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

The Daily Eastern News
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
Rick Shook, who represents District Eight on the Coles County Board, asks attorney Andrew Keyt a question before the board voted Tuesday on whether to approve the Coles Wind project.
Coles County Board approves Apex Clean Energy’s 51-turbine wind farm
Charleston's Fourth of July parade started in the square with multiple different groups distributing candy and showing representation like the county's Democrat and Republican groups, Charleston High School's cheerleaders, multiple church groups, the local martial arts class and even clowns riding dirtbikes.
Events in Charleston this week
Eastern’s 20-year enrollment decrease is part of statewide trend
Eastern’s 20-year enrollment decrease is part of statewide trend
The Charleston Community Band plays “Dancing Queen” by Abba Thursday in Kiwanis Park. This group consisted of 71 local instrumentalists with ages ranging from 13 to 90.
Events in Charleston this week
Tom Michael was introduced as the new athletic director Tuesday in Lantz Arena.
Eastern Illinois weighs NCAA House Settlement before June 30 deadline
Bryce Parker
COLUMN: Top 5 EIU men’s basketball players of all time
SUBMITTED PHOTO | THE ATHLETICS DEPRTMENT Eastern Illinois Men's Track and Field freshman jumper Abraham Johnson qualified for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in triple jump.
EIU freshman Johnson headed to NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Sycamore High School celebrates winning the 2A State Championship during the IHSA boys track and field state meet at O'Brien Field in Charleston, IL on Saturday, March 31.
How hosting the IHSA state track finals benefits EIU
IHSA hurdlers race during the IHSA boys track and field state meet at O'Brien Field in Charleston, IL on Saturday, March 31.
THROUGH THE LENS: Illinois high school boys track and field state meet
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
Eastern Illinois baseball dugout celebrates during EIU's 11-6 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the first elimination round game of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament Thursday night at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
Three takeaways from EIU baseball’s Thursday games in OVC tournament
Bryce Parker
COLUMN: Top 5 EIU men’s basketball players of all time
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
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Senior, guard NaKyel Shelton, makes a free point during the game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill. Panthers lost 66-49.
Panthers of the Semester: NaKyel Shelton, Macy McGlone, Marqus McGlothan
Men's basketball practices before the Morehead state game, tomorrow in Groniger Arena, Jan 22,2025. Men's basketball has lost six games in conferences so far this year. on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
STAFF PICKS: Who will win the 2025 NBA finals?
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
Fans of Meridian High School watch as St. Anthony High School has the ball near the end of the first quarter of the Illinois High School Association Class 1A Super sectional game at Groniger Arena on Monday.
What does Eastern get from hosting high school sports events?
Forward senior Macy McGlone plays defences ready for the ball, during the game Thursday Feb 20,2025 in Evansville Indiana against Souther Indiana Screaming Eagles, panthers lost 66-46. at Liberty Arena.
Panthers of the Week: Abraham Johnson, Macy McGlone
(Thumbnail Edition) Ramsey Hunt competes in the men's long jump category for the second day of EIU Big Blue Classic. Hunt finishes first in the finals with a mark of 7.35m at the O’Brien Field Saturday afternoon.
Graduate jumper looks to make big leap in final year at EIU
Sophomore multi track and field athlete Ben Jessup stretches and prepares to compete in the John Craft Invite on Saturday.
Eastern track and field athlete returns after injury setback
Freshman Joe Stoddard (117) runs at the 2023 EIU Walt Crawford open.
Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Alex Tetteh
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
Safety redshirt freshman Josh Brown left throws the ball to another player during football Pratice at O'brain Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Redshirt freshman safety shares fraternity lifestyle in Q&A
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Running back, redshirt Freshman Jacarre Fleming takes the ball running during Football pratice at O'Braine stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Panther running back shares meaning behind nickname in Q&A
Graduate student safety Tienne Fridge gets interviewed by the Daily Eastern News sports editor during football practice at O'Brian Stadium.
New EIU football captain shares swimming experience in Q&A
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Eastern Illinois women’s soccer junior forward Abby Reinl fighting with Illinois State junior defender Erika Wells to get the ball during Eastern’s lost to Illinois State 1-0 at its spring game at Lakeside field on April 12, 2025., on the Eastern Illinois University campus. Charleston ILL. 
EIU women’s soccer faces Illinois State in second spring game
(Thumbnail Edition) SUBMITTED PHOTO | BLAINEY DOWLING From left to right: senior safety Tienne Fridge, junior forward Katiebeth May, redshirt sophomore defender Elizabeth Galvin and redshirt sophomore quarterback Blainey Dowling at the Uplifting Athletes Conference Saturday Feb 1 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Uplifting Athletes conference teaches EIU athletes fundraising, leadership
Josh Oakley has left the Eastern men's soccer program after two years as head coach.
Men’s soccer head coach leaves Eastern
Centerback Sarah Hagg, then a sophomore, playing in a game against Purdue Fort Wayne on August 21, 2022 . Eastern won the game 2-0. at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill.
Past EIU defender signs for professional soccer club
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
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
Senior midfielder Avery Richardson stands still during a break in the game for a green carding during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles at Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston, Ill. EIU won 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Avery Richardson, Conner Colston
Through 40 years of coaching: Scott Teeters
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
Eastern Illinois University’s volleyball coach Ryan Millar gives directions to his players at the Sister City Park Beach Volleyball courts on March 13.
Olympic gold medal winner joins EIU’s coaching staff for volleyball
Junior Lilli Amettis dives down to get the ball during Eastern's beach volleyball game against Lindenwood University. Amettis' teammate, redshirt junior Julia Udell, watches her back on April 10, 2025 at Sister City Park in Charleston Ill.
EIU beach volleyball suffers close loss to Lindenwood
Junior Sylvia Hasz (left) and senior Kaitlyn Flynn (right) compete in a beach volleyball match against the Lindenwood Lions on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Sister City Park in Charleston, ILL
EIU beach volleyball set to host only home match against Lindenwood
Head Volleyball Coach Sara Thomas high fives her players before the volleyball game against the University of Missouri Tigers Friday afternoon at Lantz Aren. The Panthers lost 3-1.
Head EIU volleyball coach resigns
(Thumbnail Edition) Associate Head Coach Manolo Concepcion talks to the Volleyball team from the side lines during the game against Tennessee State at the Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Nov 20,2024. Charleston ILL.
EIU volleyball coach contract not renewed
Students perform in the play, "Squirrels Against Students," for the New Works Festival on April 8 in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Eastern students direct plays at New Works Festival
Senior music major Joseph Tucker performs his written song "Alarm Clock" during Open Mic night during the Liberation Mic event at the EIU Cultural House.
Liberation Mic presents Eastern-based performances
Students, staff and parents join together in the Tarble Arts Center to award undergraduate EIU student work and to view the artwork of undergrads and graduate students from on Saturday.
Tarble Arts Center features EIU student, graduate student artwork
Chanticleer's countertenor Adam Brett sings during act two of the performance Saturday evening at the Dvorak Concert Hall.
Chanticleer delivers memorable moments for audience
Chanticleer will be performing at 7:30 in the Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Saturday, April 5.
Grammy award-winning Chanticleer to perform at Doudna
Cam'ron Hardy
COLUMN: Thank you and goodbye… for now 
Luke Brewer
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ review: new dinosaurs, same old problems
Luke Brewer
‘28 Years Later’ review: a worthy sequel that lives up to the legacy
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: Direct-to-streaming releases threaten film industry; hybrid model offers a solution
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ is Wes Anderson to perfection
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 92: Cam’s Final Episode + The Future of the Podcast
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 91: Eyes Wide Shut: More Romantic Than Meets the Eye
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 90: Kept Woman: Can I Have My Time Back?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 89: Is ‘Opus’ Really That Grand?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 88: There’s More to Action Films Than Killing
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
Protestors line the sidewalk next to Lincoln Avenue as part of the nationwide "No Kings" protests in Morton Park on Saturday, June 14.
THROUGH THE LENS: ‘No Kings’ protest in Charleston
IHSA hurdlers race during the IHSA boys track and field state meet at O'Brien Field in Charleston, IL on Saturday, March 31.
THROUGH THE LENS: Illinois high school boys track and field state meet
Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School runner leads the pack in heat 3 of the 100m of the IHSA Unified Team Track and Field State Tournament at O'Brien Field in Charleston, IL on Thursday, May 29.
THROUGH THE LENS: IHSA Unified Team Track and Field State Tournament
Eastern Illinois baseball pitching coach Max Fecske screams into the face of screaming senior right-handed pitcher Tyler Conklin in excitement after after Conklin struck out the last out in the top of sixth inning during EIU's 11-6 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the first elimination round game of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament Thursday night at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
THROUGH THE LENS: EIU defeats SIUE in the OVC baseball tournament
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
Eastern Illinois softball sophomore pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi pitching ball to home plate during Eastern’s loss to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 3-1 on senior day at Williams field on Saturday.

Panthers of the Week: McKenzie Oslanzi, Abbi Hatton

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • May 4, 2025

The first Panther of the Week is going to McKenzie Oslanzi from the softball team. The sophomore pitcher from Marseilles went 3-0 against Western Illinois this weekend in Macomb. Throughout the...

Eastern's men's baseball team practices in the Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse on Thursday evening. The team's first game will be against the Florida A&M Rattlers on Feb. 16 in Tallahassee at Bragg Memorial Stadium at Florida A&M's campus.

Panthers of the Week: Bryce Riggs, Kenyetietta Quinn

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • April 28, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to go to Bryce Riggs from the baseball team. The sophomore right-handed pitcher from Cicero, Indiana recorded two wins throughout Eastern’s five games over...

Number 18 infield senior Chris Worcester running to slides into home base during the Eastern Illinois University baseball game against the Saint Xavier cougars at Coaches Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston Ill. EIU on 13-03

Panther of the Week: Chris Worcester, Mya Mirocha

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • April 21, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to Chris Worcester from the baseball team. The senior infielder from Bloomingdale recorded eight hits and four runs in a span of four games throughout the week. Eastern's...

Eastern Illinois University sophomore catcher Sophia Olman runs home after hiting a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles in game two of a weekend series Sunday afternoon at Williams Field. The Panthers won game one on Saturday afternoon 5-2, game two 3-1 and game three 9-1 on Sunday for a weekend series at Williams Field. The Panthers currently rank 22-17 overall and 14-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Panthers of the Week: Sophia Olman, Ian Hollander

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • April 13, 2025

The female Panther of the Week is going to Sophia Olman from the softball team. The sophomore catcher from South Elgin recorded her first home run of the season against Southern Indiana on Saturday...

[Thumbnail Edition] Eastern Illinois softball senior infielder Briana Gonzalez resetting in the batter's box after 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 March 28.

Panthers of the Week: Alex Siatos, Briana Gonzalez

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • April 6, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to Alex Siatos from the golf team. The freshman from Godfrey recorded a fifth place finish at the Western Illinois Intercollegiate tournament. Siatos tied for...

Eastern Illinois University softball junior infielder Kendall Grover gets ready in the hitter’s box for the 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.

Panthers of the Week: Kendall Grover, Tyler Castro

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • March 30, 2025

The female Panther of the Week is going to Kendall Grover from the softball team. The junior infielder from Arthur recorded her eighth home run of the season against Southeast Missouri State Friday...

[Thumbnail Edition] Senior tennis player Luisa Renovales Salazar hits the tennis ball with her racket at the Darling Courts at the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston, ILL.

Panthers of the Week: Luisa Renovales Salazar, Jake Ferguson

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • March 23, 2025

The female Panther of the Week is going to Luisa Renovales Salazar from the women's tennis team. The senior from Los Mochis, Mexico won in the doubles and singles category against McKendree Sunday...

Sophomore Aleyla Wooten bites her lip while hitting the ball over to the other team during the doubles match against Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks at Atkins Tennis Center.

Panthers of the Week: Aleyla Wooten, Zak Goodwin

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • March 17, 2025

The female Panther of the Week is going to Aleyla Wooten from the tennis team. The junior from Lakeland, Tennessee recorded wins in the singles and doubles category between Tennessee State University...

[Thumbnail Edition] Senior right-handed pitcher Tyler Conklin pitching in the Eastern Illinois University baseball team's intrasquad scrimmage at O'Brien Field in Charleston, Illinois on Jan. 31.

Panthers of the Week: Tyler Conklin, McKenzie Oslanzi

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • March 9, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to Tyler Conklin from the baseball team. The senior pitcher from Maple Park recorded his second win of the season over Northern Kentucky Friday afternoon. Eastern...

Freshman pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi throwing a pitch on April Saturday 20, 2024 against Tennessee Tech University.

Panthers of the Week: NaKyel Shelton, McKenzie Oslanzi

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 23, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to NaKyel Shelton from the basketball team. The senior guard from Chicago recorded 18 points in the Panthers' 63-54 win over the Southern Indiana Screaming...

EIU junior guard Tiny Lewis runs the ball down court to score two points for the Panthers during women's basketball team against the UT Martin Skyhawks Saturday at Groniger Arena.

Panthers of the Week: Sam Bradbury, Tiny Lewis

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 16, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to Sam Bradbury from the track and field team. The junior thrower from Mattoon recorded a personal best in weight throw and shot put in the GVSU Big Meet in...

Freshman Joe Stoddard (117) runs at the 2023 EIU Walt Crawford open.

Panthers of the Week: Joe Stoddard, Kira Manganello

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor • February 9, 2025

The male Panther of the Week is going to Joe Stoddard from the track and field team. The sophomore distance runner from Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, posted a first place finish in the DePaul Blue Demon...

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