Latest news with #CIAA
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte's bold power play to bring CIAA Tournament home
When it comes to HBCU basketball, few events match the energy, culture, and community of the CIAA Tournament. And now, Charlotte is putting on a full-court press to bring the iconic event back to the Queen City—where many believe it truly belongs. After hosting the CIAA Tournament from 2006 to 2020, Charlotte is bidding to reclaim it for the 2028–2030 cycle, challenging current host Baltimore for the future of one of Black college sports' most celebrated weeks. Despite a scheduling conflict in 2027, city leaders are confident that the revamped proposal signals a new era of commitment to HBCU excellence. Advertisement During its original run, Charlotte generated over $650 million in economic impact, drawing fans from across the country. This time, city officials are leaning into even stronger infrastructure: hotel capacity is up 38% since 2020, and major upgrades—like the $245 million renovation of Spectrum Center—highlight Charlotte's readiness to host on a grander scale. 'Charlotte was always the CIAA's spiritual home,' said Councilman Malcolm Graham, a Johnson C. Smith University alum. 'This is more than basketball. It's about culture, equity, and legacy.' The city's pitch also taps into North Carolina's new major events fund, created alongside sports betting legislation, potentially easing financial burdens. Hotel pricing concerns—once a deal-breaker—have been addressed to avoid requiring rigid rate structures. And with everything from fan fests to scholarship galas proposed within city-owned venues, security and experience take center stage. Baltimore, which has hosted the tournament since 2021, brings a strong track record, including a $1.5 million annual scholarship commitment. But Charlotte aims to match that and raise the stakes with a more centralized and culturally immersive experience. Advertisement The CIAA Board of Presidents will vote this summer. If successful, Charlotte could welcome the CIAA back starting in 2028—ready to rewrite history where it all began. Related: HBCU school sparks major buzz with bold talent move Related: HBCU legend makes unique decision on NCAA future
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football D2 showcase moved to ESPNU
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Two traditional HBCU football powers are set to collide under the lights in Montgomery as Tuskegee University and Winston-Salem State University meet in the 2025 Red Tails Classic. Scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the historic Cramton Bowl, the game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and air live on ESPNU. The matchup marks the first time these HBCU stalwarts have faced each other in five years and their first meeting in the Red Tails Classic. This will be Tuskegee's fifth straight appearance in the event, solidifying its role as the game's anchor. Head coach Aaron James enters the season with a strong cast of returners, aiming to build on the momentum from a promising 2024 campaign. For Winston-Salem State, this marks the program's debut in the Red Tails Classic. The Rams, 12-time champions of the CIAA, are coming off a 7-3 overall record and 5-2 conference finish in 2024. They become the second CIAA program to compete in the Red Tails Classic, following in the footsteps of Virginia State. Both teams boast deep traditions at the NCAA Division II level and have clashed before in postseason action-meeting in back-to-back Pioneer Bowls in 1999 and 2000. Their renewed rivalry promises to bring added intrigue to the season opener. The Red Tails Classic is more than just football-it honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering group of African American pilots who served in World War II. The game shines a national spotlight on HBCU culture, tradition, and excellence through football, bands, and community events. With pride, history, and bragging rights on the line, the 2025 Red Tails Classic is shaping up to be a can't-miss HBCU showcase. The post HBCU football D2 showcase moved to ESPNU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Nepal Parliament in deadlock as opposition demands Home Minister's resignation ahead of Thursday's budget
Kathmandu: A deadlock has started in the House of Representatives- the lower house of Nepal parliament with opposition demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak ahead of Thursday's planned budget announcement. Opposition parties started the protest demanding Lekhak's resignation citing his moral responsibility in the unfolding visit visa scam. "In the Tribhuvan (International) Airport, extortion is being made from those flying abroad on a visit visa, and there are reports that confirm that members of the Home Minister's secretariat are directly involved. It is not an ordinary case of corruption; it is looting from the people who are flying abroad in search of job opportunities and organised human trafficking," former finance minister and lawmaker, Barshaman Pun, from the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre, said on Tuesday's meeting. The anomalies were unearthed after an anti-graft agency, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authorities (CIAA), spotlighted numerous actors, including immigration officers, travel agents, and even those with controversial histories in government offices. Among those key figures, Joint Secretary at Home Ministry Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, emblematic of the system's return to a high-ranking position at TIA after a controversial tenure elsewhere, raised eyebrows. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had appointed him as the Chief of Immigration at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who had previously also been implicated in corruption scandals and cases. Bhattarai was transferred back to the Home Minister just a day before the CIAA raid at the Immigration office at the airport. On May 21, Bhattarai, the Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry and former Chief Immigration Officer at Tribhuvan International Airport, was arrested by police following the CIAA probe into alleged links with a human trafficking ring. He had only been transferred to the Home Ministry the previous evening. Prior to that, he headed the immigration office at TIA, where the CIAA launched a raid shortly before his arrest. The raid was initiated by the anti-graft agency following multiple complaints about officials collecting large sums of money and illegally facilitating foreign travel on visit visas. The CIAA also confiscated computers, mobile phones, and other devices from the immigration office for detailed investigation. The opposition has called for the resignation of Home Minister Lekhak, claiming he might intervene in the investigation, which also involves his secretariat members. "This is a serious issue; the Home Minister should open the way to create an environment for an impartial investigation into the case. We would request that. Until and unless such a situation is formed, all the opposition parties will not let the daily procedure (of parliament) move forward," Barshaman Pun announced further. The lawmakers cited media reports that the scam involved the collection of hefty bribes from individuals seeking to travel abroad on visit visas. The scam allegedly operated with the assistance of officials at the immigration office and had links to people in the Private Secretariat of Home Minister Lekhak. The Maoist Centre and RSP have both publicly said that Lekhak's resignation is essential for maintaining public trust in the state's ability to conduct a fair inquiry. "The question has been raised over the minister; investigations should be made, and he should resign. But we are not only demanding resignation; an impartial investigation should be made on this issue of corruption, organised human trafficking, organised crime and money laundering. For the investigation, a high-level committee should be formed to investigate the matter, till then the parliament cannot function," Shishir Khanal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker said. As per the lawmakers, travellers heading to Europe have reportedly paid up to NRs 300,000 to ensure clearance at TIA. These illicit payments are funnelled through coded conversations, unregistered bank transactions, and backdoor dealings involving travel agents and corrupt officials. This system functions daily and handles hundreds of cases, with about 400 Nepalis attempting to travel on visit visas each day. The operation's scale and consistency suggest institutional complicity, with minimal fear of legal repercussions until the recent crackdown by the CIAA. Home Minister Lekhak has been under scrutiny by the opposition parties following the suspicions that these funds are funnelled up the hierarchy to senior Home Ministry officials. Several media reports also had named members of Lekhak's personal secretariat being involved in the case where the fraudulent visa scheme generates illicit payments estimated at NPR 5 million a day. Many of the key personnel at the airport, including immigration officers directly involved in visa issuance, were handpicked by the Home Minister Lekhak, which the opposition claims has now become a system driven more by loyalty than merit. As the Home Minister, Lekhak bears command responsibility for these malpractices and the broader mismanagement under his watch. The controversy escalated with Lekhak's appointment of Joint Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai as Chief Immigration Officer at TIA. With the budget scheduled for Thursday and the house in possible deadlock, the house speaker, Deb Raj Ghimire, held discussions with leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties in his chamber on Tuesday. But the efforts were unsuccessful. Nepal has the constitutional obligation of introducing the annual budget in mid-Jestha (the Second month of the Solar Calendar), which usually falls in the last week of May. On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was also scheduled to present the Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2024/25 to the lower house of the Federal Parliament. However, this has become uncertain due to ongoing obstructions in the House of Representatives.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has issued a statement following the CIAA's decision not to consider Charlotte as a host city for its men's and women's basketball tournaments from 2027 through 2029. "We have been informed by the CIAA that Charlotte will not be considered as a host city for the upcoming tournament cycle," the CRVA said. "While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are proud of the strong, collaborative bid submitted by the City of Charlotte, the CRVA, and the Charlotte Sports Foundation." The CIAA Tournament, which called Charlotte home from 2006 to 2020, relocated to Baltimore in 2021. It will remain there through at least 2029, following the latest extension. The Queen City's bid focused on its evolving stature as a major event destination, strong hospitality sector, and proven history with the event. A key issue in the decision was scheduling. When the CIAA requested 2027 dates in early 2025, key venues in the were already booked due to prior commitments. The CRVA noted that this reflected the city's continued rise as a sought-after host for major events. Despite the scheduling challenge, officials emphasized that their proposal highlighted the city's growth and readiness to once again embrace the tournament. "This effort showcased the evolution of our city, the strength of our venues, and the vibrancy of our hospitality community," the CRVA said. While disappointed, the CRVA remains hopeful for future opportunities. "We remain optimistic that Charlotte will have the opportunity to welcome the tournament back in the future." As the CIAA continues its run in Baltimore, Charlotte continues to look ahead, aiming to remain a player in hosting large-scale sporting and cultural events. The post Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CIAA makes decision on Charlotte's tournament bid
Charlotte's bid failed due to Spectrum Center scheduling conflicts. CIAA generated $650 million for Charlotte from 2006-2020. ALSO READ: From last to first: Chastain gets victory at Coca-Cola 600 The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will stay in Baltimore rather than return to Charlotte for its annual basketball tournament beginning in 2027, CBJ has learned from sources close to the situation. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority subsequently confirmed the decision to CBJ. Read more here. (WATCH BELOW: CLT gets through Memorial Day weekend with few delays)
