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

The Daily Eastern News
EIU geography professor Cameron Craig presents to the student senate about the false report of an armed individual on campus and how faculty did not like the communication from the school on Monday at the student senate meeting in the Arcola-Tuscola room in the Martin Luther King Jr. student union on Wednesday.
EIU Student Senate discusses action after false armed individual report
EIU President Jay Gatrell helps cut the ribbon at the First Gen Hub opening in McAfee room 2611 on Friday.
Eastern opens First Gen Hub for first-generation students
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
Sophomore libero Ariadna Pereles gets low to receive a dig after a spike from Morehead State Eastern’s 3-1 win over Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Friday.
EIU volleyball takes sole possession of first place in OVC
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.
Panther football closes out OVC-Big South play against Lindenwood
EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky tries to sail a shot over UT Martin redshirt senior middle blocker Kristin Philips at the net going for a block during Eastern’s 3-1 win over UT Martin at costume night at Gardella Court in McAfee Gym on Friday.
Panthers host Morehead State for decisive OVC series
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Clara Glad goes for a three-point shot during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.
Panthers’ defense struggles in 90-69 loss to Indiana State
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 women’s basketball junior guard Clara Glad goes for a three-point shot during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.
Panthers’ defense struggles in 90-69 loss to Indiana State
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
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.
Panther football closes out OVC-Big South play against Lindenwood
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
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
Sophomore libero Ariadna Pereles gets low to receive a dig after a spike from Morehead State Eastern’s 3-1 win over Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Friday.
EIU volleyball takes sole possession of first place in OVC
EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky tries to sail a shot over UT Martin redshirt senior middle blocker Kristin Philips at the net going for a block during Eastern’s 3-1 win over UT Martin at costume night at Gardella Court in McAfee Gym on Friday.
Panthers host Morehead State for decisive OVC series
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'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
Emerson Reynolds
COLUMN: Electric scooters have too many downsides to justify the ride
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
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 104: What Makes ‘Looney Tunes: Back In Action’ So Nostalgic?
Schmitty's Sportscast
Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 4: Brenda Torres
Sports Weekly Catch Up
The start of basketball season, volleyball dominance, football’s 5th straight loss | Weekly Catchup
In attempt to advertise Eastern's Early Bird Housing Contract, students were able to come to the Cyber Lounge Thursday afternoon to play video game controllers and potentially file for the contract.
The Gamer’s Pod Ep. 5: Just Dance
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 103: ‘Perfect Blue:’ Masterpiece or Mid?
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
Former Eastern Illinois University student Annastasia Sparkz performs to Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" on stage at the drag show in the Grand Ballroom of Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Grand Ballroom decked out for annual drag show

Alexis Moore-Jones, Feature Reporter • October 22, 2024

When the clock struck 7 p.m. and the lights began to dim, those in the Grand Ballroom knew this would be a night to remember.   On Saturday EIU pride hosted its annual drag show featuring professional...

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

Cam’ron Hardy, Senior Reporter • October 18, 2024

EIU pride is hosting its annual drag show this upcoming Saturday. The event lines up with national LGBT Center Awareness Day, a holiday to recognize the works of LGBT community centers from coast to...

Roxy Flare poses with their tips collected from singing Mr. Brightside by The Killers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Ballroom at the EIU Pride Drag Show Saturday night. Audience members could tip the performers in a variety of ways including bills, Venmo, Cashapp and PayPal.

THROUGH THE LENS: EIU Pride Halloween Drag Show

October 31, 2021

Drag performers lip-sync, dance at student drag show

Katja Benz, Campus Reporter • October 31, 2021

Dozens of members of the Eastern community gathered in the MLK Jr. Union's Grand Ballroom to see drag performs lip-sync and dance Friday night. The Student Drag Show was hosted by EIU Pride. Prior to...

Jovan Williams, a junior majoring in music performance, performed as Lady Deviant during the student drag show in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union in the Grand Ballroom on Thursday night.

PHOTO GALLERY: Looking Fierce

Elizabeth Wood and Mackenzie Graham • November 8, 2019

Students bring song, dance, drag to Grand Ballroom

Luke Taylor, Campus Reporter • November 8, 2019

*Editor’s Note: This story contains some profanity in the names of certain drag queens/kings. Drag kings, queens and royalty performed in the Grand Ballroom on Thursday night. There was a total of...

Mother Natwhore sings "Love Like You" by Rebecca Sugar to an audience member Friday night during the EIU Student Drag Show in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

9 students perform in drag show

Corryn Brock, Associate News Editor • April 7, 2019

Student performers lip-synched and danced in drag for a packed crowd at the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Friday night. Nine students, both new and old to drag, performed...

Throwin’ it back to drag: Student Drag Show set for Friday in Union

Rylee DeLong, Contributing Writer • April 4, 2019

Wigs, makeup, dancing, lights and costumes are what students will find in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union this Friday. Every semester the LGTBQ organization, PRIDE, puts...

Cherry Bottom, a performer in the EIU Pride Student Drag Show, takes tips from audience members Tuesday night in the Grand Ballroom at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. Performers were tipped by the audience throughout their performances.

Student performers take stage at drag show

Corryn Brock, Associate News Editor • October 31, 2018

Eight students performed in drag for the EIU Pride Student Drag Show on Tuesday night. Six performers were Eastern students, and two were local high school students. Mother Natwhore, a performer in...

9 students set to perform in drag show

Corryn Brock, Associate News Editor • October 29, 2018

A student drag show will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. Nine students will perform in drag during the event. Jovan Williams, a sophomore music performance...

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