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.
Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
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.
-
Sports2 minutes agoAfter 55 years as a broadcaster in L.A., Randy Rosenbloom is leaving town
-
World14 minutes agoBulgaria votes in eighth election in five years
-
News44 minutes agoReal estate investors are buying up long-term care facilities. Residents can suffer
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoFormer Piston shows Detroit what they’re missing as he dominates next to LeBron
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoEastbound I-80 closure in San Francisco snarls traffic, slows business
-
Videos3 hours agoCan Keir Starmer survive the latest Mandelson revelations? | BBC News
-
Dallas, TX3 hours agoPetar Musa’s Brace Not Enough as FC Dallas Draws LA Galaxy 2-2
-
Miami, FL3 hours agoMLS: Messi double helps Inter Miami slay Rapids in front of huge crowd