INTERVIEW: Big-Picture Perspective On Colleges Ending Football Programs
On December 2, the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced it is cutting its football, bowling and rifle teams after the 2014-2015 season, triggering intense emotions from students and the community. UAB President Dr. Ray L. Watts cited the high cost of keeping the programs competitive, especially football, as a factor in the decision. According to university officials, $20 million of the $30 million athletic department’s budget is subsidized. This is the first time in two decades a school of UAB’s size ended its football program.
While the reason for the cuts is the subject of some dispute, nationally, colleges and universities are struggling with the growing costs of maintaining competitive athletic programs. Some experts think UAB is at the forefront of a new trend. Malcolm Moran, the director of the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University, has reported on college athletics for more than 30 years. He tells WBHM’s Dan Carsen why schools — especially those outside the five largest athletic conferences — might start scaling back costly collegiate athletic programs:
Alcohol poisoning deaths in Laos renew concerns about methanol. Here’s what to know
The U.S., Australia and U.K. have issued warnings for travelers in Vang Vieng after several tourists died in a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak.
Trump taps Brooke Rollins of America First Policy Institute for agriculture secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Brooke Rollins, head of the America First Policy Institute, to oversee the Department of Agriculture. She has a long history in conservative politics.
Winter storms sweep across the U.S. while a new system is expected for Thanksgiving
A major storm dropped more snow and record rain in California, while on the opposite side of the country blizzard or winter storm warnings were in effect Saturday.
Infant dies and 10 others sick in latest listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat
The cases appeared in California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York between July 31 and Oct. 24, the CDC said. Nine out of the 11 infected individuals were hospitalized.
NATO head and Trump meet in Florida for talks on global security
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and the head of NATO, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach for talks on global security, the military alliance said Saturday.
Climate change plays a role in global rise of dengue fever
Over 12 million cases of dengue fever were reported in 2024, the most ever. A study suggests climate change has likely played a significant role in the disease's expansion.
