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777jogo vom FREEPORT After winning nine combined games in the last two seasons, nobody had much fun in the Brazosport basketball program, but the fun is returning. The Exporters earned their seventh straight win with a 63-22 victory Monday over Rosenberg Terry at E.E. "Flash" Walker Gymnasium. Brazosport is 8-2 overall through 10 games. "I think they're just having fun," Brazosport's first-year head coach Jordan Rose said. "Having fun and figuring out that defense wins." During Brazosport's winning streak, opponents average fewer than 35 points per game. On Monday, Terry made just eight field goals, half of which came in the final quarter, with Brazosport's win already secured. Terry had four made baskets through the first three quarters, including only two in the opening half. "I want them to feel like we're just relentless. Constant 32 minutes of pressure," Rose said. "Every time you feel comfortable, we're there to make you feel uncomfortable for the entire game." Brazosport's full-court, trapping man defense overwhelmed Terry from the opening tip, as every dribble and pass felt like a challenge. The same defensive mindset keyed Brazosport's 5-0 showing at the Van Vleck Invitational, which led to the Exporters winning the tournament. On Monday, Brazosport's best offense was its defense. Several times throughout, the Exporters forced turnovers, which led to points on the other end. "They're buying into us playing defense with the idea that our offense is going to be created from defense," Rose said. "I always tell them that if they want to score 20 points, go get a steal and score in transition, or get a rebound and get a putback." With the defense playing as well as it has, Brazosport's offense has not needed to be as sharp, but the Exporters seem to be trending in the right direction on that end with a balanced approach. Junior guard Darrien Wilson recorded a game-high 18 points, but Brazosport had a different leading scorer each quarter. "I like ball movement with a lot of guys touching the basketball, which goes back to having fun. Kids have fun when they're touching the basketball," Rose said. "I give kids freedom on offense. If you play defense, the offense is yours, as long as you're playing within the ideas of what we have." The Exporters' first four baskets came from four players before Wilson scored four straight to help Brazosport's lead grow to 14-3. Terry's first field goal occurred in the opening quarter at the 3:18 mark. Brazosport led 16-3 after one. While the aggressiveness on defense has benefits, the officials' whistle is the downside. Terry drew eight fouls in the second quarter, resulting in 10 free throw attempts. Luckily for the Exporters, Terry converted only half of the charity stripe shots. Brazosport led 25-10 at halftime. Jeremiah Cuellar paced the team in the second quarter with four points. The Exporters blitzed Terry in the quarter, outsourcing the visiting team 22-4. Wilson and J.J. Barclay did the heavy lifting on the offensive end, each scoring eight points in the period. Barclay scored the quarter's first and last two field goals, finishing with a heavily contested fall-away jumper outside the paint with under a minute to play. Sandwiched between the pair of Barclay baskets was a 16-0 run from the Exporters. Wilson scored half of the points during the run, twice putting the ball in the basket after a steal. Brazosport led 47-14 entering the final quarter. With the big lead, which grew to 51-14 after Cuellar's putback basket, Brazosport emptied its bench to give its starters rest. The Exporters have seen lots of their bench in the last week, with six double-digit wins. "We get to see who's capable of playing in big moments," Rose said. "We had some tough games this past weekend, so we got to see who we can plug in places." Manny Williams led the charge with seven points in the final period, including an and-one layup. Terron Williams and Maximus Villarreal added baskets in the fourth, too. Cuellar, with 10 points, was behind Wilson's 18, followed by Manny Williams with 9 and Barclay with 8. Brazosport begins what Rose calls its "toughest stretch" Friday when it plays at the Port Arthur Memorial tournament. The Exporters start with contests against Conroe and former league mate Stafford. "It's a good test right before district," Rose said. "Our wins don't mean a lot if we don't come this weekend and play hard like we're supposed to." The increased level of competition will serve as a barometer for the Exporters before they begin District 29-4A play Tuesday against Columbia. Brazosport's opponents during the win streak are a combined 16-34 overall, and only one has a winning record. However, the Exporters are improving rapidly and are winning the games convincingly. Brazosport will attempt to make the postseason for the first time since the 2021-22 season when it finished runner-up to Stafford. The Spartans and reigning district champion Iowa Colony are no longer in the league, leaving a vacancy at the top of 29-4A. El Campo, Needville and Wharton replaced the pair of league heavyweights that departed during the latest realignment. La Marque, which ranks No. 6 in the state, figures to be the top team. Brazosport plays Columbia in the Roughnecks' newly opened gymnasium at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. The Exporters begin the James Gamble Classic at 10:30 a.m. Friday against Conroe, followed by a 4 p.m. showdown with Stafford.

Washington (CNN) — Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked an effort by Democrats to pass a bipartisan bill that would give journalists greater protections under federal law – a move that comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump opposing the measure. Trump called on Republicans to “kill this bill” in a Truth Social post last month. Known as the PRESS Act, the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would prevent the government from forcing journalists to reveal their sources and limit the seizure of their data without their knowledge. The bill passed the GOP-controlled House earlier this year. After Trump’s reelection, press advocacy groups redoubled their efforts to get the legislation signed into law before the end of President Joe Biden’s term. But the bill’s failure to pass on Tuesday comes as time is fast-running out before the Democratic president leaves office. The bill is unlikely to win 60 votes, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has prioritized confirming judges during the lame-duck session. Government funding and a must-pass defense policy bill will also take up valuable floor time before lawmakers leave town for the winter holiday break. On Tuesday evening, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon went to the Senate floor and asked for unanimous consent to pass the bill. But GOP Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas objected, blocking the attempt. Any single senator has the power to halt a bill put forward by a unanimous consent request. The Freedom of the Press Foundation said on X that Democrats knew the move would fail and called on the chamber to cut the holiday break short if necessary to try to pass the bill. “Speeches aren’t enough. The senate has had all year to pass this bipartisan bill,” the group said. Schumer spoke in support of the bill on the floor and urged passage, calling the provisions “common sense” and “more important now than ever before when we’ve heard so many in the incoming administration talk about going after the press one way or another.” Cotton argued in remarks on the floor that the bill is a threat to US national security and said its passage would turn the Senate “into the active accomplice of deep-state leakers, traitors and criminals, along with the America-hating and fame-hungry journalists who help them out.” Earlier on Tuesday, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press used the release of a Justice Department’s inspector general report into leak investigations during Trump’s first term to argue for passage of the act. “This investigation highlights the need for a reasonable, common-sense law to protect reporters and their sources,” the group’s executive director, Bruce D. Brown, said. “It’s time for Congress to pass the PRESS Act, which has overwhelming bipartisan support, to prevent government interference with the free flow of information to the public.” The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SoundThinking, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI), a leading public safety technology company, announced today that Alan Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference being held at the Lotte New York Palace in New York City on January 14, 2025 at approximately 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast and replay of the presentation will be available through SoundThinking’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.soundthinking.com/ . Management will also be available for one-on-one and small group meetings with investors. For additional information or to schedule a meeting with management, please contact your Needham representative or SoundThinking’s investor relations team at ahira@soleburystrat.com. About SoundThinking SoundThinking, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI) is a leading public safety technology company that delivers AI- and data-driven solutions for law enforcement, civic leadership, and security professionals. SoundThinking is trusted by more than 300 customers and has worked with approximately 2,100 agencies to drive more efficient, effective, and equitable public safety outcomes. The company’s SafetySmartTM platform includes ShotSpotter®, the leading acoustic gunshot detection system; CrimeTracerTM, the leading law enforcement search engine; CaseBuilderTM, a one-stop investigation management system; ResourceRouterTM, software that directs patrol and community anti-violence resources to help maximize their impact; SafePointe®, an AI-based weapons detection system; and PlateRanger powered by Rekor, a leading LPR solution. SoundThinking has been designated a Great Place to Work® Company. Company Contact: Alan Stewart, CFO SoundThinking, Inc. +1 (510) 794-3100 astewart@soundthinking.com Investor Relations Contacts: Ankit Hira and Sean Daly Solebury Strategic Communications +1 (203) 546-0444 ahira@soleburystrat.com

Real estate magnates, construction industry tycoons and artificial intelligence coaches have said that AI is a game changer, which requires a sustainable policy with rules and regulations while addressing poor governance in financial institutions. They stated this during the PropTech Convention 2024 on the second day of the three-day 18th Build Asia International Conference and Exhibition at the Expo Centre Karachi. Commenting on Pakistanis investing in Dubai's real estate sector but not in their home country, leading property tycoon and Olympic Group Chief Operating Officer Abdul Kareem Adhia said there is a risk of scams in real estate business but scammers hardly comprise 5-10%. He stressed that government departments like the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) must ask builders and developers to work as per rules and regulations, and if they do not control them and go into hibernation after taking kickbacks, the public institutions will lose their credibility and reputation. The builders who are working honestly are hurt. The black sheep in the government must be removed immediately in the larger interest of growth in this sector. He said government officials, who are working in key institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and others, are eager to fill their pockets while harassing businessmen. Businessmen are struggling to save their hard-earned money from corrupt officials and if they decide to go abroad, the industry will collapse, triggering unemployment and other economic and social ills. Instead of demolishing Nasla Tower, a residential plaza in Karachi, the officials of government departments who gave no-objection certificates (NOCs) to the builder must have been punished. There are 40% slum areas in Karachi, but not a single shanty town is knocked down. The demolition of Nasla Tower has hurt builders, end-consumers and shattered investor confidence. After this nightmare, there is a big question mark over the 70% foreign investment which mostly goes to the realty sector. Units of various projects are not being sold these days because of rising inflation. At present, there is a shortfall of 1.5 million houses. He pointed out that Pakistan needs foreign investment and if capital comes from expatriate Pakistanis and the builders relocating abroad, it will give a boost to this sector. Speaking about empowering the next generation, College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS) Dean and AI Consultant Brig (Retd) Professor Dr Muhammad Abbas said AI is a game changer for real estate and construction sectors, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, innovation and sustainability. The academia plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders with AI skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this evolving landscape. By integrating AI into curricula, providing hands-on experience, fostering industry collaboration and supporting research, academic institutions can empower the next generation to shape the future. Talking about real estate investment and finance, he said risk assessment tools enable informed decision-making, for example, PropTech platforms help analyse market trends. When it comes to the role of academia, interdisciplinary expertise combines AI with industry knowledge. The academia must lead in innovation and ethical AI use. Integrating AI into curricula encompasses tailored programmes, combining AI with architecture and urban planning. Fostering collaborative learning involves forming partnerships with industry leaders to provide real world experience through student internships, while also utilising AI tools to simulate construction scenarios. Encouraging innovation and research calls for the establishment of AI research hubs focused on urban and sustainable design. Emphasising ethics in AI involves addressing concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and job displacement. For instance, conducting ethical analysis of facial recognition technology used in buildings is essential to ensure responsible AI development and application. Speaking about AI tools for construction and property management, Dr Abbas said Allytics offers an AI-powered platform that uses CCTV and existing video footage to analyse site conditions and monitor site safety and productivity. Everguard.ai focuses on using AI and variables to enhance workers safety. Its platform integrates computer vision and real-time data analytics to monitor workers' movement and activity, ensuring they adhere to safety protocols and detecting potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Landtrack.pk founder Atif Arafin said the PropTech convention aimed to bring all stakeholders of the real estate sector under one roof and talk about innovative technologies, deliberating how this industry is working in the outside world, how to ensure transparency, how to go for sustainable construction materials and the like. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourA House ethics panel found “substantial evidence” that former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl, used illegal drugs and paid thousands of dollars to women he met through disgraced Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, according to an investigative report released Monday. The congressional probe emerged from the federal prosecution of Greenberg, who is now serving an 11-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to several crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor. Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has never been charged criminally. But the ethics panel for the House — where Gaetz served nearly eight years — found “substantial evidence” that he violated Florida’s statutory rape law, engaged in commercial sex and broke House rules. Most of the sex-for-money encounters occurred in Florida, particularly around Orlando, and several of the women involved were students based in that area, the committee said. Though the allegations have followed Gaetz for years, the committee’s report marks a first public finding of fault against the former firebrand congressman and loyalist to President-elect Donald Trump. The committee authorized 29 subpoenas, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses, according to its nearly 40-page report. Trump had picked Gaetz to become U.S. attorney general, but Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration while facing scrutiny from the ethics probe. Gaetz resigned his seat in Congress last month to pursue the attorney general post. House investigators wrote that evidence showed Gaetz “regularly paid” women for sex from at least 2017 to 2020, engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old in 2017 and used or possessed illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions. The panel also found Gaetz accepted gifts in excess of permissible amounts, including transportation and lodging for a 2018 trip to the Bahamas. “Representative Gaetz has acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House,” the panel concluded. The committee said it did not find conclusive evidence that Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws. Asked about the report’s findings that Gaetz violated Florida laws, Nick Cox, statewide prosecutor in Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office, said any allegations of criminal wrongdoing would be investigated by a local police department, sheriff’s office or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. A spokesman said the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the report but did not have an immediate response . A house party mentioned in the report took place in Seminole County. The FDLE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gaetz, 42, sued the House Ethics Committee in federal court Monday to try to block it from releasing the report, arguing it had no authority over a private citizen. In a social media statement, he denied having sex with a 17-year-old. “My 30’s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too,” he wrote on Wednesday. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.” Gaetz has acknowledged he paid for flights, hotel rooms and expensive dinners for women he dated, though he has maintained it wasn’t illegal. “I think someone is trying to make that look criminal when it is not,” Gaetz said in an Axios interview in 2021. The report details Gaetz’s relationship with Greenberg, whom he befriended shortly after Greenberg took office in January 2017. Gaetz and Greenberg frequently attended parties with young women in attendance, many of whom were initially contacted by Greenberg via a dating website, according to the report. “While all the women that the Committee interviewed stated their sexual activity with Representative Gaetz was consensual, at least one woman felt that the use of drugs at the parties and events they attended may have ‘impair[ed their] ability to really know what was going on or fully consent,’” the report states. The women also discussed instances where “Representative Gaetz would try to convince them to have sex with him or Mr. Greenberg,” the report states. The ethics panel quoted one of the women as saying, “[H]e would make me feel bad about not having sex with him or Joel Greenberg” and that he would say, “Why don’t you want to have sex with me” or “[Mr. Greenberg] looks very sad over there ... make him happy.” The report references a July 15, 2017, house party that Gaetz attended at the Heathrow home of developer and former state Rep. Christopher Dorworth. The party was also attended by Greenberg, Gaetz’s then-girlfriend and several others, including a 17-year-old girl referred to in the ethics report as “Victim A,” the committee said. “The record overwhelmingly suggests that Representative Gaetz had sex with multiple women at the party, including the then-17-year-old, for which they were paid,” the report states. The ethics committee received testimony the girl and Gaetz had sex twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other attendees, according to the report. The girl, who had just finished her junior year of high school, recalled receiving $400 in cash from Gaetz, which she understood as payment for sex, the report states. The girl acknowledged that she was under the influence of ecstasy during her sexual encounters with Gaetz at the party and recalled seeing Gaetz use cocaine, the committee said. In a deposition in a related lawsuit, Dorworth denied being at his home during the party. The women who provided crucial testimony to the ethics committee did so at “significant personal cost,” said Joel Leppard, an Orlando lawyer who represented two witnesses. “Their testimony, supported by extensive documentation and corroborating witnesses, has now been validated through this comprehensive investigation,” he said. For two years, the U.S. Department of Justice investigated the allegations but ended its probe without filing criminal charges against Gaetz. The House Ethics Committee, which has jurisdiction over the conduct of members of Congress, started its probe in April 2021. The panel concluded that Gaetz did not violate federal sex trafficking law because “although Representative Gaetz did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex, the Committee did not find evidence that any of those women were under 18 at the time of travel, nor did the Committee find sufficient evidence to conclude that the commercial sex acts were induced by force, fraud, or coercion.” Political analysts said the report’s findings would traditionally spell doom for a politician, but in today’s environment, his future isn’t clear cut, particularly if Gaetz continues to have Trump’s backing. Gaetz has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Florida governor in 2026. “In any healthy representative democracy, that would be the end of Matt Gaetz politically,” said Mac Stipanovich, a Tallahassee consultant and anti-Trump Republican-turned-Democrat. “I believe, as difficult a situation in which we find ourselves, that we are still healthy enough as a country and as a state for that to still be true.” Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida, said that “in a different era,” the report’s findings would be disqualifying. “Now, in today’s era, it’s hard to say for sure.” Gaetz hasn’t announced his next political step. He is launching a show on the pro-Trump One America News Network in January. Orlando attorney John Morgan, a prominent Democratic fundraiser who left the party to become independent, has been in talks with Gaetz about joining his firm Morgan & Morgan. He wrote in an e-mail he was unfazed by the report. “Many people have used cocaine and smoked dope,” Morgan said. “So what. I don’t care.” Morgan said Gaetz assured him that the report’s finding of sex with a 17-year-old was a “lie.” “My firm is a big tent, and I value mercy most,” Morgan said.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment of a one-stop system to ensure children’s protection against all forms of abuse that are detrimental to their development. Executive Order (EO) 79 inked by Marcos on Dec. 8 establishes the Mahalin at Kalingain ating mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program and institutionalizes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383. Under EO 79, the MAKABATA Program will serve as a one-stop system for addressing and monitoring all issues and concerns of children in need of special protection (CNSPs), with components that include reporting; rescue and relief; rehabilitation; and reintegration. READ MORE : House to recommend filing charges against people tied to drugs, Pogos The EO defines CNSPs as persons below 18 years old, or those 18 years old and over but are unable to fully take care of themselves because of physical or mental disability or conditions, and are vulnerable to, or are victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, cruelty, discrimination, violence, and other similar cases such as child labor, online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse or exploitation of materials (CSAEM), child trafficking, and other circumstances that gravely threaten or endanger a child’s survival and normal development. CNSPs also refer to children in conflict with the law, children living in alternative care, and children living with human immunodeficiency virus. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the implementation of the MAKABATA program, while the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) will serve as the overall coordinating and monitoring body for the implementation of the MAKABATA Program. All concerned government agencies are directed to designate MAKABATA coordinators, focal persons, and child protection officers, as may be necessary, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. EO 79 orders the institutionalization of the existing MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a dedicated hotline number for the program operating round the clock. The helpline, which will serve as the central reporting system for all CNSP issues and concerns, will continue to be under the CWC’s management and operation. “All concerns received through any of the communication platforms of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 shall be immediately acted upon or referred, directly or indirectly, to concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including LGUs and private sector partners, for appropriate action and/or intervention,” according to EO 79. “In this regard, the MAKABATA Program, through MAKABATA Helpline, shall establish and develop a referral pathway which will link all government agencies and instrumentalities, including LGUs and private sector partners, into a network of cooperation and collaboration with the overall aim of ensuring delivery of services to CNSPs under the MAKABATA Program,” it added. EO 79 instructs the CWC to respond to all inquiries regarding CNSP issues and concerns; refers matters, issues, and concerns involving CNSPs to concerned government agencies; and implements a monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanism to ensure the provision of time and appropriate interventions to CNSPs. The CWC is also tasked to coordinate with the Presidential Communications Office to promote and raise public awareness on MAKABATA Helpline 1383, as well as study and recommend ways to streamline services of existing helplines for CNSPs. The DSWD and CWC are directed to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 79, which takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. The funding requirements for the initial implementation of EO 79 will be charged against current and available appropriations of the DSWD, CWC, and the implementing agencies.Aston Villa march on in Champions League after beating RB Leipzig

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Supermarket shopping can be a chore at the best of times, but at Christmas it can take on a whole new level of inconvenience, with queues, inflated prices and items out of stock. So, it pays to know when your particular store might be quietest, when staff will have restocked the shelves and when items get marked down for the best yellow sticker bargains. With nearly 30% of Brits admitting Christmas food shopping is their holiday nightmare, Britsuperstore has analysed the UK's top 10 supermarket chains to find the perfect times to do your Christmas shopping at each one. Top 10 Supermarkets: Aldi Busiest: Monday-Friday 5-6pm, Saturday 12pm, Sunday 3pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 8-9am and 9-10pm, Saturday 8-9am and 9-10pm, Sunday 11am Restock: Before opening and 3pm (Special Buys every Thursday and Sunday) Reductions: Before 8am and before closing (fresh produce with red stickers typically discounted 30-75%) The exact time of day for reductions will vary from store to store, but most will happen just before the store closes. Fresh products with reduced prices will be marked by a red sticker, and are typically reduced as they are at the end of their shelf life. They will normally be discounted by either 30% or 75%. Dried groceries and tinned food may also be discounted if they have imperfections. Recommended reading: DWP Christmas bonus to be paid to people on these benefits Savings accounts: best and worst for savings interest Housing benefit payments to be frozen next year Lidl Busiest: Monday-Friday 12-1pm and 5-6pm, Saturday 12-3pm, Sunday 12pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 8am and 10-11pm, Saturday 8am and 10-11pm, Sunday 4-5pm Restock: Late night and overnight Reduction: Morning and before closing (they have a two-wave reduction system, first thing in the morning and a few hours before closing) Again, the schedule for price reductions varies from store to store, but the majority of branches operate on a two-wave basis. Products are reduced first thing in the morning and a few hours before the store closes, although some stores may opt to make reductions throughout the day based on the volume of stock and sell-by dates. Morrisons Busiest: Monday-Friday 12-1pm, Saturday 1pm, Sunday 12pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 7-9am and 9-11 pm, Saturday 7-8am and 9-11pm, Sunday 4pm Restock: 5-6pm Reduction: Starts at 3pm (50% off for near-expiry items), followed by a further reduction at 5pm (75% off) with final dramatic reductions on in-store cooked food at 8pm (schedule may vary) Morrison stores typically have several waves of price reductions. Reductions begin at 3pm, with products at the end of their shelf life reduced by 50%. At 5pm, these products are reduced again, retailing at 75% of their original price. If you’re looking for a bargain on in-store cooked food, we recommend visiting the store at 8pm, as items will be dramatically reduced. Remember, the schedule for reductions may vary depending on the branch. The Co-Operative Busiest: Monday-Friday 5-6pm, Saturday 6pm, Sunday 5-6pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 7am and 9-10pm, Saturday 7-8am and 9-10pm, Sunday 7-8am and 9-10pm Restock: Mostly overnight Reduction: Starts around 6pm (50% off for expiry-date items), with a possible further reduction at 8pm (schedule may vary) Visit your local Co-op at around 6pm to be sure of a discount, although, at some stores, reductions start at 5pm. Items on sale on the day of their expiration date will usually be sold at 50% of their original price Tesco Busiest: Monday-Friday 3-6pm, Saturday 12-2pm, Sunday 12pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 7am and 8-11pm, Saturday 7-9am and 9-11pm, Sunday 7-8am and 10-11pm Restock: 6:30 AM Reduction: Starts at 9am (around 10% off), with further reductions between 4-5pm (around 30% off). Best reductions around 8pm (schedule may vary) At around 9am, items are reduced by around 10%. Some products are reduced further between 4pm and 5pm, by about 30%. For the best reductions, visit about 8pm, but again, keep in mind discount schedule may vary by store. Sainsbury's Busiest: Monday-Friday 12-4pm, Saturday12 pm, Sunday 3pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 7-9am and 7-10 pm, Saturday 8-9am and 9pm, Sunday 11pm and 4pm Restock: When closed and throughout the day Reduction: Starts after lunch (biggest discounts between 5-7pm) with significant variations by store (check with your local store) Reduction times at Sainsbury’s varies significantly by store. Make sure to visit after lunch, as this is when most stores begin to reduce their products. The best time to visit is between 5 pm and 7 pm, as this is when the biggest discounts will happen. ASDA (24 hours) Busiest: Monday-Friday 5-6pm, Saturday 1pm, Sunday 12pm Quietest: Monday 6-8am and 10-2pm, Tuesday-Friday 10pm-7am, Saturday 12-7am, Sunday 11am and 4pm Restock: 10 pm Reduction: Early morning (6-10am), 5pm, and 7:30pm (schedule may vary) Reductions at ASDA typically begin between 6 am and 10 am. There is a second round of reductions takes place at about 5 pm, and final reductions begin at around 7:30 pm. Again, discount schedules may vary from store to store. M&S Busiest: Monday-Friday 5-6pm, Saturday 4pm, Sunday 1-3pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 8am and 8-9pm, Saturday 8-9am and 6-7pm, Sunday 5-6pm Restock: 7 am Reduction: Around 9am (10% off), 2pm (30% off), and after 4pm (70-90% off) At most Marks & Spencer stores, there are three waves of reductions. The first wave takes place around 9 am, where some items may be reduced by 10%. The real reductions, however, begin around 2 pm. Here, products are normally reduced by 30%. The final wave of reductions happens after 4 pm, where products are reduced between 70% and 90%. Waitrose Busiest : Monday-Friday 6-7 pm, Saturday 6 pm, Sunday 4 pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 8-9am and 9-10pm, Saturday 8-9am and 9-10pm, Sunday 12pm Restock: 11am Reduction: Two hours before closing (around 50% off fresh food) The majority of Waitrose branches begin to reduce their products just after the lunchtime rush. For the best shot at reduced items at the best price, however, we recommend visiting stores two hours before closing time, when some stock, and in particular fresh food, is reduced by around 50%. Iceland Busiest: Monday-Friday 5pm, Saturday 1pm, Sunday 1pm Quietest: Monday-Friday 8-9am, Saturday 8-9am, Sunday 10am Restock: Before opening Reduction: Added to deliveries, plus flash discounts and schemes (check local store) At Iceland, reductions are added to deliveries. Iceland also offers “flash discounts”, and discount schemes, so be on the lookout for these. Last year, for example, they announced a scheme which allowed customers over the age of 60 to get 10% off their groceries with no minimum spend every Tuesday. Remember: Reduction schedules may vary by store for every chain, so always check with your local branch. Seven expert Christmas food shopping hacks Richard Price, Director of Britsuperstore , an online supermarket which specialises in food for expats, shares his seven tips to save this Christmas. Shop online to avoid queues and see what's in stock. Use budget shops like Home Bargains, Poundland, B&M, Lidl, and Aldi for good value food and own-brand spirits. Bulk buy and check prices per kilogram and consider warehouse clubs like Costco or Food Warehouse. Set a budget, make a list, and avoid impulse buys. Substitute national brands with store brands to save up to 30%. Don't just shop at eye level make sure to look above and below for better deals. Plan ahead and aim to finish your shopping by December 22 to beat the last-minute rush.

A recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children's toys and hair accessories. In a blog post, Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada, explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. (Dreamstime/TNS) The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were "an order of magnitude lower" than the EPA's thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren't enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn't be in these products in the first place. "The math error does not impact the study's findings, conclusions or recommendations," said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they're heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you're wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. It's nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That's because these products that include recycled e-waste don't disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it's also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study "had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them," she said. Anytime you're looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you're going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. There isn't a definitive timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. The 20th century brought airplanes, radio, television, the internet, and plastic. Lots of plastic. That plastic is now showing up on shorelines, forming islands in oceans, and generating mountains of translucent trash on land. Around 700 species of animals in the sea have been found to interact with plastic daily. Companies across every industry face pressure to reduce the amount of plastic they produce. Seventy-two percent of the world's largest have made voluntary commitments to reduce their plastic waste, according to a Duke University analysis. One industry, in particular, has greatly benefited from advancements in single-use plastic technology: the medical industry. Only in recent years have businesses and academics in the field begun to talk about minimizing their impact on our environment like beverage manufacturers and other consumer goods-producing businesses. Medical Technology Schools analyzed academic studies published in the National Library of Medicine , the American Medical Association , and news reports to shed light on the medical community's use of plastics through history, their environmental problems, and proposed solutions to reduce their impact. And the impact can be significant. A single hospital patient generates nearly 34 pounds of waste a day —as much as a quarter of it is plastic. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the problem. The pandemic pushed hospital capacity to the brink and led to a massive increase in personal protective equipment and medical supply usage. Medical-grade masks and other protective equipment like face shields, made mostly of nonrenewable plastics, were in high demand. In 2020, the World Health Organization estimated that the international need for PPE manufacturing would boost 40% to address the public health crisis. Hospitals needed an estimated 89 million masks, 76 million gloves, and 1.6 million goggles every month of the pandemic. To date, nearly 677 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, each requiring their own plastic syringe, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimated that the U.S. would produce a year's worth of medical waste in just two months due to the pandemic. The World Economic Forum warned that the COVID-19 crisis threatened to " stall and even reverse progress " to reduce large plastic waste. It's a challenge researchers acknowledge today as they search for solutions. Plastics introduced an era of ultraconvenience to the world. It makes our clothes. It's made bike helmets and airbags possible. And it's a cheap material to produce, meaning it's cheap for consumers too. Almost as importantly, it's durable and incredibly easy to make into complex shapes—a trait that helped plastics invented in the mid-20th century quickly replace more expensive metal and wooden goods. That adoption extended to the medical field, where the single-use nature of plastics represented a move toward more hygienic tools for physicians and hospitals. But it wasn't plastic's sanitary qualities that the industry first latched onto. Like so many other technical advancements, convenience and cost were the initial driving factors. That they were more conducive to creating a sterile environment for patients was a benefit that health care began to tout closer to the end of the 20th century. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, replaced glass bottles previously used to hold IV solution and replaced rubber tubing used throughout hospital settings. Plastic has also become the go-to material for making syringes and catheters. Plastic products are generally made from chemicals derived from the oil and natural gas refining process. Chemists use those byproducts to create synthetic materials with malleable and durable chemical structures. The low cost of these materials has helped medical device-makers support better health outcomes for communities across the U.S. since the 1900s. No longer was health care priced at rates only the elite could afford—it was accessible to a much larger swath of the public. In the last decade, the U.S., in particular, has emerged as a massive market for medical plastics. The country generally accounts for nearly half of the global market for medical devices. Plastic's durability is not only a benefit but a detriment to the environment, as the material can take many years to deteriorate when it enters landfills or trashes oceans. Estimates vary widely, but scientists ballpark that depending on the kind of plastic and the environment in which it decomposes, it could take dozens to thousands of years to break down entirely. COVID-19, which remains a burden for health care systems, isn't the only force raising the stakes for a health care industry pressured to reduce reliance on plastics or find ways to reuse them. Global annual production of plastic has doubled in the last two decades , according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As the U.S. looks toward the future, its aging population is another factor that could exacerbate the rate at which medical plastics end up in landfills. People require more medical care as they age, and aging baby boomers are expected to place increased demand on the medical device industry. At the same time, governments are under pressure to lower health care costs, which have become unaffordable even for those insured . As recently as 2021, researchers lamented a lack of data on efforts to recycle medical plastics. Around 350 hospitals participate in Practice Greenhealth's Environmental Excellence Awards . Practice Greenhealth is an organization working to help hospitals increase their sustainability. It's one of the few sources of hospital sustainability data, and its roster of participating hospitals represents a small fraction of the more than 6,000 hospitals operating in the U.S. To meet the need to reduce plastic waste generation, some hospitals are moving away from using plastic in certain applications. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center replaced health care workers' disposable plastic isolation gowns with reusable cloth gowns at its hospitals in the last decade, saving money and preventing literal tons of medical waste. It also implemented a process for sterilizing and incinerating the boxes that hold used needles, allowing them to be reassembled and reused in a health care setting. Recycling plastic medical waste is complicated by the potential for contamination and the need to separate contaminated and noncontaminated waste; once separated, they can be broken down with heat or treated with chemicals and reprocessed. However, using chemical methods to break down and dispose of plastics has drawbacks. Over 200 nongovernmental organizations signed a letter in 2023 urging the Biden administration to end federal support for methods like these, arguing they generate toxic pollutants. The Vinyl Council of Australia is working with hospitals to recover used materials made of PVC . The materials are broken down into tiny pieces, washed and heated at high temperatures, and remade into things used outside medical settings. In the U.S. and Europe, there's the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council, a coalition of companies working in the health care device space that includes DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic. In 2021, the HPRC, advised by professionals at Kaiser Permanente and other health systems, rolled out a medical waste recycling pilot project with hopes of scaling it across more hospitals. Story editing by Ashleigh Graf. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Medical Technology Schools and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks

In an astoundingly impressive run, Palantir Technologies has seen its stock skyrocket by 380% in 2024, buoyed by the fervent demand in the artificial intelligence sector. Investors are flocking to this software platform which boasts remarkable growth, with significant advancements in revenues and earnings. However, its valuation raises eyebrows. With a price-to-sales ratio at 75 and trailing earnings hovering around 412 times, some investors are wary of a potential downturn should the growth momentum falter. Despite the high stakes, Palantir’s forward-looking earnings multiple of 217 casts a hopeful light on its anticipated income improvements next year. With the expansive AI software platforms market as its backdrop, Palantir is positioning itself for long-term success, although not without risks due to its current valuation bubble. In contrast, C3.ai presents a more modest but appealing option. Having achieved a 23% gain in 2024, the company trades at a considerably lower valuation. It serves a similar market to Palantir, banking on the burgeoning AI arena, offering investors an opportunity with less financial overhang. The AI software market is an exciting landscape with forecasts predicting immense growth from $28 billion in 2023 to $153 billion by 2028. Both Palantir and C3.ai demonstrate promising potential, each increasing their forecasts thanks to escalating demand for generative AI solutions. While Palantir lays its foundation with strong government ties and an expanding commercial focus, C3.ai is leveraging partnerships with cloud giants to broaden its AI reach. Investors seeking the next big AI opportunity might see C3.ai as a more affordable alternative amidst the booming market potential. AI Stocks Skyrocket: The Surging Demand for Palantir and C3.ai in 2024 As investors ride the wave of the artificial intelligence boom, two companies are catching their attention: Palantir Technologies and C3.ai . With Palantir’s stock soaring by an astounding 380% in 2024, this AI software company stands out in the bustling market. But how sustainable is this growth, and what are the key dynamics driving these stocks? Market Analysis: The AI Uprising The AI software market is set for explosive growth, with projections estimating a rise from $28 billion in 2023 to $153 billion by 2028. This burgeoning landscape has made companies like Palantir and C3.ai attractive investments. The demand for generative AI solutions is witnessing an unprecedented surge, propelling these companies to significantly boost their market forecasts. Palantir Technologies: High Growth, High Valuation Palantir Technologies has captivated investors with its robust performance, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The company’s notable price-to-sales ratio of 75 and a trailing earnings multiple of 412 highlight its costly valuation, prompting some to question the sustainability of its current growth trajectory. Despite the concerns, Palantir’s forward earnings multiple of 217 offers a hopeful glimpse into potential future earnings. Palantir distinguishes itself with strong government contracts and a strategic pivot towards expanding its commercial customer base. The company is leveraging its comprehensive AI software platforms, aiming to cement its position in the long-term AI race. C3.ai: The Pragmatic Contender In contrast, C3.ai provides a more modest yet compelling alternative for investors. With a 23% rise in 2024, it’s a player in the same AI market as Palantir but at a lower valuation. C3.ai capitalizes on strategic partnerships with major cloud providers to expand its AI capabilities, aiming to capture a significant share of the growing AI demand. Pros and Cons: Investment Considerations Investors are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of these AI giants: Palantir Technologies Pros: – Strong government ties. – Expanding commercial presence. – High investor interest and dynamic growth plans. Palantir Technologies Cons: – High price-to-sales and earnings multiples. – Potential valuation bubble hazards. C3.ai Pros: – Lower valuation compared to Palantir. – Strategic cloud partnerships. – Less financial overhang risk. C3.ai Cons: – Slower growth compared to Palantir. – Not as deeply embedded in government contracts. Predictions and Market Trends Both Palantir and C3.ai are set to ride the AI trend, with a focus on generative AI solutions driving significant market interest. Analysts predict continued positive momentum for these companies as they adjust to the rapid growth and technological advancements in AI. Investors looking for the next big opportunity in AI might consider C3.ai a more affordable option with steady growth, while those willing to bet on high growth potential may opt for Palantir, despite its premium valuation. For more information on AI stocks and market trends, visit Palantir Technologies and C3.ai .Who has Trump picked for his Cabinet? Brooke Rollins rounds out nomineesIn-vitro Diagnostics Market to See Rapid Expansion Over the Next Decade 2024-2032

Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.

Dave Grohl to spend Christmas with wife and kids as he fears 'losing' them amid cheating scandal

Cam Carter put LSU ahead for good with a jumper 1:08 into the third overtime and the Tigers came away with a wild 109-102 win over UCF on Sunday in the third-place game of the Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Carter's make sparked a 5-0 spurt for LSU (5-1), which mounted a ferocious second-half rally that began after Darius Johnson drilled a 3-pointer to put the Knights up 52-34 with 12:57 to play in regulation. UCF (4-2) got back within two in the third overtime, but it never found a way to draw even. Vyctorius Miller and Jordan Sears sealed the victory, combining for three buckets down low that gave the Tigers a 106-99 cushion with 17 seconds remaining. Carter was the late-game hero for LSU, scoring the final four points of regulation to forge a 70-70 tie. He also knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:19 left in the first extra session to give the Tigers a 76-75 advantage. Sears gave LSU a four-point edge with a triple of his own with 2:10 to go, but the Tigers failed to stay in front, and UCF's Keyshawn Hall kept the game going by sinking two free throws with six seconds remaining to make it 82-82. Neither team led by more than three in the second overtime, with Hall again coming to the Knights' rescue. He made two layups in the final 52 seconds of the frame to knot things at 93 and send the teams to a third OT. Few could have predicted 15 minutes of extra basketball after UCF put together a 25-3 first-half run that lifted it to a 38-18 advantage with 2:12 left until the break. LSU responded with seven unanswered points, but the Knights still led comfortably, 40-25, at intermission. Sears finished with a game-high-tying 25 points to go along with nine boards, while Jalen Reed recorded a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Tigers. Carter netted 20 points, Miller had 16 and Dji Bailey chipped in 14. Johnson collected 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists and five steals for UCF. Hall totaled 21 points and 10 boards, and Jordan Ivy-Curry supplied 20 points. LSU outshot UCF 43.2 percent to 40.7 percent and had narrow advantages from behind the arc (12 made shots to 10) and the free-throw line (21-18). --Field Level Media