Stem cells, vaccines and politics? Honestly, those hot-button topics get covered so often that we're practically numb to them these days. But the issue of whether or not to allow dogs in road races can be one of the most contentious questions facing event owners. Here are the rules race directors are making and the reasoning behind them.

A lifeguard shortage is one thing but it is worsened when new guards are hired quickly and trained only in first aid and lifesaving - but not pool chemistry and swimming education, the far more involved certifications. It's not an isolated problem, and as cities continue to grapple with Poolmageddon, new strategies will be needed nationwide.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), a historic conference made up of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has announced the introduction of Women's Flag Football at seven of its HBCU member institutions. Flag will launch in spring 2025, further enhancing opportunities for female student athletes at HBCUs.

After more than 20 years of lobbying for Olympic inclusion, squash will be featured as a showcase sport in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. And with the exception of its national governing body and playing pros, few will be as excited to see it as youth from low- to moderate income areas who have been participating in squash/study programs nationwide.

Fan behavior is worse now than it was five years ago, according to security directors at professional sports venues, and their top concerns include active shooter situations, alcohol abuse, weapons and vehicle ramming. Those are just some of the findings from the recently published “Venue Security Director Survey: 2024 Industry Research Report.”

Hyrox, a fast-growing fitness race, will bring its most coveted event to the USA (to Chicago, in fact) next year for only the second time since its founding in 2017. Hyrox is seen as a competitor to CrossFit, whose image has suffered since the death of an international competitor in August at a CrossFit Games in Texas. Will Chicago be a turning point?