Grand Ballroom in the Martin Luther King Jr. Union.
THROUGH THE LENS: Jock-N-Roll raises $1,500 for veteran
Students hug at the candlelight vigil for Eastern student Yahacov Dennis who died last Saturday, January 25 at Amoco.
THROUGH THE LENS: Vigil commemorated to Eastern student death
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
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

Will Padgett, Columnist

Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and he can be reached at 581-2912 or at wpadgett14@gmail.com.

All content by Will Padgett
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: What a long, strange trip it has been

Will Padgett, Columnist
April 28, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: It can happen anywhere

Will Padgett, Columnist
April 21, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Forget about the strike, talk about movies

Will Padgett, Columnist
April 14, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: What do we do now?

Will Padgett, Columnist
April 7, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: An Ode to The Snack-Bringer

Will Padgett, Columnist
March 31, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: I have a plan, I just need some money

Will Padgett, Columnist
March 24, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Why so serious?

Will Padgett, Columnist
March 10, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: My friend becomes a homeowner, well, I am doing big things too 

Will Padgett, Columnist
March 3, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Is it worth trying to be funny?

Will Padgett, Columnist
February 24, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Valentine’s Day is for suckers

Will Padgett, Columnist
February 17, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Trucks are cool

Will Padgett, Columnist
February 10, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: President, shmesident- who cares?

Will Padgett, Columnist
February 4, 2023
Will Padgett is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 581-2912 padgett14@gmail.com.

COLUMN: Pears are the worst fruit

Will Padgett, Columnists
January 27, 2023
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: I am all out of opinions

Will Padgett, Columnist
January 20, 2023
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Starting the semester off right is boring

Will Padgett, Columnist
January 16, 2023
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: I am sick of home improvement shows in hospital waiting rooms

Will Padgett, Columnist
December 2, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: If you actively choose not to use the crosswalks, we have problems

Will Padgett, Columnist
November 18, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Not enough places sell soft pretzels

Will Padgett, Columnist
November 12, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: “Mr. Brightside” is the greatest song ever made

Will Padgett, Columnist
November 4, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Kit Kats are God-awful

Will Padgett, Columnist
October 28, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: President Glassman may or may not be a werewolf

Will Padgett, Columnist
October 21, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: I should be EIU’s next president

Will Padgett, Columnist
October 14, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: I think the clock tower is haunted

Will Padgett, Columnist
October 7, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: The DEN is not real, I just made it up

Will Padgett
September 30, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: My parents should be banned from using emojis

Will Padgett, Columnist
September 23, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Believe it or not, I called dibs on all the pita and hummus in the Food Court

Will Padgett, Columinst
September 16, 2022
Will Padgett is a first year graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.

COLUMN: Spaghetti should not exist in a world where we have lasagna

Will Padgett, Columnist
September 9, 2022

COLUMN: It is okay to not have everything figured out

Will Padgett, Columnist
September 2, 2022
Load More Stories