Chandigarh: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP state president Aman Arora on Tuesday convened a meeting to review the preparations for the upcoming elections to the five municipal corporations, 44 municipal councils, and various nagar panchayats on Dec 21. The AAP leadership highlighted that for the first time, the party introduced a mechanism in which around 350 AAP office-bearers participated in the screening process, reflecting “inclusive and fair representation”. After the meeting, Arora told media persons that a consensus emerged over 70% of the candidates and all names would be out by Wednesday. “The selection process reflects the AAP’s commitment to transparent and merit-based candidate selection for the 977 wards across five municipal corporations, committees, councils, and nagar panchayats,” said Arora. Replying to a question about the presence of BJP in the urban areas, Arora said in the recent bypolls to four assembly seats in Punjab, the saffron party got only 21% of votes in the urban areas of Barnala, 5% in the urban centres of Dera Baba Nanak and 4% in the urban areas of Giddarbaha. After the meeting, CM Mann posted on ‘X’, “Today in Chandigarh, held discussions with the party MLAs and office bearers regarding the strategy for the elections of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils of Punjab. A lot of enthusiasm was seen by all. Everyone was asked to go door to door to make people aware of the public welfare policies of the govt. I sincerely hope that this time too, like always, you will give your maximum contribution to win the elections of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils by giving sincere support.” We also published the following articles recently JLKM prepares for municipal elections Fresh off its debut in the Jharkhand assembly polls, the Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha (JLKM) is setting its sights on the upcoming municipal elections. Party spokesperson Vijay Kumar Singh confirmed their preparations, attributing the election delay to the ongoing OBC survey. Fire breaks out in Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation A fire erupted at the Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation (BMC) office on Sunday afternoon, causing panic but no injuries. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, sent smoke billowing from the building housing key offices. Firefighters quickly responded with two tenders to extinguish the flames. Guntur Municipal Corporation to disconnect drinking water connections of defaulters Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) is taking strict action against commercial establishments with unpaid water bills. Facing low revenue collection, GMC Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu ordered disconnection of water and electricity supply to defaulters. Two-day notices will be issued, and hefty reconnection penalties will be imposed. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
NEW YORK — One of the country’s largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. “To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services,” the statement said. “The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used "physician work time values," which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it's unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to “reverse the proposal immediately,” saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It's not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the “nuanced, unpredictable human element” of surgery and was a clear “money grab.” “It’s incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care,” he said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we’re delighted that they came to their senses.” Prior to Anthem's announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the “concerning” policy wouldn't affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant’s policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Former foreign affairs minister Lawrence Cannon says that while he received conflicting advice about whether to issue an emergency passport to a Canadian citizen living in exile in Sudan, he was swayed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service's claim that Abousfian Abdelrazik was a national security threat. Abdelrazik is now suing the federal government and Cannon for millions of dollars, arguing they were complicit in his detention and alleged torture in Sudan. He claims the Canadian government abandoned him in Sudan for six years before the Federal Court ruled in June of 2009 that Ottawa had breached his constitutional rights and ordered him sent home. Cannon, testifying in the Ottawa courtroom where Abdelrazik's claim is being heard, was questioned for hours Tuesday afternoon about his decision to deny Abdelrazik an emergency travel document just a few months before the Federal Court ruling. Montreal man detained in Sudan gets day in court with lawsuit against Ottawa CSIS agent who briefed minister says he has no idea why Abdelrazik was denied travel document "I was informed on the rationale as to why Mr. Abdelrazik should return to Canada," said Cannon, responding to questions posed by government lawyer David Aaron. "And on the other hand, I was informed by CSIS ... as to why we should not, because he did pose a threat to national security." Abdelrazik, who was born in Sudan and became a Canadian citizen in 1995, was arrested in Sudan during a 2003 trip and interrogated while in custody by CSIS officials about suspected extremist links. The Montreal-based father has denied any involvement with terrorism and has never been charged. According to the case's agreed statement of facts, Canadian officials stated on several occasions that the federal government would issue Abdelrazik an emergency passport in the event he was able to secure a flight to Canada. Abousfian Abdelrazik speaks on the phone as he leaves the a building where his case is being heard in Federal court in Ottawa, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press) That proved to be difficult because Abdelrazik had been placed on a UN list of individuals associated with al-Qaeda . That listing prevented member states from providing him transit or entry. He was also on the U.S. no-fly list, which meant commercial airlines would not fly him to Canada. In March 2009, Abdelrazik was able to secure a seat on a flight returning to Canada the following month and applied for an emergency travel document to get home. His hopes were dashed when Cannon denied him an emergency passport on April 3, 2009, according to the agreed statement of facts. Cannon says CSIS intelligence 'central' to his decision According to emails already shown in court, a Foreign Affairs official felt the minister had "ignored" the department's advice. Cannon said it was common to receive conflicting advice as a minister. "I saw as much information as was possible," he said. Cannon said CSIS was concerned about Abdelrazik's previous travel abroad and his acquaintances, who included Ahmed Ressam, known as the "millennium bomber" for a thwarted attack on Los Angeles International Airport. He said that concern was "central" to his decision-making. Former foreign ministry official recalls fear that Abdelrazik would end up in Guantanamo "Those were issues that were most prevalent to me," Cannon testified. "I did not want to put any Canadians in jeopardy or have Mr. Abdelrazik come back to Canada and pose a threat to the security and livelihood of a number of Canadians." The court proceeding, which is in its eighth week, has heard multiple witnesses say that CSIS's objective was to keep Abdelrazik detained in Sudan. Federal lawyers have argued the government did not urge Sudan to keep him in detention or mistreat him, or create a risk that these things might happen. The RCMP cleared Abdelrazik in 2007, confirming publicly that it had no "substantive information" indicating Abdelrazik was involved in criminal activity. Abdelrazik first filed his claim against Ottawa and Cannon in 2009. It's only now being heard in Federal Court after a lengthy delay over the use of sensitive documents.Chandigarh: Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday criticised the Congress party and its leaders for their stance on the farmers and the propaganda related to the farmers’ stir. Interacting with the media persons after the filing of nomination papers by Rajya Sabha nominee Rekha Sharma, Saini said: “It’s really unfortunate that the Congress and other parties are doing politics in the name of the farmers.” Responding to the questions about the farmers’ agitation, the CM said as a son of a farmer, he understood their problems. He criticised the Congress and other opposition parties for politicising the farmers’ issues, calling it “unfortunate”. The CM also urged the opposition to refrain from engaging in politics in the name of farmers. Saini also accused the Congress of “spreading misinformation” that the BJP govt would abolish the minimum support price (MSP) for the crops. Contrary to this claim, the MSP is not being discontinued, but the Congress is losing the trust of the public, he said. We also published the following articles recently A farmers stir that does not have MSP at its core Noida farmers are locked in a protracted land dispute with authorities, demanding 10% of developed residential plots or equivalent compensation for land acquired since 1997. Despite court orders, agreements, and multiple committees, their demands remain unmet. 'All produce of farmers to be purchased at MSP': Shivraj Singh Chouhan Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to procure all marketable surplus crops at MSP, extending beyond staples like paddy and wheat. This assurance follows Rahul Gandhi's demand for immediate implementation of farmers' demands, including a legal MSP guarantee. Haryana khap leaders respond to farmers march to Delhi: Demand unity among Punjab farmers Haryana's Khap leaders have expressed their willingness to join the farmers' protest march to Delhi, but only if the divided farmer groups, especially in Punjab, unify under the United Morcha (SKM). They stressed the need for a consolidated front to strengthen the movement and criticized the lack of prior communication. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Elumelu To Govt: Prioritise Security, Improved Access To Electricity
A plan for a 100 percent social housing apartment block at the site of the old Havelock House building in South Belfast has been approved despite over 500 objections being lodged and concerns being raised by the Housing Executive. Controversy has courted the site at Ormeau Road since plans were first put forward to demolish the old UTV building, which was resisted by many locals. In November 2020, Belfast City Council refused an application by Locka Ltd, a subsidiary of Olympian Homes, to demolish the former UTV building on Belfast’s Ormeau Road to develop a 270 apartment residential building with courtyard gardens and 40 car parking spaces. The Havelock House building was demolished this year. READ MORE: Sandy Row traders tell City Hall Boyne Bridge closure has left area “log-jam or ghost town" READ MORE: Belfast City Council sends mixed message to President Elect Trump And at the council’s monthly meeting of its Planning Committee on Tuesday (December 10), elected representatives agreed an application from developer Genova North West Limited, of Banbridge, in conjunction with Clanmil Housing Association for the erection of 104 residential units across two detached blocks, ranging between three and five storeys, at Havelock Place, BT7. The plan will cost around £25 million and the developers say they are hoping to start work early next year. The development would comprise two detached blocks, ranging in height from five storeys along the Ormeau Road elevation, stepping down to three storeys to the rear. The scheme also includes internal courtyard gardens, communal amenity provision and landscaping, 29 car parking spaces within the site to the rear accessed via Ormeau Street, cycle parking and associated works. On a vote at the Planning Committee, 14 voted in favour of the application, from Sinn Féin, the DUP , the SDLP and the UUP, while four voted against from the Alliance Party. The application as listed involved 80 percent “general social housing” and over 55s accommodation, but Sinn Féin successfully proposed the plan would involve 100 percent social housing, after the applicant stated that anything less than 100 percent might result in the plan not being viable. The council received a petition from the Donegall Pass Residents Association objecting to the proposal with 462 signatories, as well as 49 other letters of objection. There were no objections from any of the statutory bodies. The key issues identified in the objections were that the application was the “wrong form” of development and social housing, and that the plan would not result in social regeneration. Objectors also referred to the plans high density, its height and alleged dominance, stating it was an “inappropriate design,” with lack of amenity space and highlighted the privacy impact, loss of light, and overshadowing They also referred to issues of security, anti-social issues, crime, nuisance, noise impact, pollution, and the impact from construction and demolition. The council received a letter from the Housing Executive on the application this week. The council officer at the Planning meeting said: “They confirmed they fully support a mixed tenure scheme of 84 social homes. “They wished to note there is a higher than average social stock in the area (35 percent compared to 26.3 percent) which will increase further with other schemes. There is higher than average private rent (45.1 percent compared to 22.7 percent), while owner occupation is 19.9 percent compared to the Belfast average of 51 percent.” The officer added: “They believe that consideration should be given to intermediate tenures, private for sale, or private for rent. They point out their waiting lists have applicants with different circumstances, different needs, and different levels of points. “They say it is essential that new homes meet a wider variety of housing needs. They don’t anticipate difficulties achieving fully mixed tenures for schemes of the scale proposed. They add a mixed tenure approach is crucial to fulfilling the Belfast Agenda and an ambition to increase city centre living.” Council planning policy states: “100 percent social housing may be deemed to meet the requirements of the policy where this addresses an identified need and is able to contribute towards sustainable and balanced communities.” It adds: “Large areas of mono-tenure social housing are not deemed to deliver sustainable communities.” Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan Murphy proposed the committee follow the recommendation of council officers to approve the application, but with 100 percent social housing. He said: “I think we are in a very bizarre situation, given the general public discourse over the past number of months, whereby NI Water have put in objections to social housing because they lack capacity. “We are in a situation where they can provide (a water connection) in this instance but it is the Housing Executive who are not supportive of the application from what I am reading in the report. “I think it is also absolutely bizarre to just disregard need, when it comes to the provision of housing.”
Little-known eating disorder nearly starved a 9-year-old: ‘It was tormenting her’Atos SE announces the completion of the settlement and delivery of its €233 million rights issueHomeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker says A New Jersey lawmaker from part of the state where several mysterious drones have been spotted in recent week says the devices appear to avoid detection by traditional methods. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was among state officials who met Wednesday with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. She says lawmakers were told the drones have dodged detection by helicopters and radio. Fantasia says DHS described the devices as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights off. The Morris County Republican made the comments in a post on X shortly after she and several other state and local lawmakers met with state police and Homeland Security officials. Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected Lawyers in the Alex Jones bankruptcy case are now in discussions on what could happen next after a federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday as the judge ordered the trustee who oversaw the auction to come up with a new plan. Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston rejected the bid late Tuesday, saying there was too much confusion about The Onion’s bid. The bankruptcy case was in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered Jones to pay for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a hoax. Sandy Hook families had backed The Onion’s bid. NFL and Nike extend their partnership with a 10-year deal, will focus on growing the sport globally IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s desire to become a global powerhouse is no secret. Nike is committed to helping the league continue expanding its worldwide reach. The league and the apparel giant announced Wednesday a 10-year partnership extension. The NFL and Nike will focus on working together to grow the game’s global reach, increase participation, develop new talent, and expand the football fan base. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has been the NFL’s exclusive provider of uniforms and sideline, practice and base layer apparel for all 32 NFL teams for 12 years. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., otherwise known to TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin’s friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, says he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, appearing with everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted a show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's Luncheon LOS ANGELES (AP) — While surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage at the Academy Women’s Luncheon to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Gomez was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.
Israel aims to impose a "sterile defence zone" in southern Syria that would be enforced without a permanent troop presence, as the military says a wave of air strikes had destroyed the bulk of Syria's strategic weapons stockpiles. or signup to continue reading Over the past 48 hours, following the collapse of the government of President Bashar al-Assad, the military said jets had conducted more than 350 strikes on targets including anti-aircraft batteries, military airfields, weapons production sites, combat aircraft and missiles. In addition, missile vessels struck the Syrian naval facilities of Al-Bayda port and Latakia port, where 15 Syrian naval vessels were docked. Israeli officials said the strikes across Syria were aimed at destroying strategic weapons and military infrastructure to prevent them being used by rebel groups that drove Assad from power, some of which grew from movements linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. "We have no intention of interfering in Syria's internal affairs, but we clearly intend to do what is necessary to ensure our security," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "I authorised the air force to bomb strategic military capabilities left by the Syrian army, so that they would not fall into the hands of the jihadists." Following Assad's flight on Sunday, Israeli troops moved into the demilitarised zone inside Syria created after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, including the Syrian side of the strategic Mount Hermon that overlooks Damascus, where it took over an abandoned Syrian military post. A military spokesperson said Israeli troops remained in the buffer zone as well as "a few additional points" in the vicinity. But he denied that forces had penetrated Syrian territory significantly beyond the area, after a Syrian source said they had reached the town of Qatana, several km (miles) to the east of the zone and just a short drive from Damascus airport. "IDF forces are not advancing towards Damascus. This is not something we are doing or pursuing in any way," Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the military spokesperson, told a briefing with reporters. Israel, which has just agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon following weeks of fighting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement, calls the incursion into Syrian territory a limited and temporary measure to ensure border security. But the scale of the Israeli strikes echoed a similar wave of attacks in southern Lebanon in September that destroyed a significant quantity of Hezbollah's missile stocks. According to the Israeli military the strikes hit most of the strategic weapons stockpiles in Syria as well as production sites in the cities of Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia and Palmyra. Scud and cruise missiles as well as sea-to-sea missiles, drones, launchers and firing positions were destroyed, it said in a statement. Strikes against military airfields and bases also destroyed Syrian military attack helicopters, fighter jets and tanks. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementThe NHL will soon be announcing their outdoor game for next season, and it's expected to be in the very hot climate of Miami featuring the Florida Panthers, potentially with the Edmonton Oilers . Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Panthers are slated for an outdoor game in the 2025-26 season in Loan Depot Park, Miami. There's no word on who the opponent could be in the historic outdoor game. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a strong possibility as the in-state rival. However, if the NHL really wanted to draw a larger television audience, the Oilers have developed a healthy rivalry with the Panthers too and would bring plenty of Canadian viewers. It's pretty unlikely the Oilers will be selected, as the team has played plenty enough outdoor games, but it would be cool to be involved in such a spectacle. Florida Panthers Hosting Next NHL Outdoor Game and Fans Can't Believe It The NHL is obviously trying to grow hockey in non-traditional markets by selecting a team like Florida for an outdoor game, and it is the perfect time to do so after their first Stanley Cup win. However, there's going to be some real temperature challenges to an outdoor hockey game in Miami. When the NHL hosted their outdoor game at Lake Tahoe in Nevada, the game had to be stopped for 8 hours due to rapidly melting ice in direct sunlight. Similar problems could easily arise deep in the sunshine state. NHL fans are already bewildered by how the league plans to pull this game off in the wake of the Lake Tahoe failure. An outdoor hockey game in Florida is far from the average perception of the game being played in a frozen pond up north, and that's the directive for the NHL with special events like this - push the boundaries and expand the game to new fans. Hopefully the NHL has some better technology developed and take more precautions to ensure the success of this outdoor game. This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.