Good morning, Bowling Green.

Eighteen bands and solo musicians will perform at White Squirrel Brewery on Nov.22 from 11:30 a.m. to around 9:30—10 p.m. to raise funds for WKU Public Media after federal budget cuts led to a one-third staff reduction.

Nathalia Arechiga discussed WKU football and Lady Hilltoppers basketball—she also covered campus events, SGA news, and a local beauty salon that is supporting a food collection campaign in Bowling Green this week.

No Laugh Left Behind Comedy Show raised funds for veterans and nonprofit SOKY Patriots who work to support the community.

The event helped boost local veteran programs and showed the dedication of local organizers.

President Timothy Caboni said that WKU achieved its highest retention and graduation rates while registering its lowest fall enrollment since 2000 for the 2024-25 academic year.

The preliminary analysis reports a 79.4% first-to-second year retention rate and 15,920 students enrolled—figures that officials credit to tougher admission standards and better-prepared students.

WKU President Timothy Caboni and board members met last week to discuss using artificial intelligence in classes and to set up training that helps teachers better use the tool.

University officials said they had the best retention rates this fall and a balanced budget surplus, and they approved funds for building repairs like Cherry Hall—one of 70 projects funded through the preservation pool.

WKU’s undergraduate tuition and fees make up 46% of the university’s revenue, with local students paying a baseline tuition of $6,036 plus fees for athletics, student centers, parking and DSU renovation, and non-local students paying $13,500 for the 2025–26 academic year.

A new college fee model aims for cost transparency while surveys show many students remain unaware of how their tuition dollars are spent—leaving some concerned about rising costs.

Western Kentucky's men's basketball team beat Tennessee State 95-82 Sunday at E.A.

Diddle Arena by taking a strong lead inside the paint—outscoring the Tigers 62-24 in that area. Coach Hank Plona said the win lifted WKU to 3-0 and the team will host NAIA program Bethel Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Logan County junior Christian Helle scored two touchdowns & led the Cougars to a 35-0 win over Elizabethtown in a Class 4A state playoff game Friday night & Logan County will face host Paducah Tilghman in the quarterfinals on Nov.

21.

Western Kentucky beat Middle Tennessee 42-26 on Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Senior Day—never trailing the Blue Raiders—and kept its shot alive in the Conference USA race.

The Hilltoppers will face Jacksonville State in two weeks in a game that could secure a championship and a final home game on Dec. 5.

WKU Hilltopper Basketball vs. Bethel

5:30-7:00 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Ticket cost varies — Catch the WKU Hilltoppers take on Bethel in an exciting basketball matchup.

Lady Toppers vs. Vanderbilt

5:30-7:00 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Check website for tickets — Cheer on the Lady Toppers as they face off against Vanderbilt in this exciting basketball matchup.

The Best Gift - A Christmas Carol Musical

6:30-8 p.m. — Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) — Tickets available — Immerse yourself in a fresh, musical take on the classic story of A Christmas Carol.

2025 Jingle Bell Run

9:00 – 10:30 AM — South Warren High School — Charity event — Dress in festive holiday gear and run for a good cause this Christmas season.

Polar Express Storytime 2025

4:30-7 p.m. — Historic RailPark & Train Museum — Free entry — Experience a magical family tradition during the 23rd annual Polar Express Storytime event.

Breakfast with Santa

8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Chaney's Dairy Barn — $0.00-$18.00 — Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet alongside a visit from Santa Claus and storytime fun.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

7:30-8:30 p.m. — Phoenix Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a heartwarming production filled with laughter and holiday spirit.

Radiant Christmas Tree Sip & Paint Night

7-9 p.m. — White Squirrel Brewery — Ticket includes $5 drink voucher — Create a stunning Christmas tree masterpiece while enjoying festive drinks and guided artistic support.