Kentucky
President Trump approves emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – On Friday, President Donald Trump approved Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for Kentucky in response to the devastating April floods.
In a statement, Congressman James Comer announced the approval, writing, “President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action today by approving a major disaster declaration for Kentucky, unlocking critical federal resources to support our communities in the wake of devastating flooding.”
Congressman Comer explained the federal declaration unlocks funding through the Individual Assistance (IA) program, enabling individuals affected by the flooding to receive reimbursement for essential expenses and serious needs not covered by insurance or other forms of aid.
“Eligible assistance may include rental support, home repairs or replacement, temporary lodging, and other critical expenses,” Congressman Comer wrote.
In a letter to President Trump on April 14, Congressman Comer says he and Kentucky’s federal delegation expressed their support for Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The request for a disaster declaration was the second that Governor Beshear has had to submit to the president so far this year.
Governor Beshear says FEMA’s response to February’s flooding was some of the best he’s seen.
“In total, families in 16 counties were deemed eligible for individual assistance, and 68 counties for public assistance. As of April 21st, FEMA has approved, for the February flooding, $36 million to assist more than 6,000 Kentucky households under the individual and households program,” said Governor Beshear.
Some counties impacted by this month’s flooding were not included in Governor Beshear’s initial request for the disaster declaration. Beshear has previously promised to amend the request to include other counties once approved by President Trump.
“What I’d tell those counties and those families is we want you to be a part too, we’re just following the process in the past that has given us the best chance for success but we see you and we hear you and we’re gonna do everything we can to fight to make sure that you’re included as well,” said Governor Beshear.
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Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
Time is of the essence if you’re Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats right now. With the transfer portal set to close in just a few days, chaos reigns as programs and players scramble to secure their next opportunities. Among the fray is Kentucky, which finds itself navigating a tumultuous landscape in search of elite talent. With many of the Top 25 players already committed, the urgency for the Wildcats to land a game-changing recruit has never been more at the forefront following this season.
One of Pope’s primary targets is Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman. The 6-foot-9 rising junior made waves during his time at Syracuse, averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 47.4 percent from the field last season. His potential is undeniable; many experts predict Freeman will be a future first-round NBA draft pick, making him a coveted asset for any program.
Freeman’s recent visit to Kentucky has sparked much-needed hope. However, despite positive feedback from his trip, he left without making a commitment to join one of college basketball’s blue bloods. The competition is fierce. The question looms: Can Kentucky outmaneuver these schools and secure his commitment?
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Well, Friday morning, the Cats were able to outlast one of their deepest competitions for now in Connecticut. Freeman was set to make his way to see the Huskies, but he has since cancelled his Friday visit, per UConn Report (subscription required). Now it appears the Huskies officially have bowed out of the race. That’s one down, and just the Alabama Crimson Tide, it appears, stands in the way for Mark Pope and Kentucky.
Mark Pope faces additional pressure following the return of Rob Wright to BYU, leaving the Wildcats in a precarious position when it comes to key portal targets. They need to act swiftly to avoid being left without significant talent as the portal closes. Freeman’s skill set would not only bolster their roster but would also complement rising star Malachi Moreno, as Freeman would be the ideal fit for the power forward.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Mark Pope and his ability to close this deal. The stakes are high, and for Kentucky, landing Donnie Freeman could be the key to turning chaos into triumph, but will they be able to close perhaps the deal amidst the age of transfer portal madness? Well, they are one step closer now, it appears.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky basketball closing in on a Donnie Freeman commitment?
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