Salukis stomp Saints 49-3
Full story and photos on pages 6 and 7
SIU denies FOIA request asking for all syllabi
morrigan carey mcarey@dailyegyptian com
SIU refused to comply with a midAugust Freedom of Information Act request from a media organization, Metric Media, for a complete list of classes, professors and syllabi from the spring 2025 term. The request, which professors say is a scare tactic, was sent to SIU among other schools around the country.
On Aug. 17, SIU FOIA officer Holly Rick sent a signed letter in response to the request stating that the Illinois Freedom of Information Act exempts “course and research materials used by (university) faculty.” Other universities in the state have responded similarly to these FOIA requests, including SIU Edwardsville and the University of Illinois system. Western Illinois University’s FOIA office was contacted via email, but did not respond to requests for comment.
This clause, 5 ICLS 140/7 (1)(j) (iv), does not explicitly cover syllabi, and Illinois FOIA law follows a policy of presumption of disclosure where, under section 1.2, any records in the hands of a public body are assumed to be open to the public unless proved otherwise. It states, “Any public body
that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt.” Because of this, the refusal of these requests by Illinois universities could be subject to appeal.
Metric Media is an online media company registered in Missouri but based out of Delaware. Their content has been described by the Columbia Journalism Review and Deseret News as “pink slime journalism,” a term coined in 2012 by journalist Ryan Smith to draw comparisons between processed, low quality meat and low quality, templated or stolen content.
Articles appeared on Aug. 6 on approximately 145 of Metric Media’s “pink slime” news sites across the country each detailing a FOIA request calling for the syllabi of each course offered last spring at nearby publiclyfunded colleges.
According to their own website, Metric Media owns over 1,300 websites across the country and in all 50 states, each one bearing the name of a local county, city or town, but has no apparent offices besides an address in Dover, Delaware buried at the bottom
PK’s retires alleyway beer garden as hotel expands parking
Jackson Brandhorst JBrandhorst@dailyegyptian com
A COVID-era concept was laid to rest in Carbondale last week as the PK’s alleyway beer garden was dismantled to make way for through traffic down the side street along the bar’s south side.
Prompted by a parking expansion project from the bar’s neighbor, Home2 Suites by Hilton, the removal of the beer garden was not received well by many in the Carbondale community, who voiced their opinions through comments on Facebook, comments at the Aug. 26 City Council meeting and at a vigil held outside the bar on Aug. 27.
While both PK’s owner Walter Witkewiz and city officials acknowledge the validity of the community’s concerns, both said that much of the public’s response has been fueled by a misunderstanding of the situation.
The city and the bar’s management collectively closed off the alleyway to through traffic in 2020 so that the bar could comply with statewide COVID precautions that prompted businesses to create outdoor spaces so that they met certain social distancing requirements.
What was supposed to be a temporary solution to combat the spread of COVID blossomed into a beloved beer garden that served as a secondary space for PK’s patrons and even as an alternate stage for the occasional outdoor concert.
The community grew attached to the space, and when Witkewiz removed it on Aug. 24, questions began to arise as to why.
“These discussions have been going on a couple times a year since we first started using the alley,” Witkewiz told the Daily Egyptian. “Decisions started getting made when construction of the new parking lot started. I was told that the alley would be needed for through traffic once the parking lot was finished, and that I would need to move everything before they started digging up the alley for the water drainage system.
“They broke ground on that project last week,” Witkewiz said. “I saw sewer material at the job site, but I was never given a time frame on when that would start. So I said I’d have it all out on Sunday (Aug. 24) to avoid a situation where I would be unavailable to move it. Perhaps that was a hasty decision on my end.”
SIU running back Jimmy Athans (32) pushes past the Thomas More defense as the Salukis beat the Saints in their season opener on Aug. 30, 2025 at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
During the Aug. 26 City Council meeting, Witkewiz did his best to dispel some of the misinformation during public comments by sharing with the community that it was indeed his decision to take down the beer garden at that time. He also addressed the claim that there may have been anything more than a verbal agreement between the city and the bar regarding the alley.
“We chose to remove the beer garden now to avoid any situation where we would not have the manpower or ability to move it quickly if needed,” Witkewiz said. “The alley is city property, and there has never been a formal written agreement in place for its use. We appreciate the city for the opportunity to utilize the space in the manner and duration that we have.”
Witkewiz’s speech was posted on PK’s Facebook page that evening and has since garnered over 1,000 likes.
After public comments at the meeting, City Manager Stan Reno also told the crowd of passionate PK’s patrons that it was Witkewiz himself who had decided to dismantle the beer garden that Sunday.
“This was his choice,” Reno said. “The city did not make requirements, set a deadline, nor did we indicate that there was any immediate urgency to remove the beer garden.”
Although the city had yet to officially require the bar to remove the beer garden, it certainly would have at some point — Witkewiz had just gotten out ahead of them to try and avoid any trouble and because he was never given any formal instructions.
When asked what entity would’ve been the one to eventually put their foot down and make him remove it had he not, Witkewiz said that technically, it could have still been in place until they needed to start digging it all up.
“If there was a foot to come down, I guess it would’ve been IDOT — from what I was told by the city,” Witkewiz said.
The city claims that the reason the alley needs to be available for through traffic is due to requirements from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“As businesses returned to normal operations, the need to reopen the alley for shared use became important,” reads a post from the city’s official Facebook page. “Other downtown businesses historically relied on this alley for access, and with the Hilton Hotel’s new
development, the Illinois Department of Transportation requires the alley to function as a traffic route for guest parking and vehicle flow.”
At the City Council meeting, Councilman Adam Loos echoed a similar sentiment, who, alongside Reno and Witkewiz, tried his best to clear up some of the confusion.
“The city is not providing any parking to that hotel — the hotel has bought some properties and is building parking on them,” Loos said. “The (current) parking can’t be accessed from Walnut Street — that’s not the city’s decision — IDOT controls Walnut Street. IDOT has said no. They won’t allow curb cuts. It’s not up to us. We would probably allow it.”
The new hotel parking lot, which will be supplemental to the current lot, will go up at 209 and 211 W. Walnut St. The hotel owner, Pradeep Reddy, purchased those properties, which were unused houses, and has recently torn them down as they begin construction.
Although the current Hilton parking lot is not directly accessible via Walnut Street, IDOT officials say that there is existing access to Walnut Street via the alleyway — it exits just to the west of the Law Office of Christian Baril and to the east of PK’s — which will be adjacent to the new lot once it’s finished.
IDOT officials have also clarified to the DE that it is up to the city as to what happens with the alleyway.
“U.S. 51 (Illinois Avenue) and Illinois 13 (Walnut Street) are IDOT jurisdiction,” an IDOT representative told the DE. “Alleys are the City of Carbondale’s jurisdiction.
Carbondale is responsible for maintenance up to the edge of the pavement on Illinois 13 and U.S. 51.
Alley function is determined by the City of Carbondale.”
IDOT officials said that all entrances must follow all IDOT standards and policies that can be found on the IDOT website, and that a permit would be required to add or alter access to an IDOT road — Illinois 13 and U.S. 51.
“No permit has been requested to change the existing access onto Illinois 13 or U.S. 51,” IDOT said.
“Currently — there is existing access.
The alley is the City of Carbondale’s jurisdiction, and they determine the function of the alley.”
Safety concerns
The contentious nature of this situation has much to do with the overall popularity of that block
Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
of businesses. A Friday night in Carbondale will see a slew of car, foot, bike and scooter traffic on either side of the alleyway, with bar-hoppers walking up and down the Strip by the west entrance and college students walking to and from frats to its east.
With cars now being allowed to enter and exit that alley and onto U.S. 51 — IIllinois Avenue — many concerns from the public had to do with what they fear could be an increase in traffic crashes.
“The people who are in that alley now are going to be there regardless — it’s going to be dangerous with through traffic,” said community member Cassandra Coffey during the City Council meeting. “Drunk people will be the ones using that alley and it could create some dangerous situations.”
Witkewiz said that he’s far less concerned about people in the alley than he is with people walking, biking or scootering down the sidewalk while cars are pulling out.
“I’ve suggested maybe putting mirrors on the building for vehicles so that they can see people on the sidewalk — but that’d only help if people actually used them. I’m also not certain that the angles would work. Perhaps mirrors on the light pole
across the sidewalk would help.
“I’m still working with the city regarding all of this,” Witkewiz said.
“Maybe it’s not the end of the alley beer garden. These things take time and planning. We’ll all have to be patient and see how things play out.”
A solution?
Community members were quick to offer up their own solutions to combat this issue, and many are hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
While PK’s has never had its own official agreement with the city concerning alleyway usage, public city documents reveal that multiple other businesses along the Strip have utilized encroachment permits — such as Hangar 9 for its very own beer garden.
“We have talked about an encroachment permit and lease before, but never this in-depth and detailed until this past week,” Witkewiz said.
“I figured it wouldn’t be feasible for me to buy the alley due to a lack of information about what would be needed and expected of me to make it usable in a more permanent manner, like ADA and other code compliance and all of that. I’ve had no idea what that project would look like or what it would even cost.
“I’m learning more about what
all of that looks like currently and am working with the city to try and figure these things out,” Witkewiz continued. “I should have been more assertive in past conversations, but I am new to all of this and certainly a bit out of my element.”
While Witkewiz isn’t holding his breath waiting for something magical to happen that brings the beer garden back, he greatly appreciates the public support he’s received in its absence.
“I am shocked and humbled by the response,” Witkewiz said. “I may own PK’s but the bar is 70 years old. It has a community and life of its own. I strive to improve the place without changing it. In all honesty Gwen was queen, I feel like nothing more than its steward.”
Gwen Hunt was the longtime owner of PK’s, who opened the establishment in 1955 as a pizza restaurant and ran the bar until her death in 2018.
PK’s will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Sept. 5 and 6 and will feature $1 PBR specials, giveaways and live music throughout two nights, capped off by a performance from notorious Carbondale band The Copyrights.
News Editor Jackson Brandhorst can be reached at jbrandhorst@ dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @jacksondothtml
A car drives down the alley between PK’s and the Hilton Hotel as long-time patrons of the bar light candles in the alley in remembrance of the old beer garden that previously blocked the alley Aug. 27, 2025 in Carbondale, Illinois.
SIU kicks off football game with tailgate and festivities
The SIU tailgate started at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2025 in front of Saluki Stadium before the game against Thomas More. Alumni and students set up different tents and games such as cornhole and “beer die” to hang out before the game. Businesses around Carbondale set up tables as well with freebies and an assortment of promotional items. SIU featured activities like the rock wall and pet adoption event that the women’s golf team volunteered for.
People sit together under lined up tents in the grass in front of the Saluki Stadium parking lot Aug. 30, 2025 in Carbondale, Illinois. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Left to right, Donna Keel, Thom Keel and Mary Keel wait for the stadium to open by the front gate while their service dog in training, The Colonel, rests in the shade behind the rock. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Mark McGee rests in front of some tents prior to the football game Aug. 30, 2025 at the Saluki Stadium parking lot in Carbondale, Illinois. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Grayson Willis reaches the top of the rock wall at the tailgate before the SIU vs. Thomas More football game. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
Ethan Chance, left, and Hunter Roach, right, throw bags to the cornhole board at the Saluki Stadium parking lot. Peyton Cook | @cookmeavisual
78-year-old Carbondale man charged in assault on pro-Palestine protesters
Jackson Brandhorst
JBrandhorst@dailyegyptian com
trevor John
tJohn@dailyegyptian com
Douglas H. Wells, 78, of Carbondale is facing felony charges after protesters reported to police he swerved his Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck into a crowd of proPalestinian demonstrators and sprayed pepper spray at a participant during a weekly demonstration on West Main Street in Carbondale.
The Aug. 24 incident has left community members concerned for protester safety and has led some to question why Wells was not charged with a hate crime. Wells is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (his vehicle) and aggravated battery. He was arrested in his residence on the date of the incident and then detained in the Jackson County Jail until his Aug. 26 detention hearing.
Carbondale Police on Aug. 25 issued a press release that stated officers responded at 2:57 p.m. to 100 W. Main St. for a report of a vehicle swerving at people protesting in the area. According to the report, Wells passed by the protestors twice, stopped his vehicle
FOIA
CONTINUED FROM 1
of their terms of service.
They primarily report on the cheapest places to get gas or diesel in the area and state quarterly tax reports, and occasionally report on FOIA requests. Many of these articles go without follow-up after being published, including the report on Carbondale Reporter’s request to SIU, which has received no follow-up article at this time.
Metric Media was renamed to Community News Foundation on Nov. 7, 2022, but its online presence and publications have not been adjusted to reflect that.
SIU political science professor Brittany Leach says demands like these broad FOIA requests can be employed to discourage professors from teaching topics that may be considered controversial in their courses.
“I think these kinds of requests in other states are often used as a way to attack academic freedom by making people afraid that what they teach is going to be subject to continual public scrutiny and
the second time, and deployed pepper spray at a victim who had approached the truck. Police said no one was hit and that the victim did not sustain any serious injuries or require medical treatment from the pepper spray.
Leaders of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, Adam Ashby and Duncan McKenna, stated that Wells initially approached in his goldtoned pickup and made an obscene gesture toward the crowd.
“He left, but then he turned and went around the block,” the YDSA leaders recounted. Wells allegedly drove up into the bike lane and nearly onto the sidewalk where protesters were gathered.
“Once he got there, he had his window rolled down, and then he sprayed pepper spray out of his window,” YDSA leaders said.
YDSA leaders described a scene of “confusion and panic” after the man deployed the pepper spray.
“There were children screaming and people asking what had just happened,” the statement read. It is noted that other protesters rushed
therefore scaring people off of talking about controversial issues,” Leach said. “For me personally, I feel very comfortable defending my pedagogical choices in all of the courses that I teach.”
The Carbondale Reporter, among other media sites about Illinois owned by the company, were originally incorporated under the Local Government Information Services Network (LGIS), a news network founded by Dan Proft that was dissolved on Jan. 10 amid a lawsuit from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul for publicizing the dates of birth and addresses of “hundreds of thousands of voters,” according to St. Louis Public Radio.
Metric Media was also associated with the now-defunct Chicago company Newsinator, also known as Franklin Archer. The connection between the corporations has historically been unclear, with the Columbia Journalism Review noting that many of their associated news sites appear to be run by both companies in 2020.
According to another article published by the Columbia
to help the primary victim out of the street and rinse his eyes with water. The victim was identified as a key figure and contributor to the Palestinian community.
A hate crime?
While Wells faces felony charges, the absence of a hate crime charge has become a point of concern for some of those affected.
Under Illinois law, a hate crime is defined as a crime like assault or battery “by reason of the actual or perceived... creed, religion (or) national origin” of another person, said Cindy Buys, a law professor at SIU with expertise in the subject.
However, prosecutors often face a higher bar.
“They sometimes do not charge hate crimes because it is difficult to prove intent,” Buys wrote in an email. “There has to be evidence that the crime was committed because of the victim’s actual or perceived characteristics. Such evidence often consists of statements by the defendant.”
This legal standard can be a point of frustration for community members who feel there was a
Journalism Review, Newsinator accepted $300,000 in 2016 from super PAC Liberty Principles, a political PAC active up until 2020 with Proft as its treasurer
motive. Yara Hindi, a Palestinian American paralegal who is active in the protest community, pointed to a 2023 incident in Skokie, Illinois, where a man who pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian protesters was charged with hate crimes.
“What happened on Aug. 24 was clearly a hate crime,” Hindi said, emphasising that while she is not a lawyer, she studies legal precedent closely. “People waving Palestinian flags were targeted... Yet because the statute demands an extra mile of proof about motive, prosecutors hesitate to call it what it is.”
Protesters remain undeterred
The incident occurred during the 99th consecutive week of protests in solidarity with Palestine around Carbondale. Organizers say that this was the first time an incident became physically violent despite receiving multiple threats before.
While organizers and members of the community are concerned, especially for the safety of children who attend protests, they will not be dissuaded from their pursuit.
“We, in YDSA, are not frightened away from continuing these weekly
COLUMN
2020. The Illinois State Department lists Newsinator as having its business license revoked.
Following the dissolution of Newsinator and LGIS, their
“I think these kinds of requests in other states are often used as a way to attack academic freedom by making people afraid that what they teach is going to be subject to ... scrutiny ... scaring people off of talking about controversial issues.”
- Brittany Leach SIU Political Science Professor
for “advertising.” Newsinator has also been accused of plagiarism in an article from CatholicPhilly, a Catholic newspaper based out of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which claimed that network-affiliated news sites posted copyrighted content from other diocesan publications in
respective subsidiary publications were incorporated into Metric Media according to their site’s terms of service.
Metric Media files its FOIA requests in partnership with the Coalition Opposing Government Secrecy, a Missouri-based nonprofit
rallies,” the leadership said in a statement.
The following protest on Sunday, Aug. 31 marked their 100th week of demonstration on Main Street. There have been no reports of any altercations occurring at that demonstration.
“The threats we face don’t compare to the threats that Gazans face,” Hindi added.
Public record searches in Illinois do not indicate any criminal proceedings involving Wells prior to this one. The police investigation remains active and ongoing. Members of the community with more information are encouraged to contact the Carbondale Police Department.
Wells is not currently being held in detention. His preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 14. He could not be reached for comment.
News Editor Jackson Brandhorst can be reached at jbrandhorst@ dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram @jacksondothtml
News Reporter Trevor John can be reached at tjohn@dailyegyptian.com
organization whose mission is to “encourage citizen participation in government and the political process, and to empower the public by helping them access publicly available information via Freedom of Information, Sunshine and similar requests for government records.”
The nonprofit has been involved in several other FOIA projects recently alongside Metric Media. Most notably, they were named in a request to the state of Illinois for details on “illegal alien criminals” in state custody. Several universities, such as University of Connecticut, the SUNY Polytechnic Institute of New York and Western Illinois University, were sent FOIA requests for the names and areas of study for Chinese national students in May. A number of Illinois cities, including Carbondale, were requested to provide a list of city employees.
Sheriffs’ departments in several states were asked for their applicant records by Metric Media-affiliated sites in August.
Staff reporter Morrigan Carey can be reached at mcarey@dailyegyptian.com
Saluki football flies past Thomas More in opener
The Southern Illinois University freshmen weren’t the only ones doing the Saluki Sprint at Saluki Stadium during the home opener. Senior quarterback DJ Williams, in his first snap since injuring his hand against Incarnate Word last September, threw a 4-yard completion to wide receiver Fabian McCray in the first play from scrimmage. It was less than four minutes later that Williams was sprinting into the end zone from 10 yards out, giving SIU an early 7-0 lead.
Saluki football made its return on Saturday, Aug. 30 against the Saints of Thomas More University for the season home opener – beginning their season with a 1-0 record after defeating the Saints 49-3. In the remainder of the first quarter, both the Saluki and Thomas More Saints defenses brought their A-games and the score stayed at 7-0 through the 15 minutes of play.
It wasn’t very far into the second quarter when the Saluki offense seemingly got their mojo back. Running back Lem Wash, a transfer from South Dakota, rushed to convert on fourth down, and three plays later Williams found sixth-year wide receiver Jay Jones for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 11:56 left in the half.
The defense got in on the action and forced their first turnover on the year with 8:16 left in the half. Sophomore defensive tackle Amir Dwight was able to strip the football while sacking Thomas More QB Griffin Scalf, and junior cornerback Sebastian Vargas fell on it. It wasn’t much longer before the offense extended the lead to 21-0 thanks to Williams’ 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jackson Parker, a transfer from Albany.
The Saints’ offense was finally able to make some noise late in the first half. They took advantage of an SIU offsides to get a 29-yard field goal on the board to cut the lead to 21-3 right before the two-minute warning.
At the 1:12 mark, defensive end Jake Parrella, an Oregon State transfer, forced another fumble, with senior corner
Jeremiah McClendon hopping on the recovery. The Saluki offense then sped through a 48-yard scoring drive, with Wash pushing through on the goal line to make the score 28-3 as the horn sounded.
SIU continued to pour it on in the third quarter, with Williams connecting with McCray for a touchdown with 17 yards out. That extended the Salukis lead to 35-3 with 9:55 left in the frame.
Thomas More tried to add another field goal to their tally with 4:48 to go in the third, but Luke Iden’s 40 yard attempt was blocked
by Saluki cornerback Jeremiah McClendon.
Not wanting to leave all the scoring to the offense, freshman linebacker David Obadien intercepted a pass at the Thomas More 5-yard line and waltzed his way into the end zone to take the Saluki advantage to 42-3 with 10:40 to play.
With Jake Curry piloting the offense, they were able to strike once more, with freshman running back Quade Chatmon extending SIU’s lead 49-3 with a 3-yard rush, where it would stay for the remainder of the game.
Starting QB Williams ended the game completing 17 of his 23 passes, including his first 11. That streak is good for the ninth-longest completion streak in SIU history. He also added 227 passing yards, 18 rush yards and four total touchdowns. Each of his three passing touchdowns went to a different target.
When asked postgame about spreading the chances around, Williams said, “That’s how it’s supposed to be. It’s not the DJ Williams show, it’s the Saluki football team show.”
The Salukis look to continue their winning streak on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the home of Big Ten foe Purdue.
Sports reporter Eli Hoover can be reached at ehoover@dailyegyptian.com or on Instagram at @hoovermakesart
Eli HoovEr EHoovEr@dailyEgyptain com
Saluki Football touches King Tut’s tomb as they walk from the locker room to the field ahead of the home opener against the Saints of Thomas More University Aug. 30, 2025 at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
Saluki kicker/punter Paul Geelen kicks in a field goal to advance the lead for the Salukis against Thomas More University. Claire Stroh @cstrohphoto
Saluki wide receiver Vinson Davis III watches the game from the sidelines during the home opener against Thomas More University. Claire Stroh @cstrohphoto
Dawg Pound members Canon Stearns, left, and Michael Henske, right, cheer alongside other students as the Salukis face the Saints of Thomas More in the football home opener. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto Saluki safety Vinny Pierre Jr. warms up with drills prior to the home opener against Thomas More University Aug. 30, 2025 at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. Claire Stroh @cstrohphoto
Saluki wide receiver Vinson Davis III (2) is tackled by Thomas More defense during the season home opener. Lylee Gibbs @lyleegibbsphoto
Saluki Football wait at the entrance of the tunnel before running out on the field ahead of the home opener against the Saints of Thomas More University Aug. 30, 2025, at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs @lyleegibbsphoto
Photos from the Du Quoin State Fair
Du Quoin has wrapped up its State Fair for the 102nd year. This year hosted a variety of performers, vendors, activities, events and competitions. To see a full gallery of photos, visit www.dailyegyptian.com
Jake Owens points to the crowd at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 29, 2025 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Emily Brinkman | erb_photo_
Jake Owens walks into the crowd of fans while performing at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 29, 2025 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Emily Brinkman | erb_photo_
Daniel Krebel directs a forklift to help remove Lucas Krebel’s car from the ring Aug. 30, 2025 at the Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Will Elliott | welliott@dailyegyptian.com
Uncle Kracker performs at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 29, 2025 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Emily Brinkman erb_photo_
Mike Lloyd, a judge at the demo derby, stands next to Lucas Krebels smoking car Aug. 30, 2025 at the Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Will Elliott | welliott@dailyegyptian.com
Jake Owens points towards the crowd while performing at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 29, 2025 in Du Quoin, Illinois. Emily Brinkman | erb_photo_
Weekly Event Calendar
Bars
Brews Brothers - Murphysboro, IL
• Wednesday, Sept. 3: Josh Morrison & Friends, 7 PM
• Thursday, Sept. 4: Trivia, 8 PM Hangar 9 - Carbondale, IL
• Tuesday, Sept. 2: Karaoke, 9 PM
• Wednesday, Sept. 3: Guitar Hero night, 8 PM
• Thursday, Sept. 4: Spongebob Squarepants trivia night, 7 PM
• Friday, Sept. 5: Emo Night, 7 PM
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Royal Flight Glow Show, 10:30 PM
PK’s - Carbondale, IL (21+)
• Wednesday, Sept. 3: Trivia, 8 PM
• Friday, Sept. 5 - 7: 70th anniversary weekend celebration, 1 AM Route 51 – Elkville, IL
• Thursday, Sept. 4: Nate Graham, Time Whiteford & Josh Morrison, 6 PM - 8 PM
• Friday, Sept. 5: Chris Chamness, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Diamond Dog, 7 PM - 10 PM John Brown’s on the Square - Marion, IL (21+)
• Tuesday, Sept. 2: Rock the Plaza with Cat Daddy’o, 6 PM
• Tuesday, Sept. 2: The Ivas John Band, 8 PM Tres Hombres - Carbondale, IL
• Friday, Sept. 5: The Natives, 6 PM
Vineyards
Blue Sky Vineyard - Makanda, IL
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Ol’ Moose & Friends, 2 PM5 PM
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Cody Galloway, 2 PM - 5 PM
Feather Hill - Cobden, IL
• Saturday, Aug. 30: Harry Potter Day, 11 AM - 8 PM
Peachbarn Winery - Alto Pass, IL
• Friday, Sept. 5: Max Dalton, 4 PM - 7 PM
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Dirtwater Fox Trio, 2 PM - 5 PM
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Vintage Station, 2 PM - 5 PM
Starview - Cobden, IL
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Twang Kings, 5 PM - 8 PM
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Corey Evitts, 3 PM - 6 PM
OwlCreek Vineyards
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Radio Days, 3 PM - 6 PM
• Sunday, Sept. 7: TBA
Crossword answers (puzzle on page 12)
Faculty Managing Editor: Alee Quick aquick@dailyegyptian.com
News Editor: Jackson Brandorst jbrandhorst@dailyegyptian.com
Design Chief: David Starr-Fleming dstarrfleming@dailyegyptian.com
Photo Editor: Dominique Martinez-Powell dmartinez-powell@dailyegyptian.com
Editor-in-Chief: Lylee Gibbs lgibbs@dailyegyptian.com
Deputy Editor: Carly Gist cgist@dailyegyptian.com
Digital Editor: Peyton Cook pcook@dailyegyptian.com
Ad Chief: Matthew Holliday mholliday@dailyegyptian.com
Business Manager: Amy Dion businessmanager@dailyegyptian.com
About Us
Published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on a weekly basis in print, and every day on dailyegyptian.com. Fall and spring semester editions run every Wednesday. Free copies are distributed in the Carbondale, Carterville, Marion, Murphysboro, Du Quoin and Springfield communities.
Mission Statement
The Daily Egyptian, the student-run news organization of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is committed to being a trusted source of news, information, commentary and public discourse, while helping readers understand the issues affecting their lives.
Publishing Information
The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and functions as a laboratory for the School of Journalism in exchange for the room and utilities in the Communications Building. The Daily Egyptian is a non-profit organization that survives primarily off of its advertising revenue. Offices are in the Communications Building, room 1259, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill., 62901.
Copyright Information
@2025 The Daily Egyptian. All rights reserved. All content is property of the Daily Egyptian and may not be reproduced or transmitted without consent. The Daily Egyptian is a member of the Illinois College Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers Inc. and the College Business and Advertising Managers Inc.
Submissions
Letters and guest columns must be submitted with author’s contact information, preferably via email. Phone numbers are required to verify authorship, but will not be published. Students must include their year and major. Faculty must include rank and department. Others include hometown. Submissions should be sent to editor@dailyegyptian.com
Boobys sandwich shop turns outside wall into a canvas for all
AmiliA EstrAdA AEstrAdA@dAilyEgyptiAn com
Tucked behind Booby’s Sandwich Shop in downtown Carbondale, a once-plain brick wall has transformed into a living canvas — a collision of color, creativity and community expression.
Owner Abe Traverso didn’t set out to create a public art movement. It started with a conversation.
“My friend Bo was talking to me about doing an open art space in the beer garden,” Traverso said. “But I wanted to curate that space myself. Then I thought, why not just give everyone their own wall?”
That wall now stretches along the outside of the restaurant, facing Elm Street and the alley behind Booby’s, saturated in layers of spray paint, brush strokes, tags and hand-drawn messages. From vibrant abstracts to fleeting murals, the art changes daily, sometimes even hourly.
Traverso refers to it as a “live wall,” and that term fits. It breathes. It evolves. And it doesn’t ask for permission.
Unlike many community art projects, there is no approval process or submission form. There are only a few ground rules: nothing political, hateful, or explicit.
“No phobias, and no penises,” he added with a smirk. “Honestly, the first thing anybody draws with a spray can is one of those.”
But beyond that, it is fair game.
“There’s this idea that it’s a graffiti wall, but it’s really just
an open wall. You can use any medium — paint, markers, whatever,” Traverso said. “You don’t need my approval. It’s already cleared with the city and police. Anyone can just walk up and create.”
For artists, it is liberating. For passersby, it is a moment of visual surprise. Traverso admits there is beauty in the impermanence, even if it took time to get used to.
“There have been things I really liked out there, stuff I thought was cool,” he said. “And then I’d come back 30 minutes later, and it was gone. Covered. It’s a lesson in letting go.”
He calls it a “practice in impermanence,” urging contributors to appreciate the art while it lasts, snap a picture, smile, and move on.
“Smell the flowers while they’re in bloom,” he added.
The wall has become a downtown attraction, catching the eyes of pedestrians, street photographers, and locals looking for an outlet. Traverso envisions it eventually growing into something more.
“Someone told me about an event they do in St. Louis once a year where the whole wall gets painted over, and artists come out to redo it,” he said. “Maybe someday we’ll do something like that, with live music, vendors, maybe a market in the beer garden. But for now, it’s just doing its thing.”
Even without an official launch
or promotion, the wall draws attention. Traverso has seen it used as a backdrop for photo shoots and community art experiments.
While Booby’s continues serving up sandwiches inside, the outside wall is feeding something different — an open, visual conversation with the city.
“It wasn’t really about attracting customers,” Traverso said. “I just
thought it’d be something cool for downtown and for anyone who wanted to make something, without needing permission.”
Those looking to leave a mark or take in something fresh and unexpected are invited to stop by, pick up a sandwich, and check out the ever-changing outdoor gallery.
Booby’s Sandwich Shop is located at 406 S. Illinois Ave. in Carbondale.
They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. The art wall is located behind the building and is free for public use. Artists are welcome to bring their own materials and create, as long as they follow the community rules.
Staff Reporter Amelia Estrada can be reached at aestrada@dailyegyptian.com
Skylar Foy, an MFA student at Southern Illinois University, applies vibrant colors to the wall, adding to the evolving community canvas open to all local artists as of July 14, 2025. Amelia Estrada | aestrada@dailyegyptian.com
Carly Gist
Carbondale Art On the Square series highlights local artists
CGist@dailye Gyptian Com
orion Wolf, oWolf@dailyeGyptian Com
When Kim Taggart drove past the Downtown Square Pavilion a few weeks ago and saw a sign for Carbondale Art on the Square, it had been five years since she last sold her paintings. Having moved from Tampa, Florida to Carbondale in March, she was scared to showcase her artwork again. Still, she decided to push past that fear, and set up a booth at the Aug. 30 event, selling canvases, cards and totes.
“It was scary,” she said. “I was like, ‘oh, nobody’s going to like it.’ And then it got to the point where people are so nice and friendly…It’s given me a chance to kind of open up and talk to people and communicate with people again.”
Carbondale Art on the Square is a community art market that features live music, handmade goods and visual art, among others. The market was organized by SIU students and Daily Egyptian staff members Amilia Estrada and Yahri Edmond. The sisters are both artists themselves and wanted to highlight the Carbondale art scene.
“We actually started off at the farmers
and support other artists.
“You just have to show this art to people. We have to expose people to this, because there are so many talented people that can offer more than what you see at first glance,” she said. “Being here only two years, I’m just discovering myself, but I enjoy it. And I’m finding these little gems and I kind of want to spread the word.”
Dre James, owner of Victoria Candle and Fragrance Company, came with his young daughter to Art on the Square to network his business, but like Malachowska and Taggart, has also grown to love the community here.
“You never know what awesome people you can meet,” he said, adding that Taggart, whose booth was right beside his, “pretty much adopted (his daughter) since we’ve been here for the last hour.”
His company, named after his grandmother, sells candles and makes more products like car diffusers, room sprayers and wax cubes. His message to up-andcoming artists and artisans is simple.
“Make sure you have a quality product, because if you do your brand and your name will enter rooms that you will never enter,” he said.
The vendors weren’t the only ones who
“Southern Illinois just fits, and it’s so beautiful…this area is spectacular...It’s like a hidden gem.”
-
Magdalena Malachowska
Owner of Sweet Luca Cakes & Bakes
market in the Murdale Shopping Center,” Edmond said. “It was fine, we really enjoyed it, but it’s really competitive with the produce there. So we wanted to create a space for artists, who were able to come here like every week and have a place to sell their work that isn’t in competition with produce and other things like that.”
The Art on the Square series began on Aug. 16 and is scheduled to run six more Saturdays this year. On Aug. 30, eight vendors were present, including Project Human X, a local art studio, and Sweet Luca Cakes & Bakes, which was started by baker and artist Magdalena Malachowska.
“My favorite medium is oils and marble, but it just translates into baking for me,” Malachowska said.
The business was named after her 4-yearold son, who accompanied her in selling gourmet cookies at the event. Like Taggart, Malachowska isn’t from Carbondale, but has grown to love the area. She moved to Carbondale two years ago from Brooklyn, New York. Her husband is a physician, and they were looking for a new, unique area.
“Southern Illinois just fits, and it’s so beautiful…this area is much spectacular,” she said. “It’s like a hidden gem.”
Malachowska has plans to open two businesses in southern Illinois – a gym and a bakery – but for now, she’s starting small. After struggling to find space in other markets, she joined Carbondale Art on the Square to showcase her products
came from afar for Saturday’s event. SIU alumni Debbie and Kelsey Landis traveled from St. Louis to Carbondale for a family reunion, and saw the event while out for lunch.
“Carbondale and SIU have special places in our hearts…I feel 20 years younger when I come,” Debbie Landis said.
Kelsey Landis said Art on the Square was a fun way for the mother-daughter duo to spend their Saturday afternoon. She said she loved the live music, which was provided by local band Sturg and Friends.
Led by Evan Sturgeon and accompanied by Curt Wilson, the musicians performed Americana covers and original music.
Sturgeon said his main goal is to provide uplifting messages for people struggling with addiction and trauma through music.
“A lot of the media that we see in today’s world is geared towards keeping us suppressed and depressed and oppressed, and I figured about the best way to counterbalance something like that would be to write stuff that was positive, that was actually helpful to people that focused in on like healing modalities, mantras, mental health topics, and like sharing my own experience along,” he said. “‘Cause going through life, that’s one of the most impactful things that I’ve come across is people sharing their stories and what they’ve been through.”
Meeting people and hearing their
stories is his favorite part about playing events like Art on the Square, he said.
“It’s inspiring to see people doing better and people on the outside actually trying to make headway towards making better reality for us and the kids and everything around us,” he said.
There are six more chances to catch Art on the Square. The remaining dates are Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, all from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. at 121 N. Illinois Ave. For artists looking to get involved, they can email carbondaleartonthesquare@gmail.com or message them on Instagram @carbondaleartonthesquare.
Deputy editor Carly Gist can be reached at cgist@dailyegyptian.com, or on Instagram at @gistofthestory.
Staff reporter Orion Wolf can be reached at owolf@dailyegyptian.com.
Sturg and Friends performs live at Art on the Square in Carbondale, Illinois. Aug. 30 2025. Daylin Williams | dwilliams@dailyegyptian.com
Enamel magnets from DE staff member Amilia Estrada on display at Art on the Square in Carbondale, Illinois. Aug. 30 2025. Daylin Williams | dwilliams@dailyegyptian.com
WEEKLY CROSSWORD
