The calm before the score. | Photo courtesy of Elliott Hess, UK Athletics | Elliott Hess
The University of Kentucky parted ways with head Coach Mark Stoops after his 13th season with Kentucky football, according to a statement from UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart.
Stoops was the longest-tenured coach in Kentucky football history and, according to UK Athletics, the longest-serving among all current SEC coaches. He also leaves as the winningest coach in program history, having shaped the trajectory of Kentucky football for more than a decade.
UK now owes Stoops the rest of his contract, and with his buyout priced at $38 million, this is one of the priciest firings college football has ever seen, according to CBS Sports.
The termination followed a season-ending 41-0 loss to University of Louisville where UK did not earn bowl game eligibility. The rivalry loss topped off the team’s 5-7 overall record, where they were 2-6 in the SEC and ranked 11th.
Bluegrass Gives | 6 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | Lexington | Free | Donate today to support local nonprofits and celebrate the community of Central and Appalachia Kentucky this Giving Tuesday.*
Bluegrass Jam | 6-9 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Free
Lexington could launch two new programs next year to help residents get to appointments and essential services. The city council has proposed $850,000 in funding for a microtransit pilot and subsidized Lyft rides, with a final vote scheduled for today. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Today Is
Giving Tuesday, the national day of generosity after Thanksgiving, encourages donations and volunteering. This year, Editor Alexis will support the Lexington Humane Society, with donations matched and a portion of sales at participating local businesses donated.
Feel Good
Fayette County Public Schools opened its second barbershop at Winburn Middle School where students can receive haircuts, boost confidence, and encourage healthy conversations. The barbershops are in collaboration with Sharp Futures, a program dedicated to developing student mentorship in a welcoming atmosphere. (ABC 36)
Eat
Have you been able to snag a reservation at Mileta yet? One of Lexington’s newer additions to the restaurant scene, this scratch kitchen offers the feel of a cozy hidden gem among the action of Fayette Mall. Enjoy handmade pasta, signature cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
Number
We’re on the hunt for Blaklee. According to a recent study, five out of 176 Americans named Blaklee (2014-2024) were born in Kentucky. Is that you? Blaklees write in. (WBBJ)
Sports
The tiny island nation of Curaçao recently became the smallest-ever country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, boasting a population of just 156,000 people. The group stage draw will take place in Washington, DC on Friday, Dec. 5, but we’re already dreaming of a flight from Blue Grass Airport to catch a taste of the action next summer. (AP News)
Plan Ahead
🗓️ No plans? Not this December
Oh yes, there’s plenty going on at Lexington Opera House. | Photo by Lexington Opera House
Lucky you. You just found LEXtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout the Horse Capital of the World each month.
Mark your calendars and check back — we update monthly.
Seasonal
Holiday Market - Lavender In Bloom | Saturday, Dec. 6 | Times vary | Lavender In Bloom, Georgetown | Price of purchase | Explore handmade goods, ornament painting, candle-making workshops, a bath salt bar and free product giveaways.
Downtown Lexington’s Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m. | Downtown Lexington | Free | Santa and a lineup of local holiday floats will make their way down Main Street for this annual community tradition.
Classes
Holiday Basketmaking Workshop | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky | $40 | Head to the Arboretum for an interactive basket-making session.
Royal Icing Cookie Class at the Holly Day Market | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Alltech Arena | $45 |Take a 90-minute Royal Icing Cookie Class at the Holly Day Market with Sweet and Sassy Ashley’s LLC. Supplies, admission and parking are included.
City Guides are presented by VisitLEX. Want to stay connected with the best of Lexington? Sign up for the VisitLEX Newsletter — hint, it’s free.
The Buy
The perfect two-piece sweater set for winter. It features a long sleeve crew neck top paired with a split hem midi skirt. We love that it’s cute, comfy, and warm, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Bonus: It’s available in some great seasonal colorways like almond white + red white.
I completed my first ever turkey trot last week, and even though I didn’t prepare in the slightest, I did better than I thought. Maybe I should hit the trails and gear up for another holiday run.
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