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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
VOL. 110, ISSUE 5
SIU reviews partnership with Chinese university on Pentagon concern list Page 3
LOST CROSS TURNS 40
SIU IT system goes dark on course-change deadline CARLY GIST Editor-in-Chief
‘Mikey Snot,’ lead singer of Diet Christ, raises his arm as his band plays September 5, 2026 outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 6-7
3 businesses lost to Du Quoin fire BRAYDEN GUY ORION WOLF News Editor Deputy Editor Billows of smoke filled Du Quoin’s main street after a fire broke out near Home Lumber at the corner of South Chestnut Street and West Main Street on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The fire was reported at approximately 1:25 p.m., and many firefighters, paramedics and police officers from approximately 34 different fire departments responded to the scene. The response area included departments from 45 miles north and south and 60 miles west and east, according to Du Quoin Fire Chief, David Durkota. The first arriving units saw flames in the lumber yard. However, they could not determine, with certainty, that the lumber yard is where the fire began. There was an evacuation of the surrounding buildings immediately, especially the ones that were already starting to take on the flames from Home Lumber. Firefighters drew over 400,000 gallons of water from the lake next to the Du
On the last day SIU students could drop or add full-term courses for the fall semester and still receive a refund, the internal administrative system managing requests was shut down, according to emails obtained by the Daily Egyptian and interviews with several SIU employees familiar with the system. While students could still make changes through the Self-Service Banner in SalukiNet, they could not drop every class nor withdraw from the university, and SIU employees said they were unable to process changes from Friday, Aug. 28 until at least noon on Monday, Aug. 31. Emails from Rachel Frazier, director of the Registrar’s Office, sent on Aug. 28, which were provided to the DE, said Central IT was directed to disable SFAREGS for everyone who has modify SYSTEM | 3
‘Historic’ enrollment increase SIU reaches 12,000 students CARLY GIST Editor-in-Chief
one injury, however, it’s unclear if it was related to the fire or an undisclosed medical emergency. EMT Brad Foley said that BJ’s Garden and Cafe, Croessmann Wholesale and Home Lumber were completely lost. According to Durkota, the auto parts store only sustained cosmetic issues while the auto repair store was damaged, but not lost to the fire. “The fire was actually going over the top of the buildings when we arrived,” Foley said. He said he had no idea how the fire started. Foley shouted out a local business that was helping responders. “It’s 100 degrees outside and these kind ladies right here at this salon here have been giving the firefighters water, ice, towels and everything,” Foley said. “They have been great to us.” Some responders were taking refuge in local beauty salon Hair We Are On Mane to cool off and hydrate. Owner Jennah
SIU has reached a historic growth in enrollment and retention, the university says. Ten-day numbers for fall 2026 show that enrollment grew to 12,066 students, an increase of 281 students from fall 2025, according to a press release published Thursday morning. Compared to Spring 2026, that’s over 1,100 more students. The recorded overall enrollment is the highest it’s been in eight years, the press release states, and the incoming undergraduate class – 1,779 students – is the highest it’s been in 11 years. The Daily Egyptian requested a breakdown of enrollment numbers by student type, including in-person versus online, students enrolled in a Risepoint program and SIU employees enrolled in classes. A chart provided to the DE by Teal Felton, assistant director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Planning and Research, show that of the total enrollment, 1,408 are online undergraduates, 872 are online graduate students, 7,396 are inperson undergraduates and 2,390 are in-person graduate students. David Shirley, chief of staff for Chancellor Austin Lane, told the DE that his team is still working on
FIRE | 9
ENROLLMENT | 2
Pedestrians and first responders look out at the fire engulfing local business, BJ’s Garden Inn Sept. 2, 2026 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz Quoin State Fairgrounds to supply the trucks, using a roughly estimated total of a million gallons of water to put out the fire. This was confirmed in the press conference held on Sept. 3, when Durkota recounted a conversation he had the night of the fire with the Du Quoin Waterworks Superintendent. The investigation was turned over to the Illinois
State Fire Marshals and the government agency, ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms), which Durkota said is “completely regular” for an incident like this. Later in the press conference, Durkota said that it is quickly becoming an “insurance investigation”, where insurance companies come in and assess the damage. As of Sept. 4, there is no
BJ’s Garden Inn roof is up in flames Sept. 2, 2026 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
final monetary price on what was lost in the fire. Du Quoin residents were warned of low water pressure and potential power outages as a result of the water usage. Amtrak and Canadian National paused railway operations due to the fire. Durkota said in the press conference that Canadian National was a “great partner” to the first responders on scene. He said, “They assisted us in digging a trench under their railroad tracks to provide an avenue for us to continue water supply operations off of hydrants from the east side of the road.” Canadian National also provided men that warned the first responders of oncoming train traffic once operations had begun again, Durkota said. Firefighters Carter Ballah and Terry Harrison told the Daily Egyptian that they were unaware if anybody was injured on the day of the fire. It has now been confirmed that there was
Page 2 | News
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
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the public factbook, which will not be available until Sept. 15. In the meantime, he provided the DE with a PowerPoint slide outlining the enrollment and retention highlights. While most groups had increased, there was a 16% decrease of overall international students and a 17% decrease of international graduate students. The number of on-campus graduate students decreased by roughly 7.5%. In 2025, fall enrollment was down five students from the year before. Chancellor Austin Lane said in the press release that this was used “as a motivator to expand our strategic efforts to recruit and retain students.” Enrollment numbers include high school partners, anyone enrolled in a course Enrollment of students from the southern Illinois region increased by 5% from last fall. The overall enrollment number includes the 81 high school students participating in Saluki Start this fall. The program, which began in the spring, gives students at 19 participating high schools the opportunity to earn free online SIU Carbondale course credits while still in high school. This is the first fall semester Saluki Start has been offered. “We count every student, whether they’re degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking,” Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions, said. “We have students that are even not a part of Saluki Start that come here, that want to take courses, but they’re not intending at that time to get a degree. Now, some students will change their mind after they’ve taken some courses — ‘Oh you know, I would like to pursue this degree’ — so those students are counted in the overall numbers as well.” Jiter said SIU employees also have the opportunity to take courses, provided that supervisors approve. The overall enrollment growth also led to a 7% increase in students living in on-campus housing. This number can be expected to grow next fall, as housing policy now requires enrolled students to live on campus if they are under the age of 21 and within two years of graduating from high school. Jiter said this requirement began this fall, meaning a first-year student who graduated from high school in the spring must now live on campus for two years. University saw ‘major gains’ in retention, enrollment across demographics SIU retained 73.9% of students from the fall 2025 cohort, according to the press release. Compared to the retention rate from fall 2024 to fall 2025, that’s an increase of 7.2 percentage points. A contributing factor of the high retention rate was “major gains occurring across various student demographics,” the university said in the release. This includes the following: • A 3% increase in students from southern Illinois • An 8% increase in students from outside southern Illinois • An 8% increase in conditionally admitted students, or students who do not meet GPA requirements but are accepted under specific terms • A 12% increase in Black/African American students • A 10% increase in Hispanic students
• A 3% increase in white students The university said they also saw an increase in enrollment rates for underrepresented groups. According to the press release, Pell-eligible students increased by 5%, Black/African American students by 14%, Hispanic students by 8% and Asian students by 7%. A person with access to data who was not authorized to speak with the media provided the DE with additional information regarding enrollment and retention. According to the data, of the returning 1,077 students, 884 were in good academic standing, while 193 were classified as another standing. The Academic Standing Policy at SIU has recently changed, according to archived undergraduate catalogs. For the 2024-25 school year, if a student’s cumulative university GPA fell below a C-average, or 2.0, the student was placed on scholastic probation. If the subsequent term average was also below a 2.0, the student was then placed on scholastic suspension. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, students who fall below a 2.0 will now receive an academic notice before probation. On-campus graduate student enrollment decreases, but Risepoint sees more revenue The data provided to the DE also showed that 399 graduate students are enrolled in a Risepoint program. SIU entered a contract with Risepoint, an online program manager, in 2023 to recruit students to master’s programs. Half of the tuition revenue from Risepoint-recruited programs goes back to the company, which is owned by a private equity firm, according to previous reporting by the DE. Enrollment in Risepoint programs increased 38.5%, as 288 students were enrolled in those programs in fall 2025. While SIU saw an increase of graduate students online, enrollment for on-campus graduate students has decreased. The total on-campus graduate student enrollment dropped from 3,902 to 3,606. For law and medicine students, the decrease was 6%. For all other programs, the decrease was 9.5%. For fall 2026, most graduate students will pay $479.00 per credit hour, although some programs are more expensive. SIU is now closer to reaching IMAGiNE 2030 enrollment goal Jiter said she believes the university is on track to reach its enrollment target of 15,000 by 2030. The goal was set by the IMAGiNE 2030 strategic plan led by Chancellor Lane to improve student success and engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; branding and partnerships; research and innovation; and sustainability. The DE reached out to University Communications on Thursday, but were told Lane was unavailable for comment due to traveling and attending meetings. “I think what we have done is been really shifting and looking at where students are,” Jiter said. “There’s just not as many students out there as there used to be. And so for us, we always want students on campus — we’re never going to stop that piece — but also taking SIU to where students are. So increasing our online presence or online programs, getting students into those as well as our extended campus areas as well.” Editor-in-Chief Carly Gist can be reached at cgist@dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @gistofthestory
Provided by the SIU Office of Institutional Effectivness, Planning and Research
Puzzle Answers
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
News | Page 3
SIU reviews partnership with a Chinese aerospace university on the Pentagon concern list TAY ACREE News Reporter Southern Illinois University Carbondale officials reviewed the university’s relationship with a Chinese aerospace university after receiving a federal directive to examine foreign partnerships, according to internal records obtained by the Daily Egyptian through Freedom of Information Act requests. Shenyang Aerospace University, which has maintained an academic partnership with SIU since 2013, appears on the Department of War’s fiscal year 2025 Section 1286 list of foreign institutions. SIU said in a 2017 announcement that its relationship with Shenyang began with an agreement signed in 2013. The universities later established an articulation agreement involving SIU’s aviation programs. In 2019, SIU announced a collaborative 2+2 Aviation Technologies degree program that allowed students to complete their first two years at Shenyang and their final two years at SIU. The universities signed another agreement in 2023 outlining how SIU and Shenyang could work together.
declined to discuss the review in an interview, records obtained by the DE through a Freedom of Information Act request provided a look at how SIU officials were examining relationships with Shenyang. In an Aug. 25 email, SIU Senior Export Control Officer Brenda Martin asked School of Aviation Interim Director Bryan Harrison to answer a series of questions about Shenyang, including whether SIU has previously conducted research or other work with the university, whether any was currently taking place, and whether any was being planned. Martin described the affiliation as involving “a university that may be of concern” and told Harrison university officials would review his responses before determining if further action was necessary. The DE contacted Martin and Harrison for additional comment. Martin referred questions to SIU director of export controls Todd Wakeland, while Harrison referred questions about SIU’s foreign partnerships to chief marketing and communications officer Jeff Harmon. Harrison described the relationship as a 2+2 bachelor’s
Another internal email shows university officials were discussing the possibility of ending the agreement days earlier. On Aug. 20, Martin wrote that Michael Burgener, a retired Aviation Technologies administrator previously involved with the Shenyang relationship, had contacted her about the 2+2 agreement. Martin wrote that Burgener did not believe SIU was doing anything else with the agreement but was going to double-check. “He didn’t see any issues with stopping the agreement,” Martin wrote. An agreement that outlined research SIU’s relationship with Shenyang predates the current federal review. SIU Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU System President Daniel Mahoney and Shenyang Aerospace University President Rundong Lin Aerospace University President Rundong Lin signed another agreement in 2023 outlining how SIU and Shenyang could work together. Under the agreement, SIU and Shenyang outlined plans for joint research and educational activities, faculty
“We are still gathering information regarding export controls but as of this date, no exportcontrolled research has been conducted with these universities.” - Todd Wakeland Director of export controls
The department says the Section 1286 list identifies foreign institutions flagged as national security concerns and is intended to counter unwanted foreign influence on federally funded research. The federal document says that beginning in fiscal year 2026, federal funds cannot be used for fundamental research involving collaboration with a partner on the most recent Section 1286 list. Shenyang Aerospace University, also identified as Shenyang Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, appears on the list as an institution in China. The DE reached out to Shenyang Aerospace University on Sept. 2 for comment on the status of its partnership with SIU, but has not received a response. SIU was one of the 30 universities directed to review academic, financial, and research collaborations with foreign institutions of concern. Universities were instructed to assess potential exposure of sensitive or exportcontrolled research and report their findings and actions by Aug. 31 to maintain eligibility for future federal research funding. SIU Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Jeff Harmon declined an interview request from the DE on Aug. 31, saying the university was still reviewing its agreements. “We did receive the notice and we are reviewing our agreements,” Harmon wrote in an email. “Once we complete the review, we may comment further.” While university officials
degree program in which students begin with two years in China before completing two years at SIU Carbondale with courses in Aviation Technologies. Harrison said the relationship never developed into a research partnership. “No research partnership ever materialized, it was only used as an academic degree partnership,” Harrison wrote in an Aug. 25 email to Martin. He also said SIU has not conducted research with Shenyang in the past and was not conducting research with the university at the time of the review. Students from Shenyang, however, were still studying at SIU. Harrison said three Aviation Technologies students from Shenyang were in Carbondale completing bachelor’s degrees. In a Sept. 3 email, the DE asked Harrison for the contact of the three Shenyang students, but Harrison has not responded. He also indicated SIU did not plan to continue the relationship beyond the expiration of its existing agreement. “We plan to let the partnership expire in 2028 and are willing to terminate the agreement earlier,” Harrison wrote. Todd Wakeland, SIU’s director of export controls, told the DE in a Sept. 3 email he was unaware that three Shenyang students were still completing their degrees when he initially described the partnership as inactive. He said that his understanding is that nothing currently prevents those students from completing their studies.
and student exchanges and joint conferences. Although the agreement outlined plans for joint research between SIU and Shenyang, Harrison said those plans never materialized. In an August email, he wrote that no research had been conducted with Shenyang and that the relationship had been used only as an academic degree partnership. The agreement also allowed Shenyang students admitted to SIU to receive a tuition waiver that would effectively reduce their tuition to the amount paid by a domestic student in the same degree program. The universities also agreed to appoint representatives to a planning and assessment team. Under the agreement, representatives were expected to initiate annual written action plans identifying activities under the agreement, including participants, duration and financial resources needed for implementation. Burgener, who has since retired, was identified as SIU’s faculty liaison in the agreement. Peter Li, director of SIU’s Center for International Education, was also listed as an SIU contact. Li told the DE in an email that his involvement in SIU’s response to the federal inquiry has been limited. “My involvement has been limited, as I have only provided a small amount of factual information and answered a few factual questions,” Li wrote in an Aug. 28 email. Li said he was unsure which individual or office was responsible for responding to the inquiry.
‘Inactive,’ but students remain The current status of SIU’s Shenyang partnership is unclear. An internal university spreadsheet obtained through the DE records request lists both the Shenyang agreement and 2+2 program as “inactive.” Wakeland initially told the DE in an email that “inactive” means there is no current activity with Shenyang, including students, faculty, transfers or research. After being told Harrison had reported three Shenyang students were still at SIU, Wakeland said he had not been aware of those students and referred questions about its status to the Chancellor’s Office or SIU’s School of Aviation, which oversees the program. Wakeland said his understanding is that nothing currently prevents the three students from completing their studies. The 2023 agreement was written to remain in effect for five years. It allows either university to terminate the agreement with or without cause, after providing 90 days written notice. The agreement also provides for immediate termination upon written notice if a party determines termination is required by applicable law, legal process or an order from a court or administrative body, or if continuing the agreement would put the party at risk of violating those requirements. Federal restrictions on research The NDAA Section 1286 document provides context for why SIU’s relationship with Shenyang came under review. The document says federal restricted-party lists identify individuals, companies and institutions the U.S. government has flagged as national security concerns. It says the Section 1286 list specifically counters unwanted foreign influence on department-funded research by listing foreign entities and talent programs confirmed to be engaging in activities that threaten U.S. national security. Effective in fiscal year 2026, the department is prohibited from using funds for fundamental research involving collaboration with an institution on the most recent Section 1286 list. The prohibition applies to grants, contracts and other assistance to institutions of higher education. It also prohibits research collaboration with or use of equipment from a listed institution. The document warns researchers that collaborating with an individual affiliated with a listed institution constitutes a compliance risk and could negatively affect eligibility for future federal funding. Researchers are also required to disclose affiliations with listed institutions and activities involving foreign talent recruitment programs. SIU’s internal records show university officials gathered information about the nature of the Shenyang relationship as part of the review. Todd Wakeland, SIU’s director of export controls, said the university was still gathering information regarding export controls but that no export-controlled research has been conducted with the universities under review as of Sept. 3. “We are still gathering
information regarding export controls but as of this date, no export-controlled research has been conducted with these universities,” Wakeland wrote in an email. Wakeland said the federal request came through the Chancellor’s office and referred questions about SIU’s submission to that office. He also said he was unaware of any partnership terminations at the time. The records obtained by the DE do not establish what SIU ultimately reported to the federal government by the Aug. 31 deadline or whether the university decided to take additional
SYSTEM CONTINUED FROM 1
access. SFAREGS is the administrative module in the Ellucian Banner system that manages student registration, including updating when students switch their major and drop or add courses. “This means we will have no functionality to add/ drop courses for students on the drop deadline/refund period,” Frazier wrote in an email. “You will have query only access.” It’s not yet clear who the directive came from, or why it was given. After enrollment numbers were released Thursday, Sept. 3, the DE asked University Communications for help connecting with Frazier, but Jeff Harmon, chief marketing and communications officer, said he was unable to do so. The DE called Frazier’s office number on Friday, but her voicemail said she was out of office. The DE then asked the registrar’s office if anyone else would be available for comment, but were told media requests must be sent to University Communications first. The email from Frazier said if employees received calls or emails from upset students, advisers, faculty or others, they could send them to the chancellor’s office or Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management. The DE left voicemails to Williams and Chancellor Austin Lane, who were both at the Atlanta Saluki Takeover Tour from Sept. 1 to Sept. 4. As of print deadline, neither had responded. Students will still receive refunds, but larger impact remains unclear Matt Sronkoski and Todd Robinson, who have been SIU advisers for 27 and 12 years respectively, said this was the first time they’d seen the SFAREGS system unavailable on the drop/add deadline. It’s typical for students to drop or add classes at the last minute, Robinson said. According to Frazier’s emails, students dropping classes will still receive refunds, so long as documentation showed they requested the drops before midnight on Aug. 28. It’s unclear what this means for students who may have wanted to drop every course or withdraw from the university but could not do so before the deadline. Despite the system shutting down, David Shirley, Lane’s chief of staff, confirmed to the DE that SIU’s enrollment numbers were still collected on Aug. 28, the 10th day of classes.
action regarding Shenyang. The DE followed up with Harmon on Sept. 4 seeking an update on whether SIU had completed its review and submitted its response to the federal government. Harmon said he could not provide additional information until the following week because many university employees were off, but said he would forward the request to other university officials. The DE will continue to update the story as more information becomes available. Staff reporter Tay Acree can be reached at tacree@dailyegyptian.com Fall 2026 enrollment reached 12,066 students, the highest it’s been recorded in eight years. Shirley said there was no impact on students’ ability to add or drop classes on Friday in SalukiNet. But since they could not drop every class on Friday, according to Frazier’s email, the advisers speculated enrollment numbers may be inaccurate. Shirley said universities have full discretion over census procedures and determining when enrollment is captured. “There is no federal or state requirement that prescribes a specific census date or process, and agencies that use enrollment data recognize that institutions may differ in their approaches,” Shirley wrote in an email to the DE. “It’s also worth noting that we continue enrolling students in later-starting 8-week courses that are not included in the fall census count.” In addition to the request form to drop classes, the registrar’s office could not process change of curriculum forms or full-term course additions, all of which were due by midnight. The advisers said they were worried about how this may impact students registering for new classes. “Because they couldn’t officially add the course on that Friday, they couldn’t get access in D2L,” Robinson said. “They didn’t have that whole weekend to try to get caught up in the course and get going in it. They had to wait until Monday.” Sronkoski said he has asked various SIU leaders about what occurred, but no one has a direct answer. The confusion and worry for students has impacted morale, he said. “Asking questions at a university should never, ever be discouraged,” Sronkoski said. “We encourage our students to do it. We should encourage our staff to do it, we should encourage, certainly, our faculty. Everybody should be encouraged to ask — and not just questions for the sake of asking questions — questions for the sake of, what are we doing, how is this helping up with our mission, things like that.” The Daily Egyptian will continue to follow this story. Editor-in-Chief Carly Gist can be reached at cgist@dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @gistofthestory.
Page 4 | Sports
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
SIU Athletics initiates $1M fundraiser The campaign for women’s sports honors late athlete Vicky King NOAH PETSCHKE Sports Editor
team travel and equipment,” She would go on to be a was one of the first people Martin said. “It’ll be graduate assistant for SIU that I met,” Daugherty said. Southern Illinois University mainly to the discretion of women’s basketball. “She was a real champion recently established the $1 the head coach with a little King dedicated her life for girls in sports.” million Women’s Athletics bit of oversight. We’re just to athletics in the southern Martin also spent a lot Campaign, a fundraiser designed to strengthen women’s sports at SIU and pay homage to the late Vicky King, a major figure in southern Illinois athletics. The campaign aims to distribute $250,000 each to the women’s basketball, - Diane Daugherty, former SIU golf coach, on longtime friend Vicky King golf, softball and volleyball programs. Once dispersed, the funds will go toward each program’s individual needs, looking at ways to enhance Illinois community, serving as of time with King, working bolstering four prominent the programs.” a coach, teacher and principal together diligently to improve sports at SIU for years to come. In addition to at Carbondale Community women’s sports at SIU. Kat Martin, campaign supporting four SIU sports High School. King died in “Vicky and I would meet coordinator and senior programs, the initiative November 2025. quite often,” Martin said. associate athletics director pays tribute to southern Diane Daugherty, former “She was an advocate and for development, said Illinois cornerstone Vicky SIU golf coach, longtime a connector for bringing the donations have many King. King attended SIU friend of King and lead donor people into the program potential uses. from 1972-1976, where for the campaign, reflected on and department. She was “We’re talking about she played basketball and her time alongside King. always very passionate doing some facility softball and graduated “Vicky and I were friends about the women’s enhancements and with a bachelor’s degree for 40 years, and when I first athletics here at SIU.” renovations, international in physical education. came to SIU to coach, she SIU will honor King’s
“She fought for opportunities for young ladies, and now it’s a chance for us, her friends, family and people who believe in the mission, to step up and donate to keep this going.”
advocacy for women’s athletics and local service by naming the softball head coaching position the Vicky King Head Softball Coach. The renaming makes SIU the first school in the Missouri Valley Conference to have an honorary softball coaching position title. “We really wanted to do something special to honor her and the impact and legacy that she had here,” Martin said. Jen Sewell, the current SIU softball coach and friend of King, shared her excitement for the title change. “She was principled, and she stood her ground, which, as a female leader, I think you have to,” Sewell said. “I love the idea that the head coaching name is forever in that personality.” Daugherty shared why the campaign is integral
to honoring King’s commitment to SIU. “It’s everything because it’s what Vicky spent her whole life doing,” Daugherty said. “She fought for opportunities for young ladies, and now it’s a chance for us, her friends, family and people who believe in the mission, to step up and donate to keep this going.” As of Friday, Sept. 4, the campaign has raised $21,525 and continues to grow daily. “We are able to show our female student athletes that our donors, community, friends, family and Saluki nation support them at a level that matches the national excitement for women’s sports,” Martin said. Sports Editor Noah Petschke can be reached at npetschke@dailyegyptian.com
Salukis rally past Samford in 22-18 road victory AARON CARNAHAN Sports Reporter
Southern Illinois stayed in the southeastern region of the country for a matchup against the Samford Bulldogs at Pete Haman Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The game kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 3. Both teams came into the showdown at 0-1. The temperature was 93 degrees at kickoff, and the Salukis were set to receive. After a touchback, the Saluki offense took the field. Quarterback DJ Williams was ruled out for the Thursday night matchup. Quarterback Jake Curry took the field to command the Saluki offense. Running back Chandler Chapman opened the game with a 14-yard run to move the chains. Chapman followed the run with a catch in the flat that he broke for a 34-yard gain. Running back Edward Robinson had carries for 11 and 14 yards on the drive. Southern Illinois capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown pass. Curry found tight end Karsen Konkel for Konkel’s first career touchdown. Kicker Seth Adams’ PAT was good, and the Salukis led the Bulldogs 7-0 with 10:47 remaining in the first quarter. The Samford offense took the field for their first drive of the game against the Southern Illinois defense. The SIU defense forced a three-and-out, and Samford punted back to the Salukis. The Salukis ran three plays, gained four yards on their second drive and punted the ball right back to Samford. The Saluki punt pinned Samford deep in their own territory at the Bulldogs’ seven-yard line. Just three plays later, defensive end Ibrahim Sanogo got to the Samford quarterback for a sack in the Bulldogs’ end zone. A safety was called, and the Dawgs extended their lead to 9-0. After a nice 49-yard
return by wide receiver Allen Middleton, the Saluki offense began their third drive on Samford’s side of the 50yard line. The offense couldn’t move the chains but got new life after a roughing-the-kicker penalty on Samford on a field goal attempt. Again, the offense didn’t convert on third down, and Adams came out to try a 39-yard field goal. The kick was no good, and the Bulldogs took over on offense. The Saluki defense bent but didn’t break, allowing 40 yards on seven plays before finally forcing a Samford punt. END Q1: SIU 9, SAM 0 SIU began the second quarter with a sixplay, 16-yard drive that contained a 20-yard run by Chapman, but ended in a punt. The Samford offense put together an eightplay, 71-yard drive, highlighted by a 46-yard pass and capped off with a five-yard touchdown pass. After a successful PAT, Samford cut the SIU lead to two. The score was 9-7 in favor of the Salukis. Southern Illinois’s offense moved the chains a couple of times before punting again after an eight-play, 29-yard drive. Samford’s offense lost two yards on three plays and punted right back to the Dawgs. SIU was set up on the 46-yard line in Samford’s territory. Curry and the Saluki offense put together a nine-play, 46-yard drive with key catches from Middleton and wide receiver Traivon Dyson. Curry found tight end Miles Marshall for a seven-yard touchdown pass. The snap was mishandled and dropped on the PAT attempt, causing a broken play and an unsuccessful attempt. SIU was now in front by a score of 15-7. Samford’s offense had one last chance before halftime, but the four-play,
Photo provided by Saluki Athletics 37-yard drive didn’t yield any points, and the Salukis took an eight-point lead into the locker room. HALF: SIU 15, SAM 7 Samford received the kick coming out of the break. The Bulldogs lost 14 yards on three plays, with Sanogo sacking the quarterback again. Samford punted back to the Salukis. The Salukis maneuvered into field goal range and were set to attempt a 47-yard field goal. Adams came on for the field goal and pushed the ball wide left. After the missed field goal, the Bulldogs took over on offense. The Bulldog offense couldn’t move the ball on the Salukis’ defense, and after going threeand-out, the Salukis were back on offense. SIU picked up one first down on a Curry pass to Chapman for 13 yards. However, Curry was sacked. The drive stalled out, and the Dawgs were forced to punt. Samford’s quarterback scrambled for a 24yard gain and a 12-yard gain to put the Bulldogs in Salukis territory. A defensive pass
interference call against SIU then put Samford in the red zone. After a collision in the SIU secondary, Samford scored on a five-yard touchdown pass. The Bulldogs offense remained on the field and attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game. The Bulldogs’ attempt was successful. The game was now tied at 15-15. Southern Illinois got the ball back with the score knotted up. Chapman picked up a first down on a couple of carries. The drive puttered out after a couple of incomplete passes. SIU punted back to the Bulldogs. END Q3: SIU 15, SAM 15 The Bulldogs offense picked up a first down. Samford’s quarterback was under pressure as he threw the ball, which was deflected before being intercepted by linebacker Ben Fiegel. Fiegel returned the interception to the Samford 23-yard line. Fiegel’s interception was the first turnover of the game. A penalty moved the Salukis back then Curry rushed for an 18-yard gain to move the chains.
The Dawgs were down to the Samford threeyard line. Running back Lem Wash ran into the end zone for a threeyard touchdown run. The PAT was good. The Salukis took the lead 2215. Samford responded with a 12-play, 50yard drive capped by a successful 42-yard field goal. The score was 22-18 with 6:34 remaining in the game, and Southern Illinois received the kickoff. Southern Illinois went on a seven-play, 62-yard drive with Chapman breaking a 24-yard run. Wide receiver Markell Quick had a 34-yard catch to help set up a 43yard field goal attempt. The kick by Adams was no good, missing wide to the right. Samford took over with a chance to take the lead. SIU’s defense stopped the Bulldog offense in three plays. Samford punted back to the Dawgs. Southern Illinois handed the ball off to Chapman, who picked up the first down to run the clock out and secure the
victory for the Salukis. FINAL: SIU 22, SAM 18 Jake Curry finished the game going 13/29 for 153 yards and two Passing TDs. Chapman was the Salukis’ leading rusher with 24 carries for 133 yards. Chapman and Quick were tied for the leading Saluki receiver with two catches and 47 yards apiece. Southern Illinois Head Coach Nick Hill commented on the win post-game. “Our goal was to get on the bus with the win…it’s about how you continue to build momentum in a season; you’ve gotta get the first win, and we found a way to do it,” Hill said. Southern Illinois improves to 1-1 on the season. Samford drops to 0-2. The Salukis’ next game is a rivalry game with Southeastern Missouri State. “The War for the Wheel” will be played on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale. Sports Reporter Aaron Carnahan can be reached at acarnahan@dailyegyptian.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Sports | Page 5
SIU volleyball swipes two out of three in Saluki Bash
NOAH PETSCHKE Sports Editor
After a dominant sweep to begin their season, the Salukis were back home for the annual Saluki Bash, a threematch event on Sept. 4-5. The Dawgs took on the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, the Merrimack Warriors and the Saint Louis Billikens. The Dawgs snagged the first two matches of the weekend, but dropped Saturday’s contest. Sept. 4 (Match 1): SIU 3, SEMO 2 Set 1: SIU 25, SEMO 22 The Dawgs took on the rival Redhawks of SEMO to kick off the Saluki Bash midday Friday. The Salukis faced early adversity with three errors to begin the set. It did not take long for SIU to claw back, tying the score at 10-10 on an emphatic kill from middle blocker Beatriz Piaia. The two teams fought back and forth, carrying the tie to 19 points apiece. After a couple of SEMO errors and powerful front-row attacks, the Salukis secured a first-set victory.
Set 2: SIU 17, SEMO 25 The Salukis got off to a scorching start to begin the second set. A kill from outside hitter McKenzie Moeller and an ace from libero Jillian Shaneyfelt gave the Salukis some momentum. The Redhawks offense clicked, propelling them to a dominant 16-9 lead. The Dawgs never settled in and dropped the second set 25-17. Set 3: SIU 25, SEMO 14 The Salukis and Redhawks went at it again in the third set, exchanging points and tying at 10-10. The Dawgs capitalized on five SEMO errors, dashing out in front with a 6-0 run. Setter Alexandria Arrington tallied back-to-back kills. The final kill came off the hand of outside hitter Carlota Mora, securing a third-set victory for SIU. Set 4: SIU 20, SEMO 25 Searching for a four-set victory, the Dawgs jumped out to a 7-4 lead. The Redhawks’ offense came alive and regained the lead. The Salukis came within
a point at 19-18 on an ace by middle blocker Chloe Anderson, but the Redhawks’ lead was too much to overcome. Set 5: SIU 15, SEMO 11 Two Saluki errors gave SEMO an early lead in the pivotal fifth set. The Dawgs chased the Redhawks for most of the match, leading for the first time at 10-9. Four different Salukis delivered a kill to go on a fourpoint run that won the set and match for SIU. Sept. 4 (Match 2): SIU 3, MC 1 Set 1: SIU 23, MC 25 Looking to stay undefeated, the Salukis took on the Merrimack College Warriors for a Friday night match. The Salukis did not hesitate to attack, racking up seven kills within the first 10 SIU points. The Salukis were up early, but the Warriors charged back, tying the set at 19-19. The Dawgs fought, but a trio of Merrimack kills sealed a Set 1 victory, 25-23. Set 2: SIU 26, MC 24 The Warriors controlled the
Head Coach Brittany Harry speaks to team during a timeout in a match against the Merrimack Warriors Sept. 4, 2026 at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois Daylin Williams | @photosbydaylin
Senior opposite hitter Ella Swansiger (14) and junior middle blocker Chloe Anderson (22) jump to block oncoming ball in a match against the Merrimack Warriors Sept. 4, 2026 at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois Daylin Williams | @photosbydaylin tempo to begin the second set. A plethora of early SIU errors allowed Merrimack to maintain a lead, but Swansiger led an offensive spree, keeping the Dawgs close. Despite being down most of the set, two late Saluki aces propelled them to a 26-24 comeback victory. Set 3: SIU 25, MC 17 The Salukis faced some more trouble with errors, letting the Warriors establish another lead. Thankfully for the Dawgs, Merrimack was not playing clean volleyball either, keeping the game close despite the blunders for both clubs. The Salukis surged for a late 13-5 run to nab the third set of the match. Set 4: SIU 25, MC 23 Similar to the previous sets, Merrimack took an early lead. Looking to remain undefeated, the Salukis mounted a quick comeback, highlighted by a pair of kills by opposite hitter Natalie Vance. Swansiger also got in a groove, mashing three consecutive kills, putting the Dawgs up 19-17. SIU took the set and match after an
intense final few minutes, 2523. Sept. 5: SIU 2, SLU 3 Set 1: SIU 23, SLU 25 The Salukis faced the Billikens of Saint Louis University on Saturday, searching for a perfect 6-0 start. Moeller continued her hot streak with three kills, putting the Dawgs up 9-4. The Billikens hung with SIU long enough to break away and take a first-set victory, 25-23. Set 2: SIU 25, SLU 22 The Salukis fought from behind early in the set, but a pair of kills by Piaia brought SIU within one. Contrary to the first set, the Billikens led for the majority, with the Dawgs clawing back and eventually taking the late lead. A Saint Louis service error knotted the match at one set apiece. Set 3: SIU 25, SLU 16 With both teams looking to gain an advantage in the afternoon contest, the Salukis took the lead first and ran with it. The cohesive SIU offense never backed down and applied constant pressure
on the Billikens defense. A 6-1 SIU run, emphasized by a pair of Moeller aces, was enough to propel the home team to a 2-1 match lead. Set 4: SIU 12, SLU 25 Three errors and an ace put the Billikens up 4-0 in Set 4. The Salukis could not clean up the errors, letting the set slip away. After a 9-3 Saint Louis lead, the Dawgs never came within six points of the Billikens, forcing the match to five sets. Set 5: SIU 9, SLU 15 The Salukis already nabbed a winner-take-all fifth set the day prior, and looked to do so once again on Saturday. The two teams battled to a 5-5 tie, but a 5-0 Billiken run made coming back difficult. Despite gaining some ground on errors, the Salukis dropped the final set of the weekend 15-9. After the weekend series, the Salukis now sit at 5-1. SIU will be back in action on Sept. 10-11 in Coralville, Iowa, for the Hawkeye Invitational. Sports Editor Noah Petschke can be reached at npetschke@dailyegyptian.com
SIU soccer silences the Lions, beats Lindenwood 1-0
NOAH PETSCHKE Sports Editor
The Dawgs, looking to stay undefeated at home this season, hosted the Lindenwood University Lions on Thursday, Sept. 3, for an evening soccer match. Despite a low-scoring physical battle, the Salukis emerged victorious after 90 minutes, 1-0. The Lions applied early pressure to the Dawgs to begin the match. Despite the Lions controlling the ball to start, the Salukis tallied the first shot, a bottom-center attempt from forward Maya Dixon that the Lions’ goalkeeper saved. Around the 30-minute mark, the flags started flying.
Lindenwood was offside three times within four minutes. Between the Lions’ blunders were three Saluki fouls. Before the end of the first half, the Lions got off their only shot on goal of the night, which SIU goalkeeper Reagan Miller saved. The two teams headed into halftime knotted at 0-0. It took 20 minutes into the second half for either team to attempt a shot. The first one came from the Lions, but it missed left of the goal. In the 70th minute, midfielder Nao Katamoto drove a ball narrowly between the goalkeeper’s hand and the crossbar, giving
the Salukis a 1-0 lead. The Lions applied heavier pressure on the Dawgs as the clock wound down, but ultimately came up short. The clock hit zero, and the Salukis secured their third straight home victory to start the 2026 campaign. With this win, the Dawgs are now 3-2. The Lions fall to 2-4-1. The Salukis are back in action on Sunday, Sept. 6, to take on the Cougars of Chicago State University in Chicago, Illinois. Ziv David (12) kicks the ball during a game against Lindenwood Sept. 3, 2026 at Sports Editor Noah Petschke Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. can be reached at Riley Sembler | @riley_sembler npetschke@dailyegyptian.com LEFT: Members of the SIU women’s soccer team celebrate after Nao Katamoto scored the lone goal of the game Sept. 3, 2026 at Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. Riley Sembler | @riley_sembler RIGHT: Ziv David (12) prepares to kick a ball downfield during a game against the Lindenwood Lions Sept. 3, 2026 at Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex in Carbondale, Illinois. Riley Sembler | @riley_sembler
Page 6 | Entertainment and Culture
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Lost Cross takes over Carbondale for its 40th anniversary Punk rock dominated Carbondale Sept. 4-6 in celebration of 40 years of Lost Cross, the oldest continually operating punk house basement venue in America. Despite the heat wave that blasted southern Illinois, people still brought their wild dance moves and alternative style for a memorable weekend. Around 40 bands performed throughout the weekend across multiple venues, including the Lost Cross, PK’s, Booby’s, Hangar 9 and the New Era Events Plaza. Each venue provided the bands with a stage and a hyper crowd. The Lost Cross was established in September 1986 by founders Mikey Snot and Chris Cross. Snot is the lead singer of the band Diet Christ, which he started with his lifelong friend Mark Groble. They originally utilized the house as a place for their band to practice, but it soon took off. “People would just show up. All of a sudden, I’d come upstairs, and the living room would be full of people,” Snot said. “It just evolved.” Snot remembers being interested in music since he was a teenager, due to his family’s record player constantly spinning music. Decades later, he took the stage at Lost Cross for the first time in 10 years to perform with Diet Christ, his band that helped stabilize the oldest punk house in the nation. Fans flocked to the stage to witness the return of Diet Christ and rock out with fellow members of the punk-rock community. People came wearing their finest alternative outfits, complete with liberty spikes, combat boots and goth makeup. Lost Cross is a space for people to express themselves in a welcoming environment. Makenna Baxter, a former resident of the Lost Cross, remembers how struck she was upon seeing how cool everyone was at the shows. “There’s a lot of very interesting folks, and we’re all just freaks,” Baxter said. “We’re creating a safe space for people to
hang out.” Baxter lived in the house from 2020 to 2022 with her roommate Grant. She wasn’t in a band, but instead helped book them to play at the house. Baxter graduated from SIU with a degree in forestry, and now lives in Idaho where she works as a wildland firefighter. She took the week off to visit Carbondale and reconnect with old friends while enjoying her favorite bands, such as Spillway and Pet Mosquito. Baxter recognizes the importance of this milestone for Lost Cross and what it means for their community. “I’m so stoked that we did it for 40 years, and knowing that I’m only a small part of the whole conjunction of it,” she said. “It’s super nice to see that all the different generations are here.” This anniversary also served as an opportunity for former residents and lifelong friends to reunite. Cassandra Davis, a resident of the house from the mid- to late-’90s, now lives in Austin, Texas, but makes it a point to visit Carbondale. “I usually come back about once a year to visit with everybody, but I chose this weekend specifically because of the anniversary,” Davis said. Davis first came to the Lost Cross to hang out with her friend who lived there, and kept going back until a spot opened up for her to move in. She describes living there as a fun but exhausting time. “It was crazy. No privacy, party all the time,” Davis said. “Even when there’s no parties, people would just show up nonstop.” The mosh pits that formed outside the house all weekend are a testament to the wild, carefree nature that is punk rock. Lost Cross’s 40th anniversary was a nonstop party of united old friends, rebellious bands and fashionable folk. Staff Photographer Olivia Luesing can be reached at oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
Light shines down on drummer, Beanz of the band Didjitz Sept. 4, 2026 at the Robbie Stokes Stage in Carbondale, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
Zach Arnold holds up his hand as he sings a song during a show celebrating 40 years of the Lost Cross punk house Sept. 4, 2026 at Hanger 9 in Carbondale Illino Riley Sembler | @riley_sembler
Fans admire Rick Sims as he plays a riff alongside, Billy Fury on bass and Beanz on drums in the ban Didjitz Sept. 4, 2026 at the Robbie Stokes Stage in Carbondale, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
Illust @ym Rick Sims serenades into his microphone and guitar Sept. 4, 2026 at the Robbie Stokes Stage in Carbondale, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
Sebastian Grobauskas and Aaron Yager join hands and spin in the crowd while the band Diet Christ plays September 5, 2026 outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
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Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Entertainment and Culture | Page 7
‘Fool Jester,’ lead singer of the band King John and the Jesters, takes the stage September 5, 2026 to kick off an evening of music outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
Mark Groble plays the bass for the band Diet Christ September 5, 2026 as they play outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
People in the crowd embrace as they dance to the band Nitro Junior September 5, 2026 outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
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Evee Randolph flexes atop a human pyramid created in the crowd as a punk-rock band plays September 5, 2026 outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
trated by Yasmin Martinez-Powell martinezpowell@dailyegyptian.com
Elliot Keefer’Mcgee gets pushed into the crowd while the band Diet Christ plays September 5, 2026 outside the Lost Cross house in Carbondale, Illinois. Olivia Luesing | oluesing@dailyegyptian.com
Page 8 | Entertainment and Culture
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Salukis play in the Kinkaid Spillway for Labor Day weekend BRAYDEN GUY News Editor
Secluded in the green canopy of the Shawnee National Forest and up a cascade ascent is the Kinkaid Lake Spillway. In the shallow rocky banks, the distant hum of jet skis and boats could be heard on Saturday, Sept. 5, as students and community members cooled off from the 100-degree heat. Kevin Hergenroeder drove out from Bellville with his friends to enjoy the rural outdoors of southern Illinois. Hergenroeder said his daughter was considering Southern Illinois University for college. Other folks traveled from even farther. The Kippenbrock family drove in from all across the country. “We are creating some good old family memories,” Noah Kippenbrock said. The family said they had been to Quatro’s, Pag’s, the Carbondale Farmer’s Market and got doughnuts in Murphysboro. Kippenbrock is an orthodontist from Austin, Texas. Noah did his schooling at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois, and his brother Alex Kippenbrock is also an SIU alum. Noah Kippenbrock said he had only ever been to the spillway one other time and that he thought southern Illinois was beautiful. “It’s God’s country,”
Noah Kippenbrock said. Victoria Crowell sat on the smooth-sloped concrete and watched her daughter Viola play and swim. “It’s been really hot the past five days, and I have had to work every single day, so I’m just like I might as well take advantage before it starts really cooling off for fall,” Crowell said. “And I’ve been trying to have her come outside. This is like the closest water area and it’s free.” Crowell works as a caregiver at Interim Healthcare in Marion and also works at Small Town Scoop in Murphysboro. She said that her and Viola’s plans were for a lazy Labor Day weekend. Seventeen members of the Marching Salukis drumline swam and cooled off far away from campus. “I’ve been looking for a pool, but we don’t have too many of those. So we came here,” Mason Vanhorn said. Vanhorn said his first semester as a freshman had been good. He plays the snare drum in the drumline. Vanhorn had arrived at the spillway with the other drumline members at 11 a.m. after a long night. “I got back at like 3 a.m., then I slept and drove here,” he said. Ava Guinn and Cali Vogt, who both play the cymbals, and Levi Adams were part of the drumline group. Adams plays the bass drum and is the famous
lactose-loving freshman who chugged one gallon of milk in a kiddie pool on campus last week. The three recounted swimming out to the buoys, playing volleyball in the water and catching fish by hand. “I did catch a fish,” Guinn said. “It was three inches long maybe, but I just — pwshhhp — picked it up.” All three said they were originally planning on attending other universities, but enjoyed the community SIU had given them. “I love the small-knit Ava Guinn serves a volleyball in the cool water of the Kinkaid Lake Spillway area, it’s fun,” Adams said. Sept. 5, 2026 in Gorham, Illinois. Brayden Guy | @bguy@dailyegyptian.com “I live an hour and a half away from here, so it’s like far enough that I get my own independence, but close enough that if something horrible happens, my parents can come get me,” Guinn said. “Best of both worlds kinda thing.” “I was supposed to go to Saint Louis University, cause I’m from Missouri. But I went and toured, and I was like ‘I can’t do Saint Louis,’” Vogt said. When asked if they had any other Labor Day weekend plans, the three were hesitant. “Not that I am willing to announce in an interview,” Guinn said. The three agreed they were fulfilling the party school moniker of SIU. Robert Kippenbrock cools off with his back against the floodgate of the Kinkaid News Editor Brayden Guy Lake Spillway Sept. 5, 2026 in Gorham, Illinois. can be reached at bguy@dailyegyptian.com Brayden Guy | @bguy@dailyegyptian.com
Mason VanHorn holds his football as he walks towards the camera through the Kinkaid Lake Spillway for an interview Sept. 5, 2026 in Gorham, Illinois. Brayden Guy | @bguy@dailyegyptian.com
Brandon Davis holds Kevin Hergenroeder as the two smile and laugh in the floodgate of the Kinkaid Lake Spillway Sept. 5, 2026, in Gorham, Illinois. Brayden Guy | @bguy@dailyegyptian.com
Members of the Marching Salukis drumline get ready to leave the Kinkaid Lake Spillway Sept. 5, 2026 in Gorham Illinois. Brayden Guy | @bguy@dailyegyptian.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
News | Page 9
Del Mar pitches affordability, ‘energizes Republican base’ at Du Quoin State Fair TAY ACREE News Reporter
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Del Mar brought his campaign to southern Illinois Tuesday, Sept. 1, arguing that lowering the cost of living and bringing investment back to the region were the priorities of the Darren Bailey administration. Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate in the 2026 governor’s race, spoke with the Daily Egyptian ahead of Republican Day at the Du Quoin State Fair. Throughout the interview, he repeatedly pointed to affordability as the issue he believes is most pressing for Illinois residents. Del Mar is from Palatine, a northwest suburb of Chicago, and has spent years in local and party politics. He previously served on the Palatine Village Council and chaired the Cook County Republican Party. He currently serves as Palatine Township highway commissioner and a member of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. He also ran for lieutenant governor in 2022
FIRE
in the Republican primary. “Affordability, no question,” Del Mar said when asked about the biggest issue facing voters. “The rising costs associated with living in Illinois, and that encompasses property taxes, it encompasses utility bills, it encompasses all of the different fees.” Del Mar said southern Illinois has experienced what he describes as significant disinvestment, particularly in agricultural communities, but he did not give a specific example. He said the Bailey administration wants to bring more economic development and higher-paying jobs to the region while investing in education, public safety and underserved communities. “Historically speaking, there has been a significant disinvestment in the agricultural and southern part of our state,” Del Mar said. “Darren Bailey and I are committed to turning that around.” Del Mar returned to affordability when asked what he would want
southern Illinois residents to say a Bailey administration accomplished after four years. “We lowered the cost of living in Illinois,” Del Mar said. “We made Illinois a place where people could thrive and not just survive.” Del Mar also said he intends to take an active role if elected, outlining three areas he would like to focus on. The first would involve helping transition a new administration into state government and filling positions on state boards and agencies. Del Mar said he would also like to examine accountability for state grant spending and review how taxpayer money is used through state procurement. “I’m going to be an incredibly active lieutenant governor,” Del Mar said. Higher education was also part of Del Mar’s pitch during his southern Illinois visit. When asked about state support for universities such as Southern Illinois University and college affordability, Del Mar
focused his response on access for Illinois residents. He noted that the executive branch appoints trustees to the state’s public universities and said Illinois students should receive first access to institutions that are being supported by taxpayer dollars. “Illinois universities are subsidized by taxpayer dollars, so I think that Illinois students should have first access to our universities before others,” Del Mar said. When asked what he would tell college students and younger voters who feel disconnected from the Republican Party, Del Mar encouraged them to look beyond national political figures and examine individual policies. He said younger voters should consider how Republican positions affect their everyday lives rather than judging the party solely on personalities in national politics. Del Mar also discussed his relationship with Bailey and why he joined the former state senator’s campaign.
He said their backgrounds — Bailey’s roots in rural and agricultural Illinois and Del Mar’s experience in the Chicago suburbs — could help bridge divisions between different parts of the state. “I think that we bring a unique perspective of being able to govern the whole state of Illinois as well as unite,” Del Mar said. Del Mar said their core policy beliefs are largely similar, but their approaches differ. He described Bailey’s style as more “stoic” and “inspirational,” while calling his own approach more aggressive. Despite those differences, Del Mar said the two have learned to complement one another, despite a partnership that did not begin with a close political relationship. “Darren and I did not care for each other very much for the last three years,” Del Mar said, “but we understood that we are stronger as a team than we are apart.”
Del Mar compared their contrasting styles to “yin and yang” and said he would have to think hard to identify a major policy issue on which the two strongly disagree. As Del Mar prepared to join Bailey at the Du Quoin State Fair, he said one of the campaign’s challenges in southern Illinois is not necessarily persuading Republican voters, but getting more of them to the polls. Del Mar said Republicans often win heavily in portions of southern Illinois while the turnout rate remains lower than he believes it could be. “I plan on engaging and energizing our Republican base at Du Quoin State Fair and hopefully driving people out to vote,” he said. Del Mar said the message he wants voters to remember most about his candidacy is simple. “I’m not backing down.” Staff Reporter Tay Acree can be reached at tacree@dailyegyptian.com
fire and police departments helped. She described the support on scene as “a Fager and colleagues Cassie community effort.” Hanks and Jennifer Brown “It was amazing to see could be seen walking how fast everyone got here. through the smoke handing Within 45 minutes we had out water, bananas and towels towns from Mt. Vernon to firefighters, paramedics here. At least five counties and police officers. are here and just trying “It’s just been crazy. We’re to keep them all cool and trying to be helpful. Getting taken care of,” she said. water, getting towels out Firefighter Harrison felt and providing cold air for the community support, them to sit in,” Hanks said. he said, “Every five minutes She reflected on the somebody is coming by with businesses lost to the fire. water, a snack, electrolytes “So three very prominent or something like that,” businesses in our town that Durkota said, “125-ish have been here for years are firefighters on the ground gone,” she said. last night and active The three co-workers said operations and 105 degree BJ’s was a restaurant they heat and nobody went to frequented for lunch and that the hospital. And that is they enjoyed the fried chicken really a truly impressive feat, Two fire trucks have their ladders extended to spray water on the smoking building Sept. 2, 2026 in Du Quoin, and chicken strips. Hanks right?” Illinois. Riley Sembler | @riley_sembler said that many surrounding Harrison said the only fire he could compare it to was opposed to, you know, just in that area,” Downs a May 2024 incident where closing their doors and not said. “It’s not going to be a chicken farm caught fire in being there.” an open block, that’s my Marion County, Illinois, but Downs encouraged commitment to everybody that this fire was “a lot bigger.” community members who in Du Quoin and to Owner of Tomahawk lost their jobs in the fire to everybody who was involved Bar and Grill, Nathan reach out to Dana Marlow. in this.” Shupe and daughter of She works for Man-TraTeresa Conner, a LB’s Play Slots owner, Con, a company with a Tamaroa resident, was on Shaquila Brown, stood rapid response program that the way to Walmart to pick across the street watching helps people get back on up her medication when their businesses. LB’s was their feet. she heard about the fire untouched, and Tomahawk “We are here to help. from her sister. seemed to have taken little Everything that we do, we’re Conner grew up in Du to no damage from the fire grant funded. So it’s all free Quoin, she said, “I used at the time. to the employees that are to work for BJ’s. I went to Two Mount Vernon firefighters hold a hose steady, aimed at BJ’s Garden Inn Sept. “I’ve been at work. displaced,” Marlow said at school with some of the 2, 2026 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz They called me and said the press conference. people that worked at the ‘Tomahawk has started She explained that there lumber yard.” flaming.’ I said ‘oh s—,” are folders with information “I thank everybody for Brown said. for anyone put out of a job coming together to help,” “And if you go, we’re by the fire at Du Quoin city she said. going,” Brown said, looking hall, water department and As of Sept. 5, the site at Shupe. at the library. remains hazardous, with Du Quoin Mayor, Josh While their main location plans for excavation in tow. Downs hopes to speak with is in Marion, Marlow’s West Main Street has been the Deputy Director of Local contact information can completely re-opened and Governments at the State also be found on Man-Tra- train traffic has continued of Illinois Department of Con’s website at https:// as normal. Commerce & Economic mantracon.org/contact/. Conner concluded, Opportunity, Monica Bristow. Downs said the future “Everything can be restored He said in the press of the area remains unclear but the memories.” conference, “she’s going to as business owners have a share some information with personal decision to make News Editor Brayden Guy me on their community on what will happen to their can be reached at and business assistance businesses. However, the bguy@dailyegyptian.com program. And so, this is to city will support them in Deputy Editor Orion help businesses get back on whatever decision they make. Wolf can be reached at their feet, and to hopefully “We will persevere and owolf@dailyegyptian.com or Firefighters recover in a nearby salon, Hair We Are On Mane on West Main Street rebuild, in that location as we will rebuild something orionwolf_ on Instagram Sept. 2, 2026 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Brayden Guy | bguy@dailyegyptian.com CONTINUED FROM 1
Page 10 | Entertainment and Culture
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Former DE Cartoonist turns newspaper decline into artwork at Sharp Museum Atseff’s exhibit explores history of journalism through art YAHRI EDMOND Staff Reporter For nearly five decades, Tim Atseff has lived his life surrounded by journalism. He has worked for newspapers, including the Daily Egyptian, as an editor and cartoonist. Now, he’s using art to mourn the decline of local news. “Requiem for Newspapers, -30-” a large-scale exhibition by the former newspaper editor turned artist, is on display in Faner Hall at the Sharp Museum through December. The exhibition combines painting, collage and installation to examine the history of newspapers and the growing loss of local journalism in communities across the United States. “Daily newspapers were once the fabric that bound communities together in cities and towns throughout America,” Atseff wrote in an email to the Daily Egyptian. “Today, newspapers are being shuttered at an alarming rate.” The exhibition arrives as communities across the country confront the disappearance of local news outlets and the consequences of having fewer reporters covering them. The United States has lost nearly 3,500 newspapers and more than three-quarters of its newspaper jobs since 2005, according to a study by Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. The decline has contributed to the growth of news deserts, including in southern Illinois. SIU’s Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism has been involved in efforts to
address the news gap. The loss of local newspapers can leave communities without consistent coverage of local government, schools, businesses, sports and community events. It also raises questions about how communities preserve their own histories when fewer journalists are available to document them. While digital media has made information easier to access, Atseff said he believes it has not fully replaced the community function newspapers once provided. “Digital can provide information, but hasn’t found a way yet to keep the communities we live in bound together in trust and credibility,” he said. Atseff described the works in his exhibit as a collection that captures the newspaper as a record of everyday life. Rather than telling visitors exactly what to think about the exhibition, Atseff said he wants viewers to determine their own responses. “Museum goers can take away what they will,” Atseff wrote. “I am not steering them in any direction.” One of the art pieces on exhibit is a large installation with sand at the bottom to symbolize a desert. Other works incorporate newspaperrelated imagery and the “-30-” symbol, which was historically used at the end of a news story to signal that the copy was finished. Atseff said the mark originated during the era of telegraphy before being adopted by United Press International and eventually
Tim Asteff’s “Requiem for Newspapers” on display in the Sharp Museum Aug 18, 2026 in Carbondale, Illinois. The mural in the background is titled “Tourist.” Daylin Williams | @photosbydaylin
becoming familiar throughout newsrooms. Atseff said there is not one individual piece that represents him more than the others. Instead, he sees the exhibition as a unified body of work. Atseff’s connection to newspapers began in 1965, when he started working as a copy boy for the Syracuse Newspaper while taking classes there. When he transferred to SIU, he started working for the Daily Egyptian. He said his time at the university occurred during a period of intense political and social unrest. In 1970, the SIU
campus closed and students were sent home amid the active student anti-war movement, following the shootings at Kent State University and Jackson State College. Atseff did not receive a traditional graduation ceremony. After graduating in 1970, he returned to the Syracuse Newspaper in New York, spending 46 years working in a variety of positions including staff illustrator, photo retoucher, news layout artist, art director, political cartoonist, designer and eventually managing editor. “That clickty-clack of LC Smith manual typewriters, a
cloud of cigarette smoke and the scent of alcohol, a daily electric environment that started coursing printer’s ink through my veins — I was hooked,” Atseff said. After nearly half a century in the industry, however, Atseff said he felt increasingly out of step with the direction newspapers were taking. “I build things, I don’t tear them,” Atseff said. “So I went back to my roots as an artist leading to this exhibition.” Sharp Museum Curator, T. Lance, who helped Atseff bring his exhibition to Carbondale, said the exhibit also explores how newspapers are multifunctional.
“In addition to being a source of news, it was also used to wrap fish, clean mirrors, line bird cages,” Lance said. “Now that’s another (replacement) we have to find to adapt.” Atseff said future programming is being planned, including an artist talk and a fall program being organized by the School of Journalism. The exhibition will be in Sharp Museum through Dec. 11. Staff Reporter Yahri Edmond can be reached at yedmond@@ dailyegyptian.com and on Instagram @yahri.edmond
‘The great chugging’: SIU freshman chugs a gallon of milk for his birthday
PEYTON COOK pcook@dailyegyptian.com
Nearly 100 people gathered in front of the Alumni Association at 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, to watch freshman Levi Adams celebrate his birthday by chugging a gallon of milk over an uninflated pool. Adams and some members of the Marching Salukis percussion line drove to Walmart to pick up supplies beforehand. They got cupcakes, cake, ice cream sandwiches, balloons and most importantly: a gallon of milk. The challenge took a little over 32 minutes with a break in the middle for sweet treats and recovery. During the break, they Freshman Levi Adams chugs a gallon on milk after getting approval from the Alumni distributed ice cream sandwiches Association to host his birthday party there Sept. 2, 2026 in Carbondale, Illinois. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual to people in the crowd. The Alumni Association asked Adams to move from the concrete area to the grass before the event stating that if he made a mess, they would charge him. Afterwards, they set up a pinata where people took turns hitting it with a large drum stick. Adams got permission from the Alumni Association, who had a videographer and photographer. He shared flyers throughout campus and started calling it “the great chugging.” Photo Editor Peyton Cook can be reached at pcook@dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @cookmeavisual
Freshman Levi Adams throws up in his hand after chugging some milk. Sept. 2, 2026 in front of the Alumni Association in Carbondale, Illinois. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Freshman Levi Adams brings his gallon of milk up to smash after finishing his gallon of milk in about 32 minutes Sept. 2, 2026 in front of the Alumni Association in Carbondale, Illinois. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
News | Page 11
— PREVIEW —
SIU’s cast of “Come From Away” performs at the Du Quoin State Fair SOPH LEVINSON Staff Photographer The SIU School of Theater and Dance and School of Music’s cast of “Come From Away” debuted their opening number at the Du Quoin State Fair on Sept. 6, 2026. “Come From Away,” a musical written by Irene Sankoof and David Hein, is based on the true events within Gander, Newfoundland and its response to thousands of passengers being ordered to land following the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City. SIU chose its theater season, which includes “Come From Away,” “Our Town,” “Ragtime,” “Dust Roads and Desires,” and finally “Silent Sky,” based around the theme of being “Uniquely American,” said Matthew C. Williams, “Come From Away” director and choreographer. In addition to performing the opening number at the Du Quoin State Fair, the schools gave
away free tickets to first responders from Marion to Murphysboro and everywhere in between. There will also be a table at the 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb Tribute on Friday where they will give away more tickets to first responders. The “Come From Away” cast stars student actors and two community members, Derek Hamblin and Brandyn McGhee, both of whom are professionals in the southern Illinois theater community. Williams was in New York when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He was on 57th Street in his late 20s when the towers collapsed. He was teaching dance and remembers the impact the attacks had on himself and those around him, like his students, some of whom lost their loved ones. During this time he said he remembered the resilience, connection and humanity within New York City. Claude Elliot, who was
The cast of “Come From Away,” ends in their final pose after the opening number Sept. 6, 2026 at the Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz the Mayor of Gander during the 9/11 attacks and one of the main characters from Come From Away, will be at the SIU Paul Simon Institute Luncheon on Thursday,
Matthew C. Williams, director and choreographer of“Come From Away”smiles to the crowd Sept. 6, 2026 at the Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
Oct. 22, 2026. He will also be at every performance of Come From Away at SIU’s Shryock Auditorium for a meet-and-greet, with a preshow discussion on Sunday,
Oct. 25, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Shryock Auditorium from Oct. 2224 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 25.
Staff Photographer Soph Levinson can be reached at slevinson@ dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @hpos.artz
From left to right: Eden Kaszubski, Yasmin Martinez-Powell, Parker Bradshaw and Eli Rafe perform the opening of “Come From Away.” Sept. 6, 2026 at the Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Soph Levinson | @hpos.artz
Page 12 | Puzzles
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Weekly PUZZLE PAGE
"Cartoon Canines" by Sam Brody 1
Across
1. Performs in a play 5. Parts of pants and tables 9. Rocky outcropping 13. "Family Guy" dog 15. Zone 16. Sprinkler attachment 17. "Bye!" 18. Upside-down cave dwellers 19. Actor Alda or Rickman 20. Beverages 22. "Peanuts" pooch 24. Female deer 25. Land of pyramids 27. Shaggy's pal 31. Rends 34. Beer dispenser 35. First game of the season 37. Chowder ingredient 39. Grow older 40. Color you pick up at the beach 41. Labor Day month, for short 43. ___ carte menu 44. Halliwell of the Spice Girls 46. Neglect 48. Goo used for patching roofs and roads 49. Moist 51. Sherman's bespectacled partner 53. Coke competitor 55. Busy ___ bee 56. Hound with saggy jowls from classic animated shorts 59. Woman's shirt 62. Pair on a rowboat 63. Past due 66. WWII German sub 68. Grain from a paddy 69. Metal deposits 70. Mickey Mouse's companion 71. "Sadly ..." 72. Word from a cashier 73. "What ___ is new?"
2
3
4
13
5 14
17 20
6
28
18
19 22 25
35
39
40
44
45 49 53
56
57
36 41
50
32
42
71
72
Down
*To play Sudoku, fill a 9x9 grid with digits 1 through 9 so that each row, each column, and each 3x3 subgrid contains each number exactly once.
48
55 59
69
38
52
58
68
33
43
47
54
63
12
Answers on page 2 37
51
62
11
23
31
46
10
26
30
34
9 16
21
29
8
15
24 27
7
64
65
60 66
61 67
70 73
1. Muscles in a six-pack 2. Street ___ : reputation 3. Layer 4. Agree to marry 5. Workplaces for some scientists 6. Memorable period 7. Comprehend 8. Impudent 9. In turmoil 10. Hershey's chocolate-andcaramel candy 11. "Pronto!" 12. Millennials, by another name 14. Microscopic mechanical creature 21. Interface on an ATM or a security system 23. Listener-sponsored network
25. Really long time 26. Ascends 27. 24A's mate 28. Behind bars 29. Performance at The Met 30. Jeans 32. Student of Socrates 33. Healthy dish that may be tossed 36. Close off again 38. Contrary girl of rhyme 42. Metaphor for thick fog 45. Forces (on) 47. ___ Lanka 50. Vim and vigor 52. Shiny trinket 54. Support for a bridge 56. Explorer of children's TV 57. Travel alternative to bus or car 58. Black and white predator of the sea 59. Beat
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