Mang Sian, 5, waits for his mother in a small Burmese clothing store in Bowling Green, Ky., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2026, as his mother, Cing Siang, picks out clothing for a friend who supported her after the recent loss of her husband, Sian’s father. “He is too young to understand that his dad is gone,” Siang said.
Fraternities and sororities gathered for the annual WKU Homecoming Parade on Oct. 31, 2025, showcasing floats they had spent weeks building. Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha and Omega Psi Phi won the overall float award, with members cheering as the results were announced.
Attendees gather during the 42nd annual Southern Kentucky Consignment Auction, locally known as the Amish and Mennonite auction, in Scottsville, Ky., Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Shelly Glorioso, 34, left, and Coleman Glorioso, 34, celebrate their second wedding anniversary by applying clown makeup during the April Fools’ Clowning Hour at the Warren County Public Library Bob Kirby Branch in Bowling Green, Ky., on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. “We got married on April first because we are foolish,” Shelly said.
A family attends a candlelight vigil held to honor the life of Charlie Kirk at Western Kentucky University, on Thursday, Sept. 25 ,2025.
Talia Trewrhalo, 35 weeks pregnant with her second child, traveled from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Missionaries to the Preborn to protest abortion at Western Kentucky University on March 26, 2026. “It’s hard being pregnant and seeing this, but it’s what’s happening. Do you know the story of Emmett Till? When he was lynched, his mother insisted on an open casket. As a mother, I couldn’t imagine. I don’t want to see my son that way. People say, ‘I want to see these photos,’ but I don’t want to see that in my day-to-day life or on campus. Even though it hurts and it’s hard to look at, it’s what they deserve to be spoken up for,” Trewrhalo said.
Elisa Berry holds garden compost in her hands outside of her Bowling Green, Kentucky, home on Wednesday, April 3, 2026. Garden compost is created by recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste. Garden compost improves soil structure and is essential for enhancing plant growth in gardens. “I had a friend who decided to start a farm, and I needed a part-time job, so I started working with him. I eventually moved out there. I lived in a pop-up camper on this farm in Florida. One thing after another, and it became a part of my life.” Berry said.
Sarah Rogers, right, Margret Rogers, react to a play between the Trigg County Wildcats and the Lakers during the Special Olympics at Kummer Little Recreation Center in Bowling Green, Ky. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
A protester waves Mexcian Flag outside of Kentucky’s state capital following Trump’s presidential reelection on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
Muslim women pray Maghrib during Ramadan at the Bosnian Islamic Center in Bowling Green, Ky., on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.
Scott Cooksey, 39, of Owensboro, Kentucky., stands outside Downing Student Union at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky., on Feb. 17, 2026. A Lutheran, Cooksey described himself as “kind of a preacher who doesn’t preach.” Struggling with homelessness in the past and living with schizophrenia, Cooksey added that he is stepping outside his comfort zone by speaking publicly about his faith. “The whole idea is to make people think,” Cooksey said. “Not to talk, but to consider. Maybe I can’t help them, but if somebody does want to and can help them they can.” He said he feels conflicted about displaying a “repent” message on a college campus. I’m terrified about being vocal about it. I’m kind of self-conscious,” Cooksey said. “That’s kind of my fear — college kids seeing ‘repent,’ like ‘don’t drink alcohol or smoke weed’ — but I don’t care. I drink alcohol.”
Members of the Alpha Gamma Delta chapter, left, lose against the opposing chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, competing in a relay race during “Event Day” for Greek Week at The Colonnades at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., on April 22, 2026.
Blanco Brown performs on stage at Western Kentucky University on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Students filled the Lawn to sing and dance along as Brown brought his blend of country and hip-hop to campus. The performance marked WKU’s annual pre-homecoming concert.
Maddie Gootee poses with her saxophone at Western Kentucky University on Oct. 8, 2025. “Playing saxophone — as cringey as it sounds — saved my life,” Gootee said. “Music gave me a way to express myself and a community that never stopped believing in me.” Now, as a music major, Maddie hopes to become a music teacher and inspire others the way band inspired her.
A young girl watches her sister practice riding horses at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Attendees gather during the 42nd annual Southern Kentucky Consignment Auction, locally known as the Amish and Mennonite auction, in Scottsville, Ky., Saturday, April 4, 2026.
