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

The Daily Eastern News
What to expect at Springfest
What to expect at Springfest
Jody Stone interacts with students after his student interview for Dean of Students Friday. April 13,2024 in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union,
Interim dean of students interviews to maintain position
The crowd jumps in excitement over Matt Bennet in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom on Saturday.
Matt Bennett brings nostalgia to Pantherchella
President of Eastern Illinois University Jay Gatrell in his office in Old Main during an interview with the Daily Eastern News about his first year as president. Gatrell said, Anytime you take a new job, there’s going to be a learning curve. But you know, I feel sort of blessed to have been here and to know this place and the newer students.”  
Jay Gatrell: The first year
Christiana Harkulich teaches a class Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in the Doudua Fine Arts Center. Harkulich is a dramaturge and instructor for theater, film studies and women and gender studies.
A glimpse into Christiana Harkulich’s theatrical world
Redshirt junior outfield Dylan Drumke gets a run to first after hitting outfield at the game against Bradley University Tuesday
EIU baseball loses to non-D1 opponent for first time since 2019
Junior outfielder Quade Peters swinging and hitting the ball during Easterns game against Bradley University on Tuesday,
EIU beats Bradley in shortened game
Sophomore forward Sincere Malone (5) attempts a contested layup by freshman guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) during the Panthers first mens basketball game of the season. The Panthers lost 52-80 to the Fighting Illini Monday night.
Malone, Gibson enter transfer portal
Assistant coach Carlif Taylor runs drills with players during football practice at OBrien Field April 4.
Former NFL player takes new coaching role at Eastern
EIU softball players tags out a Tennessee State University player during their doubleheader game at home Saturday.
EIU baseball, softball take home wins
COLUMN: Educators need to be more valued
COLUMN: Educators need to be more valued
Jason Farias
COLUMN: Concerns with free speech zones
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: The spirit of Linux and the attention economy
Jacob Hamm
COLUMN: 32-hour work weeks should be the standard
EDITORIAL: Class evaluations should matter
EDITORIAL: Class evaluations should matter
EDITORIAL: Class evaluations should matter
EDITORIAL: Class evaluations should matter
The News won 34 awards at the Illinois Collegiate Press Association 2024.
EDITORIAL: The News wins 34 state awards
Ryan Hendrickson during the open interviews in Buzzard Auditorium. He is one out of four candidates for provost position Thursday morning.
EDITORIAL: We endorse Hendrickson as next provost
EDITORIAL: Should you trust the mystic, weather-predicting rodent?
EDITORIAL: Should you trust the mystic, weather-predicting rodent?
Students from Eastern Illinois University take pictures together during Block Party Pep Rally event at O‘Brien Stadium Friday night.
EDITORIAL: Eastern needs a devoted provost
COLUMN: Educators need to be more valued
COLUMN: Educators need to be more valued
Jason Farias
COLUMN: Concerns with free speech zones
Dan Hahn is a graduate student studying English and can be reached at 217-581-2812.
COLUMN: The spirit of Linux and the attention economy
Jacob Hamm
COLUMN: 32-hour work weeks should be the standard
Drew Coffey
COLUMN: ‘It Comes at Night:’ many questions, few answers
Bob Ceder and friend Killer siting on a couch with their dogs back in 1974.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The saga of the Pale Riders of ’74
Jacob Kimsey poses with Ethan Lozada dressed as Jesus at a counterprotest against religious protester Chris Svochak.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A queer student’s perspective on the March 7 protest
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
What to expect at Springfest
What to expect at Springfest
The crowd jumps in excitement over Matt Bennet in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom on Saturday.
Matt Bennett brings nostalgia to Pantherchella
Christiana Harkulich teaches a class Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in the Doudua Fine Arts Center. Harkulich is a dramaturge and instructor for theater, film studies and women and gender studies.
A glimpse into Christiana Harkulich’s theatrical world
Camron Hardy
COLUMN: ‘Waves’ floods audience with emotions
The undergraduate award recipients of Tarble Art Centers Spring Exhibition Cycle Opening stand together for a picture Saturday afternoon.
Tarble Arts Center opens spring exhibitions
Senior utility, Cole Gober throws his base to the side as he runs to first base at the game against Bradley University Tuesday,
THROUGH THE LENS: EIU vs Bradley Baseball
Students enjoy Pantherchella where Matt Bennett DJd in the Martin Luther King Jr., University Union Grand Ballroom
THROUGH THE LENS : Matt Bennett plays Pantherchella
Senior Addison Brown stands and waits for the double match to start against Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks, at Atkins indoor tennis center
THROUGH THE LENS: EIU women’s tennis play against SEMO
(93) Sophomore punter Jacob Horvath and (98) redshirt junior long snapper Brett Galletti, at football’s first spring practice.
THROUGH THE LENS: EIU football’s first spring practice
Jennifer Buchter, a special education professor, gets out of the water during the Special Olympics Polar Plunge Sunday.
THROUGH THE LENS: Students, faculty get bold, cold
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 60: Why Is Midsommar So Weird?
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 59: Is Ex Machina The Best Sci-Fi Movie?
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 58: Road House 2024 Is Terrible!
two dudes talk movies
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 57: Reviewing the 2024 Oscars
Panther Profiles: Ep. 19: Sebastian Pares
Panther Profiles: Ep. 19: Sebastian Pares
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, Photographer

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
Forward Macy McGlone (33), goes for a rebound at the basketball game against Lindenwood at Groniger Arena Saturday afternoon. The Panthers won 68-62 against the Lions on Eastern Illinois Universitys campus on Feb. 17, 2024,

[Photo] McGlone, Booker, Monahan named All-OVC players

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
March 5, 2024
At Eastern Illinois Universitys basketball game against Lindenwood, guard Ellie Buzzelle goes up for a layup over forward Alyssa Nielsen at Groniger Arena Saturday afternoon. The Panthers won 68-62 against the Lions on Eastern Illinois Universitys campus

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Kayla Tomaszkiewicz teaches participants line dancing moves at the Panther Ho-Down event which was hosted by her and the rest of her Underground Line Dancing club members on Saturday night.

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After a long night of line dancing at the Panther Ho-Down event, the treasurer of the Underground Line Dancing club, Faith Hartke, puts away her cowboy boots on Saturday night.

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Sam Stowell wins the competition for the longest yee-haw with a total time of 22 seconds long, at the Panther Ho-Down event hosted by Underground Line Dancing club on Saturday nigh at the University Ballroom.

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Gabriel McElroy swing dances with Kayla Tomaszkiewicz, the president of the Underground Line Dancing club at their Panther Hoedown event on Saturday evening.

[Photo] Students line dance at the hoedown

Chandler Smith, Reporter
January 20, 2024
Members of Easterns Underground Line Dancing club take pictures using the photo booth at their own Panther Hoedown event on Saturday night.

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From left, sophomore Dylan Meek, and sophomore Rachel Wisner get ready to join the fun by putting on cowboy hats at the Panther Ho-Down event hosted by The Underground Line Dancing club on Saturday evening.

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From left, Faith Hartke and Gabriel McElroy practice dancing together to music before the Panther Ho-Down event hosted by the Underground Line Dancing club starts on Saturday afternoon in the University Ballroom.

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EIUs softball team cheer on the Panther Marching Band during its performance at the Ohio Valley Conference. Friday, March 5, 2023.

[Photo] STAFF PICKS: What sport should EIU add?

Sports Staff
January 24, 2024
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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Senior outside hitter Giovana Larregui Lopez hits the ball over the net for the Panthers against their game vs. Valparaiso. The Panthers won 3-2 against the Beacons Friday night in Lantz Arena.

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

[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, works on editing his Two Dudes Talk Movies podcast in the newsroom of Buzzard Hall.

[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.

[Photo] Weller, Thomas Halls to pause use for fall 2024

Alli Hausman, Copy Chief
March 5, 2024
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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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Abilene, a neoclassical quintet featuring piano, vocals, cello, violin, and synth, perform 14 songs in two different sets over the course of the night and end with a Winged Dreams Suite where they play 6 songs with only a brief resting moment in between each piece.

[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
Running back MJ Flowers, runs down the field after catching the ball during 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 winners, Rochelle Carter as Princess, Sheldon Turner as Prince, Hannah Lawrence as Queen, and Nick Trimble as King, take the stage at the homecoming royalty coronation Monday night.

[Photo] Lawrence, Trimble crowned as head homecoming royalty

Cam'ron Hardy, News Editor
October 3, 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 the Tarble Arts Center Jennifer Seas walks students through the new Who Speaks for the Oceans? exhibition 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
EIUs Jazz Ensemble finishes their performance at the Jazz Showcase with the final song of On Green Dolphin in Doudna Fine Arts Center Thursday evening.

[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] COLUMN: Pickleball is fun

Patrick Schmitz, Sports Reporter
February 3, 2024
A team of pickleball players touch their paddles after a game at the outside Lantz Arena tennis courts.

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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  

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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