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New York Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
How to find the best altcoins for the best bull run
The New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate/advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or if you click or make a purchase. As investors prepare for what many believe will be the next major crypto bull run, altcoins — cryptocurrencies that aren't Bitcoin — are once again in focus. Tools like Best Wallet are making it easier to track, research, and invest in promising projects with a feature-rich experience built for both newcomers and seasoned traders. The non-custodial app offers multi-chain support, no KYC onboarding, in-app token discovery, access to exclusive presales, staking integrations, and real-time portfolio management — all designed with a strong emphasis on user security and privacy. Best Wallet also includes curated market insights, a Web3 launchpad, and social tools that help users follow top-performing wallets and trending tokens. With everything from token swapping to asset tracking in one sleek interface, it's becoming a go-to platform for anyone looking to get an edge in the altcoin space. Still, picking winners remains as much art as science. We asked leading figures across the blockchain ecosystem how to spot the best altcoins, which tokens they're watching, and how newcomers can gain an edge. Find the Best Altcoins Best Wallet How to start crypto trading today Download the Best Wallet app on iOS or Android. on iOS or Android. Create your own wallet — no KYC needed. Tap 'Upcoming Tokens' to find altcoins and presales. Buy and trade instantly with a card or crypto. Track and manage your portfolio easily in-app. LEARN MORE Identifying promising altcoins starts with looking beyond hype and understanding real-world use. 'The best formula always will be finding the confluence of teams with a proven history of execution building in a vertical that has strong growth tailwinds,' Douglas Colkitt, contributor to Initial Fogo, a high-performance blockchain, told The Post. Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), serving as the foundation for much of the Web3 ecosystem. Alvaro – That emphasis on proven execution is echoed by others in the space — with a growing focus on real-world application and long-term utility. 'When it comes to investing in Altcoins, I'm always going to be thinking about real usability,' said Mike Cahill, CEO of Douro Labs and a core contributor to the Pyth Network. 'The ones that stand out have true use cases, growing user adoption, sustainable tokenomics, and are powering new financial infrastructure.' Mike Marshall, head of research at analytics firm Amberdata, echoed that view, telling The Post: 'Try to look beyond hype to spot altcoins with a clear utility, credible teams and a healthy balance of community support and institutional interest — real substance beats speculation every time.' Musa Hakim Jr., CEO and co-founder of added that network infrastructure matters more than noise. 'For everyone else, the best way to identify valuable altcoins is developer community and organization or network infrastructure strength,' Hakim told The Post. 'Those two things drive utility which define value. Buy coins that you want to buy, not your friends.' Not every expert is ready to offer a list of 10 altcoins, but many shared their highest-conviction picks. Hakim added that his top picks were Solana, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin and USD Coin — with the last two interchangeable depending on market sentiment. Rounding out Hakim's list are Cardano, Tether, Binance Coin, Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap. 'These 10 all have strong organizational credibility and heavy developer support,' said Hakim. Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for fast, low-cost transactions and scalable decentralized applications, often used in DeFi, NFTs and gaming. – Marshall, who prioritizes foundational blockchain infrastructure, highlighted ten altcoins he believes are well-positioned both technically and commercially. His picks include Ethereum, noted for its 'ecosystem dominance'; Solana, praised for its 'speed and adoption'; Arbitrum, a leader in 'Layer 2 scaling'; Optimism, which experiencing 'fast ecosystem growth'; Chainlink, known for its 'oracle infrastructure'; Uniswap, a 'DeFi cornerstone'; Aave, trusted for 'lending'; MakerDAO, advancing 'real-world asset adoption'; Ondo Finance, a 'RWA yield pioneer'; and gaining traction for its 'AI integration momentum.' Cahill favored projects with clear usage and ecosystem momentum. The list he provided to The Post includes: 'Hype, Pyth, Kamino, Drift, Raydium, Jito, Pendle, Helium, Jupiter, and Pumpfun (when it launches).' Colkitt preferred to keep his list lean. He told The Post that he prefers Hype 'just because it's a runaway category winner and expanding into a full fledged ecosystem.' Colkitt said his second choice was Berachain, especially at its current price. His third-best option is Jito, which is 'basically essential to Solana continuing to function and not much of the market has realized it yet.' What makes an altcoin worth buying now? Many experts say real usage is more important than speculative buzz. 'Altcoins with proven usage are the best value in my mind,' Cahill noted. Hakim recommended watching changes in who is leading major projects and which cryptocurrencies are gaining attention. He told The Post that some of his top picks for the next rally include XRP and Solana — noting that some investors now see Solana as a smarter bet than Ethereum, especially since former Blockchain Association head Kristin Smith recently took over at the Solana Foundation. USD Coin (USDC) is a stablecoin — a type of cryptocurrency that is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar — and is backed by fully reserved assets, making it a popular choice for sending, storing or trading digital dollars on the blockchain. Rafael Henrique – He also pointed to Dogecoin as a meme-driven coin worth watching, saying, 'There's something there, very good or very bad.' Colkitt emphasized risk management. He told The Post that since Bitcoin 'won't 10X overnight,' the best course of action would be to adopt 'a barbell strategy' of Bitcoin and altcoins 'further out on the risk curve.' For serious investors, research is key. 'It's still hard to beat DefiLlama and Dune dashboards for data driven exploration,' said Colkitt. 'And of course, stay active on Crypto Twitter. Coins will get talked about there before they blow up.' 'You can find new altcoins by following new projects and tracking their testnet launches,' added Cahill. 'Most of these launches can be found on crypto-native news sites like The Block, Coindesk, and Cointelegraph.' Hakim said that it would be best to compare top tens on exchanges as well as 'observing the community on the social platforms you frequent. 'Don't buy a coin who's founder you can't quote,' Hakim advised. Spotting the next big thing requires watching early traction and developer momentum. 'Finding promising altcoins early requires staying at the forefront of reliable data and analytics,' said Marshall. Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Ethereum blockchain that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with one another using automated liquidity pools instead of traditional order books. vladim_ka – 'I personally use Amberdata to track on-chain metrics, liquidity trends, and unusual transaction activity.' Cahill stressed the value of developer signals and ecosystem growth. 'It's important to watch for early community traction and smart developer activity over time to try and gauge the success of the project,' Cahill told The Post. Hakim said Layer 2s (L2s), which help blockchains grow by handling more transactions quickly and cheaply, and regulatory clarity are key indicators. 'Follow the money,' said Hakim. He cited Polygon, a blockchain scaling solution designed to make transactions on Ethereum faster and cheaper, as an L2 that people should keep an eye on. 'The American coins are probably the best to start digging,' he added. 'Recent SEC guidance makes all of these projects that are compliant hot commodities globally.' Bitcoin and Ethereum still dominate market cap — but that doesn't mean altcoins can't outperform. 'Bitcoin is still a great benchmark, especially for new investors,' said Cahill. 'But I believe that the next wave of meaningful growth will come from altcoins that power financial infrastructure and help drive institutional capital.' 'BTC and ETH still anchor the market and deserve core holdings,' added Marshall, 'but select altcoins offer compelling upside, especially in sectors like tokenized real-world assets, AI, and L2 scaling.' Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency originally created as a joke based on an internet meme, has gained widespread popularity for its low fees, fast transactions and active online community. charnsitr – 'Altcoins have much higher upside,' said Colkitt. 'BTC won't 10X overnight.' As momentum builds toward the next bull market, experts agree that finding the right altcoins involves a blend of research, real-world usage and community strength. With platforms like Best Wallet making access easier, and data tools from DefiLlama to Amberdata offering deeper insights, investors now have more tools than ever to make informed decisions — and avoid chasing hype. New York Post Approved 60+ Chains. Total Control. Best Wallet The Best Wallet app puts security first with biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and full non-custodial control — so you hold your keys, not just your coins. With support for thousands of altcoins across 60+ blockchains, it pairs top-tier security with powerful, user-friendly tools — making it the safest, most innovative way to HODL, swap, and manage your crypto. Learn More 108M+ Users Worldwide Coinbase Coinbase is building a more inclusive financial future for over a billion people, enabling them to trade, stake, spend, and transfer crypto on a secure and trusted platform. It powers the on-chain economy with essential infrastructure, global access, and a commitment to fair, responsible innovation. Learn More 114.9% BTC Reserve Ratio Kraken Kraken takes crypto security seriously, with FIDO2-compliant Passkey logins, encrypted communications, and customizable API permissions that keep your account firmly in your control. With no phone-based recovery, time-locked global settings, and real-time threat monitoring, it's built to protect your assets at every layer. Learn More $232B Platform Assets Robinhood Robinhood Crypto offers a user-friendly platform for trading and transferring digital assets, including the ability to securely and easily send and receive crypto to and from external wallets. With its self-custody Robinhood Wallet, it manages crypto holdings across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana. Learn More 20% of Global Crypto Secured Ledger Ledger is a leading provider of secure hardware wallets, offering devices like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Stax that protect private keys offline using industry-leading Secure Element chips and a proprietary operating system. Paired with the Ledger Live app, manage over 5,500 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Learn More 100M+ Users & Growing lets you buy, sell and trade over 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with zero-fee USD deposits, wire, and Apple/Google Pay. With a user base exceeding 140 million, the platform gives advanced trading options, a self-custodial wallet through Onchain, and industry-leading security certifications. Learn More $53T+ in Transactions Uphold Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that enables users to buy, sell, and swap over 360 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and four precious metals, all in a single step. With features like assisted self-custody via the Uphold Vault, staking rewards up to 16.8%, and real-time reserve transparency, it offers a secure and versatile experience for both beginners and seasoned investors. Learn More The New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate/advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or if you click or make a purchase.
New York Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
How to find the best crypto to buy now
The New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate/advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or if you click or make a purchase. If you're trying to figure out which cryptocurrency to buy today, one of the best places to start is Best Wallet. A crypto wallet and discovery platform, Best Wallet offers users a curated experience to track trending tokens, research new projects, and access tools that help make smarter investing decisions. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, platforms like Best Wallet can provide the real-time insights and analytics needed to navigate the often chaotic world of crypto. Advertisement Are You Crypto Curious? How to start crypto trading today Best Wallet Download a trusted exchange app — Start by choosing a licensed crypto exchange. We recommend starting with the Best Wallet app, available for both iOS and Android. Create and verify your account — Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID. To complete registration, you'll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Fund your account — Deposit money into your account by linking a bank account or credit card or even using gift cards. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle. Buy your first cryptocurrency — Use the app's marketplace or swap tool to purchase crypto by entering the ticker symbol — like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum — and follow the prompts to complete the transaction. Choose how to store your crypto — Decide whether you'll keep your crypto in the exchange, move it to a digital wallet (hot wallet), or store it offline (cold wallet) for extra protection. LEARN MORE When evaluating cryptocurrencies, Martin Leinweber, director of digital asset research and strategy at MarketVector Indexes, suggests focusing on fundamentals. 'Identify cryptocurrencies through research into their fundamentals, such as network security, adoption rates, and GitHub activity, while using platforms like CoinMarketCap for market insights, keeping in mind their highly speculative risks,' he says. Advertisement Ethereum is the second most valuable cryptocurrency when measured by market capitalization. Alvaro – That means understanding a coin's technological foundation, the problem it aims to solve, its active user base and developer contributions. Tools like on-chain analytics and blockchain explorers can help investors gauge activity levels, while whitepapers and roadmaps provide a sense of long-term vision. But no matter how solid a project appears, volatility is always a risk in crypto. Advertisement Bitcoin and Ethereum still lead the pack by market cap and adoption. 'Large-cap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, valued for its store-of-value narrative, and Ethereum, known for its robust smart contract ecosystem, are often considered leaders due to their market dominance and adoption, but all remain highly speculative,' says Leinweber. Bitcoin is often dubbed 'digital gold,' while Ethereum's programmable blockchain powers everything from NFTs to decentralized finance (DeFi). Both have established track records and strong community support — but they're not without risk. Emerging contenders like Solana and Avalanche have drawn attention for their scalability and lower fees. Advertisement 'Among newer tokens, projects like Solana stand out for their high-throughput capabilities,' says Leinweber, adding that even these require scrutiny of 'their whitepapers and team credibility.' Finding the best crypto to buy requires more than just reading headlines. Investors should evaluate a project's 'tokenomics,' development activity, partnerships and community strength. 'Assess their technological innovation, market traction, and developer activity, using data from whitepapers, on-chain analytics, and reputable reports, but recognize their speculative nature,' Leinweber advises. When evaluating cryptocurrencies, experts suggest to focus on the fundamentals. WESTOCK – In addition to platforms like Best Wallet and CoinMarketCap, crypto Reddit forums, Discord groups and podcasts can provide insight into how a project is being received by the wider community. Long-term investors should prioritize sustainable growth and real-world utility. 'Large-cap tokens like Bitcoin, often seen as digital gold, and Ethereum, powering decentralized applications, are frequently favored for long-term potential due to their established ecosystems,' Leinweber says. Before buying, take a close look at whether the project aligns with trends like scalability, modularity, or interoperability — key themes in the evolution of blockchain tech. Cross-checking data from independent sources is essential. Advertisement If you're investing for the long haul, Bitcoin and Ethereum remain go-to options. 'Large-cap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, with its institutional backing, and Ethereum, with its vast developer ecosystem, are often highlighted for their relative stability, but their speculative nature means significant risks remain,' Leinweber warns. Long-term investors should prioritize sustainable growth and real-world utility. Travis – Emerging coins with strong fundamentals, a dedicated development team, and growing adoption might also offer upside — but they come with higher risk. That's why even long-term plays require regular re-evaluation. Advertisement New tokens often capture attention with bold promises and viral marketing, but caution is key. Look for projects with transparent leadership, detailed roadmaps, and meaningful use cases. Leinweber points to Solana as an example of a newer token showing strong throughput capabilities but emphasizes its speculative nature. With no history to fall back on, newer projects demand heightened scrutiny. Reading the whitepaper, understanding the community, and watching how the project delivers on early milestones can reveal a lot. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal crypto depends on your risk tolerance, investment timeline and interest in particular sectors—like DeFi, gaming, or infrastructure. Advertisement Leinweber notes that even the most established coins carry risk. 'Decisions should be informed by deep research into project fundamentals and market dynamics, acknowledging the potential for sharp fluctuations,' Leinweber says. Diversifying across market caps and use cases can help spread risk while offering exposure to innovation. Staying informed is non-negotiable. 'Trusted sources like CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph and The Block provide in-depth coverage of large-cap tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum, while X offers real-time updates from developers and insiders,' Leinweber says. Advertisement 'Though all crypto markets remain speculative and prone to misinformation.' Experts say Solana is an example of a newer token showing strong throughput capabilities, though they warn of its speculative nature. Art_Photo – Cross-verifying news is essential. Look for direct quotes, links to official channels and data-backed reporting. Platforms like Best Wallet also offer curated news that filters out the noise. Even the best advice comes with a disclaimer. 'Look to reputable analysts, industry whitepapers, and platforms like X for insights, but their speculative nature means even expert advice carries uncertainty,' Leinweber says. For financial guidance tailored to your situation, consulting a licensed advisor is wise. Pair that with your own research and you'll be in a better position to make informed decisions. In the end, the best crypto to buy now is the one that aligns with your goals, backed by solid fundamentals and a community that believes in its future. And when in doubt, platforms like Best Wallet can help you cut through the noise and make smarter, data-driven choices. New York Post Approved Our No. 1 Pick Best Wallet The Best Wallet app puts security first with biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and full non-custodial control — so you hold your keys, not just your coins. With support for thousands of altcoins across 60+ blockchains, it pairs top-tier security with powerful, user-friendly tools — making it the safest, most innovative way to HODL, swap, and manage your crypto. Learn More 108M+ Users Worldwide Coinbase Coinbase is building a more inclusive financial future for over a billion people, enabling them to trade, stake, spend, and transfer crypto on a secure and trusted platform. It powers the on-chain economy with essential infrastructure, global access, and a commitment to fair, responsible innovation. Learn More 114.9% BTC Reserve Ratio Kraken Kraken takes crypto security seriously, with FIDO2-compliant Passkey logins, encrypted communications, and customizable API permissions that keep your account firmly in your control. With no phone-based recovery, time-locked global settings, and real-time threat monitoring, it's built to protect your assets at every layer. Learn More $232B Platform Assets Robinhood Robinhood Crypto offers a user-friendly platform for trading and transferring digital assets, including the ability to securely and easily send and receive crypto to and from external wallets. With its self-custody Robinhood Wallet, it manages crypto holdings across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana. Learn More 20% of Global Crypto Secured Ledger Ledger is a leading provider of secure hardware wallets, offering devices like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Stax that protect private keys offline using industry-leading Secure Element chips and a proprietary operating system. Paired with the Ledger Live app, manage over 5,500 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Learn More 100M+ Users & Growing lets you buy, sell and trade over 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with zero-fee USD deposits, wire, and Apple/Google Pay. With a user base exceeding 140 million, the platform gives advanced trading options, a self-custodial wallet through Onchain, and industry-leading security certifications. Learn More $53T+ in Transactions Uphold Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that enables users to buy, sell, and swap over 360 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and four precious metals, all in a single step. With features like assisted self-custody via the Uphold Vault, staking rewards up to 16.8%, and real-time reserve transparency, it offers a secure and versatile experience for both beginners and seasoned investors. Learn More The New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate/advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or if you click or make a purchase.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Powering Solar Progress: How PV Hardware's Global Manufacturing Delivers Local Advantage
PVH expands global manufacturing to avoid tariffs, and speed up solar projects—earning two top regional awards in 2025. 'Local manufacturing is no longer a competitive advantage — it's a necessity.'— Álvaro Casado - Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Middle East & Asia JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA, June 3, 2025 / / -- As the solar industry continues to evolve, PV Hardware (PVH) stands out as a leading force, redefining how solar projects are delivered through a strategic global manufacturing network. With state-of-the-art facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Spain, PVH is committed to being close to its clients—offering locally tailored, cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or innovation. Álvaro Casado - Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Middle East & Asia provides a full insight on the matter below: Streamlining Projects Through Local Manufacturing By establishing factories across key regions, PVH significantly reduces lead times and minimizes the typical challenges associated with cross-border logistics. This includes avoiding customs delays, high freight costs, and unpredictable tariffs—factors that can disrupt timelines and inflate project budgets. 'Local manufacturing is no longer a competitive advantage—it's a necessity,' a Alvaro explains. 'It shields projects from global disruptions, ensures material availability, and enhances agility. It's about delivering certainty to our clients.' Navigating Tariffs Through Regional Presence In regions where tariffs on imported solar equipment are high, PVH's localized approach is proving to be a major advantage. For instance, the company's factory in Saudi Arabia enables clients in the Middle East and North Africa to benefit from tariff-free solutions, fully aligned with national localization goals. Real-World Impact: Faster Execution and Lower Costs A recent project in Saudi Arabia illustrates PVH's value proposition. Leveraging its local factory, PVH delivered over 200 MW of tracker systems in record time. The client reported a 20% reduction in logistics-related costs, alongside faster installation thanks to proximity-based support and training. Looking Ahead: Strategic Expansion in Asia and Africa PVH is not stopping there. The company is actively exploring new manufacturing opportunities in India, Asia, and North Africa. This move is part of its long-term strategy to decentralize production, respond faster to market needs, and contribute to regional economic growth and job creation. Recognized Excellence in 2025 PVH's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company was recently honored with two prestigious awards: the MESIA Best Regional Tracker Award and Solarabic's Best Regional Solar Tracker Award. Kamal Rizqallah Solarabic +962 7 9722 2215 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Betis chase history as chance to overshadow Sevilla fires up fans
WROCLAW, Poland - Real Betis supporters are revelling in their team's achievement of reaching a European final for the first time in the club's history and the chance to overshadow local rivals Sevilla and enjoy their own chapter of continental success. Betis face Chelsea in the Conference League final on Wednesday, with supporters savouring every moment of the journey to a long-awaited European showpiece in one of the side's biggest matches since the club was formed almost 118 years ago. As far as the local rivalry in their city is concerned, the Betis and Sevilla trophy cabinets tell the story. While Betis have won three Spanish Cup titles and a LaLiga crown, Sevilla have lifted five Copa del Rey trophies, one league title and seven UEFA Cup/Europa League crowns. However, this season has marked a shift in the fortunes of the clubs in the city known as the 'The Pearl of Andalusia.' While Betis finished in a respectable sixth place and secured Europa League football for next season, Sevilla ended up just one point above the relegation zone, with their frustrated fans storming the club's training ground earlier this month. Betis followers hope their team can also lift a European trophy and stake a claim to be the city's top side. "Nowadays we feel we're better than Sevilla. We're higher in the league, have better players and a better-run team," Betis supporter Jesus said. The fans were also proud to be the first Betis supporters to wear the club's white and green colours for a European final. "We have dreamed about it for so many years and now we are living it. We will enjoy this time with friends and families, and drink a lot of beer," said supporter Alvaro. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Higher tobacco prices reduce youth smoking
Tobacco use is costing Nebraskans money and their health. The state sees lower use each time it increases tobacco taxes. (Alvaro) There's no debate that significant price increases on tobacco products reduce smoking among adults and children. A 2014 report by the Office of the Surgeon General called raising prices on cigarettes 'one of the most effective tobacco control interventions' — especially among kids. Every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by about 4% among adults and about 7% among youth, according to the American Lung Association. But Nebraska hasn't raised our cigarette tax since 2002, and this failure to act is costing Nebraska lives. At 64 cents per pack, Nebraska's tobacco tax remains one of the lowest in the nation. We're well behind peer states like Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Colorado and far behind the national average of $1.97 per pack. When considering inflation, Nebraska's tobacco tax has actually decreased. This is concerning because data show fewer adult tobacco users are seriously considering quitting, according to the 2023 Nebraska Adult Tobacco Survey. One of the key findings of the 2020 Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General was that adult smoking cessation can be increased by raising the price of cigarettes. While overall youth tobacco use in Nebraska has continued to decline, according to results of the 2023 Nebraska Youth Tobacco Survey, we at the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition (MOTAC) know that vapes and nicotine pouches in particular are designed to appeal to young people. Nebraska must remain vigilant to continue our momentum. Tobacco's impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans is dire. In Nebraska, an estimated 2,500 people die prematurely as a result of tobacco use each year, resulting in an average loss of 10 years off their lives, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. At least 75,000 Nebraskans are suffering from at least one serious smoking-related illness. Even people who do not use tobacco experience health effects. Secondhand smoke, which contains more than 7,000 chemicals and chemical compounds, is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease, serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. The U.S. Surgeon General has found that secondhand smoke is responsible for tens of thousands of U.S. deaths each year. These health consequences extend to young Nebraskans, too. E-cigarettes, the most commonly used tobacco product among Nebraska middle and high school students, contain a high amount of nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine harms the parts of an adolescent's brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aerosol from e-cigarettes can also contain harmful, potentially cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs. These health effects cost Nebraska taxpayers. Every year, Nebraska spends $900 in taxes per household for smoking-related costs, such as health care and loss of productivity. Smoking-related health care costs about $924 million in Nebraska each year. Thus, significant increases in tobacco taxes not only save lives — they can help address Nebraska's persistent property tax crisis, bringing in tens of millions in dollars in the coming years. Tobacco tax increases are a reliable, predictable source of substantial new revenue. And for current tobacco users who are impacted by increased taxes, it is imperative that the state continue the current state funding level to help Nebraskans quit and keep young people from starting. Current proposals in the Nebraska Legislature to increase taxes on cigarettes, vapes and cigars are a clear win-win for public health and the public pocketbook. Raising the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1 is projected to result in a 7.5% decrease in youth smoking. About 4,000 adults would quit smoking, and roughly 1,300 premature smoking-caused deaths would be prevented. Nebraska should keep taking proactive steps to prevent tobacco use, save lives and protect the health of our communities. Shelby Bingham is the director of the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition (MOTAC). The group works to strengthen tobacco prevention and control efforts in the Omaha metro area.
