#arkansas

Another Red State Is Counter-Programming Pride Month, Focusing On Family Instead Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Sanders has declared June as Fidelity Month, replacing the state’s traditional recognition of Pride Month. In a statement reviewed by The Daily Wire, Sanders framed the designation as a celebration of “faith, liberty, and patriotism,” emphasizing Arkansas’ commitment to “God, family, community, and country.” The resolution highlights the state’s goal of fostering a “healthy, stable, well-ordered society” by reaffirming its dedication to the values outlined in the nation’s founding documents. The declaration positions June as a time to reflect on the “commitments to the values and virtues found in the nation’s founding documents,” with Sanders asserting that Arkansas’ identity is rooted in spiritual and civic institutions. The move aligns with similar actions in other conservative states, including Tennessee, where Republican Governor Bill Lee declared June “Nuclear Family Month.” Tennessee’s resolution celebrates the traditional family structure, defined as “one husband, one wife, and any biological, adopted, or fostered children.” Arkansas has not formally recognized Pride Month in past years, though some cities within the state continue to host pride events. Sanders’ declaration marks a deliberate shift from previous years, framing the state’s decision as a counter to what she describes as the LGBTQ movement’s influence. The resolution states that the state aims to “cultivate fidelity to God, family, community, and country,” arguing that such values contribute to “human flourishing.” The decision to prioritize Fidelity Month over Pride Month comes amid broader changes in the visibility of LGBTQ-related events.#arkansas #tennessee #bill_lee #sarah_sanders #pride_month

Kozeal’s Five-RBI Game Leads #12 Arkansas to Win against #5 Texas in SEC Tournament Camden Kozeal delivered a standout performance with two home runs and five RBIs, propelling No. 12 Arkansas to an 8-1 victory over No. 5 Texas in the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The win secured the Razorbacks a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2023, marking a significant milestone in their pursuit of a championship game appearance. Arkansas, seeded seventh, will face sixth-ranked Auburn on Saturday, May 23, at 4 p.m. on SEC Network. The game began with Arkansas’ offense asserting dominance, as they tagged Texas starter Cody Howard for six runs on five hits. Howard, who lasted just two innings, struggled to contain the Razorbacks’ power-hitting lineup. Kozeal, the team’s shortstop, took control early with a two-run homer in the first inning, his 19th of the season. The 450-foot three-run shot in the second inning, over the batter’s eye in center field, extended Arkansas’ lead to 6-0 and marked his 20th home run of the year. The two homers accounted for five RBIs, solidifying his role as a key offensive force. Kozeal’s performance was complemented by his overall offensive production, as he finished the game with three hits. His season batting line of .317/.402/.679 highlights his consistency at the plate, with his 20 home runs tying him for fifth in Arkansas’ single-season history. The Razorbacks’ offensive firepower was further bolstered by contributions from other players, including TJ Pompey (2-for-5, 2B, SB), Nolan Souza (2-for-4, RBI), and Maika Niu (2-for-4, 2B). Souza drove in a run with a single in the first inning, while Carter Rutenbar and Reese Robinett added RBIs in the fifth inning. The pitching staff also played a crucial role in securing the win.#sec_tournament #texas #arkansas #camden_kozeal #hoover_metropolitan_stadium

Oklahoma Responds Well But Collapses Late to Drop Series With Arkansas Oklahoma put their best foot forward in the second game of their three-game series against No. 17 Arkansas. A great effort was undone by a late eighth inning collapse. After getting run ruled in the first game on Friday, OU responded with gritty play but fell 12-8 in a loss to Arkansas, dropping the series. The No. 24 Sooners gave their best effort from the mound and the plate, but couldn't overcome mistakes. Cameron Johnson had a day he'd like to forget. Only 2.1 innings of play with three strikeouts and four runs off two hits. Despite the lackadaisical play from the mound, OU was able to rebound with hitting and pitching from the bullpen. Deiten LaChance got things rolling with a single shot in the first inning with two outs. The momentum was short lived as the Razorbacks came to life at the plate. A single home run and a two-run home run took the lead back for the home team in the second inning. Johnson lost a bit of control from the mound and Arkansas took advantage. Oklahoma was able to regain control in the third when Camden Johnson grounded out with one out, but Connor Larkin was able to score to cut the Razorback lead at 3-2. OU would have a runner at third but Jaxon Willits flew out to center field to end the Sooners' chances at tying the game. Oklahoma continued to fight despite Arkansas taking advantage of Sooner mistakes. A fielder's choice in the third inning increased the Razorback lead to 4-2 — but OU would answer in the fourth. Dasan Harris hit a solo home run in the fourth with nobody on and two outs, the second time the Sooners were able to salvage a situation with a run. The inning ended shortly thereafter, denying OU the chance to tie. Another fielder's choice resulted in a Razorback run to round out the fourth inning.#oklahoma #arkansas #cameron_johnson #deiten_lachance #kyle_branch

Jill Duggar and Husband Derick Dillard Are Leaving Arkansas for This Major Change Jill Duggar, a former star of the reality television show 19 Kids and Counting, has announced that she and her husband, Derick Dillard, are leaving their home state of Arkansas. The decision comes after Derick joined the United States Marine Corps, marking a significant life change for the family. Jill and Derick, who share three children, have been residents of Arkansas for years, but the couple has now decided to relocate, citing the military commitment as the primary reason for their move. The couple’s decision to leave Arkansas has sparked discussions among fans and media outlets, as the family has been a central figure in the reality television landscape for over a decade. Jill Duggar, who gained widespread recognition through her role in 19 Kids and Counting, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, often balancing her public persona with her private life. Derick Dillard, who has been a supportive partner throughout the family’s media exposure, has now taken a step away from the public eye by enlisting in the Marine Corps. This transition represents a shift in the couple’s priorities, as they prepare to embrace a new chapter in their lives. The move to a new location is expected to have a profound impact on the family dynamic. With Derick’s commitment to military service, the couple will need to adjust to a lifestyle that prioritizes duty, discipline, and the demands of active service. Jill, who has been accustomed to the spotlight, will now face the challenge of adapting to a more private life while maintaining her connection to her family.#arkansas #19_kids_and_counting #jill_duggar #derick_dillard #united_states_marine_corps

Arkansas’ Chuck Martin Set To Join Michael Malone’s UNC Staff Michael Malone is finalizing the addition of his top assistant, as Arkansas’ Chuck Martin is poised to join the North Carolina Tar Heels’ coaching staff as associate head coach. The hire, confirmed by multiple sources, marks a significant move for both Malone and Martin, who brings extensive experience in college basketball. Inside Carolina first reported the news on Monday, noting that Malone had narrowed his focus to Martin, while Jon Rothstein later confirmed the deal was being finalized for the associate head coach position. Martin has since agreed to the role, and the University of North Carolina is moving forward with the assumption that he will join the staff. Martin, a seasoned assistant coach with 14 years of experience at major conference programs, spent the past two seasons at Arkansas under head coach John Calipari. During his tenure, he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Razorbacks. His work at Arkansas has been instrumental in shaping the program’s success, as both of his recruiting classes have ranked among the nation’s top five. The 2026 class, in particular, is currently projected as the second-best in the country. This success has positioned Martin as a key figure in the college basketball landscape, and his hiring by UNC underscores Malone’s commitment to building a competitive program. Malone emphasized the importance of hiring coaches with global connections to attract top-tier talent. “As I hire my staff, I want to hire guys that have great contacts, not only in the country, but around the world, so we can continue to bring the best players here and help them develop so we can field the best team,” Malone stated at a press conference.#arkansas #john_calipari #michael_malone #north_carolina_tar_heels #chuck_martin

Little Rock Wrongful Death Attorney Joseph Gates Details Recoverable Damages for Arkansas Families Under A.C.A. § 16-62-102(f) Little Rock, AR - Families who lose a loved one due to another party's negligence in Arkansas may be entitled to significant compensation under the state's wrongful death statute. Joseph Gates, a Little Rock wrongful death attorney at Gates Law Firm, PLLC, explains the types of damages available to surviving family members under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-102(f), including pecuniary injuries, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Gates emphasizes that Arkansas law uses intentionally broad language to define recoverable damages, allowing for fair and just compensation for both calculable financial losses and less tangible harms such as the value of household services the deceased provided. According to Gates, the statute permits compensation for pecuniary injuries, which encompass financial losses and the intangible value of the deceased’s contributions to the family. He notes that families dealing with the aftermath of a preventable death often face immediate financial pressures alongside grief. Understanding the full scope of available damages is critical for holding the responsible party accountable. Gates highlights that mental anguish under the statute includes the natural grief associated with losing a loved one, without requiring a clinical diagnosis or proof of a psychological condition. The emotional suffering of losing a spouse, parent, child, or sibling is compensable under Arkansas law. Economic damages often form the foundation of a wrongful death claim, with lost future income being the most significant component. This is calculated based on the deceased’s age, occupation, earning history, and expected career trajectory.#arkansas #little_rock #joseph_gates #gates_law_firm_pllcc #wrongful_death_attorney

Arizona advances to Elite Eight after defeating Arkansas March 27, 2026, 12:24 a.m. ET The No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats secured a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 by defeating No. 4 seed Arkansas in the West regional semifinals. The victory sets up a high-stakes matchup against No. 2 seed Purdue in the regional final, which will take place at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Saturday, March 28. Arizona’s Elite Eight appearance marks their return to the tournament’s later rounds after a strong performance in the Big 12 tournament. The Wildcats’ path to the Elite Eight was highlighted by a dominant display against Arkansas, where they built an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. Arizona’s balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity helped them overcome the challenge, with the team hitting key shots in the final minutes to secure the win. The victory also marks the first time since 2015 that Arizona has reached the Elite Eight, a milestone that underscores their resurgence in the NCAA Tournament. Purdue, the No. 2 seed, advanced to the regional final after a dramatic overtime win over No. 11 seed Texas. The Boilermakers’ resilience in the final moments of their game showcased their ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Arizona. The two teams will face off in the West regional final, with the winner advancing to the Final Four. Tickets for the Arizona vs. Purdue Elite Eight matchup are still available, with prices starting at $193. The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at 8:49 p.m. ET at the SAP Center in San Jose. Fans looking to secure seats should act quickly, as limited tickets remain for the highly anticipated contest.#arkansas #purdue #march_madness #arizona_wildcats #sap_center

Darius Acuff Jr.'s Rise from Detroit to College Stardom Darius Acuff Jr.'s talent, now on full display as he led Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, has been evident since his early days in basketball. Growing up in Detroit, where his father and uncles were standout players, Acuff was immersed in the sport from a young age. His journey from a small-town standout to a college basketball sensation has been marked by rapid growth, exceptional skill, and a relentless drive to excel. Acuff’s rise began in the Detroit Public School League, where he quickly became a dominant force. As a freshman at Cass Tech, he averaged 16 points per game for a team that reached the Division 1 quarterfinals. His growth spurt before his sophomore season saw him shoot up to 5 feet 11, and by the time he was 6 feet 2, he was already considered one of the best players in the state. In 2023, he led Cass Tech to its first state championship, averaging 21.4 points and 5.7 assists while playing alongside his childhood friend, Trey McKenney. After his high school success, Acuff transferred to IMG Academy in Florida to compete against top-tier talent. During his final two seasons there, he continued to refine his game, earning recognition as a national prospect. His decision to commit to Arkansas in 2024 was influenced by the opportunity to learn from coach John Calipari, a mentor to several NBA stars. At Arkansas, Acuff has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. His performance has earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, first-team All-American status, and a signature shoe deal with Reebok. Hall of Famer Allen Iverson has called him “the next HIM,” highlighting his impact on the court.#arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #john_calipari #cass_tech #steve_hall

Behind the scenes of the NCAA Tourney in San Jose SAN JOSE — Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. reflected on his decision to decline an invitation to join USA Basketball’s U19 team last summer, emphasizing his bond with coach Tommy Lloyd. Acuff, who will lead the Razorbacks into a Sweet 16 matchup against Lloyd’s Arizona team, described playing for the UA coach as “one of the great experiences of my lifetime.” The 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup MVP highlighted the emotional weight of informing Lloyd of his choice, stating, “I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t just leave a message. I had to hit him back. I love coach Tommy. He’s a great coach.” Acuff’s decision to prioritize his college team over the USA squad was driven by family and team dynamics. “I wanted to be on my team the whole summer and get closer with them,” he said. While he declined to comment on similarities between Arizona’s Wildcats and the USA’s U18 team, he praised Lloyd’s coaching philosophy, calling him “a great connector coach” who instills confidence and competitiveness. Lloyd, in turn, praised Acuff’s character and talent, calling him “a supreme talent” and “a great young man.” The coach noted Acuff’s ability to elevate his game in high-stakes moments, describing him as someone who “has the eye of the tiger” and thrives under pressure. “I’m sure we’re going to get a great effort out of Darius tomorrow,” Lloyd said ahead of the game. The matchup between Arkansas and Arizona drew insights from Texas assistant coach David Miller, a UA graduate with deep ties to the program. Miller, who previously coached under Sean Miller at Xavier and Texas, highlighted Arizona’s physicality and defensive versatility. “They’re as athletic as any team I’ve ever scouted,” he said, noting Arizona’s ability to switch defenses without losing effectiveness.#arizona #arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #tommy_lloyd #san_jose

Tyrese Haliburton Trolls Kentucky Alums with John Calipari-Arkansas Jab After Iowa State's Win Tyrese Haliburton, the former Iowa State star, took to social media to mock Kentucky alumni after his team’s second-round NCAA tournament victory over the Wildcats. The Cyclones defeated Kentucky 82-63, marking a significant upset in the tournament. Haliburton, who played for Iowa State from 2018 to 2020, posted a humorous jab at fans of the University of Kentucky, referencing John Calipari’s move to Arkansas. He joked that he “forgot” some Kentucky alumni now consider themselves Arkansas fans, a nod to Calipari’s influence on former players. Calipari, who coached Kentucky for 15 seasons, left the program in 2022 to take the head coaching job at Arkansas. Despite his departure, the Wildcats continue to benefit from his legacy, with several former players developing ties to the Razorbacks. Haliburton’s comments highlight the lingering impact of Calipari’s tenure at Kentucky, even as he now represents a rival program. The connection between Calipari and Arkansas has also influenced other athletes. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Kentucky recruit, publicly supported Arkansas in the NCAA tournament, choosing the Razorbacks over the Wildcats in his bracket predictions. His teammate, Cason Wallace, went even further by excluding Kentucky from his own bracket entirely, opting for Calipari’s team. This trend of former Kentucky players aligning with Arkansas is not limited to professional athletes. During last year’s tournament, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker showed his support for Arkansas by sending pairs of his Book 1 LX sneakers to Razorbacks players.#arkansas #john_calipari #kentucky #iowa_state #tyrese_haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton Trolls Kentucky NBA Alums After Iowa State Victory Tyrese Haliburton took to social media to mock former Kentucky players after Iowa State’s dominant 82-63 victory over the Wildcats in the NCAA tournament. The Cyclones’ win, which marked Kentucky’s largest margin of defeat in a tournament game since 1972, sparked a lighthearted jab from Haliburton, who spent two seasons at Iowa State before entering the NBA draft in 2020. Iowa State’s triumph was fueled by standout performances from Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic. Lipsey scored 26 points, added 10 assists, and recorded five steals, becoming just the third player in March Madness history to achieve 25 points, 10 assists, and five steals in a single game since 1986. Momcilovic contributed 20 points, helping the Cyclones dismantle Kentucky’s defense. The loss was Kentucky’s most lopsided in a tournament game since their Elite Eight defeat to Florida State in 1972. Following the game, Haliburton posted on X, teasing former Kentucky players who had recently aligned with Arkansas. His message read: “Went to text the guys who played at Kentucky about this game and forgot they think they Arkansas alum now🤣” The post was a reference to John Calipari’s departure from Kentucky for Arkansas in April 2024, a move that sparked a wave of NBA players from the Wildcats’ program to publicly support the Razorbacks. Haliburton’s comment highlighted a trend of former Kentucky stars, now in the NBA, donning Arkansas gear. P.J. Washington, a former Wildcats player, visited Calipari at Arkansas in September 2024 wearing Razorbacks attire. Similarly, Reed Sheppard, another alum, wore an Arkansas shirt with Kentucky pants during a matchup between the two programs.#arkansas #john_calipari #kentucky #iowa_state #tyrese_haliburton

Arkansas Dominates Hawai'i in NCAA Tournament Opener Arkansas delivered a commanding performance in its NCAA Tournament debut, overwhelming Hawai’i with an explosive start and securing a 97-78 victory in the opening round. The Razorbacks surged ahead with an 11-0 run early in the game, setting the tone for a dominant display that saw them maintain a double-digit lead throughout the contest. The win marks Arkansas’ 12th consecutive victory of the season and extends their perfect record under Coach Calipari to 17-0 when the team records 20 or more assists, a feat achieved with 26 in this game. Darius Acuff Jr. led the charge with 24 points and seven rebounds, while freshman Meleek Thomas contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The duo’s combined efforts made them the first freshman pair in NCAA Tournament history to reach at least 20 points and five assists in a single game. Acuff also set a new school record for single-season assists by a freshman, surpassing Kareem Reid’s previous mark with 223. His 781 points this season placed him just five points behind Todd Day’s all-time leading total of 786. Trevon Brazile joined the milestone club by reaching 1,000 career points, now sitting at 1,013 for Arkansas. With one year remaining at Missouri, Brazile’s career total stands at 1,164. The Razorbacks’ offensive firepower was evident from the outset, as they built an 11-point lead in the first four minutes before Hawai’i managed its first basket. The freshman duo of Acuff and Thomas accounted for nine of Arkansas’ 11 points in the opening run, and the lead expanded to 19 points before the Warriors began to chip away. Despite Hawai’i’s efforts to close the gap, Arkansas maintained control, ending the first half on an 8-0 run highlighted by dunks from Billy Richmond III, Malique Ewin, and Brazile.#arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #hawaii #calipari #meleek_thomas

South Carolina Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri Resigns After Losing Streak South Carolina baseball coach Paul Mainieri resigned Saturday morning, shortly after the Gamecocks suffered a 22-6 defeat to seventh-ranked Arkansas in their series opener. The loss marked the team’s sixth consecutive setback at Founders Park, where the stadium was largely empty. Mainieri, 68, had faced mounting pressure in recent days as the program struggled to turn its season around. Mainieri, who took over the South Carolina program in 2023, led the team to a 40-40 overall record and a 6-28 mark in the SEC over less than two full seasons. His tenure included a national championship in 2009 and five College World Series appearances during his time at LSU before retiring in 2021. He also guided Notre Dame to the College World Series in 2002. Mainieri was lured out of retirement by former South Carolina coach Ray Tanner, then the athletics director, in the summer of 2024. In a statement, Mainieri acknowledged responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “I take full responsibility for the win/loss record of the baseball program over the 80 games I have served as head coach.” He expressed disappointment that his goal of restoring the program to “greatness with a return to Omaha” had not been achieved within the timeframe he anticipated. “That goal has not materialized as quickly as I would have liked,” he said, adding that his age limited the time he could dedicate to the role. Mainieri praised the university’s leadership for their support but admitted, “I did not get the job done at a level that I expected, or the university deserves.” He reflected on his 40-year coaching career, spanning five institutions, and expressed hope that his impact on young athletes would leave a lasting legacy.#south_carolina #arkansas #paul_mainieri #founders_park #ray_tanner

Darius Acuff Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Arkansas star is expected to land March Madness has begun, offering college stars an opportunity to solidify their positions in the 2026 NBA draft class. The draft is set for late June, and USA TODAY’s latest mock draft places Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in the first round. The projection outlines how his draft night might unfold, with the Dallas Mavericks selecting him at pick No. 6 overall. The mock draft is based on Tankathon’s lottery projections, which suggest Acuff’s high potential. Kalbrosky’s analysis highlights the Mavericks’ need for offensive contributors, and Acuff’s skills align perfectly with that goal. As the SEC Player of the Year, Acuff excels in creating scoring opportunities, whether operating from ball screens or playing off the ball. His efficiency is evident in his ability to generate points per 40 minutes, ranking among freshmen leaders at 43.1. Acuff’s versatility as a scorer is another key factor. He can effectively attack from both sides of the court and has emerged as a standout in transition play, with 62 field goals made in such situations. His playmaking ability is further showcased by his 15 alley-oop assists, demonstrating his capacity to elevate teammates. Rival coach Sean Miller has praised Acuff’s potential, suggesting he could be a top-1 overall pick, underscoring his elite status as a generational guard. The player profile details his performance as of March 15, emphasizing his impact on the court. The Mavericks’ projected draft picks, based on Tankathon’s model, reflect the team’s strategic approach to building a competitive roster. Acuff’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility positions him as a high-value asset for any franchise looking to strengthen its frontline.#arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #dallas_mavericks #tankathon #sean_miller

Westrock Coffee Company reports milestone Q4 2025 results Integrated coffee, tea, and extract manufacturer Westrock Coffee Company is signaling a major shift from infrastructure building to volume driving after closing out a milestone 2025. The company reported a nearly 40 percent surge in annual net sales, reaching $1.2 billion, driven by the expansion of its extract and ready-to-drink (RTD) capabilities. Westrock also reported a consolidated net loss of $90.4 million for the year—largely attributed to the heavy lifting of scaling its massive Conway facility in Arkansas, United States. CEO and Co-Founder Scott T Ford stated that with the facility’s build-out now in the “rearview mirror,” the company is shifting its focus toward optimizing product mix and maximizing margins across its platform. “As we turn the page on 2025, we are pleased with the progress made toward becoming the premiere integrated, strategic supplier to the pre-eminent global coffee, tea, and energy beverage brands, as evidenced by our record results,” Ford said. Westrock is optimistic for 2026, forecasting an adjusted EBITDA growth of 29–44 percent over its full year 2025 results. The company noted that these estimates incorporate projected customer demand in light of recent industry consolidation and shifting consumer appetites.#united_states #arkansas #westrock_coffee_company #scott_t_ford #conway_facility

Entergy announces $5 billion in customer savings across Mid-South Entergy, a major utility company, has announced that its customers in the Mid-South region will benefit from approximately $5 billion in savings over the next two decades. The savings, which will affect 2.3 million customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, stem from data center customer agreements. These agreements are part of Entergy’s strategy to reduce costs while improving grid reliability. The announcement highlights the company’s long-term commitment to infrastructure investments. Entergy Mississippi, for instance, has already secured over $2 billion in savings for its customers, including lower rates during power plant replacements. The company is also increasing grid investments to minimize outages without passing on additional costs to consumers, with funding sourced from power sale revenues. In Arkansas, Entergy has announced up to $1.7 billion in savings from new data center partnerships with Google and Avaio. Google’s planned 600-megawatt solar and 350-megawatt battery facility is expected to diversify the region’s energy sources, providing long-term benefits to all customers. The agreement in Arkansas was finalized in December, following a similar deal in Mississippi in 2024. The savings are projected to span more than two decades, with over 2 million customers in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana set to see reduced energy costs. Entergy’s approach combines renewable energy investments with infrastructure upgrades, aiming to balance financial savings with improved service reliability. The company emphasized that these initiatives are designed to ensure stable, affordable energy for residents while supporting regional economic growth.#google #arkansas #entergy #entergy_mississippi #avaio

The 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament has kicked off in Nashville, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown at Bridgestone Arena. With a mix of seasoned contenders and emerging teams, the bracket promises thrilling matchups and potential upsets. Florida, the reigning national champion, brings its championship pedigree to the tournament, while John Calipari’s Arkansas squad aims to make another deep March run. Several other teams are also vying for NCAA Tournament bids, creating a competitive landscape that could reshape seed lines. The tournament’s first round on Wednesday features four key matchups. Kentucky, led by Mark Pope, faces LSU, a team struggling to find consistency. The Wildcats’ offensive firepower, highlighted by Otega Oweh, is expected to overwhelm LSU’s defense. Meanwhile, Auburn’s hopes rest on containing Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, a 22-point-per-game scorer. Auburn’s lack of perimeter defenders could spell trouble for the Bulldogs. Texas and Ole Miss clash in another critical game, with Texas needing a win to keep NCAA hopes alive. Dailyn Swain’s dominance on the boards could tip the scale in favor of the Longhorns. Oklahoma’s defense is poised to neutralize South Carolina’s Meechie Johnson, setting up a low-scoring battle. Thursday’s round two brings more intense battles. Kentucky, now a top seed, faces Mizzou, where Mark Mitchell’s scoring prowess could be matched by the Wildcats’ depth. Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie and defense are expected to shut down Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, leading to a physical contest. Georgia and Texas, both ranked highly, will clash in a game that could determine tournament momentum. Mike White’s Bulldogs, with their explosive offense, are favored to edge out Chris Beard’s Texas squad.#florida #arkansas #bridgestone_arena #sec_men_s_basketball_tournament #john_calipari

Arkansas Lottery Player Wins Record $250.8 Million Powerball Jackpot via Jackpocket A lottery player in Arkansas has claimed the largest Powerball jackpot ever won through the Jackpocket mobile app, securing a life-changing $250.8 million prize on March 2. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery announced the win on March 4, highlighting the achievement as a new record for the third-party platform. The winner, who placed their second order with Jackpocket, will have 180 days to claim the prize under Arkansas state law. The winning numbers for the March 2 Powerball drawing were 2, 17, 18, 38, and 62, with the Powerball number 20. Pete Sullivan, SVP of Lottery at DraftKings, praised the win, stating, “This historic win underscores our commitment to delivering a best-in-class, secure, and seamless lottery experience for our customers.” The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery partners with Jackpocket to provide more convenient ways to play lottery games, emphasizing the platform’s role in expanding access to state-sponsored lotteries. Arkansas has seen a surge in Powerball jackpots recently. Just over two months prior, on Christmas Eve, an anonymous Arkansas player won the second-largest Powerball jackpot in history at $1.817 billion. State lottery Executive Director Sharon Strong called the latest win “exciting” and noted its broader impact, including funding for in-state student scholarships, supporting retailers, and boosting the state’s economy. The $250.8 million prize marks the third-largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history, placing it among the top 10 largest ever recorded. Since the Powerball lottery began in 1992, the largest jackpots include a $2.04 billion win in California in 2022, a $1.817 billion prize in Arkansas in December 2025, and a $1.#arkansas #arkansas_scholarship_lottery #jackpocket #pete_sullivan #sharon_strong

Powerball Jackpot Hits $46 Million for Monday, March 9 Drawing The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $46 million for the March 9 drawing, with a cash value of $21.7 million. This marks the latest opportunity for players to claim the prize, which has been won nearly 200 times since the lottery’s launch in 1992. Currently, 48 U.S. states participate in the Powerball game, excluding Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. The states with the highest number of winners include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The March 9 drawing follows a $251 million jackpot win in Arkansas on March 2, where the winner had the option to receive annuitized payments or a lump sum of $118 million. As of now, no one has claimed the current jackpot. The winning numbers for the March 9 drawing were 22, 23, 28, 36, 54, with the Powerball number 13. The Power Play multiplier was set at 3x. Despite the high stakes, no one secured the jackpot, the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize, or the Match 5 $1 million prize. The jackpot has since increased to $58 million, with a cash value of $26.8 million, pending the Wednesday, March 11 drawing. Players can participate in Powerball without being U.S. citizens or residents. Anyone visiting one of the 45 participating states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can purchase tickets from licensed retailers, provided they meet the legal age requirement, typically 18 years old. The Powerball jackpot has reached record highs in the past, with the top 10 jackpots including a $758.7 million win in Massachusetts in 2017, a $1.817 billion prize in Arkansas in 2025, and a $2.040 billion payout in California in 2022. To play, participants select six numbers: five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26.#california #arizona #arkansas #powerball #march_9

John Daly II has made a remarkable leap in his golf career, making his PGA Tour debut at the Puerto Rico Open. The 22-year-old, son of legendary golfer John Daly, is currently three shots behind the leader heading into the final round. His journey from struggling in college to competing at the highest level highlights his dedication and growth. Daly’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. Just over a year ago, he faced challenges at the University of Arkansas, where he couldn’t secure a starting spot despite his mental toughness and short game. His coach, Brad McMakin, described Daly’s progress as the most satisfying he’s seen in 30 years of coaching. Daly’s improvement has positioned him as a top-50 amateur globally, ranked No. 54 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Daly’s path to success wasn’t easy. As a walk-on freshman, he shot an 83 in his only tournament and redshirted the next season due to struggles with his swing. McMakin admitted he initially made mistakes in coaching Daly, but eventually stepped back, allowing the young golfer to focus on fundamentals. With guidance from his father and former Arkansas assistant Barrett Lais, Daly’s game began to take shape. The breakthrough came last spring, when Daly averaged 75.7 in fall events and became a key player for a struggling Arkansas team. His performance included three top-10 finishes, a first collegiate victory at the Columbia Spring Invitational, and consistent play that helped the team qualify for an NCAA regional. McMakin credited Daly with nearly leading the Razorbacks to the regional with a young squad. Daly’s success continued into the summer, where he placed third at the Northeast Amateur, won the Southern Amateur on Arkansas’ home course, and reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur.#arkansas #john_daly_ii #john_daly #puerto_rico_open #brad_mcmakin