Hezbollah fires more than 180 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding at least 7 BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired at least 185 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in the militant group's heaviest barrage in several days. The attacks in northern and central Israel happened Sunday in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Meanwhile, negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister condemned the latest strike as an assault on the U.S.-led cease-fire efforts. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.Joe Rogan responds to ABC boss Kim Williams’ tirade
SMU has plenty to play for when it closes the regular season against California on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. The Mustangs (10-1, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who checked in at No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, would like to send their seniors off the right way. They would also like to complete a perfect regular season before appearing in the ACC title game in their first year in the conference. Most importantly, they want to continue to strengthen their playoff case. "You've got the College Football Playoff, so every game matters. That's what's so cool about it now. The regular season is important," SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. "We'd like to finish well in everything we do, particularly on Saturday, to finish off the regular season, continue our momentum into the following week. Hopefully, continue to show the committee and others that we're worthy of continuing to play this year." The Mustangs are a worthy playoff team to date. Kevin Jennings has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 2,521 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has rushed for 315 yards and four TDs. Brashard Smith has been another standout, rushing for 1,089 yards and 13 TDs. Defensively, the Mustangs rank tied for 14th in the country with 20 takeaways. "Obviously they've had a phenomenal season," Cal coach Justin Wilcox said of SMU. "As soon as you turn the tape on, it doesn't take very long to see why their record is what it is. They're very, very good really in every phase of the game - extremely explosive and quick and fast. They've got a dominant D-line. We've got a lot of challenges in front of us and our guys are excited for that." Cal (6-5, 2-5) is coming off an emotional win, defeating rival Stanford 24-21 on Saturday to secure a bowl berth. The Golden Bears will appear in consecutive bowls for the first time since 2018-19 and are now looking to clinch their first winning season since 2019. SMU is not overlooking Cal, as all five of the Golden Bears' losses have come by one score. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 6-5 team in America," Lashlee said. "I think you can conservatively say they very, very easily could be 9-2." Cal is led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Tight end Jack Endries leads the team with 555 yards receiving, while wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has caught a team-leading five touchdowns. Defensively, Cal has the ACC's top scoring defense (20.7 points per game) and is tied with Clemson for the ACC's best turnover margin (plus-13). Defensive back Nohl Williams is the star of the group -- he leads the country with seven interceptions. Even though oddsmakers are heavily favoring SMU, Cal is going into the game with a simple mindset. "Our task at hand is to make the best bowl game right now," Mendoza said. "And the way to do that is to go into Dallas, give it our best and ruin SMU's season." Saturday will mark the first conference meeting between these ACC newcomers, and just the second meeting between the programs all time. SMU won a 13-6 game back in 1957. --Field Level MediaCharlie Panton scored the only goal of the game in the 77th minute as Billericay recorded their third league win in succession to remain sixth points behind league leaders Dover Athletic. At the other end of the table, Bowers & Pitsea lost 1-0 at home to relegation rivals Cray Wanderers. Bowers had Lewis Chambers sent off in the 66th minute after he was shown a second yellow card and Cray made the most of their extra man with Frankie Raymond scoring from the spot 11 minutes from time. Bowers remain second from bottom in the table and are now six points from safety. In Isthmian North, Basildon United’s match at home to Brightlingsea Regent and Concord Rangers’ match at Tilbury were both postponed due to the weather. Benfleet’s game at Little Oakley in the Essex Senior League was also called off along with White Ensign’s game at home to Thetford Town in the FA Vase.
Share Tweet Share Share Email Cryptocurrencies have become more than just digital assets; they’re reshaping how we invest, save, and build wealth. And while Bitcoin and Ethereum have paved the way, newer projects like Qubetics, Cardano, and SEI have stolen the spotlight. Each of these has carved its unique niche in the crypto world, offering innovative solutions, robust ecosystems, and jaw-dropping growth potential. So, if you’re wondering about the best cryptos to buy in December 2024 , we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive deep into what makes these three projects stand out and why investors can’t stop talking about them. Meet Qubetics: The Rising Star If you haven’t yet heard about Qubetics, you’re about to have a lightbulb moment. This project’s been on everyone’s radar lately, and for good reason. With its presale now in the 14th stage, Qubetics has already sold over 385 million $TICS tokens to more than 12,400 holders, raking in a whopping $8.1 million. Right now, the price of $TICS is $0.037—but here’s the kicker: it’s set to increase by 10% this weekend. Timing is everything. One of the core innovations setting Qubetics apart is its QUBEQODE IDE , an integrated development environment that’s transforming how businesses and individuals interact with blockchain tech. Think of it as a toolkit for building blockchain solutions—but way more user-friendly and insanely efficient. Picture this: a mid-sized company wants to integrate blockchain for supply chain tracking but doesn’t know where to start. Enter QUBEQODE IDE. With its drag-and-drop features, pre-built smart contract templates, and intuitive interface, the company can launch its blockchain solution in weeks, not months. Freelancers and professionals are also singing its praises. From managing contracts to verifying payments, QUBEQODE simplifies the complicated. Even individuals looking to dip their toes in crypto can use it for straightforward tasks like creating wallets or trading NFTs. For example, Sarah, a freelance graphic designer in Chicago, used QUBEQODE to mint NFTs of her artwork without hiring a developer. Meanwhile, a small bakery in New York used it to set up a rewards program on the blockchain . It’s practical, accessible, and built for real-world applications. If you’re seeking potential gains, analysts are buzzing about Qubetics. By the end of the presale, $TICS could reach $0.25, offering a remarkable 630% return on investment (ROI). Following the presale, projections suggest that $TICS may soar to $1, resulting in an impressive 2820% ROI. The most exciting prediction, however, is a post-mainnet launch price of $15, which would deliver a staggering 43,711% ROI. To illustrate this potential, consider an investment of $5,000 at the current price of $0.0342. By the end of the presale, your investment could grow to $36,500. If $TICS reaches $1, your investment would balloon to $146,000, and at $15, you’d be looking at an astonishing $2.19 million. That’s some serious life-changing potential! Cardano: The Old Guard with a Fresh Take Cardano’s not just another blockchain; it’s a philosophy. Since its launch in 2017, it’s earned a reputation for its methodical, research-first approach. Cardano’s focus on scalability, sustainability, and security has made it a top choice for developers and investors alike. Cardano’s unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Ouroboros, is a game-changer. It’s energy-efficient, fast, and environmentally friendly—a big win in today’s eco-conscious world. Plus, Cardano’s smart contract platform, launched with the Alonzo upgrade, has opened the floodgates for DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, and more. Take the recent launch of World Mobile, a blockchain-powered telecom company using Cardano. They’re connecting remote African communities to the internet, showing how Cardano’s tech isn’t just theoretical—it’s making a tangible difference. Despite market volatility, Cardano has stayed resilient. It’s known for its strong community, dubbed the Cardano Army, and its ability to roll out meaningful upgrades. In 2024, projects like Mithril—a protocol that improves syncing times for nodes—are pushing Cardano to new heights. While its price may not offer the explosive ROI of Qubetics right now, Cardano’s stability makes it a safer long-term play. Investors looking for a balanced portfolio often pair it with higher-risk projects. SEI: The Speed Demon When speed and efficiency are what you need, SEI is the name to remember. This blockchain has made waves for being the fastest layer-1 solution on the market, clocking in at 22,000 transactions per second. If crypto were a drag race, SEI would be the car leaving everyone in the dust. Built specifically for decentralised finance (DeFi), SEI is a go-to for traders, liquidity providers, and developers. Its order book model allows for lightning-fast transactions, making it ideal for high-frequency trading. Imagine trading tokens with the same speed and efficiency as stocks on Wall Street. That’s SEI. One of SEI’s standout use cases is its integration with gaming. Gamers now have access to blockchain-powered assets that feel seamless, thanks to SEI’s rapid execution. Developers love it because it’s built for scalability without sacrificing performance. SEI’s speed isn’t just a tech flex; it’s a massive business advantage. DeFi projects relying on low-latency trading are flocking to its ecosystem, boosting demand for SEI tokens. While it’s still early days for SEI, its market position as the fastest blockchain is hard to beat. If you’re looking for the best cryptos to buy in December 2024, SEI is worth a closer look. Conclusion: Qubetics Is the One to Watch With crypto markets buzzing, picking the best cryptos to buy in December 2024 can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But if one thing’s clear, it’s that Qubetics presale is the standout choice. Its QUBEQODE IDE is changing the game, and its presale metrics are off the charts. Combine that with analysts’ sky-high price predictions, and it’s easy to see why investors are jumping on board. Don’t wait. The Qubetics presale is still live, but time’s ticking. Get in now at $0.037 before the price hike this weekend and secure your spot in what could be one of the most profitable crypto plays of the year. Visit the Qubetics website today and join the revolution. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Regret Not Buying ZIGnaly Early? Secure Your Future by Investing in Qubetics This Month Best Coins to Join This Month: Qubetics Secret for Massive Gains and Unmatched Online Privacy Best Coins to Invest in for Short Term: Qubetics Revolutionizing Privacy with a Decentralized VPN and Huge ROI Potential CommentsPoeltl, Olynyk, Mitchell return to Toronto Raptors' lineup versus MavericksALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Jurors in New Mexico have awarded a man more than $412 million in a medical malpractice case that involved a men’s health clinic that operates in several states. The man’s attorneys celebrated Monday’s verdict, saying they are hopeful it will prevent other men from falling victim to a scheme that involved fraud and what they described as dangerous penile injections. They said the jury award for punitive and compensatory damages is likely the largest in history for a medical malpractice case. The award follows a trial held in Albuquerque earlier this month that centered on allegations outlined in a lawsuit filed by the man’s attorneys in 2020. NuMale Medical Center and company officials were named as defendants. According to the complaint, the man was 66 when he visited the clinic in 2017 in search of treatment for fatigue and weight loss. The clinic is accused of misdiagnosing him and unnecessarily treating him with “invasive erectile dysfunction shots” that caused irreversible damage. “This out of state medical corporation set up a fraudulent scheme to make millions off of conning old men by scaring them with a fake test,” Nick Rowley, the man’s attorney, wrote in a social media post that detailed the verdict. Rowley went on to say that the scheme involved clinic workers telling patients they would have irreversible damage if they didn’t agree to injections three times a week. NuMale Medical Center President Brad Palubicki said in a statement issued Tuesday that the company is committed to high-quality and safe patient care. He said NuMale disagrees with the verdict and intend to pursue all available legal remedies, including an appeal. A message seeking additional comment was left Wednesday with the company and its attorney. NuMale also has clinics in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina and Wisconsin. According to court records, jurors found that fraudulent and negligent conduct by the defendants resulted in damages to the plaintiff. They also found that unconscionable conduct by the defendants violated the Unfair Practices Act. The Associated Press
Bettors boost bankrolls banking on NFL disparity
IN BRIEF: • CFOs are uniquely positioned to integrate sustainability into fi nancial strategies and drive long-term value creation. • Advanced AI and data analytics offer CFOs powerful tools to enhance reporting accuracy and transparency. • By fostering deeper engagement with investors and stakeholders, CFOs can build trust and confidence in their company’s sustainability commitments. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the Chief Financial Of fi cer (CFO) has never been more critical in driving long-term value. Investors are increasingly demanding clear and credible narratives on how companies will create long-term value while managing immediate challenges. However, recent research highlights signi fi cant doubts among both CFOs and investors regarding the reliability of non- fi nancial reporting and the achievement of sustainability targets. THE CHALLENGE OF NON-FINANCIAL REPORTING The 2024 EY Global Corporate Reporting Survey, which surveyed more than 2,000 fi nance leaders and 815 institutional investors globally, reveals a concerning level of skepticism surrounding transparency and sustainability. Only about half of the fi nance leaders and investors surveyed believe that companies will likely meet their stated sustainability targets. This doubt is compounded by perceptions of greenwashing, where companies are seen as overstating their environmental efforts without substantial actions to back up their claims. Non-financial reporting, particularly in the realm of sustainability, is still maturing. Unlike fi nancial reporting, which is governed by well-established standards and metrics, sustainability reporting often relies on voluntary frameworks that widely vary. The lack of standardization can lead to inconsistencies and a lack of con fi dence in the reported data. CFOs, therefore, face the dual challenge of improving the quality of non- fi nancial reporting while ensuring that it aligns with investor expectations and regulatory requirements. BALANCING MULTIPLE PRIORITIES IN THE AGE OF AND In what is termed the “Age of And,” CFOs are tasked with the complex challenge of balancing short-term financial pressures with long-term strategic goals. This involves making informed capital allocation decisions that drive growth in areas such as arti fi cial intelligence (AI) and sustainability while also meeting near-term performance expectations. The “Age of And” reflects a business environment where companies must simultaneously address multiple, often conflicting, priorities. For CFOs, this means developing strategies that ensure immediate fi nancial stability and position the company for future growth. This balancing act requires a deep understanding of both fi nancial and non- fi nancial drivers of value, as well as the ability to communicate these effectively to investors and other stakeholders. BUILDING CREDIBILITY IN SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING To address these challenges, CFOs must take proactive steps to enhance the credibility of their sustainability reporting. This involves understanding investor requirements, resetting non-financial reporting standards, and integrating sustainability into fi nancial decision-making processes. By doing so, CFOs can provide the structured insights needed to distinguish their companies in the market. One of the key steps in building credibility is ensuring that sustainability disclosures are backed by rigorous data and due diligence. This means going beyond mere compliance with reporting standards to provide a transparent and verifiable account of the company’s sustainability efforts. CFOs should work closely with sustainability of fi cers and other key stakeholders to develop robust reporting frameworks that can withstand scrutiny from investors, regulators, and the public. THE ROLE OF AI IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY AI presents a signi fi cant opportunity to transform fi nance functions and enhance sustainability efforts. It can improve the ef fi ciency of core processes, enhance data analytics, and generate insights that drive value creation. However, the successful implementation of AI requires strong data and technology foundations as well as a responsible approach to building trust in AI systems. AI can help CFOs address some of the key challenges in sustainability reporting by automating data collection and analysis, identifying trends and anomalies, and providing real-time insights into the company’s performance. For example, AI tools can be used to monitor sustainability metrics, track progress against targets, and identify areas where additional investment or action is needed. By leveraging AI, CFOs can improve the accuracy and reliability of their reporting while also freeing up time and resources for more strategic activities. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CFOS Enhance reporting credibility. CFOs should ensure that their sustainability reporting is backed by rigorous data and due diligence to avoid perceptions of greenwashing. This involves developing robust reporting frameworks, conducting regular audits, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. Enhance reporting credibility. CFOs should ensure that their sustainability reporting is backed by rigorous data and due diligence to avoid perceptions of greenwashing. This involves developing robust reporting frameworks, conducting regular audits, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. To provide additional comfort to their stakeholders, CFOs and fi nancial reporting teams should endeavor to align sustainability reporting with fi nancial and regulatory reporting implications and disclosures to achieve consistency in reporting. Leverage AI. Utilize AI to improve data analytics and decision-making processes, ensuring that the technology is built on solid data foundations and adheres to ethical principles. CFOs should invest in AI tools that can enhance the ef fi ciency and accuracy of their reporting while providing valuable insights into the company’s performance. This includes developing a clear strategy for AI implementation, training staff on the use of AI tools, and establishing governance frameworks to ensure the responsible use of AI. Engage with investors. Building deeper engagement with investors is crucial for gaining their trust and confidence. CFOs should regularly communicate with investors about the company’s sustainability efforts, progress against targets, and plans for future growth. This includes providing detailed and transparent reports, hosting investor briefings, and seeking feedback from investors to understand their concerns and expectations. Cultivate a sustainability-driven culture. CFOs should play a key role in fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization. This involves promoting sustainability as a core value, encouraging collaboration between different departments, and providing training and resources to support sustainability initiatives. By embedding sustainability into the company’s culture, CFOs can ensure that it becomes a key driver of long-term value creation. DRIVING LONG-TERM VALUE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES CFOs play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their organizations by providing credible, transparent, and forward-looking reporting. By addressing investor concerns and integrating sustainability into their fi nancial strategies, CFOs can build trust and drive long-term value creation. In doing so, they position themselves as essential strategic partners to the CEO and the board, capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business environment. The journey towards reliable non- fi nancial reporting and sustainable value creation is challenging, but it is also an opportunity for CFOs to demonstrate their leadership and vision. By taking proactive steps to enhance reporting credibility, embed sustainable principles into their core operations, leverage AI, engage with investors, and foster a culture of sustainability, CFOs can ensure that their companies are well-positioned for long-term success in the Age of And. This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co. Aris C. Malantic is the Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) leader, and Benjamin N. Villacorte is the sustainability services leader, both of SGV & Co.