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

The Daily Eastern News
  • Welcome back to the Daily Eastern News!
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  • Sept. 7- EIU football beat Indiana State 27-20 at the home opener 🏈
  • Sept. 9- Love Your Space room decorating contest open until Sept. 23 🛏️
  • Sept. 10- Queer Welcome Party at Booth Library 6-8 P.M. 🏳️‍🌈
  • Sept. 11- Study Abroad Fair from 10 to 3 in the University Ballroom 🌍
  • Sept. 14- Catch the All-American Circus at the Coles County Fairgrounds 🎪
  • Sept. 14- EIU football at Northwestern starts at 6:30 P.M.
  • Sept. 15- EIU softball vs. Kankakee CC 1 P.M. at Williams Field 🥎
  • Soccer standings: Women's at 2-4-2, Men's at 1-3
  • Football standings: 1-1 after win over Indiana State
  • Check out our newsletters!
Director of Career Services Bobbi Kingery (left) and Human Resources Advisor John Marr (right) answer questions during the International Students: Realistic Expectations session Wednesday.
Career services holds seminar for international students
The re-opening of Chick-fil-a in the food court of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student union on Tuesday Sept. 3, 2024. Charleston Ill.
Chick-fil-A returns to University Union Food Court
President Jay Gatrell (middle right), joined with Amy Odwarka (middle), and Michele McDaniel (middle left) cut the ribbon to open the new family hub in on the fourth floor of the Booth Library on the Eastern Illinois University campus Wednesday.
Family hub opens for student parents in Booth Library
Junior computer science major Cov Dennis goes to kicks the ball during the kickball game hosted by the Black Student Union during their Find Your Friend Color Picnic Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in the Library Quad of Eastern Illinois University’s campus.
BSU is back
Students stand behind their booths to promote their oranizations at Pantherpalooza in the Martin Luther King Jr., University Union Grand Ballroom on Eastern Illinois University's campus on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. ©CAM'RON HARDY | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS
Panther Palooza draws indoor crowd
Senior wide receiver Eli Mirza walks towards the tumble during the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamores football game at O'Brien Field on Saturday. The Panthers won 27-20.
‘Pinkies up’ with the EIU wide receivers
Football is back at O'Brien Stadium
Trojan football takeaways by the numbers
Senior defender Morgan Rinker.
EIU soccer loses to in-state opponent NIU
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 Week: Kaitlyn Flynn, Cooper Willman
Wide receiver, senior, Cooper Willman catches the ball during the third quarter before getting push out of bounds at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamores, at the O'Brien Field on Saturday night
EIU football records three interceptions, wins home opener
Freshman right-handed pitcher Slater Wilcox (32) pitches at Coaches Stadium on Sunday for the EIU baseball game.
EIU Baseball’s path through OVC Tournament
Men's Baseball team players stand in the dugout at home against Bellarmine at Coaches Stadium on March 12, 2024. Eastern beat Bellarmine 9-4 Tuesday afternoon.
EIU Baseball honors seniors, win over MSU
Junior Outfield (1) Quade Peters join the team in excitedment after sliding into home base at the game against Bradley
EIU Baseball drops second game against MSU
The baseball team game get suspended due to the weather, the team walked back to the locker room at the game against Bradley University Tuesday
EIU Baseball loses fifth straight game
Redshirt junior infielder Dylan Drumke prepares to bat at the EIU baseball game in Coaches Stadium on Sunday.
EIU splits doubleheader with USI
Matt Bollant yelling at the referee during the women basketball game against UT Martin thursday night in Groniger Arena
Bollant leaves EIU basketball program
Junior guard/forward Kyndall Davis hangs onto the rim in Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 72-57 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena.
Davis, Luers enter transfer portal
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) celebrates a touchdown with redshirt junior offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72). Eastern beat Tennessee State 30-17 Saturday afternoon at O’ Brien Field.
Panthers of the Year: MJ Flowers, Macy McGlone, Sara Thomas
Senior guard Jordan "Tiger" Booker during the men's basketball game against Tennessee Tech Thursday night at Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59.
Panthers of the Semester: Tiger Booker, Macy McGlone, Tara Archibald
Daily Eastern News “Staff Picks”
STAFF PICKS: NBA finals winner
Chloe Proffitt
COLUMN: Female athletes are just as capable as male
Patrick Schmitz
COLUMN: Court storming should be a thing of the past
Aidan Cusack
COLUMN: Court storming needs to stay
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
COLUMN: EIU should move on from swim program
Spring 2024 staff portrait of Payton Liggins.
COLUMN: My journey from shot put to sports media
Freshman Joe Stoddard (117) runs at the 2023 EIU Walt Crawford open.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Alex Tetteh
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Taris Thornton, a junior forward, attempts to rebound the ball during the during second quarter of the women's basketball game against the Western Illinois University Leathernecks at Groniger Arena on Saturday afternoon. Thornton scored 13 points, had two rebounds and shot 4-6 for field goals. The Panthers won 72-62 against the Leathernecks.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Taris Thornton
Panthers of the Week: Macy McGlone, Isai Morales
Panthers of the Week: Macy McGlone, Isai Morales
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
COLUMN: Why you should watch running sports
Senior wide receiver Eli Mirza walks towards the tumble during the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamores football game at O'Brien Field on Saturday. The Panthers won 27-20.
‘Pinkies up’ with the EIU wide receivers
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 Week: Kaitlyn Flynn, Cooper Willman
Wide receiver, senior, Cooper Willman catches the ball during the third quarter before getting push out of bounds at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamores, at the O'Brien Field on Saturday night
EIU football records three interceptions, wins home opener
Senior wide receiver Chase Clough jumped to celebrate with senior quarterback after a second quarter touchdown. Head Coach Brian Halsey in the back. at Trojan Hill, Friday Sept, 6,2024, Charleston Ill. 25-18 Trojans won against the Paris Tigers.
Charleston beats Paris behind big defensive stop
The press box at Trojan Stadium on September 5th at Charleston High School in Charleston ILL.
Charleston High School gets ready for Paris High School
Football is back at O'Brien Stadium
Trojan football takeaways by the numbers
Senior defender Morgan Rinker.
EIU soccer loses to in-state opponent NIU
Kate Germano, a sophomore midfielder (11), dribbles the ball up field towards Little Rock Trojan territory at Lakeside Field Sunday afternoon.
EIU looks to beat NIU for first time in 28 years
Goalkeeper Kyce Toutanji, kicks a long ball to start the game against the IUPUI Jaguars Tuesday evening. The Panthers and Jaguars tied 1-1 with Eastern scoring with 5 minutes left on the clock.
EIU goalie records 10 saves in season debut
Head coach Dirk Bennett said he wants the team to maintain solid defense as the 2023 season continues. (File)
Charleston native to EIU soccer head coach: Dirk Bennett
Sophomore infielder, Kendall Grover swings and misses the ball during the Eastern Illinois University softball game against Tennessee State.
Grover, Oslanzi, Archibald win OVC Awards
Freshman pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi throwing a pitch on April Saturday 20, 2024 against Tennessee Tech University.
Panthers of the Week: McKenzie Oslanzi, Joe Stoddard
Senior guard Jordan "Tiger" Booker during the men's basketball game against Tennessee Tech Thursday night at Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59.
Panthers of the Semester: Tiger Booker, Macy McGlone, Tara Archibald
Freshman catcher Sophia Olman catching a pitch on Saturday April 20 2024 against Tennessee Tech.
Catcher talks about being a black belt in Q&A
softball
EIU softball loses nine-game winning streak to Tennessee Tech
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
COLUMN: EIU should move on from swim program
The women's swim team lost their first home meet of 2024 149-109 against the University of Southern Indiana.
EIU swim competes for first time in 2024
Jackson Penny, a sophomore individual medley and breaststroke swimmer, jumps from the grab start of the men’s 200 yard medley relay for the breaststroke segment at the swimming meet on Saturday at Padovan Pool. The Panthers won 169-93 against Valparaiso.
EIU Swim competes as whole
Junior pitcher Olivia Price (6), starts her pitch to St. Louis University junior infielder Jocelyn Abbott (20) on Wednesday evening.
Athletes to watch in the winter
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
EIU hazing reports confirmed
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Junior infielder Danny Infante tags University of Dayton freshman infielder David Mendez during their double header on March 16 and 17 at Coaches Stadium
Panthers of the Week: William Hays, Danny Infante
Tennis ball by the nets at the Darling Courts Wednesday afternoon
EIU men’s tennis gets second straight victory with win against USI
Fifth year senior Max Pilipovic-Kljajic is a computer science major from Brisbane, Australia, practicing his serve and is currently attending Eastern Illinois University
EIU tennis siblings’ journey from Australia
Head Coach Robin Cambier (mens and womens tennis) during pratice on wed Feb 14, 2024, helping players improve skills Macfee on Eastern Illinois University in Charleston Ill ©
EIU tennis coach with varied past: Robin Cambier
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Senior Addison Brown getting ready to serve in doubles against Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks the Atkins Tennis Center.
Panthers of the Week: Addison Brown, Adam Swanson
Sophomore Aleyla Wooten bite her lip while hitting the ball over to the other team during the doubles against Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks She also played singles
EIU women’s tennis prepares for OVC tournament
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 Week: Kaitlyn Flynn, Cooper Willman
Junior outside hitter Kaitlyn Flynn, attempts to spike the ball over the net but is blocked by the Marquette University Golden Eagles. The Panthers were swept 3-0 for the first time this season. Flynn had seven kills and points.
Outside hitter speaks on EIU volleyball program in Q&A
Eastern Illinois University’s volleyball team huddle in a circle after losing to the Marquette Golden Eagles 3-0 in Groniger Arena Friday evening on August 30, 2024.
Marquette volleyball sweeps Eastern in NCAA rematch
Pierce Holley, a junior quarterback (3), looks to throw the ball to a teammate during their homecoming game against UT Martin at O‘Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Fall 2024 athletes to watch
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) celebrates a touchdown with redshirt junior offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72). Eastern beat Tennessee State 30-17 Saturday afternoon at O’ Brien Field.
Panthers of the Year: MJ Flowers, Macy McGlone, Sara Thomas
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice:’ the sequel from beyond the grave
Ali Ewoldt, Teri Hansen, Ben Micheal and Robert Sims sing "The Time Of My Life " from Dirty Dancing at the Broadway A-Z performance in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Saturday.
Broadway makes its way to Charleston
The postcard mural, located in the Triad facing Booth Library, was painted by Grace Otzwirk over summer break.
Alum artist leaves a postcard to welcome students back
SUBMITTED PHOTO | THE DOUDNA FINE ARTS CENTER Hilary Abigana is hoisted up while playing the flute during the final song of the night labeled as "Straw Yellow" ("La Escoba" traditional by arr. Terry L. Baldrige) "Fruit Flies Like a Banana" at The Theatre in Doudna Fine Arts Center Saturday. During the show, the group integrates acrobatics and dances, while having ample audience engagement.
The Fourth Wall flies into Doudna
Cam'ron Hardy, Senior, Journalism.
 COLUMN: ‘BlackBerry’: How the apples took over the berries
Cam'ron Hardy, Senior, Journalism.
‘The Boys in the Boat:’ Gold for the sport, bronze for the plot
Jason Farias, Sophomore, History education
Hispanic Heritage Month: ongoing debates over celebration and identity
Gunnar Olson, Senior, Journalism.
COLUMN: Is there too much wrestling?
Gunnar Olson, Senior, Journalism.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Politics, multimedia take stage for DEN
Daily Eastern News logo est. summer 2024.
Meet the fall 2024 editors
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 65: Fight Club: How To Be A REAL MAN 101
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 65: Fight Club: How To Be A REAL MAN 101
The Overton Window Ep. 2: Harris's First Sit-Down Interview and Trump Supports Cannabis Legalization in Florida
The Overton Window Ep. 2: Harris’s First Sit-Down Interview and Trump Supports Cannabis Legalization in Florida
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 64: The Return of 2DTM
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 64: The Return of 2DTM
The Overton Window: Ep. 1: Taxes on Tips, RFK Jr Drops Out and a Brief DNC Recap
The Overton Window: Ep. 1: Taxes on Tips, RFK Jr Drops Out and a Brief DNC Recap
Panther Profiles: Ep. 21: Mike O'Conor
Panther Profiles: Ep. 21: Mike O’Conor
Fighting Illini Kaden Feagin hurdles past the EIU senior defensive back Zay Gentry during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.
THROUGH THE LENS: EIU loses to UofI 45-0
Freshman forward Jackson Liley made his first goal at his first ever game with Eastern Illinois men's soccer during the EIU, University of Chicago game Thursday evening. EIU men's soccer won 3-0.
THROUGH THE LENS: Men’s and women’s soccer take home victories
Junior computer science major Cov Dennis goes to kicks the ball during the kickball game hosted by the Black Student Union during their Find Your Friend Color Picnic Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in the Library Quad of Eastern Illinois University’s campus.
THROUGH THE LENS : Black Student Union hosts picnic and games
Cheer leaders get ready to cheer the EIU fight song Sunday night at the pep rally.
THROUGH THE LENS: Pep rally brings together students
Students pile into Andrews Hall on Move In Day on a rainy Thursday afternoon. Families unloaded vehicles out of the door into the parking lot with the average elevator wait time being around five minutes.
THROUGH THE LENS: New students arrive for Move In Day
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
Men's basketball players are distressed over the game against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Wednesday night, March 8, 2024 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. The Panthers lost 68-57 against the SIUE Cougars.

Panthers’ exit in OVC Tournament explained

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • March 11, 2024

For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, Eastern men’s basketball team clinched a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament in Evansville, Indiana. Eastern came into the tournament as the...

Men's basketball senior guard Tiger Booker, tears up during the press conference after the Panthers lost 68-57 against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Wednesday night,

EIU basketball season ends with a first-round exit

Luther Yoder, Assistant Sports Editor • March 7, 2024

Eastern was not able to overcome a 39-22 deficit at the end of the first half against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). They would end up losing 57-68. This was their first OVC tournament...

Men's basketball senior guard Tiger Booker attempts to shot a basket during the basketball game against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Tuesday evening, Feb 27, 2024 at Groniger Arena The Panthers won 84-79.

There’s a Tiger on the loose

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 28, 2024

Setting a season high of 33 points, senior guard Tiger Booker and the Panthers ended the home season with an 84-79 win over the Cougars Tuesday night at Groniger Arena. “They beat us earlier in the...

Senior guard Tiger Booker dribbles past defender on Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Lindenwood Lions 72-57 Saturday afternoon.

Panthers dominate Lions on senior night

Chloe Proffitt, Sports Reporter • February 18, 2024

Honoring their four seniors tonight, guards Dan Luers, Tiger Booker, and Caleb Donaldson and forward Jermaine Hamlin, the Panthers secured an exhilarating 72-57 win on senior night, against the Lindenwood...

Eastern men’s basketball head coach Marty Simmons instructs his team against the University of Tennessee Martin Skyhawks.

Meet the Coaches: Marty Simmons

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter • February 5, 2024

Behind every team, there is a coach playing a crucial role in helping the players achieve their potential.  Meet Eastern’s men’s basketball head coach: Marty Simmons.  Originally from Clarksville,...

Eastern’s junior guard Corey Sawyer Jr. shoots a contested layup over University of Tennessee-Martin’s junior forward David Kamwanga. The Panthers lost to the Skyhawks 76-59 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena.

EIU loses third straight conference game

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 3, 2024

Eastern men’s basketball continues to struggle with rebounding as the Panthers lost to the Little Rock Trojans 71-47 Saturday evening in Groniger Arena. The Panthers got out-rebounded by the Trojans...

Assistant coach Marlon London making calls for basketball practice in Groniger Arena, Eastern Illinois University.

Meet the Coaches: Marlon London

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter • February 2, 2024

Marlon London is currently the assistant coach for the Eastern men’s basketball team.  London is from Broadview and played high school basketball at St. Joseph High School in Westchester.  At...

Eastern’s senior guard Tiger Booker shoots a contested layup over University of Tennessee-Martin’s junior guard Jordan Sears. The Panthers lost to the Skyhawks 76-59 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena.

Panthers struggle with rebounds in loss against Skyhawks

Chloe Proffitt, Sports Reporter • February 2, 2024

Eastern’s men's basketball fell to the University of Tennessee-Martin 76-59 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena. This tough loss was mainly credited to rebounds. UT Martin clinched 52 rebounds while...

Senior guard Jordan "Tiger" Booker during the men's basketball game against Tennessee Tech Thursday night at Groniger Arena. The Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59.

EIU obtains first home conference win

Chloe Proffitt, Sports Reporter • January 26, 2024

Eastern men’s basketball clinched the victory against Tennessee Tech University in a fast paced game as the Panthers beat the Golden Eagles 68-59 Thursday evening in Groniger Arena. Starting with the...

Redshirt sophomore Lazar Grbovic listening to the coaches instruction during basketball practice in Groniger arena on Eastern Illinois university, Wednesday evening.

Serbia native continues to improve with Panthers

Patrick Schmitz, Sports Reporter • January 21, 2024

Everyone has a different journey to get to college. Some never go, while others have their eyes set on college from an early age. Redshirt sophomore forward Lazar Grbovic was the former, never thinking...

Junior guard Kyndall Davis makes the first dunk of the night against Morehead State Thursday in Groniger Arena

Men’s basketball faces second conference loss

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • January 12, 2024

Eastern was three of 13 for three-pointers as the Panthers lost to the Morehead State Eagles 52-78 on Thursday evening in Groniger Arena. One of the main factors of this competitive game was the lack...

The Panthers men's basketball team huddle together before the start of the men's game vs. the Fighting Illini Monday evening.

EIU falls short to Central Arkansas in close game

Patrick Schmitz, Sports Reporter • December 10, 2023

Eastern’s men's basketball team lost a close game to the Central Arkansas Bears 73-70 Sunday afternoon in Groniger Arena. The Panthers had multiple chances to either win the game or send it to overtime. Eventually,...

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