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

The Daily Eastern News
An aerial drone shot above Eastern Illinois University's McAfee Gym, which is one of the buildings University Police cleared in search of an armed individual following an unidentified single unconfirmed and noncredible information caller to a nonemergency line Monday morning.
EIU police responds to report of armed individual, determines it was unfounded
From left to right department chair of Philosophy Grant Sterling, department chair of mathematics and computer science Andrew Mertz and department chair of communications and journalism Matt Gill talk at the Faculty Forum about the recent layoffs at the lecture hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Wednesday.
Eastern faculty forum discusses department merger timeline, concerns, communication
Billy Hung, associate professor in Biological Sciences and president of the union, discusses aspects of the new union deal. Having the news of the recent layoffs, Dr. Hung was hoping for more members to show to the meeting but was still happy with the around 45 members that joined via in person or online in the Marin Luther King Jr. Union on Thursday.
Eastern Illinois University faculty union drafts contract proposals
Line outside the Charleston Area Churches Food Pantry waits to be attended to after SNAP got cut by the federal government on Wednesday Nov. 5.
SNAP funding problems worry Central Illinois residents
David Cook II gestures at the graph while explaining the 'Birthday Problem' during his lecture 'Much Ado About Summing' at Booth Library on Thursday, Nov. 6th, 2025.
Former EIU professor turned Google engineer delivers lectures on math
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Panthers of the Week: Zion Fruster, Catalina Rochaix
Senior midfielder Casey Welage lays on the pitch after EIU's 1-0 loss to Liberty in the Ohio Valley Conference Quarterfinals at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
EIU men’s soccer loses to Liberty in OVC tournament
EIU redshirt freshman linebacker Jordyn Stewart (34) and junior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson (5) work together to tackle Tennessee Tech redshirt sophomore running back Aidan Littles (35) during the home football game at O’Brien Field on Saturday Nov. 8th, 2025.
Panthers lose fifth-straight game to No. 5 Tennessee Tech
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Fruster leads Eastern past Nicholls for home opener win
EIU football head coach Chris Wilkerson yells at his defense to make a stop during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
EIU football faces No. 7 Tennessee Tech on senior day
Former EIU right-handed pitcher Will Klein was one of the last names added to the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series roster, but he pitched four innings and got the win in the team's 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the World Series. (File)
Dodgers pitcher, EIU alum Will Klein wins World Series game 3
Eastern Illinois baseball looks on as Little Rock celebrates a 2-1 win and Ohio Valley Conference championship game at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
Eastern’s offense struggles in OVC championship loss to Little Rock
Eastern Illinois baseball sophomore right-handed pitcher Bryce Riggs (4) walks towards the Ohio Valley Conference tournament board to put EIU's logo onto the championship spot after EIU's 3-1 win over Lindenwood in the elimination semifinal of the OVC tournament at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
Eastern Illinois baseball faces Little Rock in the OVC championship
Eastern Illinois baseball sophomore right-handed pitcher Bryce Riggs swings a hammer down while surrounding by his cheering teammates after EIU's 3-1 win over Lindenwood in the elimination semifinal of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
Riggs’ ‘spectacular’ performance sends Eastern Illinois to OVC championship round
Lindenwood baseball's dugout after Little Rock got the last out of Little Rock's 4-1 win in the winner's bracket semifinal of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament Thursday night at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
Eastern Illinois baseball to play Lindenwood in elimination semifinal
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Panthers of the Week: Zion Fruster, Catalina Rochaix
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Fruster leads Eastern past Nicholls for home opener win
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Ava Stoller shoots a three over Purdue fifth year guard Madison Layden-Zay in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.
Panthers lose first quarter momentum in loss to Purdue
Women’s basketball redshirt junior center Meioshe Mason shoots a layup while Drake freshman forward Quinn Vice tries to block her during Eastern’s 83-65 loss to Drake at the Kid’s Day Game in Groniger Arena on Monday.
Panthers lose kids day game, snap home winning streak
The Eastern Illinois University, Mens basketball , Redshirt junior Forward number 17 Lazar Grobovic (Right) and (left) Forward graduate student Kooper Jacobi, look iup for the ball to drop from the rim, Thursday night Feb 20,2025, EIU Panthers won 63-54, in Southern Indiana Evensville, , at Liberty Arena in Indiana.
EIU men’s basketball hope to carry momentum into new season
Bryce Parker
COLUMN: Top 5 EIU men’s basketball players of all time
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
Eastern Illinois University sophomore outside hitter Katie Kopshever spikes the ball against Lindenwood as Eastern won three games to one in the Gardella Family Court on Saturday.
Panthers of the Week: Katie Kopshever, Brenda Torres
EIU cross country junior Brenda Torres (right) gets held up by trainer Thomas Erdey (left) after collapsing at the finish line of the Ohio Valley Conference championship race as Torres finished second overall and the team placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.
EIU men, women finish fourth at OVC championships
Eastern Illinois University cross country senior runner Michael Atkins leads the pack at the Walt Crawford Invitational. Atkins finished in fifth place as EIU won both the men’s and women’s races at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.
Cross-country senior prepares for his final OVC championship
Freshman midfielder Camylle Graves blocks a SIUE player from getting the ball on as Eastern won 2-0 on Sunday.
Panthers of the Week: Camylle Graves, Michael Atkins
Eastern Illinois University cross country senior Michael Atkins (left) talks to coach Riley McInerney (right) after the Walt Crawford Invitational. Atkins finished in fifth place as EIU won both the men’s and women’s races at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Sept. 5.
Charleston native comes back to coach cross-country
EIU redshirt freshman linebacker Jordyn Stewart (34) and junior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson (5) work together to tackle Tennessee Tech redshirt sophomore running back Aidan Littles (35) during the home football game at O’Brien Field on Saturday Nov. 8th, 2025.
Panthers lose fifth-straight game to No. 5 Tennessee Tech
EIU football head coach Chris Wilkerson yells at his defense to make a stop during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
EIU football faces No. 7 Tennessee Tech on senior day
EIU football graduate student wide receiver Cooper Willman (left) celebrates with his teammates by doing a 67 gesture after scoring a touchdown during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
Four takeaways from EIU football’s 27-20 loss to UTM
EIU football redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue throws the ball downfield after he found an open receiver during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
Missed field goal haunts Panthers in 27-20 overtime loss
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue tries to juke the defense as runs around the pocket as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.
Panthers focus on fast start, offensive improvement ahead of UT Martin
Senior midfielder Casey Welage lays on the pitch after EIU's 1-0 loss to Liberty in the Ohio Valley Conference Quarterfinals at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
EIU men’s soccer loses to Liberty in OVC tournament
Junior defender Cland Iwasaki (left) hugs senior forward Fabricio Roberti (right) after EIU men's soccer's 2-0 win over Southern Indiana at Lakeside Field on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
Senior forward talks position change, transition to US in Q&A
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Zach Renz (left) and EIU’s Sho Toda (right) fight for the ball near SIUE’s goal during EIU’s loss to SIUE 2-1 on Sunday,
EIU loses last regular season game, finishes sixth in OVC
EIU women's soccer junior forward Alex Tetteh battles for a ball against Southern Indiana senior defender Charli Grafton (left) and redshirt junior Emma Thurston during EIU's 3-0 loss to Southern Indiana at Lakeside Field.
Panthers lose OVC Championship quarterfinal to Southern Indiana
EIU junior forward Gui Gragnano (7) goes down on his knees and points to the sky after scoring a goal during the home soccer game against Western Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Gragnano broke the tie, bringing the score to 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Gui Gragnano, Ariadna Pereles
Eastern Illinois University softball sophomore pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi preparing to deliver a pitch at Williams Field during Eastern’s first game against Southeast Missouri State as Eastern split the games as Eastern lost the first game 3-0 and won the second 8-5 on Friday.
Eastern Illinois softball loses four to NCAA transfer portal
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
Eastern Illinois University men’s swim junior Nolan Wallace competes in the breaststroke against Valparaiso freshman Carson Parker. Wallace would win two events during its first meet of the year as the men's team lost 157.5-104.5 at Padovan pool on Friday.
EIU swim returns to Padovan Pool, loses to Valparaiso
EIU swim sophomore Abdelrahman Awad (middle), freshman Alexander Sadowski (left) and senior Zach Clark (right) look at their head coach for directions during swim practice at Padovan Pool on Monday.
EIU swim opens first of 7 home meets
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
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
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Panthers of the Week: Zion Fruster, Catalina Rochaix
Eastern Illinois University sophomore outside hitter Katie Kopshever spikes the ball against Lindenwood as Eastern won three games to one in the Gardella Family Court on Saturday.
Panthers of the Week: Katie Kopshever, Brenda Torres
EIU celebrates a long-played point as sophomore outside hitter Katie Kopshever makes a diving play during Eastern’s 3-1 win over UT Martin at costume night at Gardella Court in McAfee Gym on Friday.
Panthers extend winning streak to 8, stay undefeated at home
Senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky goes to spike the ball over Western Illinois blockers junior Hillary Estes (left) and graduate student Kiyah Franklin (right) during Eastern’s 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym on Tuesday.
EIU volleyball puts up 13 aces in 3-0 victory against UT Martin
EIU junior forward Gui Gragnano (7) goes down on his knees and points to the sky after scoring a goal during the home soccer game against Western Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Gragnano broke the tie, bringing the score to 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Gui Gragnano, Ariadna Pereles
EIU's Black Student Union 'Sneaker Ball'
EIU’s Black Student Union ‘Sneaker Ball’
What's the scariest thing you've encountered at EIU?
What’s the scariest thing you’ve encountered at EIU?
Trio Village musicians (left to right) pianist Cara Chowning, flutist Rebecca Johnson and oboist Elizabeth Sullivan perform a piece titled "Passepied Canon" at the recital hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Tuesday.
Trio Village debuts new array of music at Doudna Fine Arts Center
From left, singer Alana Dove joins Birdland Quintet members MJ Jarrell and Megan Greenberg during the song “Butterfly” by Herbie Hancock at the Jazz Combo Concert in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
EIU Jazz Combos concert hosts special guests
The Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra plays in the Dvorak Conert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center. The Orchestra has its first concert of the year on Friday.
Eastern Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven
Griffin May
COLUMN: ‘Scream’: The genius of horror
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘Tron: Legacy’ is the franchise’s greatest film 
Emerson Reynolds
COLUMN: I love Halloween
Griffin May
COLUMN: ‘Tron:’ Technological masterpiece, at least at the time
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EDITORIAL: In wake of Indiana University, student press must stand as one against censorship
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Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 103: ‘Perfect Blue:’ Masterpiece or Mid?
Schmitty's Sportscast
Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep 3: Cole LaCrue
Sports Weekly Catch Up
Football’s overtime loss, Women’s soccer’s postseason loss, volleyball’s dominance
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Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 102: ‘Martyrs:’ What Lies Beyond Death?
Schmitty's Sportscast
Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 2: Casey Welage
Visitors make their way up the steps towards the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation Visitor Center to begin their day at 2025 Harvest Frolic on Sept. 27.
THROUGH THE LENS: Harvest Frolic festival brings performers, artisans to Lincoln Log Cabin
Six Appeal begins its cover of “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes with singer Mel Daneke taking the lead and spotlight at the ACA Festival in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
THROUGH THE LENS: Six Appeal, Blue Fusion headline ACA Festival
From left, Cheryl Hawker gets assistance from instructor Bonnie Rideout at the basket weaving event on Saturday at the Lincoln Log Cabin. Hawker is a retired professor from Eastern Illinois University and taught in the mathematics department.
THROUGH THE LENS: Lincoln Log Cabin hosts basket weaving workshop
Eastern Illinois University junior art education major and pickleball club president Alexis Weger cuts the ribbon to officially open the new pickleball courts during the ribbon-cutting of new pickleball courts and renovated basketball courts next to Stevenson Hall on Thursday.
THROUGH THE LENS: New pickleball court opens by Stevenson
Kids look on as tractors drive past in the Charleston 4th of July Parade on Polk Ave in Charleston, IL on July 4.
THROUGH THE LENS: Fourth of July in Charleston
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
Charleston High School Trojans football players run through a banner for senior night before the start of the Trojans game against the Salem Wildcats at Trojan Hill on Friday.

Trojans honor seniors in week 9 loss

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • October 25, 2025

Charleston started off strong, scoring on its first drive and holding Salem to no yards on its first drive.   But a slow rest of the first three quarters caused the Trojans to not be able to keep up...

Charleston High School Trojans junior Quarterback Wyatt Gordon throws a pass in the second quarter in the Trojans 49-0 loss against the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs on Friday.

CHS prepares for ground-heavy game against Salem

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • October 24, 2025

Charleston High School has been outscored by a total of 162 points over its last three games, the same number as Major League Baseball’s regular-season game total.  However, just as those 162 games...

Charleston High School Trojans junior defensive back Grant Taggart tackles Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs sophomore running back Marco Casillas short of the goal line in the third quarter of the Trojans 49-0 loss against the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs on Friday.

CHS freshmen gain experience in loss to Mahomet-Seymour

Kaylee Unruh, Sports Reporter • October 18, 2025

As Charleston just barely hit the goal line with few seconds left in its game against Mahomet-Seymour, the Trojans still walked away with zero points scored and ended the game losing 49-0 Friday night...

Charleston High School Trojans junior running back Treylin Couch is tackled by Taylorville High School sophomore linebacker Braylon Kirk in the first quarter of the Trojans game against Taylorville as the trojans lost 57-14 on Friday.

Charleston football loses to Taylorville

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • October 11, 2025

Taylorville senior linebacker Jackie Cargie stripped the ball away and returned it to the end zone to put his team up 41-14 and secure a blowout 57-14 win over Charleston Friday night in Taylorville. After...

Charleston High School junior wide receiver Dray Sean Eich returns a kick and tries to run downfield in the Trojans game against Carterville as Charleston lost 49-13 at Trojan Hill on Friday.

Trojans continue school-wide culture shift ahead of Taylorville game

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • October 10, 2025

Most teams would fold after a 70-point defeat, but Charleston football responded differently.   The team moved on so quickly, said head coach Brian Halsey, that the Trojans (1-5, 1-2) didn’t watch...

Charleston High School Trojans junior running back Treylin Couch rushes down the field in the Trojans game against Mt. Zion High School as Charleston would lose 70-0 at Mt. Zion on Friday.

Trojans lose 70-0 to Mt. Zion

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • October 4, 2025

No. 4 Mt. Zion scored 56 points in the first half to shut down Charleston and get a 70-0 win in its final home regular season game of the season Friday night.  The Braves racked up points fast, only...

Charleston High School Trojans run to the Coles County Clash trophy after beating the Mattoon Greenwave 37-35 on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at O'Brien Field on Eastern Illinois University's campus in Charleston, Ill.

Trojans prepare for must-win game against No. 4 Mt. Zion

Kaylee Unruh, Sports Reporter • October 3, 2025

Charleston High School football is headed to Mt. Zion to take on the Mt. Zion Braves, the No. 4 ranked team by the Associated Press in the Illinois High School Association’s 4A class.  Each team...

Charleston High School Trojans junior defensive Grant Taggart back returns an interception for a touchdown against the Mattoon Greenwave in the Coles County Clash on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at O'Brien Field on Eastern Illinois University's campus in Charleston, Ill.

Four takeaways from the 2025 Coles County Clash

Bryce Parker and Kaylee Unruh • October 1, 2025

Charleston High School football won its first game of the season Friday 37-35 over Mattoon in the Coles County Clash. The Trojans (1-4, 1-1) led 21-0 after the first quarter and held on for their third...

Charleston High School football players pose next to the Coles County Clash trophy, which is given to the winner of the game each year and kept on display at the winner's school. Charleston beat Mattoon in the 13th Coles County Clash 37-35 Friday at O'Brien Field.

Treylin Couch rushes for school-record 290 yards in Coles County Clash win

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • September 26, 2025

Charleston High School junior Treylin Couch rushed for a school-record 290 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Trojans to a 37-35 win over Mattoon in the 13th Coles County Clash Friday evening at O’Brien...

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, Mattoon set to play 13th Coles County Clash

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • September 25, 2025

Two new starting quarterbacks will face off in the 13th annual Coles County Clash: Charleston junior quarterback Wyatt Gordon and Mattoon’s sophomore quarterback Brayden Hackett.  Both have just...

Charleston High School junior running back Treylin Couch runs the ball against Effingham High School as Couch finishes with 264 yards and five touchdowns as Charleston lost 51-35 at Trojan Hill on Friday.

Couch scores 5 TDs, rushes for 264 yards in loss to Effingham

Kaylee Unruh, Sports Reporter • September 19, 2025

Charleston junior running back Treylin Couch rushed for 264 yards and scored five touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Effingham Flaming Hearts, losing 51-35 at Trojan Hill on Friday...

Charleston High School junior quarterback Wyatt Gordon throws a pass in the Trojans game against Carterville as Charleston lost 49-13 at Trojan Hill on Friday.

Trojans open conference play against pass-heavy Effingham

Bryce Parker, Design Editor • September 19, 2025

The Charleston High School football team kicks off Apollo Conference play against Effingham tonight, aiming for its first Apollo Conference win since 2023.  Of course, one of the losses in a winless...

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