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

The Daily Eastern News
Junior Kensi Kensel criticizes Eastern Illinois University's administration at the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday alongside eight members of her business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. She raised concerns over the administration's faculty cuts in October.
Board of Trustees extends public comments critical of administration
People dance in a circle around the room at the Global Culture Night in the Martin Luther King Jr. Union Ballroom on Saturday.
Global Culture Night showcases international culture to community
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
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis (right) makes a face after she gets a kill while sophomore middle blocker Anaya Rawlinson (left) tries to celebrate with her during Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
Four takeaways from EIU volleyball’s series vs Morehead State
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
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
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis (right) makes a face after she gets a kill while sophomore middle blocker Anaya Rawlinson (left) tries to celebrate with her during Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
Four takeaways from EIU volleyball’s series vs Morehead State
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
Guests view Grace Otzwirk’s “Lengthen Night and Shorten Day” made of sugar kelp, asters, crab and mussel shells during the Winter Exhibitions Opening Reception at the Tarble Arts Center on Friday.
Tarble Arts Center announces name changes, showcases former students’ work
The two oboe players in Wind Symphony, Brielle Dukovac (right) and senior Ethan Schobernd (left) play during "A Time to Dance" by Julie Giroux, during the Wind Symphony and Concert Band performance on Friday.
Wind Symphony, Concert Band perform American mashup medley
Sophomore vocal performance major Katie Chumbley performes in a radio play adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' in the Black Box Theatre of the Doudna FIne Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.
Festivities in full swing in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Doudna
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?
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘Frankenstein:’ monstrously great
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
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
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

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • November 8, 2025

The Panthers hold off the Colonels rally for a 65-57 win. Eastern entered the second half with a 25-16 lead that expanded to double digits with the Panthers going on a 10-0 run to give them a 42-24...

Women’s basketball head coach Marqus McGlothan hugs co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project Bryce Weiler before the event kicked off at Groniger Arena on Thursday.

EIU basketball programs welcome Beautiful Lives Project to practice

Payton Liggins, Assistant Sports Editor • October 14, 2025

The sound of sneakers on hardwood and the echo of bouncing basketballs mean more to Bryce Weiler than most. Born blind, the Beautiful Lives Project co-founder has built his life around proving that...

[Thumbnail Edition] Eastern senior guard Corey Sawyer Jr bringing the ball up past the half court line during the first half Eastern’s win against Little Rock 71-60 at Groniger Arena on Thursday.

Senior guard builds legacy for himself at EIU, breaking family traditions

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • March 4, 2025

Senior guard Corey Sawyer Jr. didn’t start out with basketball. Growing up, he played football in Florida because of his dad, Corey Sawyer Sr. Sawyer Sr. was an All-American and national champion...

Senior guard NaKyel Shelton holding onto the rim after dunking the ball before scoring 28 points during Eastern’s 73-58 win over Southeast Missouri State on senior night on Saturday.

Panthers hold off Redhawks on senior night

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • March 1, 2025

Eastern snapped Southeast Missouri State’s (SEMO) 10-game win streak with a 73-58 win against the Redhawks on Saturday evening in Groniger Arena. With this win, the Panthers end the season on a four-game...

Eastern graduate student guard Artese Stapleton tries to go up for a shot while Little Rock sophomore guard Isaiah Lewis puts his arm up to stop the shot during the first half Eastern basketball’s win against Little Rock 71-60 at Groniger Arena on Thursday.

EIU picks up third straight win against Little Rock

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 28, 2025

A steal from graduate guard Artese Stapleton in the first four minutes in the second half solidified the most steals within a season in program history.  Stapleton’s four steals helped the Panthers...

The Eastern Illinois University, Mens basketball , Senior Guard NaKyel Shelton 18 points and three steals, Thursday night Feb 20,2025, EIU Panthers won 63-54, in Southern Indiana Evansville, , at Liberty Arena in Indiana.

EIU picks up road win, eliminated from OVC tournament contention

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 21, 2025

After going on a 5-2 run to start off the game, Eastern didn’t look back for the rest of the game as the Panthers defeated Southern Indiana 63-54 Thursday evening at Liberty Arena in Evansville, Indiana.  Eastern’s...

Guard junior Zion Fruster waits for the ball before his free throw during the game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Groniger Arena Feb. 13.

Former Cavalier becomes playmaker at EIU

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • February 20, 2025

Junior guard Zion Fruster transferred into Eastern’s basketball program from University of Virginia's College at Wise this year.  The Douglasville, Georgia, native began playing basketball when his...

Senior guard NaKyel Shelton dribbles the ball up as UT Martin freshman guard Filip Radaković guards him on the perimeter in the first half during Eastern’s loss to UT Martin 72-68 on Saturday.

EIU drops to UT Martin despite 21-0 run

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • February 15, 2025

The Panthers fell short after a comeback from a 17-point deficit in the 72-68 loss against UT Martin Saturday evening in Groniger Arena. “We have to execute a little better, we have to run our sets...

Graduate student Guard Artese Stapleton signs to his teammates to make the next move for a pass, during the game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill. Panthers lost 66-49.

Panthers record second lowest field goal percentage in season against Tigers

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • February 14, 2025

The Panthers recorded a 27% field goal percentage in their 66-49 loss to Tennessee State Thursday Night at Grongier Arena.  This is the second lowest field goal percentage the Panthers recorded this...

Senior guard Corey Sawyer Jr trying to get around junior guard Jayland Randall at the three-point line during the second half of Eastern’s lost to Southern Indiana 64-60 on Saturday.

Panthers lose to Screaming Eagles after second half comeback

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • January 25, 2025

A second half comeback falls short for the Panthers as they lost 64-60 to the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles Saturday afternoon in Groniger Arena. The game started off hot for the Panthers as they...

Senior guard NaKyel Shelton scored 20 points out of the 26 points that Eastern Illinois had during the first half of the game against Morehead State. Eastern lost to Morehead State 73-66 Thursday evening at Groniger Arena.

Panthers fall despite Shelton’s 38-point game

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • January 24, 2025

After a comeback in the second half, the Panthers fell short against the Morehead State Eagles 73-66 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena. It was a back and forth contest the first six minutes of the...

Junior Guard Zion Fruster, gets a free throw during the second half of the game, , The Mens Basketball team lost too the Univerisity of Illinois 112-67 in the Statefarm center on the U of I campus on Nov 04, 2024 in Champaign Ill.

EIU men’s basketball win over Calumet on Kid’s Day

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • December 6, 2024

Eastern’s men’s basketball team dominated against Calumet College in the 87-57 win Friday afternoon in Groniger Arena. In their 30 point win during the Kid’s Day game, the Panthers’ 87 points...

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