A melee broke out at midfield of Ohio Stadium after Michigan upset No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday. After the Wolverines' fourth straight win in the series, players converged at the block "O" to plant its flag. The Ohio State players were in the south end zone singing their alma mater in front of the student section. When the Buckeyes saw the Wolverines' flag, they rushed toward the 50-yard line. Social media posts showed Michigan offensive lineman Raheem Anderson carrying the flag on a long pole to midfield, where the Wolverines were met by dozens of Ohio State players and fights broke out. Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer was seen ripping the flag off the pole and taking the flag as he scuffled with several people trying to recover the flag. A statement from the Ohio State Police Department read: "Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation. During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead agency for games and will continue to investigate." Michigan running back Kalel Mullings on FOX said: "For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game. It's bad for the sport, bad for college football. At the end of the day, some people got to learn how to lose, man. "You can't be fighting and stuff just because you lost the game. We had 60 minutes and four quarters to do all that fighting. Now people want to talk and fight. That's wrong. It's bad for the game. Classless, in my opinion. People got to be better." Once order was restored, officers cordoned the 50-yard line, using bicycles as barriers. Ohio State coach Ryan Day in his postgame press conference said he wasn't sure what happened. "I don't know all the details of it. But I know that these guys are looking to put a flag on our field and our guys weren't going to let that happen," he said. "I'll find out exactly what happened, but this is our field and certainly we're embarrassed at the fact we lost the game, but there's some prideful guys on our team that weren't just going to let that happen." The Big Ten has not yet released a statement on the incident. --Field Level MediaPakistan becomes 3rd largest sesame exporter Pakistan and Turkiye agree to strengthen agricultural cooperation, aiming to enhance bilateral trade An image of sesame seeds. — Unsplash/File ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become the world’s third-largest exporter of sesame, achieving annual exports exceeding $1 billion, the government announced Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded sesame as a high-value cash crop with vast export potential during an international sesame investment conference here Thursday. “Sesame’s success highlights its role as a transformative crop for Pakistan’s economy,” Hussain said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to further boosting production and exploring global markets for the crop. He highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable progress in sesame production over the past five years, noting a 455 percent increase that brought annual production to 1.119 million tons. Export volumes also soared by 327 per cent, reaching 0.760 million tons annually, while the export value climbed by 366 per cent to $1.073 billion per year, positioning Pakistan as the world’s third-largest sesame exporter. Hussain credited the transformation of sesame from a neglected crop into a vital contributor to the economy to its inclusion in the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP). “This success is the result of collaboration between the federal ministry and provincial agriculture departments,” he remarked. The minister urged stakeholders to focus on improving processing technology, adding value to sesame products, and exploring new international markets. He also called on the Ministry of Commerce to play a pivotal role in promoting Pakistani sesame products globally. “Increasing sesame production will not only reduce edible oil imports but also significantly enhance the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy,” he stated, emphasizing the crop’s strategic importance in bolstering Pakistan’s export portfolio. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to strengthen agricultural cooperation, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and technology transfer under the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain held talks with the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan here Thursday, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration in agriculture. Key agreements include joint ventures in agricultural mechanization, aquaculture breeding and advanced irrigation systems. Both sides committed to improving trade through adherence to international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and facilitating Turkish investment in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s ability to supply quality agricultural products, including rice, wheat, mangoes, dry fruits and livestock products to the Turkish market. The Turkish delegation acknowledged the potential for increased economic ties and expressed interest in expanding cooperation. “Pakistan is ready to not only expand exports but also create long-term partnerships with Turkiye to boost agricultural productivity and economic opportunities for both nations,” Hussain said after the meeting. The two countries agreed to develop an actionable plan to achieve these objectives, focusing on technology transfer, disease control and improved agricultural trade.
The Los Angeles Angeles Clippers are in good shape despite being short-handed to start the year. Still, the organization could set themselves up for postseason success by acquiring an ex-New York Knicks phenom. “Many have floated this trade around the NBA community, and it is easy to see why,” Fadeaway World’s Cholo Martin Magsino wrote Monday. “The Minnesota Timberwolves can work out another retooling process after the blockbuster trade in the summer of 2024 by rerouting Julius Randle to the Los Angeles Clippers.” “Randle can provide the Clippers with more offensive balance, as he can take the offensive load away from James Harden and Kawhi Leonard when he returns.” “The Timberwolves forward averages 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and four assists. Norman Powell will be missed, but his blazing start to the 2024-25 season might not work out in the long run.” “With Nicolas Batum as a throw-in, the Timberwolves will want to get that 2031 first-round pick. It will be useful in the long run in potential trades Minnesota can do.” While the Timberwolves have performed below expectations during the first half of the 2024-25 campaign, Randle has been a stable contributor through 28 games. Randle, who was traded to the Timberwolves in October, has thrived offensively in Minnesota by utilizing his relentless offensive approach and much-needed scoring ability. Randle averages 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest on 47.4% field goal shooting this season. Powell’s career has taken off since Paul George’s departure in July, but with Randle’s impressive track record in the NBA, the Clippers may aggressively pursue the underrated 6-foot-9 forward. More NBA: Lakers could land $107 million Knicks outcast by parting with Gabe VincentOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 1.Northern Ireland football has reason to be optimistic Winning your group and earning promotion in a competition that has brought nothing but pain and misery over recent years should be seen as a sign of progress and encouragement for Northern Ireland fans. Yes, it might have only been a pool including Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg, but this year's Nations League was a significant stride forward for Michael O'Neill's squad. The campaign saw a number of youngsters come of age, including the likes of Conor Bradley, Shea Charles, Trai Hume and Brodie Spencer. The word 'fearless' was often used when describing their impact in 2024, and hopes are high that this is just the beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland football. READ NEXT: Michael Conlan to 'pursue new direction' as he makes announcement READ NEXT: NI midfielder sends social media into meltdown with late winner against Rangers Sure, tougher tests lie in wait. Not least the World Cup qualifiers which will see O'Neill's side take on either Germany or Italy alongside Slovakia and Luxembourg. But with momentum starting to build, who's to say Northern Ireland can't make their mark on Group A? 2.New year, new GAA rules They may be well intentioned and may have been thought through by some of Gaelic football's finest minds but even so, the sport is taking a gigantic leap of faith ahead of the 2025 season. No one knows how they will pan out but everyone can hazard an informed guess that some defensively-minded coach somewhere will put together a plan to negate the strengths of a more talented team and within weeks, sides across the country will be mimicking that strategy. The hope is the spectacle will improve on the back of Jim Gavin's recommendations. Within Donegal and Kerry, there is particular hope that Michael Murphy's return, and David Clifford's new...
Adventures on special teams made the Washington-Dallas showdown a clumsy affair, yet Joe Davis and Greg Olsen saw to it that the broadcast of the chaotic finish was pure gold. After Terry McLaurin weaved his way past five defenders for an 86-yard touchdown catch from Jayden Daniels to cut the Cowboys lead to 27-26 with 21 seconds left, Fox's No. 2 broadcast crew captured the chaos before admonishing the audience not to count on anything as a certainty on this helter-skelter afternoon. "Lightning strikes twice in Washington!" Davis shouted in an homage to Daniels' 52-yard Hail Mary to Noah Brown that stunned the Bears last month. "They dropped 11 guys in coverage," Olsen marveled. "If they just tackle him inbounds the game is over. I don't even know what to say. I'm absolutely speechless." Not for long he wasn't. Olsen quickly cautioned the audience that "Automatic" Austin Siebert had already missed an extra point along with a field goal Sunday in his return from a right hip injury. "Before anyone in Washington gets too fired up, remember, we've seen a missed PAT already," Olsen said. "Yeah, you hold your breath with anything special teams-related on this day," Davis agreed. After all, this was the first game in NFL history to feature two kickoff returns for touchdowns, two errant extra points and a blocked punt. In the 41-point fourth quarter that erased the game's snoozer status, Washington allowed KaVontae Turpin's 99-yard kickoff return for a score. Earlier, the Cowboys missed a field goal and saw another one blocked along with a punt. Sure enough, the snap was low ... the hold was better ... "It is no good!" Davis hollered. "And the worst special teams day in history has a fitting finish!" Actually, no. More ruckus remained. Siebert's onside kick bounced twice in front of safety Juanyeh Thomas, who gathered it in and returned it 43 yards for Dallas' second kickoff return for a touchdown. If Thomas takes a knee short of the goal line, he effectively seals the Cowboys' win. Instead, the score, while pushing Dallas' lead to 34-26, also left enough time for Daniels and the Commanders for a shot at yet another miracle touchdown. Austin Ekeler returned the kickoff to the Washington 36 and after a short gain, Daniels' Hail Mary was intercepted by Israel Mukuamu as time expired. And that's how what Davis called the "worst special teams day in NFL history" came to an end. "What a wild special teams moment of blocked punts, kicks, kickoff returns, blocked field goals," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. In keeping with the not-so-special-teams theme, there were several foibles in the kicking game across the NFL in Week 12, where the Broncos gave up a 34-yard pass completion on a fake punt that Denver coach Sean Payton swore the team saw coming — and not as it was unfolding, either, but five days earlier. "We met Tuesday as a staff. It wasn't a matter of if, it was when they were going to run a fake punt," Payton said. "You're struggling as a team like this, we had it on the keys to victory, so credit them, they executed it." Thanks to AJ Cole's 34-yard pass to linebacker Divine Deablo that set up a second-quarter field goal, the reeling Raiders took a 13-9 advantage into the locker room, just their second halftime lead of the season. In the second half, the Raiders succumbed to surging rookie QB Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton in their 29-19 loss. That's seven straight losses for the Raiders, their longest skid in a decade. The Broncos (7-5), who blew a chance to beat the Chiefs in Week 10 when their 35-yard field goal try was blocked as time ran out, also allowed a 59-yard kickoff return that led to Las Vegas' only touchdown Sunday. The Texans (7-5) lost for the third time in four games after Ka'imi Fairbairn shanked a 28-yard field goal try that would have tied the Titans just after the two-minute warning. Like the Broncos, the Vikings (9-2) overcame a special teams blunder and escaped Soldier Field with a 30-27 overtime win against the Bears after allowing Chicago (4-7) to recover an onside kick with 21 seconds left. Caleb Williams followed with a 27-yard pass to D.J. Moore to set up Cairo Santos' tying 48-yard field goal as the fourth-quarter clock hit zeros. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Whether or not Minnesota Wild fans believe in Santa Claus is irrelevant as families all across the State of Hockey gather near their Christmas trees, real or artificial. Whether or not they believe, truly, in the second round of the NHL playoffs is the real factor determining their level of holiday spirit. Save for a recent blip of four straight losses, this has been a hockey season filled with unexpected fun from a team for whom preseason expectations were low. The Wild entered the three-day holiday break in solid contention for the top of not only the Central Division but also the Western Conference with a 21-10-4 record after a 4-3 victory over the Blackhawks on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT As the NHL enjoys a holiday break that comes just a few games shy of the 2024-25 season’s midway mark, we offer a quintet of wishes that would help bring a Merry Christmas and, even more importantly, a Happy New Year to the State of Hockey. The Wild have not seen top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek or veteran defenseman Jake Middleton play a game in weeks. They lost top-line winger Mats Zuccarello for a month. They lost mainstay goalie Filip Gustavsson for a week. They have had live through games without Marat Khusnutdinov, Yakob Trenin, Jakub Lauko, Jonas Brodin, Ryan Hartman and Jared Spurgeon. Even superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov missed a game after a nasty knee-on-knee check during a November win in Edmonton. The injury bug pays a visit to every team at some point, and we hear lots of brave talk about the “next man up” and other cool clichés. But a healthy roster in 2025 could mean the difference between sneaking into the playoffs and contending for a new banner for the Xcel Energy Center rafters. On Dec. 6, the Wild won convincingly in Anaheim by a 5-1 count. Roughly 19 hours after that game concluded, they had to face the powerful Kings in downtown Los Angeles and lost 4-1. Last weekend, a home loss to Utah was followed, less than 24 hours later, by a visit to Central-leading Winnipeg, which won handily. On Jan. 11, they will play in San Jose, then have roughly 19 hours to get to Las Vegas for a night with the Knights. Like injuries, everyone deals with schedule quirks, especially in a season like this when things are condensed due to the two-week break for the 4 Nations Cup in February. But the spate of back-to-backs in different rinks has certainly done Minnesota no favors in the realm of getting healthy and staying healthy. Of the Wild’s 21 wins, two have been notably impressive. In October, they went on the road to Florida and blasted past the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers 5-1. A month later, in Edmonton, they rallied from an early deficit and beat the Oilers — who were within one win of the Cup last season — by a 5-3 count. Beyond those two games, the Wild have generally beaten the teams they should beat (San Jose, Anaheim, Chicago, Nashville, Columbus, etc.) and have had trouble with the NHL’s elite. ADVERTISEMENT Heading into Friday’s visit to Dallas, the Wild are a collective 1-6-1 versus the others among the top five in the West — Winnipeg, Vegas, Edmonton and Los Angeles. And it’s worth noting that after those signature wins in Florida and Edmonton, both of those foes won handily during visits to Minnesota in December. More wins, and more signature wins, are going to be needed if this team is to contend for anything notable. In the smiling Russian kid that wears number 97, the Wild have their first true contender for NHL most valuable player honors in the quarter-century history of the franchise. His seemingly nightly habit of getting pucks past the opposing goalie — honed by hours and hours of “we need to drag him off the ice” work post-practice — is like nothing Minnesota fans have seen, maybe ever. On July 1, Kaprizov will be a free agent, and Wild owner Craig Liepold vowed in a preseason meeting with reporters that no other team will offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. That might mean an eight-year pact worth $15 million a season. Having given fans a taste of the good life with a superstar wearing green and Iron Range red, keeping Kaprizov in Minnesota is their most important New Years’ resolution. The entertainment complex that Marcus Foligno dubbed the “Kirill and Zuccy” show is a sight to behold, with numbers 97 and 36 showing off some amazing chemistry as they torment opposing goalies and defenses. But the Wild need more than an amazing top line if they are to play games in May. The holiday break perhaps comes at the best time for a few players mired in some mid-winter doldrums, such as Marcus Johansson (six straight games without a point), Matt Boldy (one assist in the past five games) and Ryan Hartman, who has not appeared on the offensive score sheet in more than a month, going an unexpected 16 consecutive games without a goal or assist. “I’ve had opportunities to score. I think I’ve made plays where some guys have had opportunities, the puck just hasn’t gone in,” Hartman said as he headed into the Christmas break. “Obviously, if they do, it’s going to make you feel much better.” ADVERTISEMENT And as the Wild’s unexpectedly great season moves into 2025, that is something all Wild fans can agree on. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
Gus Malzahn leaving UCF to become Florida State coordinatorFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save OCEAN CITY — Is Ocean City ready for a muscle beach, similar to the one in Santa Monica, California? How about fire pits or a portable roller-skating rink? These were among the ideas pitched to City Council at a December meeting as new attractions for the Boardwalk to draw people to the north end in the absence of Gillian’s Wonderland. The group Friends of OCNJ History & Culture created a poll on social media to gather ideas for the area. Resident Bill Merritt, who is the president of the group, presented them to council. “I think it’s a really good list of stuff,” Merritt said. “I’m a particular fan of the councilman dunk tank, but that’s just me.” Wonderland operated on the Boardwalk for nearly 60 years before its closure in October. Jay Gillian, whose family name was on the pier and who also serves as the city’s mayor, had announced the closing over the summer, saying the business was no longer viable. Atlantic City Airshow canceled for 2025 Atlantic City police officer accused of assaulting, pointing gun at wife Somers Point man killed after motorcycle strikes SUV on Longport Boulevard Atlantic City Mayor Small indicted on witness tampering charge in child abuse case Body found in fridge in Belleplain State Forest 'Great Day Express' takes its maiden voyage to Big SNOW at American Dream Mall Somers Point man killed in two-vehicle crash in Egg Harbor Township Mays Landing's Level Up comic and video game shop to close after 18 years Long Beach Island fire damages multimillion-dollar bayfront home GoFundMe started for Somers Point man seriously injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Troopers gave special treatment to drivers with courtesy cards, watchdog finds Lower Township man charged with possession of child porn Who are The Press' 2024 High School Football All-Stars? Who are The Press' football Player, Team and Coach of the Year? BPU begins process to consider 8% increase in Atlantic City Electric rates Some locals have pleaded for the park to remain, including launching a “Save Wonderland” campaign. Developer Eustace Mita, who owns the property and leased it to Gillian in recent years, has other plans, proposing a 252-room hotel for the site. So far, no formal application has been brought to the city, but in public meetings, Mita has pitched his multimillion-dollar proposal as the best option for the site and one that would preserve some of the landmark Wonderland rides. In his comments to council, Merritt did not suggest the long-running amusement pier would be back, or mention the hotel plans. He said some people were going through the stages of grief for Wonderland. “We know it’s closed. We know it’s gone. And now we’re just talking about what goes up there instead,” he said. The proposal is called the Ocean City Carnival by the Sea, and includes multiple ideas for the Boardwalk to keep things active post-Wonderland. “Generating excitement in this area is crucial, as it will likely be years before any new development rises on the pier,” the proposal reads in part. In his comments, Merritt also suggested the city take a new look at its master plan. In the meantime, he suggested the city could “lower the temperature” of some of the rhetoric by looking both short term and long term. “Unfortunately the whole Wonderland thing has raised a lot of anger,” Merritt said. “I think we need to get through and get past the anger stage.” Emotions have run high in connection to the amusement park, which many in town remember from their childhoods and to which they brought children and grandchildren. The Icona in Wonderland hotel proposal has also generated extensive interest and controversy. Supporters say it represents a significant investment in the town and will bring jobs and visitors who will support other businesses. Others, however, say it is far too large and would hurt the community and other Boardwalk businesses. Resolution will not come soon. Once a formal proposal is brought to the city, it will be up to council to decide whether to designate the area where the park once stood as being in need of redevelopment, as Mita has suggested, which could begin a process of approvals for the proposal. Ocean City should address its development issues through the master plan process, not redevelopment, the president of the Friends of OCNJ History & Culture writes. The designation would require review by the city’s Planning Board for consistency with the city’s existing master plan, and the project itself would face site plan review. Once the local approvals and state permits are in place, if Mita succeeds in getting them, he has said it will take about two years to complete the project. In the meantime, the Friends of OCNJ want something new in that area by the summer of 2025. Council members Jody Levchuk and Keith Hartzell have expressed concern about the impact of a vacant Wonderland on the northern end of the Boardwalk, suggesting it may mean fewer visitors strolling by the businesses there. The proposals Merritt brought to council are aimed at creating a new lure. Most, but not all, would be put in place between the Boardwalk and a municipal parking area between Fifth and Sixth streets, adjacent to Wonderland, where there are now volleyball courts. Some ideas would be relatively easy to execute, while others would require significant investment and likely need staffing. A multipage report lists the ideas on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most difficult to enact. For instance, fire pits that can be rented are listed as an 8, while a skating rink comes in at a 7. Giving kids a chance to meet first responders, a kite flying contest and a venue for street performers in front of Wonderland all come in at 2. There is a proposal for a dunk tank for council members, which is listed as a 3. There is no breakdown of how much of that is to acquire the tank and how much is to convince any of the seven members of council to get in. Several of the proposals are underway elsewhere in the city, including beach yoga, a dog park and a farmers market. Sandcastle contests also take place at specific times each summer. Turnout was intense for a 3rd Ward meeting in Ocean City on Monday as residents packed into a meeting room to hear plans for a hotel at the site of the former Wonderland Pier. There are multiple ideas, and not all of them would take place in the same spot. There are proposals for a drone light show, giant chess boards and a quiet disco, in which people would wear headphones and dance to the same music. Ocean City has a history of taking seemingly far-fetched ideas and making them a beloved reality, from a mass gathering of Bassett hounds for the Doo Dah Parade to hermit crab races to taffy and French fry sculpting contests for kids. There was no response from council to the proposals, and no proposal in the report on how to fund the new activities. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Reporter Author facebook Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Jashn-e-Urdu: A celebration of language and culture
None
SAG-AFTRA Issues Statement in Support of Blake Lively Following Complaint Against Justin Baldoni
Jumbo ends AI experiment aimed at combating shopliftingABILENE, Texas (AP) — Sam Hicks scored on a 53-yard run in the fourth quarter and finished with 171 yards on the ground to lead Abilene Christian to a 24-0 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Wildcats (9-4), ranked No. 15 in the FCS coaches poll and seeded 15th, qualified for the playoffs for the first time and will travel to play No. 2 seed and nine-time champion North Dakota State (10-2) on Saturday at the Fargo Dome. The Bison had a first-round bye. Abilene Christian grabbed a 7-0 lead on its second possession when Carson Haggard connected with Trey Cleveland for a 37-yard touchdown that capped a 10-play 97-yard drive. Northern Arizona (8-5), ranked 17th but unseeded for the playoffs after winning five straight to get in, picked off Haggard on the Wildcats' next two possessions but could not turn them into points. NAU went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line with 9:30 left before halftime, but Jordan Mukes tackled Ty Pennington for a 4-yard loss. That led to a 46-yard field goal by Ritse Vaes and a 10-0 lead at halftime. The score remained the same until Hicks' big run with 10:16 left to play. Haggard passed 6 yards to Blayne Taylor for the final score with 2:16 to go. Haggard completed 23 of 29 passes for 244 yards with three interceptions. Abilene Christian's defense allowed at least 20 points in every game during the regular season and yielded at least 30 six times. The Wildcats lost their season opener to FBS member Texas Tech 52-51 in overtime. Abilene Christian's last shutout came in a 56-0 victory over Lamar on Sept. 25, 2021. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football