Serving the Southern Illinois University community since 1916.

The Daily Egyptian
Serving the Southern Illinois University community since 1916.

The Daily Egyptian
Serving the Southern Illinois University community since 1916.

The Daily Egyptian
All content by Monica Sharma | @mscli_cks
Freeman Johnson sells food at Caribbean Hut on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, out of the Staples parking in Carbondale, Ill. Freeman has been running his food truck business since 2017. “I am originally from the Bahamas and moved to Carbondale. Caribbean food is new to this area and it’s something that is taken off. We have different seafood and Caribbean spices. Jerk chicken, jerk pork are very popular in Jamaica. Most of the people come around 11am to 2pm. People usually from 25 to 40 middle-aged people come to eat our dish. We feel really good and I am very satisfied with my job,” Johnson said.

Brian Sappington talks about his food business on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Giant City Road in Carbondale, Ill. “I have been here for one year and I think the business is growing. People mostly on weekends enjoy coming here. Chicken and ribs are the two most popular dishes on our menu. Apart from that, I enjoy people coming here and enjoying their food,” Sappington said.

Good Cooking, famous for soul food, opens from Thursday to Sunday 3pm to 10pm at Giant City Road in Carbondale, Ill.

A customer orders food at the Caribbean Hut on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, out of the Staples parking in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Black cooks bring a taste of family flare to the SIU community

February 21, 2022
Caribbean Hut Food Truck waits for customers for lunch on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at the Staples parking in Carbondale, Ill.

Elizabeth Taylor, an SIU student, carves a structure in the Iron Pour event on Saturday, Nov. 6,2021 at Foundry Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. “I saw some pictures on the campus about the event and thought it would be a great memory and some help for the fund-raising program. I really enjoy the event,” Taylor said.

Ember Edwards, a 6-year-old, carves the structure of a cat to be used in a molding in the Iron Pour event on Saturday, Nov. 6,2021 at the Foundry Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. “I am making cats and I am just playing on the display, next one will be a pig sculpture,” Ember Edwards said.

Students from the Department of Fine Arts pour melted iron into molds to create different structures during the Iron Pour event on Saturday, Nov. 6,2021 at Foundry Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. “We students melt the unused toilet products like sinks, basins and convert them to make a new sculpture which are used in different facilities in SIU,” Courtney Lester, a student from the Department of Fine Arts, said.

Southern Illinois University held its commencement ceremonies in Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. May 8.

[Photo] Gallery: SIU Commencement Ceremonies

May 9, 2021
Eli, one of the sellers of Advanced Combat, explains the production of guns at the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show on April 10 and 11, 2021, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. “I was not aware of all these products when I entered here. I slowly learned about the manufacture of these products through YouTube videos and other sources,it looks like plastic but these are made up of metals and colored with different colors,” Eli said.

A seller talks about his old vintage guns at the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show on April 10 and 11, 2021, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla.

Megan Snyder, owner of the “Be Safe Girl,” talks about her products at the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show on April 10 and 11, 2021, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. “We focus on the safety of girls while we sell our products. We sell different products such as stun guns, knives, pepper spray, defense keychains, personal alarms, portable security, concealed carry accessories. It's a pleasure to come here and sell these products,” Snyder said.

Scott Chelle, an ammo collector, stands behind his booth at the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show. The show was a two day event that took place on April 10 and 11 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. “We have been holding ammo for a long time in the stores and now we got a chance to sell it in our booth today. We are very excited and getting good responses from the customers,” Chelle said.

One of the collectors of the miniature gun talks about the production of the guns at the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show on April 10 and 11 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. “I have been collecting these guns for 20 years and the most interesting part is these miniature weapons can fire,” he said.

An aerial view taken from the world’s largest gun show, the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show. The show was a two day event and took place on April 10 and 11 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. More than 25,000 people participated in the show.

Corina Lang holds a sign in protest during the Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois’ community rally for peace and justice on Saturday, April 3, 2021, on the corner of Main Street in Carbondale, Ill. “ We support our country and don't want young people to be in unnecessary wars,” Lang said.

[Photo] Carbondale community rallies for peace and justice, repeals AUMF

April 3, 2021
Protestors hold their signs during the Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois’ community rally for peace and justice on Saturday, April 3, 2021 on the corner of Main Street in Carbondale, Ill.

Brittany Scott, an undergraduate student in the Department of Psychology, keeps her balance until the end of the rope at the April Pools Day event on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the SIU Recreation Center in Carbondale, Ill. “I am from Paris, Ill. I have many international friends and I really enjoy hanging around with them,” Scott said.

Lucaia Romaero, an undergraduate student in the Electrical Engineering Department from Spain, loses her balance and falls off the rope at the April Pools Day event on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the SIU Recreation Center in Carbondale, Ill. “It feels great to be here and make new friends. This is my first experience on the rope,” Romaero said.

[Photo] Gallery: SIU students try to avoid making a "pool" out of themselves

April 1, 2021
Joshua Virella, an undergraduate student in the Physics Department, tries to balance on the rope at the April Pools Day event Thursday, April 1, 2021, at SIU Recreation Center in Carbondale, Ill. “I am here with my friend and we are enjoying it a lot after a long time,” Virella said.

Patty Vaught Davis ties her son's hair on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill. “I have two sons and it's difficult to manage time for both of them. Being a working woman and a mother it's really hard to manage time, however, I try my best. I have my parents here so we were very cautious during COVID. I think it's not only about me. We have to think for others during this pandemic period. We might be the carriers for other people we really need to be safe,” Davis said.

Narmada Pandey plays chess with her kids Ayushi, 12, and Ayaan, 7, on Monday, March 22, 2021 at Evergreen Terrace Family Housing in Carbondale, Ill. “On the other side, it's good to play with kids and spend some time with them which I missed when they were busy on their own schedule,“ Pandey said.

[Photo] Wearing Multiple Hats: Working women and the COVID-19 pandemic

March 31, 2021
Narmada Pandey, 37 years old, stay-at-home mother and a volunteer at the Victory Dream Center, shares how she handles her work life and family life during COVID-19 on Monday, March 22, 2021 at Evergreen Terrace Family Housing in Carbondale, Ill. Pandey said that it is difficult to manage children, household chores and kids’ online classes. “I really do not have time for myself. I take care of the children in their zoom classes and then their homework. Aayan is in grade two, so the younger one needs more attention in studies. To relieve all those stresses, I do yoga every day and take out a little bit of time for myself. I believe everything will be good after people get vaccines. Hopefully, I can go back to my volunteering work with some free time,” Pandey said.

Erin Diemer focuses for her last jump during pole vault on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the SIU Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Two First Place finishers, and One school record broken for the Dawgs at Indiana Relays

January 30, 2023
Matisen Ingle winds up during hammer throw on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the SIU Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] SIU dominates in home track meet

April 8, 2023
Devin Pringle runs in the men’s 200-meter race on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the SIU Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] SIU travels to Southeast Missouri State

April 3, 2023
Savannah Long takes a jump in the 100-meter hurdles race on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the SIU Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Salukis travel to South Bend, IN for Notre Dame Invitational

January 22, 2023
Jhordin Galmore runs in the 400-meter relay race on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the SIU Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Men’s; Women’s Track and Field both finish top-5 at Gibson Invitational

April 18, 2023
Tami Oluyemi, 20, double majoring in nursing and public health, shares her view about Black women’s society on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Student Center ballroom in Carbondale, Ill. “This is a big thing for women like us. I see myself as a nurse serving people and want to pursue my Phd. If I can do anything for this society, I will help it out in any way,” Oluyemi said.

Yagmy Nedams, 23, a master’s student in finance and accounting, prepares for brunch on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Student Center ballroom in Carbondale, Ill. I am really enjoying it; everyone is so polite and encouraging. I want to start my own school teaching about finance and old leadership after ten years. I am very involved in black women society and want to do something for them in future,” Nedams said.

Avian Wilkins distributes lunch to the participants on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Student Center ballroom in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Black Women’s Brunch hosted by Black Resource Center

March 17, 2021
Avian Wilkins, introduces herself and delivers a small speech and lets all the participants introduce themselves on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in the Student Center ballroom in Carbondale, Ill.

Kylen Lunn receives a crate from Rec staff on his one hand while supporting his body against the crate pile with the other hand during the Crate Stack Challenge held on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at Recreational Center, Carbondale Ill. The program lasted for 3 hours starting from 6:00 PM.

Lanese Farr stacks her crate and holds her balance on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at Recreational Center, Carbondale Ill.

[Photo] Spirit Week Crate Stacking

March 17, 2021
Kylen Lunn balances his body on a tall pile of crates before attempting to add one more crate to the stack during the Crate Stack Challenge held on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at Recreational Center, Carbondale Ill.

Tyler Orear balances his body by stacking the crate on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at Recreational Center, Carbondale Ill.”I am a student of finance and accounting.It feels great to be here and relax our mind with these games .I came here with my friends and we all are doing this gonna be so fun,” Orear said.

Caleb Meator leans his body to align his center of gravity while attempting to add another crate to his collection during the Crate Stack Challenge held on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at Recreational Center, Carbondale Ill.

Teagan Cullen, 8, of Herrin, displays her protest sign and gets ready for the march in remembrance of Breonna Taylor’s death a year ago on Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021 at the Carbondale Pavilion in Carbondale, Ill.

Protestors hold up a Black Lives Matter sign during the protest on the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death on Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021 at the Carbondale Pavilion in Carbondale, Ill.

Georgean Hartzog holds signs during the protest on the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death on Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021 at the Carbondale Pavilion in Carbondale, Ill. “We always have been an aggressive country taking what we want and not thinking about the consequences and this is very much reflected. I think small changes make a big difference and this step can make a huge impact,” Hartzog said.

Protestors hold up a Black Lives Matter sign during the protest on the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death on Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021 at the Carbondale Pavilion in Carbondale, Ill.

Herrin local, Teagan Cullen, 8, participates in the march on the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. “I want to see that all should be treated equally even though they have different skin color,” Teagan says.

Volunteers and staff at the Center for Empowerment and Justice pose for a portrait outside the center on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill. The center was established in 2016 and has since been serving people to reform and overcome difficulties associated with being released from prison. The center offers artwork, a computer lab, and a workspace. The center has also become a shelter for homeless people in the Carbondale area. Monica Sharma | @mscli_cks

[Photo] Samaritan Saturday: Carbondale non-profit empowers those in need

March 13, 2021
Roosevelt Clerks, a staff member at the Center for Empowerment and Justice, fixes a piece of art on the wall for exhibition on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill.

Elissa Kimball and Larry Avery talk about their artwork on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Center for Empowerment and Justice in Carbondale, Ill. “We do paintings so that anyone can buy them, and the funds come from [the art sold] to run this center,” Kimball said. “We also accept donations. Anything like books, clothes and [we give them to] the people who were victims of violence.”

Philip Archer (44) and Nick Neville (9) celebrate after making four runs against University of Tennessee at Martin on Sunday, Mar. 7, 2021 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale Ill.

[Photo] Brooms out: Saluki baseball sweeps UT Martin

March 7, 2021
Tristen Peters (6) celebrates with a teammate after a home game against University of Tennessee at Martin on Sunday, Mar. 7, 2021 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale Ill.

Austin Ulick (7) hits the ball towards the center field in the game against University of Tennessee at Martin on Sunday, Mar. 7, 2021 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale Ill.

Janell Douvier (23) makes a quick pass to her teammate in a game against the Northern Iowa Panthers on Saturday, Mar. 6, 2021 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill. SIU went on to lose 64-41.

Awa Keita (35) leads with the ball in a home game against Northern Iowa Panthers on Saturday, Mar. 6, 2021 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

Adrianna Katcher (24) takes an abrupt turn towards the shoulder in a game against Northern Iowa Panthers on Saturday, Mar. 6, 2021 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] SIU Women’s basketball falls in final regular season game to UNI as offense struggles

March 6, 2021
Makenzie Silvey (12) guards the ball in the game against Northern Iowa Panthers on Friday, Mar. 5, 2021 at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill. SIU went on to lose with the score 56-67. Monica Sharma | @mscli_cks

[Photo] Salukis lose by 11 points to the Panthers

By Janae Mosby, Staff Reporter
March 6, 2021
Awa Keita (35) tries to score during the first half of the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers on Friday, Mar. 5, 2021 at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

People wait in line at Victory Dream Center’s food pantry while maintaining social distancing rules on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. The program lasts for two hours and happens twice each month. A small amount of the donated food comes from retail markets in Carbondale while 95% of the food donations come from the St. Louis Dream Center. The meat products and breads are collected twice a week from Walmart, Aldi and Sam’s club.

Terresa Craig, one of the volunteers at Victory Dream Center’s food pantry, organizes packaged food on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Victory Dream Center in Carbondale, Ill. “I feel happy to work here and serve the people I feel really satisfied,” Craig said.

Donald Dunn loads food into his car on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Victory Dream Center in Carbondale, Ill.

A Carbondale community member pushes her cart at the Victory Dream Center’s food pantry on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Illinois Food Banks cope with unprecedented demand due to COVID-19

March 8, 2021
_DSC2869SRGB

John Barsky adds some groceries into his cart at the Victory Dream Center food pantry on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. “This has been the huge support [during the pandemic]. The food is fresh and good too,” Barsky said.

John Barsky picks up some bread at the Victory Dream Center food pantry on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. “This has been the huge support [during the pandemic]. The food is fresh and good too,” Barsky said.

A staff member at Pagliai’s Pizza takes the orders on Friday, Feb. 25, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill.

Michael Zollner spends some quality time with his family on Friday, Feb. 25, 2021 at Pagliai's Pizza in Carbondale, Ill. “It's Friday so we are spending some quality time here with my family. We came from Marion,’ Zollner said. “The ambience of this place is awesome and friendly for the children. Also, the delicious pizza here entices us.”

Rubby Zollner, 22 months, smiles after daycare on Friday, Feb. 25, 2021 at Pagliai's Pizza in Carbondale, Ill.

Tripp Zollner enjoys his drink after school on Friday, Feb. 25, 2021 at Pagliai's Pizza in Carbondale, Ill. “I love doing adventurous things. We went hiking last weekend and I love food,“ Zollner said.

Melissa Parsons, the owner of Pagliai's Pizza, welcomes customers with half of the original capacity of 166 persons to maintain safe social distancing on Friday, Feb. 25,2021 in Carbondale, Ill. “We have been sanitizing all the items, wearing masks all the time and taking temperatures of the staff in order to make them feel safe,” Parsons said.

Dwane Dryer and Brinda Dryer order their food at Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza on Friday, Feb. 25, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill. ”It's been 30 years we have been here every weekend," Dryer said."The owner has been really cautious in keeping us safe by taking the temperatures of staff members and reducing the capacity. We feel safe and enjoy this place."

[Photo] Some indoor dining options open for Carbondale community amid COVID-19

By Elizabeth Hamilton, Staff Reporter
March 15, 2021
Caitlin Ink (5) performs a throw-in towards her teammate during the game against Valparaiso University on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

Caitlin Ink (5) passes the ball to Allea Potter (22) before making a quick move towards the hoop against Valparaiso University on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] SIU women’s basketball falls in overtime to Valparaiso

February 28, 2021
Gabby Walker (20) guards the ball in the game against Valparaiso University on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

Maddy Vermejen (27) and Ryle Hamilton (1) celebrate after making four runs against Ball State University on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at Charlotte Softball Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

Tori Schullian (25) steals a base against Ball State University during the third inning of the game on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at Charlotte Softball Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

Madi Eberle (3) pitches in the game against Ball State University on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at Charlotte Softball Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. Eberle later scored the run of the season against Ball state University. SIU went on to win against Ball State with the score of 6-1.

[Photo] Salukis stay undefeated and keep winning streak alive

February 28, 2021
Barden Babcock (26) hit the ball and scored against Eastern Illinois on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Salukis hold on in the ninth inning for the win after Panthers rally

February 23, 2021
Barden Babcock (26) hit the ball and scored against Eastern Illinois on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

[Photo] Salukis hold on in the ninth inning for the win after Panthers rally

By Ryan Scott, Sports Reporter
February 23, 2021
Weekly International Student Feature

[Photo] International Student Feature: Pratyusa Das

By Monica Sharma, Staff Photographer
February 17, 2021
Kathryn Creedon kicks the ball during soccer practice on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, at the soccer field at SIU. "We really need to work on execution and finishing for sure. Once the game starts we finally get to play. It's really hard due to COVID, just school and training with no refreshment. Last year was a lot more different than this year. Last year our chemistry was not that good as now but if we work on technicality we can work on it," Creedon said.

[Photo] Saluki soccer set for Feb. 17 kick-off

February 13, 2021
SIUC players cheer up in the break of the last set after getting feedback from the head coach in the game against Loyola University on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Davies Gym at SIU.

[Photo] Ramblers beat Salukis in straight sets

By Ryan Scott, Sports Reporter
February 8, 2021
Gabby Walker (20) tries to avoid a turnover during the game against Illinois State on Saturday, Feb.6, 2021, in the Banterra Center at SIU. Salukis went on to win 43-41 to the Redbirds.

Caitlin Link (5) guards an Illinois State player during the game against Illinois State on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in the Banterra Center at SIU.

Adrianna Catcher and Rachel Pudlowski leap up to rebound the ball after an unsuccessful attempt by the opponent during the game against Illinois State on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in the Banterra Center at SIU.

The SIU women's basketball team raises their hands in a pump up before the game against Illinois State on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in the Banterra Center at SIU. The Salukis went on to win 43-41 to the Redbirds.

[Photo] Southern Illinois bounces back with second win on the season against Chicago State

December 1, 2022
Southern Illinois' Ben Harvey (10) attempts to drive a lane against Northern Iowa’s Tytan Anderson (32) during the game Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale, Ill Northern Iowa won with a final score of 74 - 62.

Jacolby long (25) tries to defend Northern Iowa’s Tytan Anderson (32) during the game Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale, Ill. Northern Iowa won with a final score of 74 - 62.

[Photo] Halftime lead slips away from Southern, losing streak moves to six

January 30, 2021
Southern Illinois' Steven Verplancken (22) dribbles the ball during the game against Northern Iowa Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale, Ill. Northern Iowa won with a final score of 74 - 62.

To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. volunteers helped renovate the Eurma C. Hayes Center in Carbondale, Ill. by painting, redoing the flooring, putting baseboards and cleaning on Jan. 23. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The building was built around 1874. According to Bob Wills the executive director, the building used to be a major business center with a youth center, childcare, eye center and has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic. “The building was planned to clean up and then planned to get the business back and open a free medical clinic, as we have SIU Volunteers and other workers hoping to get the business back soon,” Wills said. “We got to paint, fix the baseboards and floors and bring back the business again. It all depends on the labor how long it takes but there are workers from all around SIU and Carbondale.”

Umama Afsar, an undergraduate student from the department of premedicine at Southern Illinois University, paints a wall at Eurma C.Hayes Center Saturday, Jan 23, 2021 in Carbondale, Ill.

Around the SIU campus, there are many handicapped friendly elevators Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2020 in Quigley Hall, Department of Architecture First Floor Carbondale Ill. The elevator has been designed with considerations for the space to be able to hold a wheelchair.

Each SIU building is equipped with emergency exits that are labeled with exit signs Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2020 in Quigley Hall, Department of Architecture First Floor Carbondale, Ill.

Lance Jones prepares to pass the ball during the SIU vs. North Dakota game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale Ill. SIU won with a final score of 62 to 50.

Steven Verpalncken Jr. fights for the ball during the SIU vs. North Dakota game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale Ill. SIU won with a final score of 62 to 50.

Anthony Avanzo dunks a shot during the SIU vs. North Dakota game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale Ill. SIU won with a final score of 62 to 50.

[Photo] Salukis hit three-game losing streak after 7-0 season start

January 13, 2021
Lance Jones dribbles the ball during the SIU vs. North Dakota game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the SIU Bantera Center in Carbondale Ill. SIU won with a final score of 62 to 50.

Trent Brown makes his way down the court in the Murray State game Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at the SIU Banterra Center in Carbondale Ill. SIU won with a final score of 70-66.

[Photo] Southern defeats Murray State 70-66

By Janae Mosby, Staff Reporter
December 11, 2020
Load More Stories