Arkansas
Persisting problems doom John Calipari, Arkansas basketball’s upset bid vs Duke
CHICAGO — Persisting problems plagued Arkansas basketball in its second marquee matchup of the 2025-26 season.
The No. 21 Razorbacks (5-2) led by seven points with 10 minutes remaining, but No. 4 Duke (7-0) rallied for an 80-71 victory behind 35 points from Cameron Boozer. Arkansas had a chance at snagging a resume-building win, but in a similar fashion to their loss at Michigan State, the Hogs failed to execute down the stretch.
Against the Spartans, Arkansas scored three points in the final 3:57. A similar drought doomed the Razorbacks on Thanksgiving as the Hogs made two field goals across the last six minutes. Duke closed its win on a 19-7 run.
“We just got to figure out how to finish games collectively. Be connected,” coach John Calipari said.
The final two baskets for Arkansas came from Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. The two freshmen once again led the Hogs on offense. Acuff scored 21, and Thomas chipped in 13.
According to Duke coach Jon Scheyer, limiting Arkansas’ young backcourt unlocked Duke’s defense down the stretch.
“Guarding the ball with Caleb (Foster) on Acuff,” Scheyer said. “I thought Nick Khamenia had some great moments with Thomas. I thought it started with guarding the ball. I thought our switches were tight with all these guys, and then just you try to make them score over the top, knowing they may hit a couple.”
But Arkansas’ problems extend beyond bouts of poor offense from its dynamic freshmen. Those two are consistent scorers. The same can’t be said for the rest of the roster.
Trevon Brazile had a strong night with 11 points and 11 rebounds, but Karter Knox and D.J. Wagner combined for just five points. It was the second dud against a ranked opponent for Knox, who was scoreless against Michigan State.
He and Wagner were supposed to be two of Arkansas’ best players this season. Neither is averaging more than eight points.
The duo combined to play just 14 minutes in the second half. Calipari rode Acuff at point guard and gave Billy Richmond III 13 minutes at the wing. The coach liked Richmond’s hustle on the glass, but the sophomore finished with five turnovers.
After the game, Calipari didn’t dish out much concern with the pieces surrounding his five-star freshmen.
“The other guys had it going, and that’s why D.J. didn’t play as much, but I know who DJ is as a player. I respect him and love him as a player,” Calipari said.
“Love coaching them, but look, when you’re coaching sometimes, the way the game goes, somebody plays more and somebody plays less. Next game may be somebody else. Maybe Karter plays more and Billy plays less, but we had a chance to win.”
If the Razorbacks want to capitalize on these chances, they must get more consistent production from up and down the roster.
There won’t be a shortage of opportunities. The Hogs face No. 4 Louisville, No. 2 Houston and No. 20 Texas Tech in the next four weeks. The Cardinals come to Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Arkansas
ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Randolph County can claim many firsts in Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Arkansas
Army names intelligence facility for Arkansas Tech graduate
Fort Smith Historic Site: Law, conflict and the West
Explore Fort Smith Historic Site, where westward expansion, federal justice and Native American history shaped life on the American frontier.
A former Arkansas Tech University graduate and commander of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command is being remembered with two posthumous honors recognizing his lasting influence on the nation’s military intelligence operations.
The late Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, a 1987 Arkansas Tech graduate and Russellville native, was honored during a dedication ceremony June 25 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where the Army officially named a newly consolidated military intelligence complex the Major General Gary W. Johnston Consolidated Mission Facility.
Johnston also was posthumously inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame for helping reshape Army intelligence through the integration of emerging technologies, including big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The new facility serves as a central hub for U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) operations at Fort Huachuca, known as the “Home of Army Intelligence.” It houses some of the Army’s most critical intelligence personnel and brings together units that had previously operated from aging buildings spread across the installation.
Army officials said the previous arrangement created operational challenges, including limited secure workspaces, outdated infrastructure and additional security requirements. Beginning in 2018, INSCOM launched an effort to consolidate those missions by renovating two existing buildings into a 16,300-square-foot intelligence operations center designed to improve collaboration and security.
The facility now houses INSCOM G3’s Detachment 52, elements of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, representatives from the Ground Intelligence Support Activity, an emerging Foundry program element and other intelligence organizations.
Among those attending the dedication were Johnston’s wife, Brig. Gen. Amy Johnston, daughter Lauren Woodworth and granddaughter Arabella Woodworth.
Maj. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, commanding general of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, said the building represents more than a new workplace.
“As we dedicate the U.S. Army INSCOM Major General Gary W. Johnston Consolidated Mission Facility, we do more than just open a new facility… we consecrate a tribute to his indelible legacy,” Cox said. “This facility will stand as a constant reminder of his service, his vision and his unwavering commitment to our nation and to the soldiers he led. It will inspire future generations of intelligence professionals to emulate his example of leadership and selfless service.”
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kevin Boughton, former INSCOM command chief warrant officer, said Johnston envisioned closer collaboration between the Army’s intelligence training and operational communities.
Boughton said Johnston believed the distance between the Intelligence Center of Excellence and INSCOM’s operational units “shouldn’t be measured in miles,” but instead by “a seamless flow of data, doctrine, and talent” where operational experience and institutional knowledge move freely between soldiers in the field and those training the next generation.
Johnston graduated from Russellville High School in 1983 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech in 1987. Through the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, he received his commission as a U.S. Army officer.
During a military career spanning more than 34 years, Johnston served in command and staff assignments ranging from platoon level to senior leadership within the Army and Department of Defense. He deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
In 2015, Johnston became the seventh graduate of Arkansas Tech’s Army ROTC program to attain the rank of general officer. He was promoted to major general in 2017.
He concluded his military career as commanding general of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, overseeing approximately 17,500 personnel operating in more than 40 countries.
Army leaders credited Johnston with helping modernize military intelligence by laying the groundwork for the establishment of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, which was formally created in 2022 after his retirement. He also led development of what became the Army Intelligence Data Platform, designed to incorporate advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning into intelligence operations while supporting future large-scale combat operations.
Johnston also promoted data science education within the military intelligence community by partnering with George Mason University to provide specialized training for Army warrant officers.
Colleagues remembered Johnston not only for his strategic vision but also for his leadership style. Despite working in one of the Army’s most demanding operational environments, they described him as a source of humor, kindness and encouragement whose focus remained on the soldiers, civilians and contractors carrying out the intelligence mission.
Johnston retired from active duty in 2021 and died in January 2022.
His latest recognitions add to previous honors from his alma mater. Johnston was a member of the inaugural Arkansas Tech Army ROTC Hall of Honor in 2017 and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Distinction in 2019.
Arkansas
Arkansas Lottery Mega Millions, Cash 3 winning numbers for July 7, 2026
The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Tuesday, July 7, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 7 drawing
02-31-35-36-63, Mega Ball: 12
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from July 7 drawing
Midday: 6-0-0
Evening: 0-0-8
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from July 7 drawing
Midday: 3-7-6-5
Evening: 7-2-5-0
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from July 7 drawing
10-18-26-33-38
Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 7 drawing
27-43-48-49-50, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
- Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
- Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
- Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
- LOTTO: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arkansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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