WEATHER ALERT
UN nuclear agency’s board condemns Iran for the 2nd time this year for failing to fully cooperate
Read full article: UN nuclear agency’s board condemns Iran for the 2nd time this year for failing to fully cooperateThe U.N. nuclear watchdog’s board has condemned Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the agency, the second time it has done so in just five months.
North Carolina's public universities cut 59 positions as part of a massive DEI overhaul this summer
Read full article: North Carolina's public universities cut 59 positions as part of a massive DEI overhaul this summerNewly released reports from North Carolina's public university system to prove compliance with a new systemwide diversity policy show several DEI position cuts and reassignments were made.
NBA expands permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds plays
Read full article: NBA expands permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds playsThe NBA has expanded the permissible scope of coach’s challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds plays, saying Tuesday that if a foul should have been called on the play it now can be assessed shortly after the fact.
After diversity pushback, some faculty feel left in dark at North Carolina's flagship university
Read full article: After diversity pushback, some faculty feel left in dark at North Carolina's flagship universitySeveral programs of diversity, equity and inclusion are at risk of elimination at North Carolina's flagship university after the University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to scrap a previous diversity policy in May and replace it with a new one.
WNBA players' union leader is concerned league being undervalued in new media rights deal
Read full article: WNBA players' union leader is concerned league being undervalued in new media rights dealWNBA players' union head Terri Jackson is concerned the league is being undervalued with the $2.2 billion over 11 years it will receive as part of the NBA’s recently approved media rights deals.
UN nuclear agency's board votes to censure Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the watchdog
Read full article: UN nuclear agency's board votes to censure Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the watchdogDiplomats say the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s board has censured Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the agency.
Proposed $2.8 billion settlement clears second step of NCAA approval. Big 12, ACC approve deal
Read full article: Proposed $2.8 billion settlement clears second step of NCAA approval. Big 12, ACC approve dealA potential multibillion-dollar settlement of an antitrust lawsuit cleared the second of a three-step NCAA approval process Tuesday, with no change to a payment structure that would have the 27 college conferences not named in the suit cover the majority of a $1.6 billion portion of the damages.
UNC board slashes diversity program funding to divert money to public safety resources
Read full article: UNC board slashes diversity program funding to divert money to public safety resourcesThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted to cut diversity program funding for next year's budget starting July 1.
WBC strips Jermall Charlo of middleweight title following DUI arrest. Carlos Adames is new champion
Read full article: WBC strips Jermall Charlo of middleweight title following DUI arrest. Carlos Adames is new championThe World Boxing Council has stripped unbeaten Jermall Charlo of his middleweight title following his arrest this week on suspicion of drunken driving in Texas.
Georgian protesters against 'Russia-style' media law mark Orthodox Easter with candlelight vigil
Read full article: Georgian protesters against 'Russia-style' media law mark Orthodox Easter with candlelight vigilSeveral thousand Georgians have marked Orthodox Easter with a candlelight vigil outside Parliament in the capital, Tbilisi.
North Carolina university committee swiftly passes policy change that could cut diversity staff
Read full article: North Carolina university committee swiftly passes policy change that could cut diversity staffDiversity, equity and inclusion staff members' jobs in North Carolina's public university system could be at risk.
North Korea's new reactor at nuclear site likely to be formally operational next summer, Seoul says
Read full article: North Korea's new reactor at nuclear site likely to be formally operational next summer, Seoul saysSouth Korea's Defense Minister Shin Wonsik has said that a light-water reactor at North Korea’s main nuclear complex will likely be formally operational by next summer.
Grossi set for second term at helm of UN nuclear watchdog
Read full article: Grossi set for second term at helm of UN nuclear watchdogThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is set for another four-year term at the helm of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog as it grapples with monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and tries to shore up the safety of power plants in Ukraine.
Board of Governors confirms Ben Sasse as next University of Florida president
Read full article: Board of Governors confirms Ben Sasse as next University of Florida presidentNebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse won final approval Wednesday to become the 13th president of the University of Florida, capping a swift and sometimes contentious process.
Gov. DeSantis signs higher education reform bill dealing with accreditation, tenure
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs higher education reform bill dealing with accreditation, tenureSaying organizations that accredit colleges and universities have an “inordinate amount of power,” Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday that will force schools to periodically change accreditors.
Embattled Federal Reserve pick Raskin withdraws nomination
Read full article: Embattled Federal Reserve pick Raskin withdraws nominationSarah Bloom Raskin has withdrawn her nomination to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, That's according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity before an official announcement.
Florida universities plan ‘normal’ operations amid COVID-19 spike
Read full article: Florida universities plan ‘normal’ operations amid COVID-19 spikeState universities are staying on track for a return to normal “pre-pandemic” operations as the fall semester approaches, while Florida grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Funding debate remains in controversial Bright Futures bill
Read full article: Funding debate remains in controversial Bright Futures billTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Senate panel on Tuesday scaled back a bill that would have reduced Bright Futures scholarships for students pursuing certain degrees, but opponents are now focusing criticism on whether the measure will jeopardize future funding for the program. “I got well over 2,000 communications regarding this bill, so this is a very popular bill,” Baxley said of the controversial proposal, eliciting laughs from some lawmakers on the panel. AdAfter the outcry that included a student-led opposition campaign, most controversial parts of the bill have been eliminated. However, the lists would have no bearing on the awarding of Bright Futures scholarships and Benacquisto Scholarships for National Merit scholars. AdSeo is part of the student-led group Save Bright Futures, which was formed in response to the bill.
Florida Senate likely to scale back Bright Futures bill
Read full article: Florida Senate likely to scale back Bright Futures billThe measure is scheduled to be heard Tuesday by the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee. However, the lists would have no bearing on how Bright Futures scholarships and Benacquisto Scholarships for National Merit scholars are awarded. Ron DeSantis voiced his support for the Bright Futures program, telling reporters that he wants to fully fund the scholarships. “I’ve made very clear, I think Bright Futures is something that Florida families have relied upon. Even as he proposed changes to his bill, Baxley wrote Monday that he still wants to strengthen a connection between higher education and the workforce.
Florida lawmakers put Bright Futures revamp on hold
Read full article: Florida lawmakers put Bright Futures revamp on holdTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A controversial Senate proposal that would cut state-backed Bright Futures scholarships for students in degree programs that don’t “lead directly to employment” has been put on hold and is expected to undergo changes. Under the bill, if students at state colleges and universities enroll in degree programs that are not on lists of “approved” programs, they would not be eligible for Bright Futures scholarships. Students who have not chosen degree programs would be eligible to have 60 hours of coursework covered by the scholarship. At least some of that input is coming from a group of prospective college students who are opposing the bill under the moniker Save Bright Futures. Baxley’s proposal would tie the amount of students’ Bright Futures scholarships to the amount appropriated in the state budget.
UN atomic watchdog: Iran now operating Natanz centrifuges
Read full article: UN atomic watchdog: Iran now operating Natanz centrifugesRafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters in Vienna that the 174 centrifuges had been moved into a new area of the Natanz nuclear site and had recently begun operating. The nuclear deal signed by the United States, Germany, France, Britain, China and Russia allows Iran only to keep a stockpile of 202.8 kilograms (447 pounds). Iran has openly announced all its violations of the nuclear deal in advance, following President Donald Trump's 2018 decision to pull America out of the deal. The deal promised Iran economic incentives in exchange for the curbs on its nuclear program. After an explosion at the Natanz nuclear site in July, which Iran called sabotage, Tehran said it would build a new, more secure, structure in the mountains around the area.
NBA Foundation created, pledges $300 million to Black growth
Read full article: NBA Foundation created, pledges $300 million to Black growthEach team will donate $1 million annually, or $30 million collectively, over those 10 years. NBPA President Chris Paul had said earlier in the season restart at Walt Disney World that $300 million would be the start, and now those plans are complete. All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada, NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum said. These are the three main areas of our social responsibility work at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and where we personally invest in our community, Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said. Efforts will be centered on helping people get a first job, finding careers after high school or college, then career advancement.
Big 12 to allow teams to play 1 nonconference football game
Read full article: Big 12 to allow teams to play 1 nonconference football gameTwo people familiar involved with the decision say the Big 12 will permit its teams to play one nonconference football game this year to go along with their nine league contests as plans for the pandemic-altered season continued to fall into place. The Big 12 university presidents signed off on the conferences scheduling model, which gives schools the ability to play one nonconference game at home. The 10-team Big 12 already plays a nine-game, round-robin conference schedule. Unlike other Power Five conference that have switched to either exclusively (Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC) or mostly (ACC) league games this season, the Big 12 could not add more conference games without teams playing each other more than once. As conferences take steps toward a football season that seems to be in precarious shape, the NCAA is expected to weigh in Tuesday on fall sports other than major-college football.
Division I leagues urge patience from NCAA on fall sports
Read full article: Division I leagues urge patience from NCAA on fall sportsMore than two dozen Division I conferences have urged the NCAA Board of Governors to hold off on making any decision about conducting fall championships until a majority of leagues determine whether to hold regular-season competition during the pandemic. In its letter, the CCA said it was concerned to learn the board is contemplating taking action soon to cancel all fall season NCAA championships because of concerns related to COVID-19. The CCA's letter recommended delaying any decision on fall championships to allow more conferences to make their own decisions regarding regular-season play. In major college football, the NCAA has no say whatsoever. Championship tournaments for mens and womens soccer, for example, take place in November and December, which is the first full month of the basketball season.
NCAA football oversight asks board for time on fall sports
Read full article: NCAA football oversight asks board for time on fall sportsFILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) is tackled by Clemson during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. The NCAA's latest guidance for playing college sports during the COVID-19 pandemic recommends testing players once a week within 72 hours of competition. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)The NCAA football oversight committee is asking the associations Board of Governors to avoid making a decision later this week on whether to conduct fall championships as college sports tries to find a path to play through the pandemic. The board could decide to call off NCAA championship events in fall sports such as soccer, womens volleyball and lower-division football. The NCAA has no authority to postpone or cancel specific seasons, a decision that would be up to individual schools or their conferences.
Senate panel now likely to back questionable Trump Fed pick
Read full article: Senate panel now likely to back questionable Trump Fed pickThe committee's support would move Shelton's nomination to the full Senate, which would have until the end of the year to confirm or reject it. Late Monday, Sen. John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, said he would support Shelton's nomination, essentially guaranteeing that she would win the votes of all 13 GOP senators on the committee. Toomey said he would support Shelton after she had reassured him that she would not seek to lower the value of the dollar. Since Shelton's hearing in February, the coronavirus pandemic has plunged the U.S. economy into its worst downturn since the Depression. In addition to Shelton, Trump has nominated Christopher Waller, research director at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, for a second vacancy on the seven-member Fed board.
University reopening plans given green light
Read full article: University reopening plans given green lightThe Florida university systems Board of Governors on Tuesday approved individual reopening plans put together by each of the states 12 state universities. At Florida Gulf Coast University, optional testing will be provided to all students and employees prior to their return to campus. For example, Florida A&M plans to install temperature kiosks at busy campus locations, such as libraries. University of North Florida President David Szymanski said university students will be asked to conduct their own temperature checks and self-report their well-being to school officials prior to entering classrooms or buildings. Lydecker asked Szymanski if the Jacksonville university would consider prohibiting students from attending the convention, to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on campus.
Florida universities to lay out plans for reopening campuses
Read full article: Florida universities to lay out plans for reopening campusesPreparing to present plans Tuesday to the university systems Board of Governors, leaders of state universities have finalized details of how they will reopen campuses for the fall semester. Representatives of each of the 12 universities are slated to go before the Board of Governors to present plans at UCFs campus in Orlando. Florida State University trustees, for example, approved a plan Thursday that calls for following social-distancing guidelines and requiring face masks. As of right now, the University of Florida plans to fully reopen all of its campuses for the fall 2020 semester, including UF Alachua. Universities have been directed to be flexible with their plans as the situation is fluid.
Florida State releases draft of school’s reopening plan
Read full article: Florida State releases draft of school’s reopening planTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State University expects to reopen its campus this fall, but most classes will remain online and plans being presented to the Board of Trustees are subject to change. Now the university has released its draft plan for students to return in the fall. “Really important classes for people before they enter their majors for example, or that are really critical classes for them,” McRorie said. Karen Morian, president of the United Faculty of Florida, said the school’s plan appears to align with faculty recommendations, highlighting the need for flexibility. The university will finalize its reopening plan Thursday so it can be reviewed by the Board of Governors next Tuesday.
Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of Governors
Read full article: Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of GovernorsLOS ANGELES Filmmaker Ava DuVernay has been elected to the film academys Board of Governors for the first time. The academy has increased the number of women and people of color on the board. Incumbent governors reelected include Whoopi Goldberg, Dolemite Is My Name screenwriter Larry Karaszewski and Participant Media CEO David Linde among others. The organization that puts on the Oscars said that the number of women on the board has gone from 25 to 26 and people of color from 11 to 12. The Board of Governors represent each of the academys 17 branches and work to set the organizations strategy, finances and fulfillment of its mission.
More details emerge on reopening universities
Read full article: More details emerge on reopening universitiesThe 12 state universities continue to work on plans, which they are supposed to present June 23 to the Board of Governors. The plans will flesh out details about issues such as student housing, academics, health protocols and athletics. The universitys draft reopening plan, released on Monday, notes that students and faculty members returning to classrooms will be required to wear face masks. However, Nelson said the school will try to offer tests to people who express concerns about exposure to the virus. And the goal, along those lines, is to accommodate as many fans as our health leadership deems appropriate, Stricklin said.
Summer commencement ceremony alternatives eyed
Read full article: Summer commencement ceremony alternatives eyedTALLAHASSEE, Fla. The state university systems Board of Governors on Thursday asked all universities to develop plans for alternatives to in-person summer commencement ceremonies because of the coronavirus pandemic. In-person ceremonies had to be scrapped in the spring because of concerns about spreading the virus. Universities were creative with their spring commencement festivities, and each of them found ways to celebrate their graduates and their achievements. We are confident that the summer graduates will be equally celebrated, the Board of Governor said in a news release. University leaders are then supposed to present those plans to the board on June 23.
AP sources: No consensus yet on NBA return-to-play plan
Read full article: AP sources: No consensus yet on NBA return-to-play planSilver, who has been closely working with the National Basketball Players Association, has not revealed when or how a formal decision will ultimately be made. ESPN reported that the league is planning a Thursday vote to ratify whatever proposal Silver recommends. The only teams left at this point without a known reopening plan for their practice facilities are Detroit, San Antonio and Golden State. The NBPA has not responded to requests for comment on how the financial implications of lost games would affect players. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
NCAA board approves athlete compensation for image, likeness
Read full article: NCAA board approves athlete compensation for image, likenessBruce Bennett/Getty ImagesThe NCAA took a major step Tuesday toward allowing college athletes to cash in on their fame, voting to permit them to "benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness.'' Board chair Michael Drake, the president of Ohio State University, said the NCAA must embrace change and modernize "to provide the best possible experience for college athletes.'' "California has made it clear that we won't accept any arbitrary limitations on college athletes' right to their name, image, and likeness,'' state Sen. Nancy Skinner, who co-sponsored the bill, posted in Twitter. NCAA rules allow for an athletic scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, books and a cost-of-attendance stipend. "But the ultimate question is how are the rules modified to both allow college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness while also being consistent with the collegiate model,'' Feldman said.
NCAA says athletes may profit from name, image and likeness
Read full article: NCAA says athletes may profit from name, image and likeness(CNN) - The NCAA Board of Governors on Tuesday voted unanimously to allow student-athletes to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness once its three divisions decide on rules for such opportunities. "We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes," said Michael Drake, chair of the board for the NCAA, which governs major college athletics. The board's action was based on recommendations from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group, which includes presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes. The NCAA said new rules should continue to make compensation for play impermissible and that athletes are not employees of the universities. The NCAA has three divisions for athletics -- Division I, Division II and Division III.
NCAA will permit athletes to be compensated for their names, images, likenesses
Read full article: NCAA will permit athletes to be compensated for their names, images, likenessesRonald Martinez/Getty ImagesATLANTA - The NCAA Board of Governors has taken the first step toward allowing athletes to cash in on their fame. The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to clear the way for the amateur athletes to "benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness." In a news release, board chair Michael V. Drake said the board realized that it "must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes." It is an important early step in a process that could take months or even years to work its way through the NCAA various layers. NCAA rules have long barred players from hiring agents and the association has steadfastly refused to allow players to be paid by their schools, with some exceptions.
Calif. bill could help college athletes get paid for endorsements
Read full article: Calif. bill could help college athletes get paid for endorsementsThese college athletes would also be able to hire an agent licensed by the state to represent them in any deals. Nancy Skinner and Steven Bradford, and if Newsom signs SB 206 into law, it would go into effect on January 1, 2023. The debate over NCAA amateurism and the money that the NCAA and schools generate through college athletic programs has raged on for years. Current NCAA amateurism rules are put in place to distinguish college athletes from professional athletes. "The NCAA Board of Governors has monitored SB 206 as it has moved through the California legislative process," the NCAA said in a statement.