Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. The 19-year-old Winnipeggers, both sophomores, were part of the second wave of recruits assembled by head head coach Alyssa Cox. On Saturday, Birch and Kallon will be expected to play prominent roles when U of W takes on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack in quarterfinal action at the 57th running of the Wesmen Classic, Winnipeg’s holiday season tradition at the Duckworth Centre. DAVID LARKINS / WESMEN ATHLETICS Jazmin Birch (right), a high school sprint champion, is averaging 20.9 minutes of playing time, 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. The Classic, once the exclusive domain of men’s basketball, is now rotated annually between the school’s volleyball and basketball programs. “I did not realize how big of a deal this tournament really was,” said Kallon earlier this week. “I think it’s really cool experience, especially because of the fact it may only happen once in my entire U Sports career. I think it’ll be really cool just to play in front of family and friends and the whole basketball community. It’ll feel like the whole basketball community is out there to support us.” Kallon, a 5-9 River East grad playing forward and guard, is averaging 6.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds in 19.3 minutes of playing time in eight Canada West regular-season outings this season. That’s up from 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 16.8 minutes in 2023-24. “Sometimes I don’t realize how much more fit I am compared to before, because we’re always lifting or always trying to get stronger, always trying to push ourselves and it doesn’t feel like we’re improving,” said Kallon, who has started six of eight conference games so far this season. “And then I look back to what I was doing in Grade 12, and it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m a lot more athletic than I used to be.’” Kallon has been working on becoming more of a scoring threat from three-point range. “I’ve really been focusing on if I have an open three, I’m shooting that at practice,” said Kallon, who didn’t play club basketball until Grade 11. “Because the more I do that at practice, the more I’ll see it fall and the confidence will come to shoot that in games. I’m definitely becoming a lot better of a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.” Birch, a 5-10 1/2 forward, hasn’t started a conference game but is getting 20.9 minutes of playing time, 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. A year ago, she averaged 13.1 minutes, 6.4 points and 3.0 rebounds. “I put a lot of work in the off-season and I think I’ve improved a lot,” said Birch. “I’m not saying that I don’t have a lot left to learn but I came to sport very late, so there’s always room for improvement. One thing I’ve improved with is my aggression, which I struggled a lot with that last season... “I’m making it more of a habit to initiate contact instead of shying away.” Like Kallon, Birch is an superb athlete who consistently challenges an opponent’s ability to defend while creating turnovers and running on the break. DAVID LARKINS / WESMEN ATHLETICS U of W’s Jennifer Kallon (left) is averaging 6.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds while averaging 19.3 minutes of playing time in eight Canada West regular-season games this season. At Collège Béliveau, where she was the AAA MVP in leading the Barracudas to an appearance in the 2023 provincial basketball final, Birch was also a star on the track. In Grade 11, she was the provincial high school champion in 100- and 200-metre varsity girls sprint events and followed that up a year later with a silver in the 100 and gold in the 200. While her speed and athletic ability are well-established, lately she’s been fine-tuning her shooting touch. “It’s not really something that I’m initially looking for because attacking, that’s my thing,” said Birch. “But I’ve been working on my three-point shooting a lot, especially this season. It’s one part of my game that I’d love to add.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Wesmen, 4-4 in league play and 9-4 overall, plan to make a concerted push for the Canada West playoffs with the help of their dynamic sophomores. “From when I first saw them play last year, they’ve just both grown a lot,” said fifth-year point guard Anna Kernaghan. “They both had the athleticism coming in and I think what they’ve really worked on is just understanding more the speed and the concepts of the game. “They’ve done a great job developing that and I think it has shown in their play this year. They both had some really great games in the first half.” Four U of W women’s basketball greats will be inducted into the school’s ring of honour during the tournament. Included in that celebrated group are Angie Johnson (1971-77), Deb Steele (1977-80), Beth Cochran (1982-87) and Michelle (Chambers) Foreman (1988-93). mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Manitoba vs. Fraser Valley, 2 p.m. Brandon vs. Regina, 4 p.m. Winnipeg vs. Thompson Rivers, 6 p.m. Mount Royal vs. Guelph, 8 p.m. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m., 8 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Fans can purchase a tournament pass for $30. Day passes for the Dec. 28 and 29 will be sold for $10 and a day pass for Dec. 30 will be available for $15. All U of Winnipeg students and children under 12 will get in free. Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement AdvertisementChris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level Media���k�k���=。

Kacey Musgraves Reportedly Donates to Scholarship Fund After Hometown Drama

Until this week, Noussair Mazraoui had never played as a centre-back before. That he has taken to a specialised role in a new system with the minimum of fuss will be no surprise to the supporters who have quickly taken the Morrocan to heart at Old Trafford . Mazraoui has only played 19 games for Manchester United , but he's already played four different positions. In just two games, the 27-year-old looks tailor-made for the right centre-back slot in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system. With United building play in a back three and defending as a four, Mazraoui's versatility to switch between centre-back and right-back is invaluable. Along with Bruno Fernandes, he is the only outfield player to play every minute of Amorim's first two games in charge, and the head coach likes what he sees. ALSO READ: Noussair Mazraoui is doing what Manchester United said he would do ALSO READ: Rasmus Hojlund responds to Gyokeres comparison and explains new role "He’s an incredible player, he’s our future," Amorim said of Mazraoui after the win against Bodo/Glimt. "He played in different positions, he always looks fresh but we have to be careful. There’s a lot of games but he’s here to stay. This kind of player is what we need." Mazraoui has looked unflustered in adapting to a new role, and although it has changed how he sees the game, he is enjoying its benefits. “This is the first time. It’s nice. You have to view the game differently because you are not as high up the pitch like when you are the full-back," he said. "But you get more time on the ball and you must make the most of that in the build-up. There are some different things I have to do but it’s still the same game." Amorim has road-tested 17 different starters in his first two games in charge, but Mazraoui seems someone set for a long-term role, with the Portuguese describing him as the type of player he needs. “It’s a big compliment to hear the coach say that," he said. "What can I say? I try my best every day and in every game. I give my all for the team, for the coach and for the supporters. “We are all in this together. It isn’t about one player.” United's spending across three summer windows under Erik ten Hag hit more than £600m. Mazraoui was one of the cheaper buys, at an initial £12.8m, with a further £4.2m in add-ons, but he looks like a bargain. Supporters have already taken him to their hearts. His combative style is celebrated on social media and his low-key passion and commitment have won over a fanbase who were disappointed by the team's start to the season. Mazraoui underwent minor surgery after complaining of palpitations back in September, but having initially been told he would be sidelined for a few weeks, he ended up not missing a game. That is the kind of commitment that has made him such a popular figure at Old Trafford, although when that was put to him, he was unaware of his status. “To be honest I’ve not seen a lot [about that], but it gives me a really good feeling to hear that about the fans. I love the fans and I always say in every interview that I give my all for them," he said. "I hope and I think they see that, that I give my all for the badge and for the supporters. Everybody wants to go home with a win and when I can give that to them as a player and as a team that’s what you do it for." Mazraoui has had a close-up view of Amorim's start to life at Old Trafford, with a draw against Ipswich followed by a victory against Bodo Glimt. There have been plenty of changes as the head coach instils his 3-4-3 system into a new group of players and although Mazraoui accepts it will take time for everyone to adapt, he is confident in the player's ability to do just that. “I think always when you want to implement a new style of play that isn’t even close to how we played before then no-one can expect us to understand everything the manager has in his mind right from the start," he said. “So yes, of course, this is going to be a tough time - but come on, we are all top players and we play the game to win. Eventually we will get to wherever the coach wants us to be. “We have unbelievable players. Of course we can adapt and I think we are showing that. We have to get used to the new style, but I don’t think it will take too long." This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Keep warm on the sidelines Beat the cold weather with these winter warmers There's plenty of deals to keep you warm from head to toe on match day. We've found heated clothing like gloves , gilets and hats , plus foot warmers and a simple thermal beanie that'll help you beat the winter weather. from £9.99 Various Shop herePresident-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday he would pick Kash Patel, the former chief of staff to to the acting secretary of defense during the first Trump administration, to serve as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation . "Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and “America First” fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social, arguing Patel would "bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI." Patel, who will have to earn Senate confirmation to become FBI director, has earned a reputation as the ultimate Trump loyalist who has called for a purge of perceived enemies in the Justice Department and intelligence agencies. A former public defender who rose to increasingly senior national security posts in the final year of Trump’s first term, Patel has promoted the falsehood that the 2020 election was “stolen” from Trump as well as baseless claims that federal bureaucrats in the “deep state” tried to overthrow the former president. Patel has called for replacing “anti-democratic” civil servants in law enforcement and intelligence with “patriots” who he says will work for the American people, and in his memoir described the current political moment as “a battle between the people and a corrupt ruling class." “The Deep State is an unelected cabal of tyrants who think they should determine who Americans can and cannot elect as president, who think they get to decide what the president can and cannot do, and who believe they have the right to choose what the American people can and cannot know,” Patel wrote in "Government Gangsters." Former intelligence officers, Democratic lawmakers and Western officials worry that a hard-line Trump loyalist like Patel could reshape the makeup and mission of the nation’s intelligence apparatus, stripping it of its apolitical outlook and skewing assessments to adhere to a White House agenda. And they fear a worst-case scenario in which the spy agencies could be turned into tools to target political opponents. During the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, Patel gained favor with Trump as a congressional staffer after drafting a memo that accused the FBI of making mistakes in how it obtained a warrant to conduct surveillance of a former Trump campaign volunteer. Many of the memo’s assertions were later disproved. An inspector general report found fault with the FBI’s surveillance during the Russia investigation, but also found no evidence that federal authorities had acted in a politically partisan way. Patel went on to serve in Trump’s White House National Security Council, briefly as an adviser to the acting director of national intelligence and as chief of staff to Defense Secretary Chris Miller at the end of Trump’s first term. During the closing months of Trump’s tenure, the former president proposed Patel to serve as the deputy CIA director or to take over the FBI. Then-CIA Director Gina Haspel, a career intelligence officer, threatened to resign if Patel was installed and the attorney general at the time, William Barr, vehemently objected. Trump ended up dropping his plans. “Patel had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency,” Barr later wrote in his memoir. Patel and some other Trump loyalists suspected there was information hidden away in the intelligence community that could shed more light on bureaucratic plotting against Trump and in favor of Joe Biden, former officials said. “It was a fairly conspiratorial environment at that point,” said Marc Short, who served as chief of staff to then-Vice President Mike Pence. Patel has echoed Trump’s rhetoric labeling journalists as traitors and calling for “cleaning out” allegedly disloyal federal bureaucrats. In an interview last year with longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon, Patel vowed to go after “conspirators” who he claimed had abused their positions in government. “The one thing we learned in the Trump administration the first go-around is that we have to put in all-American patriots top to bottom,” Patel told Bannon. “And the one thing that we will do that they never will do is that we will follow the facts and the law and go to courts of law and correct these justices and lawyers who have been prosecuting these cases based on politics and actually issuing them as lawfare,” he said. “We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media — yes, we’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’re going to figure that out — but yeah, we’re putting you all on notice,” Patel said. Trump and his allies first started referring to a “deep state” soon after the 2016 election, viewing the investigation into Russia’s interference in the election — and its outreach to the Trump campaign — as an attempt to sabotage his presidency. Patel joined Trump on the 2024 campaign trail and has promoted his memoir, a film adaptation of the memoir and a line of children’s books featuring him as a “wizard” defending “King Donald.” He has touted his charity, the Kash Foundation, as a way of helping the needy and providing legal defense funds to whistleblowers and others. But the foundation has released few details of its finances. According to tax filings for 2023, revenue for the foundation increased to $1.3 million last year, compared with $182,000 in 2022, with much of the money coming from donations. The foundation listed expenses of $674,000, with about $425,000 spent on advertising and marketing. He also has appeared on Truth Social peddling “Warrior Essentials” anti-vaccine diet supplements, which are supposed to “reverse” the effects of Covid-19 vaccines. In his memoir, Patel recounts how after law school he dreamed of landing a job with a law firm and a “sky-high salary” but “nobody would hire me.” Instead, he became a public defender in Miami. Referring to his stint at the Justice Department after his work as a public defender, Patel has claimed he was the “lead prosecutor” for a federal case against a Libyan accused of taking part in the lethal 2012 attack on a U.S. compound in Benghazi. “I was the main Justice lead prosecutor for Benghazi,” Patel said in an interview on a YouTube channel hosted by a former Navy SEAL, Shawn Ryan. But in Justice Department announcements at the time, Patel was not listed as the lead prosecutor or as part of the legal team. At a 2016 proceeding in Houston for a case involving a Palestinian refugee who pleaded guilty to supporting ISIS, a federal judge, Lynn Hughes, dressed down Patel and kicked him out of the chambers, according to a court transcript . The judge repeatedly questioned why Patel had flown all the way from Central Asia to be present at the proceeding, as the judge said his presence was unnecessary. And he scolded Patel for failing to dress appropriately. “Act like a lawyer,” the judge said. He accused Patel of being a Washington bureaucrat who would interfere in a case where he was not needed. “‘You’re just one more nonessential employee from Washington.” In his memoir, Patel wrote that he had rushed back from Tajikistan and did not have a suit to wear to the courtroom, and that he chose not to talk back to the judge “who had it out for me” to avoid damaging the government’s terrorism case. This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here: Rush orders, cut costs, crossed fingers: How small businesses are preparing for Trump tariffs Trump threatens a 100% tariff on BRICS countries if they abandon U.S. dollar Trump picks Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, for ambassador to France

AUSTIN, Texas — When the Texas Longhorns take on the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday for the first time in 13 seasons, fans will pay a hefty price to go to the game as it will be the most expensive ticket of this college football season. According to the ticket website TickPick, the average ticket cost to get into the game in College Station is $1,027, making it the most expensive college football game ever. The cheapest ticket available on SeatGeek cost about $430, for one seat in the stadium's upper level. The record applies to both college football and NFL games. The previous record for ticket prices in the NFL regular season was when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited the New England Patriots in 2021 for Tom Brady's first game back at Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots in 2019. Those tickets went for an average of $912. With demand high and tickets scarce or hard to find, it creates an opportunity for scammers to capitalize. "They'll create fake websites, fake resale shops and fake tickets," Jason Meza, the Senior Director Of Media Relations & Community Engagement for the Better Business Bureau, said. "If you buy a ticket without verifying it or with a reseller that's unverified or just a nonlegitimate option, then there's a chance you run the risk of not having that ticket valid." As Longhorn and Aggie fans scramble to secure tickets for this weekend's rivalry matchup, authorities are warning of online scams and fraudsters who pose as legitimate sellers but deliver fake tickets or no tickets at all. During the season, Texas A&M Police said they have dealt with multiple ticket scams that have cost fans thousands of dollars. One such scam came just before the team's game against Notre Dame in August. At the time, Texas A&M Police recommended fans purchase tickets from either the 12th Man Foundation or Seat Geek . "We see reports of fake tickets for every year for the popular sporting events," Meza said. "If they're not buying through a legitimate seller or reseller, their risk increases dramatically going through a nonlegitimate means." The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that people buy directly from the university, but when that's no longer doable, many turn to third-party websites. However, the BBB says that not all of these websites can be trusted. Meza said people should be careful when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers. "They can just create a ticket out of nowhere with a barcode that looks legit, but it's copied and pasted," Meza said. "They could be one character, number or letter off and you might not see. It'll have an actual valid barcode, but it's a ticket for a future event, so when you scan that, it checks out, but you missed the date." Scammers often use fake ads on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Meza said buyers should be suspicious of deep discounts on tickets that usually command high prices or if there is any sense of immediate urgency to pay up. "If a profile or an account is saying we can't go last minute, we're selling them, do your research, do your homework, and double check that that account is real. That social media profile could be a day old, which should indicate that it might not be a real person," Meza said. "If they don't have any pictures, it's simply trying to create that demand and sense of urgency or panic so you might fall into that trap of offering money." The BBB also suggests using payment methods that come with protection, like credit cards. Usually, debit cards, wire transfers and cash transactions are riskier because getting your money back is harder. "Peer-to-peer payment systems should only be used for family and friends, and when you go outside of that circle, you're really risking it because it's also a one-way ticket to your bank account since most of these are tied to a checking or banking account," Meza said. Meza said information obtained during the sale, like names, addresses and dates of birth, could lead to more severe consequences than financial loss, including identity theft. "The ramifications are very severe," Meza said. "There could be people mimicking you, creating new personas and profiles with your information, simply by needing your credit card details and date of birth. If you provide additional information on top of your payment information, that could lead to ID theft." Meza said if you're using a third-party site, it's best to use a reputable source like StubHub . But even when searching through a reputable source, watch out for copycats. The BBB also advises you to look for a lock symbol in the web address. That indicates a secure purchasing system. Meza also said to trust your gut. Don't buy anything if you visit a website and something feels off. If you fall victim to a scam, you should report it to law enforcement. Doing so increases the chances that those responsible will be caught, and it could prevent it from happening to someone else.None

Pep Guardiola says rivals are ‘taking the p*** out of us’ as Man City boss admits he is losing sleep over horror runNew York state Sen. James Skoufis announced his long-shot bid for chairman of the Democratic National Committee on X on Saturday. Skoufis, who paints himself as an outsider, underdog and part of a new generation, said he intends to point to his successful record in his district that favors President-elect Donald Trump. Arguing for a new script, Skoufis said , "Voters have spoken, and we need to listen, not lecture. We need to be strong fighters again." "I may be an outsider, but I know how to win," he continued. "I will throw out the DNC's stale, Beltway-centered playbook so that we rebuild, stop ceding ground to Republicans and start winning again -- everywhere. Not just the party, but the country depends on it. We can win this fight together." MORE: DNC chair election set for Feb. 1, party official says Skoufis, who has served in the New York legislature since 2013, joins the field with Martin O'Malley, the former Maryland governor who has served as commissioner of the Social Security Administration since December 2023, and Ken Martin, a vice chairman of the DNC who also leads the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Jaime Harrison, the current chairman, is not seeking a second term. The election of a new DNC chair will take place at the party's winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 1, 2025. Harrison announced earlier this week that there will be four forums for candidates to make their cases to DNC members, who will also select a vice chair, treasurer, secretary and national finance chair, after the party lost the presidency and couldn't obtain a majority in either the Senate or the House in the 2024 elections. "As my time as Chair comes to a close and we prepare to undertake the critical work of holding the Trump Administration and Republican Party accountable for their extremism and false promises, we are beginning to lay out the process for upcoming DNC officer elections in the New Year," Harrison said in a statement . "The DNC is committed to running a transparent, equitable, and impartial election for the next generation of leadership to guide the party forward." MORE: Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee will meet on Dec. 12 to determine the Rules of Procedure for the contest, including what will be necessary to gain access to the ballot. In 2021, candidates needed the signatures of 40 DNC members, which is expected to hold for the 2025 race. The 448 DNC members voting at the winter meeting includes 200 state-elected members from 57 states, territories and Democrats Abroad; members representing 16 affiliate groups; and 73 at-large members elected by the DNC, ABC News previously reported .

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Arsenal secured a huge 5-1 win in the Champions League away at Sporting, with multiple players impressing. Jurrien Timber & Riccardo Calafiori both shone against Lisbon, which led to Arsenal supporters to sing their praises. Arsenal need to keep them fit to maintain momentum, according to many onlookers. After Arsenal made it two wins out of two on their return to action after the international break as they ran out 5-1 winners over Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday night, it isn't their attacking players that are grabbing all the attention. Instead, it was the commendable work done by their full-backs, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori . In the modern game, the full-back position has grown increasingly pivotal, as exemplified by the transformative impact of Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold on Liverpool's sustained success in recent years. While Arsenal have often grappled with finding their own solution to this tactical advantage—struggling with players like Oleksandr Zinchenko falling short of expectations—their midweek performance offered a glimpse of hope, easing concerns in an area of the pitch they once looked lost in. The victory followed closely on the heels of a commanding 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Though Mikel Arteta's side remain nine points adrift of the Premier League summit, this week has been nothing short of perfect for Arsenal. With momentum building, they will now feel they’ve uncovered yet another crucial piece of the puzzle in their pursuit of that long-awaited major honour in the club's post-Arsene Wenger era. The defender was spotted imitating the striker and fans think there's a good reason for that Jurrien Timber & Riccardo Calafiori's Performances After just seven minutes, Timber picked the ball up on the right and sent a delivery across goal which Gabriel Martinelli tapped in at the back post. Arsenal then got a second in the 22nd minute as Timber set Thomas Partey up for a lofted pass into the path of Saka, who poked past Franco Israel for Kai Havertz to tap in. The Dutchman, who was out for the majority of last season through an ACL injury, was initially brought in as a potential replacement or understudy to Gabriel in the middle of defence. However, it's safe to say life at right-back hasn't treated the 23-year-old too badly. His all-around defensive qualities, the intensity in which he presses, and his quality in the final third has earned him shouts from the Emirates faithful for being the best signing they've seen in recent years . Riccardo Calafiori, meanwhile, has left fans with a similar impression from the opposite flank. After a successful Euro 2024 campaign, which saw the Italian become a constant threat from deep, he has brought that pizzazz to north London early into his new surroundings after the club navigated one of the best summer transfer windows among their rivals. Against Sporting, the 22-year-old bombed up and down the flank, making that part of the pitch his own in some ways. An impressive passing success rate of 96% placed him above anyone else on the pitch, as he also made two key passes into the final third. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Completing 23/25 of his pass attempts, no player had a better success rate than Riccardo Calafiori on Tuesday night. What Fans Are Saying About the New Full-back Partnership After the game, numerous Arsenal fans all said the same thing about Timber and Calafiori, who both delivered incredible displays from either flank. One fan claimed that the Gunners likely would’ve won the league had Timber been fit last season, while another added: "Timber and Calafiori at FB completely takes this team to another level. The control on games is incredible." Another comment with a similar sentiment read: "Arsenal has to do whatever it takes to keep both Timber and Calafiori fit." Meanwhile, a third user added: "Timber and Calafiori are huge upgrades from White and Zinchenko", and a fourth remarked: "Timber is to Saka defensively what Calafiori is to Martinelli offensively. If these two players are fit there’s very few teams in the world who will beat us, if any at all." The Gunners are next in action on Saturday evening when they face London rivals West Ham United in a Premier League match on the road. On the same weekend, Manchester City, who are winless in six games but still viewed as Arsenal's biggest roadblock to glory, are away at Liverpool, and so the emphasis now is on Arteta's side to continue building on their head of steam. Statistics via FotMob and Sofascore (correct as of 26/11/2024)

Cam Newton Knew Travis Hunter Had Won The Heisman Trophy Even Before It Was Announced Travis Hunter Has Received A Lot Of Hate The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock. Read More 2nd Test: India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets to sweep series 2nd Test, Day 4: India push for victory with T20-style batting 2nd Test, Day 1: B'desh 107/3 vs India on rain-shortened opening day Ashwin shines as India hammer Bangladesh in Chennai Test 1st Test, Day 3: India hold upper hand despite spirited Bangladesh chase 1st Test, Day 2: India in box seat after Bumrah takes four-for vs B'desh 1st Test, Day 1: Ashwin, Jadeja dig India out of trouble vs B'desh France waves farewell to Paralympics with spectacular ceremony Navdeep's gold, Simran's bronze take India's medal tally to 29 Paris Paralympics: India's flag bearers for closing ceremonyTrump has Christmas message to 'Radical Left Lunatics,' tells inmates Biden granted clemency to 'GO TO HELL!'

White House pressing Ukraine to draft 18-year-olds so it has enough troops to battle Russia

TITLETOWN (NBC 26) — More than 60 Packers fans traveled together from Germany to Titletown this week for the team's games Sunday and Thursday. The group is representing German fan group " Packers Germany e.V. ," and says they are joined in Green Bay this week by contingents from the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic Two of the German fans say they enjoy American football because it's more complex and fast-paced than soccer, and they like that the NFL has more parity, with a salary cap Packers Germany says it's the third-largest NFL fan group in Germany Video shows the group touring Lambeau and speaking German with Titletown neighborhood reporter Karl Winter (The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story, with additional details added for web) Ein, zwei, drei — go Pack go! Packers fans come from near and far to visit Lambeau Field — aber die Gruppe mit die längsten Reisen diese Woche kam aus Deutschland . That means: "The group with possibly the longest trip this week came from Germany." This group of Packers fans flew to the Midwest to see their favorite team play two games in five days. "For the last game, and for the game tomorrow, we will be at least 60 from Germany," Christopher Klehn-Schwandt said. Many of them are here for the first time. Klehn-Schwandt has been to Lambeau before, but says the magic hasn't worn off. "I had [the feeling] two years ago — first time [at] Lambeau Field, inside, outside, Pro Shop — you can't stop smiling anymore, just like a dream," he said. Christopher is a board member of Packers Germany, which he says is the third-largest NFL fan group — and growing. "We are over 660 members right now, and we hope to have 1000 by the end of next year," Klehn-Schwandt said. "That's our hope." Only the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have larger fan groups in Germany, according to Klehn-Schwandt The group got a stadium tour from former Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, then visited with team president Mark Murphy — highlights of a trip that included stops around the Midwest. Benjamin Brandt, who is from Hamburg, said American sports fans are nicer than European sports fans. "From the people who are just great and welcome you with open arms," Brandt said, "to the experience around Lambeau with the tailgating, with all these crazy people, with the Frozen Tundra man, Packer mania, and all these guys being there — such big fans with all their stuff — to the game itself; I wasn't prepared for how cold it was. [...] You get addicted into it, and I just love the sport." The group's tour guide, Joachim Exler, said the group trip sold out in less than 48 hours. "It's getting more and more popular," Exler said. "We get a lot of questions [like] 'I want to visit NFL teams.' It's amazing." Before the group continued to explore Lambeau, I decided to put my German heritage to the test, with one more question for the group: "Which is better, German beer or American beer?" I asked Klehn-Schwandt in German. "Definitely German beer," he said, "except Spotted Cow. That's the best beer that I've drank in America in the last 20 years." Chris says the group will be tailgating for Thursday night's game in Lot 1, and if it goes anything like Sunday's game against the 49ers — he's expecting a victory.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. An Israeli strike in Gaza kills World Central Kitchen workers. Israel says 1 was an Oct. 7 attacker DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday killed five people including employees of World Central Kitchen. The charity says it is “urgently seeking more details” after Israel’s military said it targeted a WCK worker who had been part of the Hamas attack that sparked the war. The charity in an email says it is “heartbroken” by the airstrike and that it had no knowledge anyone in the car had alleged ties to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, saying it is “working with incomplete information.” It says it is pausing operations in Gaza. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snowfall of the season is threatening to bury towns in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania as the hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend winds down. Numbing cold and heavy snow could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. A state of emergency was declared for parts of New York, making it problematic for scores of Thanksgiving travelers trying to return home. This week’s blast of frigid Arctic air also brought bitterly cold temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains. Cold air was expected to move over the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday, the weather service said, with temperatures about 10 degrees below average.Share Tweet Share Share Email Retail transactions happen seamlessly, often in the blink of an eye. Behind these everyday purchases lies an intricate network of technology that ensures the smooth transfer of funds from customers to businesses. This process, known as payment processing, involves various steps and technologies that enable secure, quick, and efficient transactions. Retailers rely on this system for everything from in-store purchases to online shopping experiences . Understanding Payment Processing Payment processing refers to the sequence of steps involved when a customer makes a payment for a product or service. It allows businesses to accept payments through different methods, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and more. The main goal of payment processing is to ensure that the funds move smoothly from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account. When a customer swipes a card or taps their phone at the checkout, several things happen in milliseconds. This is where the role of payment processing technology becomes critical. It involves various parties such as payment gateways, processors, and acquiring banks, each playing an essential role in completing the transaction. Key Components of Payment Processing Payment processing involves several components that work together to complete a transaction. These include: Payment Gateway: This technology acts as a bridge between the customer and the payment processor. It securely transmits payment data from the customer’s device to the processor and vice versa. For online transactions, the payment gateway is responsible for ensuring that sensitive information like credit card details is encrypted for security. Payment Processor: A payment processor handles the technical aspects of processing the payment. It connects the merchant’s bank with the customer’s bank, facilitating the exchange of funds. Payment processors are responsible for verifying the customer’s payment details, authorizing the transaction, and transferring the money. Acquiring Bank: The acquiring bank is the financial institution that works with the merchant. This bank holds the merchant’s account and ensures that the funds from the transaction are deposited into that account. It also manages the risk and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Issuing Bank: The issuing bank is the customer’s bank, the one that issued the credit or debit card. The issuing bank verifies whether the customer has enough funds to complete the transaction and approves or declines the payment accordingly. Card Networks: Companies like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express act as intermediaries between the acquiring bank and issuing bank. They facilitate communication between these entities and ensure that the payment is processed correctly. How Payment Processing Works The process of payment processing can be broken down into several steps: Transaction Initiation: The process begins when a customer makes a purchase, either online or in a physical store. They select their preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, mobile payment, etc.) and input their payment details. Authorization: The payment gateway encrypts the customer’s payment information and sends it to the payment processor. The processor forwards the details to the customer’s issuing bank, which verifies whether the customer has sufficient funds and whether the transaction is legitimate. Authentication and Approval: If the customer’s bank approves the transaction, the issuing bank sends an authorization code back to the payment processor. This code is then transmitted to the payment gateway and merchant, confirming that the transaction is authorized. Settlement: Once the transaction is authorized, the acquiring bank requests the funds from the issuing bank. After the payment is settled, the merchant receives the funds, typically within one to three business days. Reconciliation: The final step involves reconciling the transaction, where both the merchant and customer can review their statements to ensure that the payment has been processed correctly. The Role of Acquiring in Payment Processing The concept of “acquiring” in payment processing refers to the role of the acquiring bank in facilitating the flow of funds. While payment processing covers the entire journey of a transaction, acquiring focuses specifically on the merchant’s side of the process. Acquiring banks provide businesses with the necessary tools to accept payments, including merchant accounts and payment terminals. These institutions also take on much of the risk associated with payments, including fraud prevention and chargeback management. Merchant Accounts and Payment Terminals A merchant account is a specialized bank account that allows businesses to accept card payments. It holds the funds from card transactions before they are transferred to the business’s primary bank account. To facilitate in-person payments, businesses typically use payment terminals—physical devices that allow customers to swipe or tap their payment methods to complete transactions. For online transactions, businesses rely on payment gateways, which are digital equivalents of physical terminals. These gateways allow customers to make secure online purchases by processing their payment information. Key Technologies Behind Payment Processing Several technologies work behind the scenes to ensure that payment processing is fast, secure, and reliable. Some of the key technologies include: Tokenization: Tokenization replaces sensitive payment information (such as a credit card number) with a unique identifier called a token. This technology adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to steal valuable payment data. Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting payment information into a scrambled format that is only accessible to authorized parties. This protects sensitive data during the transaction process, especially in online payments. EMV Chips: EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chips are embedded in credit and debit cards to increase security. They generate a unique code for every transaction, making it more difficult for fraudsters to duplicate the card’s data. NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC technology enables contactless payments, allowing customers to make quick transactions by tapping their card or mobile device near a payment terminal. This technology has gained popularity for its convenience and speed. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI plays a growing role in payment processing, helping businesses detect fraud, predict customer behavior, and streamline payment workflows. AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns and preventing fraudulent transactions before they occur. Blockchain: While still in its early stages, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize payment processing. By providing a decentralized and transparent ledger, blockchain can reduce transaction costs, increase security, and enable faster cross-border payments. Challenges and Opportunities in Payment Processing While payment processing technology has advanced significantly, it still faces several challenges. These include security risks, compliance issues, and technological fragmentation across different platforms and regions. Retailers must constantly adapt to evolving technologies and regulatory standards to ensure that their payment systems remain secure and efficient. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation. As new technologies like AI, blockchain, and biometric authentication continue to evolve, the future of payment processing holds great potential for even more secure, fast, and user-friendly solutions. Conclusion Payment processing and acquiring are vital components of modern retail transactions. These technologies ensure that payments are made quickly, securely, and efficiently, providing convenience for both customers and merchants alike. As payment systems continue to evolve, businesses must stay informed about the latest developments in payment processing technology to remain competitive and provide the best possible experience for their customers. The seamless experience that customers enjoy today is the result of countless innovations in payment technology, making the world of retail transactions more efficient than ever before. Related Items: Acquiring Technology , Payment Processing , Retail Transactions Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Essential Payment Processing Software Solutions for Modern Businesses What is White-label Payment Processing? Exploring the Rapid Growth of Financial Technology: A Breakdown of its Impact Comments

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