The field thins but the Madness continues; remaining teams settle in after Round 1 ST. LOUIS – The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s first round concluded with 68 teams eliminated, leaving 32 to advance. The bracket saw a lack of upsets, with higher seeds dominating most games. Of the 32 first-round matchups, 24 were won by the top-ranked teams, and only four of the eight lower seeds (8 vs. 9 seeds) advanced. The average margin of victory was 19.7 points, with only five games decided by single digits. Despite the lack of drama, standout moments emerged, including a thrilling overtime finish between Kentucky and Santa Clara, where the Wildcats survived a late surge by the Broncos. Notable performances included Connecticut’s Tarris Reed Jr., who recorded a rare 31-point, 27-rebound double-double against Furman, marking the first 30-25 stat line in NCAA Tournament history in 58 years. Reed, reflecting on his final March Madness, emphasized his focus on dominance. Meanwhile, Purdue guard Braden Smith broke Bobby Hurley’s all-time assist record with his 1,077th assist, a one-handed bounce pass to Trey Kaufman-Renn. Smith credited his teammates for his success, while Kaufman-Renn highlighted the bond between the duo over the years. Other highlights included Kansas’ Darryn Peterson scoring 28 points in a game where the Jayhawks overcame a 26-point deficit against California Baptist. Virginia’s 18 lead changes in a win over Wright State and UCLA’s walk-on player retrieving Skyy Clark’s lost tooth during a game against UCF added quirky moments. The tournament also saw the end of Cinderella stories, as Miami and Akron fell to higher-seeded teams, though their runs were praised for their resilience. Upcoming matchups promise intrigue, with No.#purdue #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #st_louis #kentucky #santa_clara
Oweh's buzzer-beater saves Kentucky in OT win over Santa Clara Kentucky narrowly avoided a first-round exit in the NCAA men's tournament after Otega Oweh delivered a game-winning shot in overtime, securing an 89-84 victory over 10-seed Santa Clara. The Wildcats’ star player scored a career-high 35 points, cementing his place in Kentucky’s tournament history with the dramatic finish at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The game was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading momentum throughout. Santa Clara appeared poised to end the contest after freshman Allen Graves hit a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left in regulation, giving the Broncos a 79-78 lead. However, Oweh responded by tying the game at 70 in the final 10 seconds of regulation, then answered Graves’ clutch shot with a midcourt heave that forced overtime. The shot, which banked through the net as time expired, became the turning point for Kentucky. Oweh’s performance was pivotal in the second half, where he consistently neutralized Santa Clara’s efforts to take control. After Graves scored the Broncos’ final 11 points in regulation, including the game-tying 3-pointer, Oweh extended the game by hitting a critical shot. His ability to rise to the occasion underscored his importance to the Wildcats’ chances in the tournament. Kentucky coach Mark Pope praised Oweh’s composure under pressure, noting the shot’s trajectory and the eventual outcome. “I was nervous with the trajectory,” Pope said. “But then when it hit the glass in exactly the right spot, I’m like, ‘Oh, this is beautiful. It’s awesome.’” The game’s conclusion was marred by a controversial moment. After Graves’ 3-pointer, Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek attempted to call a timeout to adjust the defense but was not recognized due to the chaos of the play.#kentucky #santa_clara #herb_sendek #allen_graves #oweh_otea
Santa Clara Coach’s Timeout Call Missed as Kentucky Forces Overtime with Buzzer-Beater In a dramatic first-round NCAA Tournament clash, seventh-seeded Kentucky edged out 10th-seeded Santa Clara 89-84 in overtime, with a pivotal moment occurring in the final seconds of regulation. Santa Clara’s Allen Graves hit a game-winning 3-pointer to give his team a 73-70 lead with two seconds remaining. However, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh responded with a game-tying 3-pointer of his own, sending the game into overtime. Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek attempted to call a timeout immediately after Graves’ shot, aiming to reset his defense or strategize a response. The timeout was requested just moments after the shot, but the referee, already sprinting toward the opposing team’s inbound, did not acknowledge the call. Without the timeout, Kentucky’s Oweh was able to drive down the floor unimpeded and bank in the tying shot, altering the game’s outcome. Sendek later described the situation as a “likely response” after a go-ahead 3-pointer, noting that coaches are permitted to call timeouts on dead balls. He explained that if the timeout had been granted, he could have adjusted his defensive setup or instructed his team to foul Kentucky, potentially sending them to the free-throw line. “I tried to do that, and I was successful in doing, other than it wasn’t acknowledged,” he said. The missed timeout became a focal point of analysis, particularly for Santa Clara, which made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996. The Broncos, who finished the season 26-9 and reached the WCC championship game for the first time since 2007, saw their momentum vanish in an instant. Senior forward Elijah Mahi admitted the chaos of the moment left his team scrambling. “Honestly, there was just so much going on in that moment,” he said.#kentucky #santa_clara #herb_sendek #otega_oweh #allen_graves
NCAA Tournament Takeaways: Kentucky's Overtime Thriller, Miami (Ohio) Exit, and Iowa State's Injury Concerns The second day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament unfolded with a mix of high-stakes drama, controversial calls, and pivotal moments that will shape the tournament’s narrative. While the opening round saw most top seeds advance without major upsets, the games carried enough intrigue to keep fans engaged. Kentucky’s dramatic overtime victory over No. 10 Santa Clara became the day’s defining moment. The Wildcats trailed by three points with 2.4 seconds left in regulation, but Otega Oweh launched a half-court three-pointer that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime. Kentucky eventually prevailed 89-84, but the victory was marred by a contentious call. Santa Clara’s head coach, Herb Sendek, argued for a timeout after his team made a three-pointer to reset their defensive strategy, but officials ignored the signal, allowing Kentucky to reclaim possession. The incident sparked debate over whether Sendek could have reasonably expected a timeout in such a split-second scenario. Meanwhile, Miami (Ohio)’s tournament run came to an end after a 78-56 loss to No. 6 Tennessee. The Redhawks, who had entered the tournament as the most controversial at-large selection, had already beaten No. 11 seed SMU in the First Four. However, their performance against Tennessee—where they struggled to contain the Volunteers’ offense—reinforced criticism that their schedule lacked strength. Despite a 31-1 record, Miami’s lack of Quad 1 wins and perceived weak nonconference matchups left many questioning their inclusion. The school had lobbied for more high-major teams to schedule them in the regular season to bolster their résumé, but such efforts have yet to gain traction.#ncaa_tournament #miami_ohio #kentucky #iowa_state #herb_sendek
ESPN Ranks Tennessee Behind Kentucky, Virginia in Best Tournament Teams Remaining The NCAA Tournament has narrowed to 32 teams after a busy weekend of games, with the field cut in half following Thursday and Friday’s matchups. Now, teams will compete on Saturday and Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16, set for next weekend. Tennessee advanced with a dominant performance on Friday night, defeating 11-seed Miami (OH) in Philadelphia. The Vols’ victory was led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who scored 29 points and added nine assists, while forward JP Estrella contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds. Star freshman Nate Ament, however, was limited by an injury sustained late in the regular season. ESPN analyst Myron Medcalf ranked the remaining 32 teams on Saturday morning, placing Tennessee 21st in the field. Medcalf noted that despite Ament’s absence, the Vols’ offense remained strong, with Gillespie continuing to drive the team. He highlighted Tennessee’s status as the top offensive rebounding team in the nation and praised their defensive consistency, which has ranked in the top 10 over the past six weeks. Medcalf also acknowledged a recent 2-4 stretch before the tournament but emphasized that the Vols’ strengths could carry them to the second weekend. Teams ranked above Tennessee in Medcalf’s list all carry higher tournament seeds, with one exception: 7-seed Kentucky. The Wildcats, who needed overtime to defeat 10-seed Santa Clara, were ranked 20th. Both Kentucky and Tennessee are one upset win away from meeting in the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. A potential matchup would mark their second straight postseason clash, following their previous Sweet 16 encounter last year, where Tennessee advanced to the Elite Eight. Virginia, the 3-seed team Tennessee will face on Sunday, is also ranked above the Vols.#espn #tennessee #kentucky #virginia #myron_medcalf
10 vs. 7 Upset Rankings: Saint Mary's Least Likely NCAA Tournament No. 7 Seed to Lose A No. 10 seed has defeated a No. 7 seed in every NCAA Tournament since 2005, but only two teams have advanced past the first round in the past eight years. This year’s No. 10 seeds—Missouri, Santa Clara, Texas A&M, and UCF—face the challenge of overcoming the odds to beat their higher-seeded opponents. The matchups between these teams and the No. 7 seeds will determine which upsets are most likely to occur. The rankings of potential upsets are based on statistical analysis and team performance. Saint Mary’s, the No. 7 seed, is considered the least likely to lose to a No. 10 seed, according to the rankings. The Gaels, ranked fourth in rebounding margin and 12th in height, have a strong defensive presence. Their slower tempo and efficient offense, which averages 120.4 points per 100 possessions, could neutralize the faster-paced attacks of teams like Texas A&M. Saint Mary’s also benefits from a favorable matchup against the Aggies, who rank 325th in fouls per game and struggle to contain opponents with strong free-throw shooting. Texas A&M, the No. 10 seed, faces a tough test against Saint Mary’s. The Aggies, despite a strong start to the season, have struggled in recent games, losing seven of their last 11. Their high-tempo style, which averages 87.7 points per game, may not be enough to overcome Saint Mary’s rebounding dominance and defensive efficiency. However, the Aggies’ depth and experience could provide a challenge, especially if they can force turnovers and capitalize on Saint Mary’s slower pace. Santa Clara, another No. 10 seed, is ranked second in the upset likelihood rankings against Kentucky. The Broncos, led by Christian Hammond, have a strong ability to force turnovers, which could disrupt Kentucky’s offensive rhythm.#kentucky #missouri #texas_am #saint_marys #santa_clara
Jack Gohlke became a March Madness legend after hitting 10 three-pointers to lead 14-seed Oakland to an 80-76 upset over three-seed Kentucky in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The game, which drew widespread attention, marked a turning point in Gohlke’s career, transforming him from a player who never considered himself the best on his team into a national standout. Gohlke, now playing for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, reflected on the Kentucky game with a mix of surprise and pride. He recalled the surreal moment of being interviewed by Kentucky reporters the day before the matchup, a scenario he never imagined for himself. “Why do they care what we have to say?” he wondered, highlighting the contrast between his humble beginnings and the sudden spotlight. The game itself was a testament to Gohlke’s growth. Despite Oakland’s underdog status, the team’s preparation and confidence paid off. Gohlke’s ability to take bold shots, a skill honed during his time at Hillsdale College, became a defining factor. His coach, John Tharp, had instilled in him the belief that hard work and focus could translate into confidence, a mindset that carried over to his time at Oakland under coach Greg Kampe. Kampe’s emphasis on aggressive shooting and trusting the process helped Gohlke embrace his role as a clutch performer. Gohlke’s journey from Division II to NCAA glory was shaped by his dedication to preparation. He described how reading the book Flow helped him develop routines to stay focused, including visualization techniques and minimizing distractions like social media. “I never visualized making shots,” he explained. Instead, he focused on positioning and reacting to defenders, a mindset that kept him calm and ready during the high-stakes game.#ncaa_tournament #kentucky #jack_gohlke #oakland #texas_legends
Storms late Sunday bring risk of high winds, spin-up tornadoes A line of severe storms is moving into southeastern Indiana and the Cincinnati metropolitan area, with potential for damaging winds and brief tornadoes. Meteorologists warn that the storm system could bring gusts up to 60 mph, along with thunderstorms and lightning, starting within the next 15 to 20 minutes. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Indiana and Kentucky, including Gallatin, Carroll, Owen, Switzerland, Ripley, and southeastern Indiana, effective until 3 a.m. Monday. The storm’s leading edge is expected to reach Franklin County and areas near Ripley County by around midnight, with the main storm system moving into the Cincinnati area by approximately 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m. Stronger winds, potentially exceeding 60 mph, are anticipated as the storms progress, which could trigger severe thunderstorm warnings. Additionally, the possibility of brief tornadoes remains, though the threat is considered low. The storm system will continue eastward, with heavy rain and gusty winds expected throughout the overnight hours. By 2 a.m., the storm line will cover a significant portion of the region, though weakening is expected as the storms move past I-75 and I-71. By 4 or 5 a.m., the heaviest rain will shift eastward, leaving the Cincinnati area with colder temperatures. Temperatures are projected to drop sharply overnight, with morning lows in the teens and daytime highs in the 20s. The National Weather Service warns of a transition to wintry conditions, including flurries and light snow showers that could persist into the afternoon. While no significant snow accumulation is expected, the cold snap will last for several days. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the entire region until 4 a.#national_weather_service #severe_storms #indiana #kentucky #cincinnati_metropolitan_area
Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Kentucky and southern Indiana A weather system with the potential to produce tornadoes is expected to move through parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana Sunday night into early Monday. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for multiple counties in the region, urging residents to stay informed and prepare for severe weather conditions. The tornado watch, which remains in effect until 5 a.m. Monday, covers a wide area including Adair, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Carroll, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Henry, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Counties. This alert indicates that conditions are favorable for the development of storms capable of producing tornadoes. Additionally, severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Shelby and Henry Counties until 1 a.m., as well as for Breckinridge and Meade Counties until midnight Monday. Storm activity is anticipated to arrive in the region between 10 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday. The National Weather Service has provided specific timeframes for each alert, emphasizing the need for vigilance during this period. Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor updates from local authorities and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. The alerts highlight the potential for dangerous weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of tornadoes. While the exact path and intensity of the storm system are still being monitored, the widespread coverage of the warnings underscores the severity of the situation. Local meteorologists recommend staying tuned to weather updates and avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm's active period.#national_weather_service #kentucky #tornado_watch #southern_indiana #severe_thunderstorm_warnings
Severe Storms and Tornado Threat Loom Across Midwest A severe weather warning has been issued for the region, with a high likelihood of damaging wind gusts and potential tornado activity. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for parts of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee until 11 p.m. local time. Additionally, a Wind Advisory is active for the entire Heartland region, extending through midnight tonight and into Monday morning. The primary threat involves strong wind gusts, which could lead to widespread damage. Secondary concerns include the possibility of quick spin-up tornadoes forming along the storm's path. Meteorologists note that the available wind energy could allow for the development of powerful tornadoes, though these are expected to be brief in duration. The storm system is projected to move through the Ozark Counties between 3 and 5 p.m., then progress along the Mississippi River between 6 and 8 p.m. The system is anticipated to exit the area by 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. High temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s and lower 70s during the day. After the storm passes, temperatures will drop significantly. Winter-like conditions are expected to return, with isolated showers potentially turning to light snow. Highs on Monday are forecast to settle in the mid-30s, while overnight lows could fall to the upper teens on Tuesday. Cloudy skies and moderate winds will persist through Tuesday. Residents are advised to stay updated with the First Alert Weather Team and the First Alert Weather app for real-time updates. The National Weather Service recommends preparing for severe weather by securing outdoor items, keeping emergency supplies accessible, and remaining indoors during the storm's peak activity.#illinois #tennessee #kentucky #missouri #midwest
Ian Alert Activated in Kentucky to Locate Missing Teenager with Autism A critical alert system, developed in response to a past tragedy, was activated in Kentucky to help locate a missing teenager with autism. The Ian Alert, named after Ian Sousis, a boy who died in the Ohio River in 2021, played a pivotal role in the successful recovery of Jahmari Carter, a 17-year-old with autism who had wandered off. The alert was first used in a real-world scenario on March 12, 2026, marking its first successful deployment. Jahmari’s mother, Amie Hughes, described the moment she realized her son was missing. “My heart dropped, my soul left my body. I felt like the wind got knocked out of me,” she said. She recounted being in full panic mode, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Despite his age, Jahmari was in critical danger due to his autism, which often leads to sudden, unpredictable behavior. State police issued the Ian Alert, a system designed to quickly locate individuals with autism who may wander off, particularly near water sources. The alert was activated after Jahmari was reported missing, and it led to his safe recovery. Hughes expressed deep gratitude for the alert’s role in saving her son. “It saved my child. It helped me save my child,” she said. Rhonda O’Brien, the grandmother of Ian Sousis, shared her emotional reaction to the alert’s success. “It was overwhelmingly emotional, and I don’t even know if that’s a word,” she said. O’Brien, who had previously lost her grandson to the Ohio River, expressed relief that the alert was fulfilling its purpose. “I was just super emotional and happy to see that the alert is doing what it’s supposed to do,” she said. Ian Sousis, who also had autism, had run from a children’s home in 2021 and tragically died in the Ohio River near Ludlow.#kentucky #ian_alert #jahmari_carter #amie_hughes #rhonda_obrien
Kentucky’s Mark Pope jokes that Brandon Garrison’s late breakout was the plan all along Kentucky found an unexpected spark in Brandon Garrison during their SEC Tournament opener against LSU, securing an 87-82 victory at Bridgestone Arena. The ninth-seeded Wildcats, facing a 16th-seeded Tigers team, turned the tide with a decisive 8-0 run in the final nine minutes of the second half. Highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Garrison, the surge provided the necessary momentum to hold off LSU in the closing moments. The win echoed their earlier nail-biting victory over LSU in January, reinforcing the intensity of the matchup. Garrison’s performance was nothing short of impressive, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, alongside five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. His all-around contributions off the bench marked a significant shift from his regular-season output, where he had only made two three-pointers and averaged 4.8 points and 4.0 rebounds. This breakout game, his second-highest scoring effort of the season, came after a quiet regular season that saw him struggle to find his rhythm. Kentucky coach Mark Pope, however, was unsurprised by Garrison’s surge. In a lighthearted moment, Pope joked that Garrison had been hinting all season that he would hold back his shooting until the postseason. “He’s like, ‘Coach, I’m not going to make any shots until the postseason, and then I’m just going to save them,’ so he apparently knows more than I do,” Pope said, adding a touch of humor to the situation. The win solidified Kentucky’s position in the tournament, with the team now set to face Missouri in the second round on Thursday. Otega Oweh also played a crucial role, scoring a team-high 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds, including a key layup with less than two minutes remaining.#sec_tournament #lsu #kentucky #mark_pope #brandon_garrison
38 Buc-ee's Get 'F' Rating from Better Business Bureau. Here's Why Thirty-eight Buc-ee's locations across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas have been assigned an "F" rating by the Better Business Bureau, the organization announced on March 11, 2026. The rating stems from the company’s failure to address 88 customer complaints submitted to the BBB. The oldest unresolved complaint dates back to March 2023, while the most recent was filed in February 2026. The BBB emphasized that the "F" grade reflects a pattern of poor responsiveness to consumer issues. The BBB’s rating system evaluates businesses based on public complaints, with grades ranging from A+ to F. A business receives an "F" when it fails to resolve a significant number of complaints or demonstrate accountability. In Buc-ee's case, the nonprofit noted that the company did not provide updates or solutions to the 88 unresolved issues. Customers reported problems such as malfunctioning car washes, defective or ineffective merchandise, and incorrect charges to credit cards. Some individuals stated they submitted complaints directly to Buc-ee's website but received no follow-up from the company. The BBB’s website clarifies that its ratings are not a guarantee of a business’s reliability but rather a tool for consumers to consider alongside other factors. The organization encourages users to review multiple sources of information before making purchasing decisions. Buc-ee's did not immediately comment on the "F" ratings when contacted by USA TODAY on March 11. Founded in 1912, the Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting transparency in business practices. It offers a platform for consumers to submit complaints, leave public reviews, and access accreditation programs for businesses.#georgia #alabama #kentucky #better_business_bureau #bucees
2026 SEC Tournament: Bracket, Schedule, and Scores for Men's Basketball The 2026 Southeastern Conference (SEC) men’s basketball tournament will take place from March 11 to March 15, with all games held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The 16-team bracket will determine the SEC champion, with the title game scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Florida, the defending SEC champion, will be among the teams competing after defeating Tennessee in the 2025 championship game and subsequently winning the NCAA tournament. The tournament will begin with the first round on March 11, featuring four games. No. 9 seed Kentucky will face No. 16 seed LSU, while No. 12 seed Auburn will take on No. 13 seed Mississippi State. Additional first-round matchups include No. 10 seed Texas vs. No. 15 seed Ole Miss and No. 11 seed Oklahoma vs. No. 14 seed South Carolina. All games will be broadcast on SEC Network or ESPN, with specific times noted for each matchup. The second round on March 12 will feature four games, with No. 8 seed Missouri facing No. 9 seed Kentucky, No. 5 seed Tennessee taking on No. 12 seed Auburn, No. 7 seed Georgia competing against the winner of Game 3, and No. 6 seed Texas A&M facing the winner of Game 4. The quarterfinals on March 13 will see No. 1 seed Florida challenge the winner of Game 5, No. 4 seed Vanderbilt facing the winner of Game 6, No. 2 seed Alabama meeting the winner of Game 7, and No. 3 seed Arkansas playing the winner of Game 8. Semifinal matchups will be determined by the winners of the quarterfinal games, with the championship game on March 15 featuring the top two semifinalists. The tournament seeds for the 2026 event include Mississippi State at No. 13.#sec_tournament #florida #bridgestone_arena #nashville_tennessee #kentucky
Fanatics Promo Code: Claim $1,000 in FanCash for the SEC Tournament The 2026 SEC Men’s Tournament kicks off this Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena, with teams vying for a spot in the conference final. Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky is offering new bettors a lucrative welcome bonus to kickstart their betting experience. The promotion allows participants to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash through a 10-day wagering program. New users can begin their streak by placing a bet on any SEC tournament game in the opening round. Each day, their first wager—up to $100—will be matched with an equal amount in FanCash. Over the course of the 10-day period, this can accumulate to a total of $1,000. For example, if a bettor places a $100 moneyline wager on Kentucky’s opening game against LSU, they would receive $100 in FanCash regardless of the outcome. Subsequent days require a minimum $100 bet to qualify for the daily match. The tournament spans five days, making the 10-day promotion ideal for covering all games. To participate, users must sign up on Fanatics’ platform or app, complete verification, and deposit at least $10. They must also manually opt in each day to ensure their bets count toward the promotion. Daily wagers must be placed on markets with odds of -200 or higher to qualify for the match. The promotion’s FanCash can be used for bets or to purchase merchandise like jerseys, hats, and collectibles across the Fanatics network. The bonus is redeemable throughout the platform, offering flexibility for users. The 2026 SEC Men’s Tournament features all 16 conference teams, with the top eight seeds receiving a bye to the second round and the top four advancing to the quarterfinals.#florida #bridgestone_arena #fanatics_sportsbook_kentucky #sec_men_s_tournament #kentucky
Kentucky Conducts Annual Tornado Drill to Test Emergency Alert Systems Louisville, Ky. — As severe weather season approaches, Kentucky officials are set to conduct its annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 4, at approximately 10 a.m. The exercise, part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, will simulate a real-time tornado warning without actual severe conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed the test will proceed as planned, using a controlled scenario to evaluate emergency communication systems. During the drill, the NWS will issue a test tornado alert, which will activate weather alert radios across the state. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will also be triggered, broadcasting the message through television and radio stations to ensure widespread reach. In Jefferson County, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg noted that outdoor warning sirens will sound simultaneously, while Metro Emergency Services will send alerts via the LENSAlert platform, the LouReady app, and the IPAWS (Wireless Emergency Alert) system. Greenberg emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, “Severe weather can impact all aspects of our community and preparation is one of the most effective tools we have to keep people safe.” He highlighted the need for residents to review and practice their tornado safety plans during the drill. The NWS urged individuals to take shelter immediately in the event of a real tornado warning, recommending basements as the safest option. For those without basements, the most interior room of a home, away from exterior walls, doors, and windows, is advised. Residents are also encouraged to download the free WHAS11 app for live severe weather coverage and real-time alerts, ensuring access to critical information even during power outages.#national_weather_service #kentucky #craig_greenberg #severe_weather_awareness_week #lenst_alert
Mark Stoops Joins Texas Coaching Staff as Special Assistant to Steve Sarkisian One week before Texas begins spring practice, head coach Steve Sarkisian has added a seasoned mentor to his staff, as former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will serve as a special assistant to Sarkisian at the University of Texas. The move was confirmed by 247Sports, marking the latest addition to Sarkisian’s coaching team as the Longhorns aim to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026. Stoops, who spent 13 years as the head coach at Kentucky, brings over three decades of experience to Austin. During his tenure at the Wildcats, he compiled an overall record of 82-80, including seven winning seasons and four bowl appearances. He was dismissed by Kentucky following the 2025 season but remains the program’s all-time winningest coach. His departure left a legacy of stability and competitive success, which Sarkisian aims to leverage as Texas rebuilds its program. This hiring aligns with Sarkisian’s strategy of incorporating veteran coaches to bolster his staff. Previously, he has enlisted Paul Chryst and Gary Patterson as special assistants, with Patterson recently transitioning to the role of defensive coordinator at USC. Stoops’ expertise, particularly in defensive schemes, is expected to provide valuable insight as Texas refines its approach ahead of the 2026 season. The Longhorns’ offensive development remains a focal point for Sarkisian, though the return of Heisman Trophy candidate Arch Manning offers optimism. Manning’s strong finish to the 2025 season has positioned him as a key asset in Texas’ quest to reclaim national prominence. With Stoops’ guidance, the program aims to address both defensive and offensive challenges while navigating the competitive landscape of college football.#kentucky #university_of_texas #mark_stoops #steve_sarkisian #college_football_playoff
Texas has hired former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops as a special assistant to Steve Sarkisian Former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops has been named a special assistant to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, according to a source close to the situation. The hire follows Sarkisian’s recent additions of analysts from other programs, including former Michigan co-offensive coordinator Steve Casula, former Michigan special teams coordinator JB Brown, and former Florida receivers coach Billy Gonzales. The move marks another step in Texas’ strategy to strengthen its football program ahead of the 2026 College Football Playoff season. Stoops, who was fired by Kentucky after 13 seasons, will take on a role similar to those previously held by Paul Chryst and Gary Patterson at Texas. His hiring comes amid a $38 million buyout clause from his Kentucky contract, which will be paid over several years. The decision to bring in Stoops, a defensive coordinator with extensive experience, aligns with Texas’ focus on bolstering its coaching staff with expertise in defensive schemes. Stoops’ career includes stints as a defensive backs coach and coordinator at multiple programs, including South Florida, Wyoming, Miami (Florida), Arizona, and Florida State, before becoming Kentucky’s head coach in 2013. He and new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who previously worked with Stoops at Georgia, are described as having mutual respect for each other’s coaching acumen. The Longhorns’ hiring of Stoops is part of a broader effort to enhance their analytical and coaching staff. Texas has also added Garrett Cox, a former Georgia senior analyst specializing in linebackers, to the same role. Cox worked under Muschamp at Georgia, further reinforcing the program’s emphasis on defensive expertise.#texas #kentucky #mark_stoops #steve_sarkisian #college_football_playoff
