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The entrance to the office of Access, Belonging and Engagement in Blair Hall on Friday.
EIU responds to national DEI changes
A Charleston Police car parked in the 1000 block of Woodlawn Drive on Sunday Feb 25, 2024 after a verbal argument between two people led to a shooting.
Eastern student dies following CPD well-being check
Eastern athletic director Tom Michael spoke about the NCAA settlement and how Eastern will have to pay $260,000 a year for the next ten years during the first board of trustees meeting of the year on Thursday.
Eastern Board of Trustees brainstorm campus changes
Eastern Illinois University President Jay Gatrell gives his spring update in the Doudna Fine Arts Center’s Dvorak Concert Hall on Wednesday.
EIU president announces reaccreditation in spring update
Students work on blankets as a community service opportunity while the presidential inauguration plays in the background Monday. The blankets will be donated to One Stop Christmas in the spirt of Martin Luther King Jr.
EIU celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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
Redshirt freshman forward Georgia Cox scored 18 points while going 5-for-5 from three-point range during the game against Morehead State Thursday.
Panthers of the Week: Georgia Cox, Lalani Ellis
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
EIU sophomore guard Lalani Ellis (0) pushes past the Screaming Eagles to score a layup during the last 15 seconds of the game putting EIU in the lead 50-49 during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday. Ellis scored eight points and had one rebound. The Panthers won 51-49 allowing them to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
EIU beats Southern Indiana 51-49 after late layup
Eastern Illinois University women's basketball team made history Thursday night scoring 100 points for the first time since 2018. EIU played against Morehead state at Groniger Arena Jan. 23.
Panthers prepare for OVC Tournament rematch Saturday
Freshman pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi throwing a pitch on April Saturday 20, 2024 against Tennessee Tech University.
Spring semester athletes to watch
Eastern pitcher Hayden Birdsong releases a pitch against Murray State on April 22 at Laker Baseball Field in Mattoon. Birdsong pitched five innings of relief, allowing just one run while striking out a season-high nine batters. Eastern lost the game 17-10.
Former EIU pitcher reflects on first season in MLB
Anderson reflects on Yankees career during 9/11
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
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
Redshirt freshman forward Georgia Cox scored 18 points while going 5-for-5 from three-point range during the game against Morehead State Thursday.
Panthers of the Week: Georgia Cox, Lalani Ellis
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
EIU sophomore guard Lalani Ellis (0) pushes past the Screaming Eagles to score a layup during the last 15 seconds of the game putting EIU in the lead 50-49 during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday. Ellis scored eight points and had one rebound. The Panthers won 51-49 allowing them to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
EIU beats Southern Indiana 51-49 after late layup
Eastern Illinois University women's basketball team made history Thursday night scoring 100 points for the first time since 2018. EIU played against Morehead state at Groniger Arena Jan. 23.
Panthers prepare for OVC Tournament rematch Saturday
Zaria Flippin, senior, sports media relations
COLUMN: Start paying student athletes to help them live
Patrick Schmitz Sophomore, Sports media Relations
COLUMN: Paying athletes could lead to roster cuts for EIU athletics
Payton Liggins, sophomore, sports media relations.
COLUMN: What went wrong with EIU football?
Chloe Proffitt
COLUMN: Female athletes are just as capable as male
Patrick Schmitz
COLUMN: Court storming should be a thing of the past
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
Former Eastern quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the Eastern football team celebrate, winning the Ohio Valley Conference title for the second straight year with a 52-14 win over Jacksonville State at O'Brien Field on Sept. 16, 2013.
Former EIU quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo wears custom cleats before postseason run
Eastern redshirt sophomore running back MJ Flowers carries the ball across the goal line during the football game Saturday at O'Brien Stadium. The Panthers won 16-13.
Flowers said God saved him
Safety NiJhay Burt (34), intercepts the ball for a 67 yard return touchdown. The Panthers won 27-0 against the Sycamores Thursday night.
Starting defender announces decision to enter NCAA transfer portal
Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) scores a touchdown vs. the Tennessee State Tigers Saturday afternoon. The Panthers won 30-17.
All-American running back announces departure from football program
Football is back at O'Brien Stadium
Linebacker enters transfer portal after two seasons with Panthers
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
Goal Keeper Sophomore Ella Kratochvil of the women's soccer team, in the beginning of the game jumps up to bump team mate during the introduction of the game during the Eastern Illinois University Panther game vs Tennessee Teach Golden Eagles
Women’s soccer could see extended season
Eastern graduate quarterback Pierce Holley (3) and redshirt sophomore Jay Pearson (21) line up behind the line before the snap during the football game against Charleston Southern University Saturday at O'Brien Stadium. The Panthers won 16-13.
Panthers of the Semester: Pierce Holley, Abby Reinl, Dirk Bennett
Sophomore forward Alex Tetteh (22) gains control of the ball during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Tetteh had three shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.
Two roommates led EIU women’s soccer to OVC tournament
Number 11 Adam Boykin a forward freshman for Eastern Illinois University keeps the ball away from Middle field 21 Timothy Ospina player for University of Incarnate word, at the Lakeside Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus,
Freshman forward shares experience training with professional soccer players in Q&A
Freshman pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi throwing a pitch on April Saturday 20, 2024 against Tennessee Tech University.
Spring semester athletes to watch
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
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
Following an investigation, the men's swim team is suspended for the fall semester.
COLUMN: EIU should move on from swim program
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
Ludolph Wiggett, freshman Freshman Ludolph Wiggett tries to hit the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.
Freshman tennis player shares COVID-19 experience in Australia in Q&A
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
Eastern Illinois Volleyball team won 3-1 the game against Tennessee State at the Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus, Nov 20,2024. Charleston ILL.
EIU volleyball triumphs over TSU in season finale
The head coach of the Panthers calls for a quick team discussion at the end of tonight’s game against Tennessee Tech
EIU volleyball gets swept by Tennessee State; loses tournament hopes
The EIU volleyball team cheers during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville, on Tuesday Oct 15. 2024. at Groniger Arena
What EIU volleyball needs to do to make the OVC Tournament
Head Volleyball Coach Cheers with the Volleyball team with a smile on her face ready for the next play, during the Eastern Illinois University against Southern Illinois University Evansville, on Tuesday Oct 15. 2024. at Groniger Arena on the Eastern Illinois University campus.
Takeaways from EIU volleyball versus Little Rock
Crews begin renovations in south McAfee Gym on Oct. 30. The stage along the east wall will most likely be covered by a temporary barrier, according to EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael, but he isn't sure exactly how it will look on game day. 
EIU volleyball to move practices, games to McAfee Gym in fall 2025
Andrea Leege and Jerry Ittamore observe the work of late EIU art professor Carl Wilen Friday in the Tarble Arts Center.
Fall exhibitions close at Tarble Arts Center
SUBMITTED PHOTO | THE DOUNDA FINE ARTS CENTER Jack Fry first came to EIU in 2012 where he performed in the Black Box in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
‘Einstein!’ star returns to Eastern 13 years later
Old Main is getting festive with trees in the main lobby on the first floor decorated with different ornaments Monday.
Charleston Community Theatre begins holiday festivities 
Cam'ron Hardy, Senior, Journalism
COLUMN: ‘The Intruder:’ nothing you haven’t seen before
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘We Live in Time:’ an emotional story told out of time
Gunnar Olson
COLUMN: The addictive world of trading card breaking
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: Mob films are the Hallmark Channel of cinema
Gabe Newman, Sophomore, Journalism
COLUMN: Mahomet-Seymour must leave the Apollo Conference
Luke Brewer, Freshman, Journalism.
COLUMN: ‘Time Cut:’ cutting into your valuable time
Gunnar Olson, Senior, Journalism.
COLUMN: Pokémon TCG Pocket, we need to talk
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 79: Dunkirk: Is It Nolan’s Best Movie?
The Office Hours Podcast Ep. 1: Brooke Wilson: Slashers, Women on Horror and the Unjustified Killer.
The Office Hours Podcast Ep. 1: Brooke Wilson: Slashers, Women on Horror and the Unjustified Killer.
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 78: Nosferatu (2024): Watcha Gonna Do?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 77: The Wiz: Impactful Or A Ripoff?
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 76: Gladiator: Does It Need A Sequel?
The cheering grows louder as players for the Eastern Illinois University women's basketball team get closer to 100 points. Macy McGlone said the team was counting down the points to 100 from the slide lines.
THROUGH THE LENS: Women’s basketball score 100 points for first time since 2018
The EIU Reserve Officers' Training Corps loads the first group of cadets onto the Chinook aircraft for a ride around Charleston before landing back to the ground on Thursday. The ride was part of an aviation lab for cadets to learn what it was like to be on an aircraft.
THROUGH THE LENS: ROTC brings Chinook to EIU’s campus
Participants of the Haunted Hike take a hayride back to the entrance of Douglas Hart Nature Center. The guided hikes took off every five minutes on the trails to cycle through the different Beetlejuice themed stations on Saturday night, Oct. 19, from 5-8 p.m.
THROUGH THE LENS: ‘Beetlejuice’ takes over Douglas-Hart Nature Center
There were 24 finishers in the 50-mile race at the Tour De Charleston Saturday. First place finished the race in 2:10:16.22.
THROUGH THE LENS: Tour De Charleston
The Camp New Hope had a small Mattoon train that took people around the camp sight seeing during the Camp New Hope 50th anniversary.
THROUGH THE LENS: Camp New Hope celebrates 50th anniversary
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
Rob Le Cates

Rob Le Cates, Design Editor

Rob Le Cates is a senior journalism major. He previously served as editor-in-chief, photo editor and assistant photo editor at The News.

All content by Rob Le Cates
EIU players (from left) Lyric Johnson (4), Ella Lune (1) and Jayda Johnston cheer after a late-game layup putting the Panthers in the lead by one point with 15 seconds left in the game. against the University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday.

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.

[Photo] Panther Roundup: Women’s basketball undefeated in OVC, men’s swim wins almost every event

Zaria Flippin and Payton Liggins
January 27, 2025
EIU sophomore guard Lalani Ellis (0) pushes past the Screaming Eagles to score a layup during the last 15 seconds of the game putting EIU in the lead 50-49 during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday. Ellis scored eight points and had one rebound. The Panthers won 51-49 allowing them to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.

[Photo] Panthers of the Week: Georgia Cox, Lalani Ellis

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
EIU women's basketball head coach Marqus McGlothan instructs players during a timeout during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at 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.

Southern Indiana University sophomore forward Amiyah Buchanan and EIU senior guard Kiyley Flowers grab for a loose ball during the women's basketball game against USI at Groniger Arena Saturday. Flowers scored four points. Buchanan scored one point and had four rebounds. 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.

EIU senior guard Alex Rouse (3) looks to pass the ball during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday. Rouse scored eight points and had two rebounds 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.

EIUsenior forward Macy McGlone (33) pushes for ground toward the basket during the women's basketball game against University of Southern Indiana at Groniger Arena Saturday. McGlone fouled out in last quarter and led the Panthers with 22 points and 16 rebounds. 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.

Tyrone Naylor

Sia DeyKoontz

Gunnar Olson

[Photo] COLUMN: The addictive world of trading card breaking

January 23, 2025
Drew Farrell

Cameron Thomas

Cam'ron Hardy

Payton Liggins

Zaria Flippin

Patrick Schmitz

Luke Brewer

[Photo] COLUMN: Mob films are the Hallmark Channel of cinema

January 20, 2025
Koria Downs

Jordan Reedy

Jason Coulombe

Jacob Hamm

Gabe Newman

Emily Anderlik

Emerson Reynolds

Bryce Parker

Brayden Cox

Alli Hausman

Alexis Moore-Jones

Aidan Cusack

(Left) a weak jet stream allows for a polar vortex to form. (Right) a strong jet stream bottles up cold air in the north.

[Photo] Negative temperatures incoming to Charleston

Aidan Cusack, Opinion Editor
January 14, 2025
Sophomore forward Alex Tetteh (22) gains control of the ball during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Tetteh had three shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

[Photo] Two roommates led EIU women’s soccer to OVC tournament

Patrick Schmitz, Associate Sports Editor
December 3, 2024
Political Sign Comic

[Photo] EDITORIAL: Signs of divide

November 6, 2024
Of 29,069 registered voters in Coles County, only 21,695 (74.64%) voted for the 2024 Election according to the Coles County Clerk. Depicted is a population density map that shows the percentage of where voters are located. Mattoon and Charleston made up over half of the county's voters at 67.4% combined.

[Photo] Republicans sweep Coles County elections

News Staff
November 6, 2024
Senior forward Carys Greive (7) kicks the ball forward away from Abbie McHenry, left, toward a teammate during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

EIU junior midfielder Ella Onstott (20) and UT Martin sophomore midfielder Ella Rucka (18) battle for control of the ball during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Onstott had one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

[Photo] EIU women’s soccer’s path to the OVC Tournament

Gabe Newman, Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
The Panthers lost 1-0 against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside field.

Sophomore midfielder Ella Rucka (18) attempts to get past junior midfielder Ella Onstott (20) during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

Freshman defender Colleen Bauer dribbles the ball up from the goal after an attempted goal during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

Senior forward Makayla Robinson (6) runs past junior midfielder Ella Onstott (20) and senior defender Morgan Rinker (18) during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Robinson had two shots. Onstott had one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

[Photo] Takeaways from EIU women's soccer homestand

October 23, 2024
Senior defender Morgan Rinker (18) prevents senior forward Nyeemah Prescod-Beckles (21) from advancing during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Prescod-Beckles had two shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

Sophomore forward Alex Tetteh (22) looks for a pass during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Tetteh had three shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

Sophomore and freshman midfielders Brooklyn Green, left, and Ella Dwyer close in on sophomore forward Peyton Cook, middle, during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. The Panthers lost 1-0 against the Skyhawks.

Senior midfielder Izzy Patterson (2) and junior midfielder Avery Richardson (19) chase after the ball during the women's soccer game against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday at Lakeside Field. Patterson scored the only goal of the game winning 1-0 for the Skyhawks. Richardson had one shot on goal. Patterson had one shot, shot on goal and goal scored.

[Photo] EIU women’s soccer set for tournament play

Gabe Newman, Sports Reporter
October 29, 2024
Freshman Fabien Planchard backhands the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Freshman Gui Cauvilla throws the ball up to serve during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Senior Pieke Bouman forehands the ball over the net during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Freshman Ludolph Wiggett backhands the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Freshman Durante Trocado smashes the ball during a doubles match with Ludolph Wiggett for the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Ludolph Wiggett, freshman Freshman Ludolph Wiggett tries to hit the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

[Photo] Freshman tennis player shares COVID-19 experience in Australia in Q&A

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
November 18, 2024
Freshman Durante Trocado smashes the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.

Drone shot over the Panther Trail and various Eastern sports fields.

[Photo] EIU athletic director responds to House v. NCAA preliminary approval

Aidan Cusack, Multimedia Editor
October 16, 2024
Eastern Illinois University football fans boo a referee's call during the first half of the homecoming game against the Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks on Saturday afternoon.

Eastern's football run out onto the field before the start of the homecoming game against the Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks on Saturday afternoon.

Eastern's 2024 homecoming was themed around westerns which had many people dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, an occasional inflatable horse or two and boots.

Members of the Panther Marching Band chant along to EIU pep songs in front of the Coles County Courthouse during the homecoming parade Saturday morning.

Hunter Mendoza, a junior accounting major, holds on to the mechanical bull as friends and fellow students cheer him on at the EIU tailgate outside the O'Brien Field Saturday afternoon. He said back home, he went to several rodeos so he had all the necessary apparel items for the western homecoming theme. Mendoza said he is very excited for his second homecoming.

Paul Nau, a graduate music student, juggles on a unicycle during the homecoming parade Saturday morning.

Members of the EIU Panther Color Guard twirl their flags in front of the Coles County Courthouse during the homecoming parade Saturday morning.

Players for both Eastern Illinois University and Southeast Missouri State University's teams scramble for a fumbled ball during EIU's homecoming at O'Brien Field against Southeast Missouri State University Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lost 34-27 against the Redhawks.

[Photo] Takeaways from EIU football thus far

Aidan Cusack and Payton Liggins
October 22, 2024
Sophomore running back MJ Flowers, is tackled by Southeast Missouri State University's defensive line after securing a first down for the EIU Panthers during Eastern's homecoming at O'Brien Field against Southeast Missouri State University Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lost 34-27 against the Redhawks.

[Photo] All-American running back announces departure from football program

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
December 6, 2024
Quarterback Pierce Holley (3), left, is sacked by Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks' defensive line during EIU's homecoming at O'Brien Field against Southeast Missouri State University Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lost 34-27 against the Redhawks.

[Photo] What happened at EIU's homecoming game?

October 5, 2024
Eastern's coaching staff directs players in between plays during EIU's homecoming at O'Brien Field against Southeast Missouri State University Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lost 34-27 against the Redhawks.

Wide receivers coach Tino Smith II instructs players after a play during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Former EIU wide receiver connects ties for new position

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
November 14, 2024
Quarterback Pierce Holley (3), left, is sacked by Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks' defensive line during EIU's homecoming at O'Brien Field against Southeast Missouri State University Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lost 34-27 against the Redhawks.

Tight ends coach Cole Hoover practices blocking players during football practice drills at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Tight end coach talks about history with EIU program

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
October 3, 2024
Redshirt junior Noah Howard (63) blocks defensive players during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Offensive lineman shares faith based pre-game routine in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 19, 2024
Graduate quarterback Pierce Holley throws the ball forward during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Panthers prepare for first conference game at home

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 27, 2024
Offensive line coach John Cannova instructs sophomore offensive lineman Nic DiSanto (54) on proper form during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Offensive lineman shares confidence for 2024 season in Q&A

Payton Liggins, Sports Reporter
September 27, 2024
Offensive line coach John Cannova instructs players on proper form during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

Sophomore offensive lineman Nic DiSanto (right) runs through drills during football practice at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

Redshirt junior offensive lineman Drew Wilder props the ball up during football practice drills at O'Brien Field Wednesday afternoon.

[Photo] Panthers prepare to defend Mid-American Classic trophy against Redbirds

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
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

Rob Le Cates and Sia DeyKoontz
August 30, 2024
EIU football head football coach Chris Wilkerson confers with another member of the coaching staff during the team's season opener against the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

[Photo] Wilkerson hopes for growth against Northwestern

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 13, 2024
Eastern's coaching staff directs players in between plays during the team's home opener against University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at Memorial Stadium in Champaign Thursday night. The Panthers were shut out 45-0 against the Fighting Illini.

[Photo] EIU football starts conference play against two worthy opponents

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 24, 2024
EIU graduate quarterback Pierce Holley looks for a pass during the team's season opener against the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana at Memorial Stadium Thursday night. The Panthers were shut out 45-0 to the Fighting Illini.

EIU assistant coach Andrew Strobel directs players after the the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign score a touchdown during the team's season opener at Memorial Stadium Thursday night. The Panthers were shut out 45-0 against the Fighting Illini.

[Photo] EIU football takeaways by the numbers

Zaria Flippin, Sports Editor
September 1, 2024
Illinois sophomore running back Kaden Feagin slips past the EIU defensive line during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin catches the ball in the end zone as EIU redshirt defensive back junior Moses Alexander attempts to intercept during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

Illinois junior quarterback Luke Altmyer scrambles evading past Eastern Illinois University defense during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night. The Panthers were shut out 45-0 to the Fighting Illini.

Illinois junior quarterback Luke Altmyer successfully throws the ball past Eastern Illinois University's senior defensive lineman Jaron Hacha during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

Illinois junior outside linebacker Alec Bryant attempts to slip past the EIU defensive line during the team's season opener against the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

EIU football head football coach Chris Wilkerson confers with another member of the coaching staff during the team's season opener against the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

Eastern's coaching staff directs players in between plays during the team's home opener against University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at Memorial Stadium in Champaign Thursday night. The Panthers were shut out 45-0 against the Fighting Illini.

Senior wide receiver DeAirious Smith drops a pass during the team's season opener against the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana at Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

[Photo] EIU football fumbles UofI

August 30, 2024
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

Rob Le Cates and Sia Deykoontz
August 16, 2024
From left Siobhan Bennett, Kieran Bennett-- a freshman digital media technologies major, Aidan Bennett, and David Bennett stand outside McKinney Hall on Move In Day Thursday. Twin brothers Kieran Bennett and Aidan Bennett are going to different schools and said being apart will be a big change. "When you live with someone for so long it becomes routine, and to break it is very scary," Aidan Bennett said.

Sisters Emma Beurskens, a sophomore nursing major, and Alli Beurskens, a freshman early childhood education major, shop for Eastern Illinois University merch at the University Bookstore in the MLK Jr. University Union on Thursday Move In Day. Emma Beurskens said she looks forward to the year and seeing her sister start college.

Parents Erica White (left) and Justin White (right) hug their son Gabe White (middle), a freshman accounting major, on Thursday outside the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Move In Day. The parents said it was bittersweet to see their son leave but are excited for him to start college.

Flamm Orchards hires around 130 to 150 workers per season to plant, tend to and process crops for thousands of families. Flamm Orchards is one of many farms in cooperation with Illinois’ statewide program to curb hunger and help stock food banks. Crops are sorted into categories where lesser-rated produce is donated to food banks.

THROUGH THE LENS: Small town standard

Rob Le Cates, Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2024
Workers trim peach tree limbs Friday afternoon, April 12, 2024, at Flamm's Orchard in Cobden.

First son of the current owner of Flamm Orchard Henry Flamm, 1, eats a strawberry after reaching into the field-fresh fruit bucket at the opening day of strawberry season at Flamm Orchards Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Cobden. The farm has been running since the late 1880s and has seen seven generations of Flamms.

Workers unpack picked strawberries from the field to bring to the processing and sorting building on the season’s opening day Saturday, April 13 2024, at Flamm Orchards in Cobden.

Ava Anderson, 4, helps her pregnant mom Lauren Anderson load the strawberries into the trunk at the opening day of strawberry season at Flamm Orchards Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Cobden. The family lives around 50 minutes away and stopped by to pick up strawberries before going to a birthday party. Lauren Anderson said fresh fruit has been a craving for her.

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