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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 Comments

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Singapore Sikhs celebrate history at religious-cultural mela‘Tis the season to be jolly, but also mindful. Over Christmas we generate more waste than any other time of the year with tonnes of wrapping paper, plastic packaging, unwanted gifts, glass bottles, cards, leftover food, fairy lights and Christmas trees ending up in landfill. Auckland Council WasteWise advisor Courtenay Hunt, who used to work for Mahurangi Wastebusters, says everyone can help reduce waste by having what she calls a conscious Christmas. “The benefits are that you buy less and simplify things. You can save money, reduce stress and spend more time on what’s important to your whanau, as well as protecting their environment.” Hunt says to keep it simple – it could be making just one change. “People can only do what they can do. We want to be encouraging and empowering. “You could make something for someone. One example is, a few years ago I actually grew loofah shower sponges just for fun. “So a conscious Christmas is about being mindful. Thinking, planning and having discussions with whomever you’re spending your holidays, with as well as the people that you want to acknowledge through a gift,” she says. • Consider gifts that create little or no waste, that can be reused again and again, or recycled at the end of their life • Join the #BuyNothingNew trend – challenge yourself to find preloved or upcycled gifts for your loved ones. Find your local ReUse Market • If you do buy something new, shop local and choose products with minimal packaging • Use reusable or recyclable gift-wrapping options, such as fabric, newspapers, or brown paper. Avoid glossy or metallic wrapping paper as these can’t go in the recycling bin • The Japanese art of Furoshiki involves wrapping gifts in reusable cloth. This is a beautiful way to show you care about your loved one and the environment • Place gifts in reusable bags or baskets that can be repurposed once the gift has been given Decorate with nature’s flair • Put up nature’s own decorations, like pine cones, branches, and fresh flowers. These can be composted after use • Create your own decorations using recycled materials or items you already have at home • Make your own Christmas stockings using fabric scraps or repurposed materials • If you prefer a real tree, consider one that is locally sourced and can be composted after use. Or get a potted tree that can be planted in your garden after the holiday season • If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s robust enough to be used for many years • Reduce food waste by planning your meals, buy only what you need, and use leftovers creatively. Check out Love Food Hate Waste for an impressive list of ideas and mouthwatering recipes • If you know you’ll be feeding the extended family, buy ingredients in bulk to reduce packaging waste • After you’ve used the chicken or turkey carcass for making soup or stock, put the leftover bones in your food scraps bin • Bring a plate (literally): Going to a Christmas BBQ? Help out your hosts by not only bringing a plate of kai, but also by taking your own dishes and cutlery to avoid using single-use products • Book a food waste collection service • Use reusable plates or offer food on napkins instead of plastic plates • Serve tap water or buy soft drinks in larger bottles or aluminium cans to reduce plastic waste • Offer takeaways – let people know to bring a reusable container to take extra food home with them • Set up Auckland Council recycling and food scrap bins at your function next to rubbish bins • You can also book loan gear for free from Auckland Council to support your event. Cards and invitations approved by Mother Earth • Send electronic cards or create a digital invitation to reduce paper waste • If you prefer traditional cards, choose eco-friendly greeting cards, or cards with seeds embedded into handmade paper that can be planted in the garden Get it sorted! • Our rubbish, recycling and food scraps elves will be working all the way through the holidays, so give them a great Christmas present – all waste sorted correctly; rinse your containers to avoid recycling contamination and remember only plastics number 1,2, or 5 (look for a number in the centre of a small triangle) • Christmas and New Year public holidays may affect council collections days. Please check your rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection day for your property at aucklandcouncil.nz/binday Join the movement and share your #LowWasteXmas on social media.

World leaders and US politicians reacted to news that former US President Jimmy Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at age 100 . US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well." US vice president Kamala Harris "President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion." US incoming president Donald Trump "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." President George W Bush "Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. James Earl Carter, Junior, was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton "From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity, he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." Egypt president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi "In this moment of sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the President and the people of the United States of America. His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity." US secretary of state Antony Blinken "Throughout decades of public service, President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the freedom, security, and welfare of others. He channelled that spirit in his foreign policy, from negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation, to developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. And he brought it to his every exchange and conversation, from heads of state to ordinary citizens. President Carter also showed us what can be achieved through tireless and principled diplomacy, mediating a landmark deal with Israel and Egypt that helped forge peace between two nations that had spent decades at war. His efforts are an important reminder of what's possible, especially amidst renewed conflict and suffering in the region." Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come." Panama president Jose Raul Mulino "I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and Government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His stint in the White House was marked by difficult times, and were crucial for Panama in negotiating and signing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which transferred the (Panama) Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign. May his soul rest in peace." Venezuelan government of president Nicolas Maduro "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regrets the death of former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, and extends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Former President Carter was a man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue. His contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world." French president Emmanuel Macron "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese "President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter's legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted." Incoming US vice president JD Vance "Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace." US senate majority leader Chuck Schumer "Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality." British prime minister Keir Starmer "I was very sorry to hear of President Carter's passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace prize. Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad." US senator Mitch McConnell "Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter. President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most." US house speaker Mike Johnson "Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter's story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace." US senator Mark Warner "President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home." US senate majority whip Dick Durbin "Jimmy Carter proved that excellence in public service can extend beyond the White House. His life was an inspiration to those of us who aspire to lead a life of service." -ReutersRuben Amorim issues storm warning after smooth start with Manchester UnitedElevai Labs Inc. Announces Withdrawal of Offer to Exchange and Plans to Reassess

ormer Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, imprisoned for corruption and abuses of power since 2022 for his involvement in the multibillion 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, has returned to the headlines. Over the past year, he’s been effective in reducing his criminal sentence and strengthening his martyr image, which appeals to his political base. Najib has galvanized his supporters as his party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), made modest gains in by-elections. Despite his conviction, he remains a contender for national leadership. This week, a Malaysian court dropped 17 money laundering and tax evasion charges against Najib’s wife Rosmah Mansor, known for her controversial jewelry and expensive bag purchases. Two major developments have worked in Najib’s favor this year. One has been greater clemency. In February, the sentence in his SRC conviction, a subsidiary tied to the 1MDB scandal, was halved. The “discount” was secured through an appeal to the pardon board headed by Malaysia’s royalty. Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. A son of a prime minister with extensive political ties of his own, having entered politics when he was only 23, Najib has long been part of Malaysia’s political elite, including part of the royal council in Pahang, his home state. In April, a possible addendum to the pardon board’s decision to allow Najib to finish his sentence at home was raised. He lost his bid to execute the alleged house arrest order in July but the case remains on appeal, with a decision expected in January. The signs look promising for Najib to be granted house arrest. In October, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that his government was considering legislation for house arrest, perceived as making way for Najib to serve his now six-year sentence at home. To date, Najib has served 28 months. His biggest legal gain, however, occurred in November, when the court discharged six embezzlement charges in another trial linked to 1MDB. The reason was the prosecution had failed to provide documents to the defense. Of the four 1MDB-linked trials Najib has faced, he has been convicted in one, two have been dismissed and another – the main case for 1MDB funds – is ongoing. Najib began his defense in this last trial earlier in December. Ironically, this is a second factor that strengthens Najib’s standing among his supporters. He is building his martyr image in the courtroom. Najib’s lawyers have alleged a United States-led conspiracy to topple him. This extends his “Robin Hood” narrative, in which he had claimed that his 1MDB funds were distributed rather than used personally. His lawyers have consistently argued he is being targeted, and while Najib apologized for mishandling the 1MDB funds in October, he has not accepted blame for the billions of losses Malaysian taxpayers now have to pay. Reinforcing Najib’s martyr image is a stark contrast: He has had to enter his defense, while UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, a key ally in the Anwar government, has had all of his legal charges dismissed. This month, the prosecution withdrew its appeal in Zahid’s last remaining legal case, making way for the courts to acquit the deputy prime minister of bribery charges connected to a foreign visa system. Within the UMNO, Najib is more popular with the grassroots than Zahid. The more Najib is being made to fight, the stronger his supporters perceive injustice. His popularity is reinforced by nostalgia among his party for an era when it was dominant in power, patronage was more widely shared and economic growth was perceived as benefiting the ground. Many long for a return to the old ways of doing business. Views of Najib are polarized, with his detractors adamant that he should serve his time in prison and pay his outstanding taxes and fines. Yet among his base and dissatisfied voters, Najib is arguably stronger than he was a year ago. Those in power have a good reason to be wary of Najib’s popularity. Malaysia has a history of jailed leaders coming back to power. Ironically, this history might be Najib’s main obstacle, as his ongoing rehabilitation is unlikely to provide a clear pathway to power – at least in the short term. ---

NEWS BRIEF In the wake of recent cyberattacks against U.S communications companies by foreign actors, the Federal Communications Commission proposed new cybersecurity rules on how telecommunication companies should secure their networks. "The cybersecurity of our nation’s communications critical infrastructure is essential to promoting national security, public safety, and economic security,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement last week. “As technology continues to advance, so does the capabilities of adversaries, which means the U.S. must adapt and reinforce our defenses.” Under the proposed requirements, which has been shared as a Declaratory Ruling with the other members of the commission, telecommunications carriers would need to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications, and to submit annual certifications to the agency confirming that they have created, updated, and implemented a cybersecurity risk management plans in place to fortify their defenses against future attacks. The proposal focuses on a “modern framework to help companies secure their networks,” the chairwoman said. "The FCC is creating a forcing function to prioritize risk management and cybersecurity, which will also drive modernization in a lot of useful ways," Trey Ford, chief information security officer at Bugcrowd, said in an emailed statement. "The FCC will appreciate the challenges that Corporate Directors and the SEC have been wrestling with - how inventory, score, and treat cyber risks - and the challenges in communicating what needs done, when, and how." The Chinese-state sponsored hacker group Salt Typhoon hit several internet service provider networks in the U.S. earlier this year, compromising targets at organizations including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen. The carriers have not yet successfully evicted the attackers from their networks and the intelligence community is still trying to determine the scope and impact of the attacks. As one of the largest, most egregious cyberattacks, a large number of call records, including phone numbers, call types and duration, have been compromised. Salt Typhoon also intercepted the calls and messages of government officials and politicians. Last week, CISA issued guidance with the National Security Agency (NSA), and the FBI to the telecom industry on how to handle the threat. The new guidance includes best practices and recommendations on quickly detecting threat activity, improving visibility, reducing existing vulnerabilities and limiting the attack surface. It also highlighted ways to harden Cisco network gear. After a classified briefing in the Senate, Sen. Ron Wyden introduced legislation this week to require the FCC to create, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Director of National Intelligence, specific digital security standards designed to prevent unauthorized interceptions. The proposed bill would require telecoms to conduct annual tests of the safety measures and work to patch any uncovered vulnerabilities, as well as tap an outside auditor to carry out yearly assessments of compliance with the cybersecurity rules. With Congress poised for recess soon, it is unclear if there will be any immediate action on this legislation. If the FCC proposal is adopted, the Declaratory Ruling would take effect immediately. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek comment on cybersecurity risk management requirements and on additional ways to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of communications systems and services. Jennifer Lawinski is a writer and editor with more than 20 years experience in media, covering a wide range of topics including business, news, culture, science, technology and cybersecurity. After earning a Master's degree in Journalism from Boston University, she started her career as a beat reporter for The Daily News of Newburyport. She has since written for a variety of publications including CNN, Fox News, Tech Target, CRN, CIO Insight, MSN News and Live Science. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two cats.

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate” granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’” Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater “that President Biden condemned.” Related Articles Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump’s attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office.LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles has so far this year recorded double-digit percentage declines in homicides, non-fatal shootings and slayings stemming from gang feuds, according to police data released Tuesday. City officials touted the numbers as proof that public safety is improving after concerns about crime motivated voters in November’s election. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the numbers Tuesday at an early morning at Watts Labor Community Action Committee Center, a jobs and social services nonprofit. Bass said that through the first week of December, there were 266 people killed citywide, a decline of 15% compared to the number slain the same period in 2023. The decrease was even more dramatic — a 28% drop — when measured against numbers from 2022, when violence ebbed after the first two years of the pandemic. The latest figures show that shootings in which someone was struck but not killed fell by nearly 19% when compared to 2023, while gang-related homicides fell by more than 50%. The mayor attributed the declines to growing collaboration between LAPD officers and community members in neighborhoods hit by violence. She also credited proactive enforcement efforts, such as the creation of a smash-and-grab retail crime task force that has led to hundreds of arrests and the recovery of more than $60 million in stolen merchandise. “What we’ve shown this year is that when a crime is committed here in the city, we don’t wait, we take action,” Bass said, also praising the work of interventionists and community programs such as Summer Night Lights that work to quash gang beefs and prevent violence. New LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said he was heartened by the declining crime statistics, which come despite the department’s staffing woes. “These numbers represent lives saved, families preserved and communities being given the opportunity to heal and thrive,” he said. Watts Gang Task Force president Donny Joubert said that the sustained levels of calm were being particularly felt in some of the area’s public housing developments, where briefings by police leaders that used to be dominated by updates on recent gun violence are now focused on more mundane crimes. “We talk about maybe a couple cars got broken in, that’s huge. No shootings,” he said. Similarly dramatic declines in violent crime from early pandemic highs were reported in nationwide surveys and data from 500 to 1,000 local police departments. Even with statistics that show killings and other serious crimes trending downward, recent election results show the public remains concerned about safety — or the perception that cities are unsafe. Voters ousted progressive prosecutors in L.A. and Alameda counties after campaigns where crime was a central issue, and also resoundingly approved the tough-on-crime measure Proposition 36, which extends prison sentences for some thefts and drug offenses. Criminologists point out that the reasons why crime rises and falls are complex, with police data only offering a snapshot in time. LAPD officials have themselves cautioned that year-over-year comparisons are nearly impossible for certain types of crimes since the department switched over to a new record-keeping system earlier this year. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.