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The Star-Ledger’s recent editorial, “New Jerseyans suffer from toxic diesel fumes. Trenton seems fine with that,” opposing legislation calling for a two-year delay in implementation of the state’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule, misses the point. We all want to improve New Jersey’s air quality to protect everyone’s health. New Jersey truck dealers want to sell what customers want to buy, and they don’t want California mandating they buy only electric trucks. (The rule requires an increasing percentage of new trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles.) There are obstacles to widespread adoption of electric heavy-duty and medium-size trucks, including affordability and charging infrastructure. The price of an electric heavy-duty truck is as much as $500,000, two or three times more than a new cleaner-diesel truck, and there is virtually no publicly-available charging. Everything delivered to your doorstep or local store arrives by truck. If consumers think groceries are expensive now, wait until the ACT rule brings more expensive trucks and more trucks on the road, due to range and payload challenges. Many New Jersey dealers will have only a few diesel trucks available in 2025 because manufacturers are withholding them and sending them to states that haven’t adopted an ACT rule. Rushing into the ACT Rule on Jan. 1, 2025, will only cause industries that rely on heavy-duty trucks to hold onto their older trucks longer. We should use every tool to help industries update their fleets with trucks that have the latest emission technologies, as well as electric options. Delaying the rule for two years will not disadvantage anyone. We all win when the state is prepared to help its EV mandates succeed instead of seeing a fast failure on electric trucks deter future adoption. Laura Perrotta, president, New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, and Eric DeGesero, lobbyist, New Jersey Motor Truck Association I’ll be home(less) for Christmas? “Kudos” to Sheriff Armadno Fontoura of Essex County and Sheriff Shaun Golden of Monmouth County for having residential foreclosure classified ads run in the Christmas Day print edition of the Star-Ledger. And, even bigger “kudos” to the staff of the paper who were so tone deaf as to allow that to happen. Class acts, one and all. This cruel foolishness, combined with the apparent decision to keep non-promotional Star-Ledger subscription prices the same, while eliminating the print edition as of Feb. 3, displays a startling degree of cynicism and greed. Keep up the good work. Paul Weinstein, Asbury Park Keep those letters coming Congratulations to my fellow 2024 letter-to-the editor writers. Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live, so long as the topic is relevant to readers. It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of publication. Newspapers generally welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor. I’m grateful that the Star-Ledger afford both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day. Please join me along with your neighbors in reading the Star-Ledger. Patronize their advertisers; they help provide the revenue necessary to keep them in business. This helps pay to provide space for your favorite or not-so-favorite letter writers. Larry Penner, Great Neck, N.Y. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion . Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion . Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion . Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters .NEW YORK — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. “They showed me a lot of love. ... How they're going to make it comfortable for me,” he said. "That's one of the things I was looking for." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. “They always talk about family. They always talk about stick(ing) together,” Soto said. “That's one of the things that opened my eyes.” Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. Soto walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. “I’m excited by the Mets future,” Cohen said. “I think this accelerates our goal of winning championships.” Soto chose the Mets' offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. Adames plans to play every day for Giants SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants. So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, “if he lets me.” Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper. Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here. Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract — the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September. “There’s no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I’m just so happy to be here,” Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I’m thrilled to be here, I’m so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m here.” Franco trial delayed five months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, was postponed on Thursday and scheduled to resume June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Only three out of 31 witnesses arrived to the hearing on Thursday. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now,” Franco's lead lawyer Teodosio Jáquez told The Associated Press after the hearing. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment.188 x2 。

What Is Nancy Pelosi's Net Worth? California Rep's Stock Portfolio ExploredThe cryptocurrency landscape constantly evolves, driven by groundbreaking projects and innovations that redefine how we perceive and interact with digital assets. Whether you’re an investor looking for the Top 4 cryptocurrencies to buy now or simply exploring the tech, this listicle delves into four standout projects: Qubetics , Arweave, Artificial Super Intelligence Alliance, and Ondo. Each project brings unique value to the blockchain ecosystem, making it worthy of your attention. 1. Qubetics: The Future of Comprehensive Crypto Wallets Crypto wallets are the essential interface between users and the blockchain, providing the tools to manage, store, and transact digital assets. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, the demand for secure and versatile wallet solutions rises. The Qubetics Wallet , part of the Qubetics Network, is a game-changer. Here’s why Qubetics stands out as one of the Top 4 cryptocurrencies to buy now: The Qubetics Wallet is designed to redefine user interaction with cryptocurrencies. Built for accessibility, it will launch on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, making it convenient for all users. Its seamless and intuitive interface ensures that users can effortlessly manage their $TICS tokens and other assets. Qubetics is collaborating with Visa and Mastercard to bridge traditional and digital finance for debit card integration. This feature will also ensure compatibility with popular payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing users to use their digital assets in everyday transactions. Virtual cards are another innovative offering by Qubetics. Users can generate virtual cards within the wallet, adding convenience and security for online purchases. This feature empowers users with unparalleled control over their finances, solidifying Qubetics’ place as one of the Top 4 cryptocurrencies to buy now. Qubetics is advancing through Presale Phase 12, where weekly price increases of 10% lead to a final-stage jump of 20%. Currently, $TICS tokens are priced at $0.031. With over $6 million raised, 9,400+ holders, and 324 million tokens sold, time is of the essence. With the next phase nearing and a post-presale target of $0.25, early investors can enjoy a remarkable 703.5% ROI opportunity. Experts anticipate $TICS reaching $10 to $15 following the mainnet launch. 2. Arweave: Revolutionizing Data Storage on the Blockchain Arweave is a decentralized storage network that tackles one of the internet’s most pressing challenges: data permanence. As a blockchain-based solution for long-term data storage, Arweave ensures that information is never lost. This innovative approach has propelled it into the spotlight as a must-consider cryptocurrency. Arweave’s Permaweb is a new layer of the internet where data is stored permanently and accessed seamlessly. Unlike traditional cloud storage, which requires recurring fees, Arweave allows users to pay once for perpetual storage, making it highly economical and efficient. 3. Artificial Super Intelligence Alliance: Redefining Blockchain AI The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now. The Artificial Super Intelligence Alliance (ASIA) is at the forefront of this movement, combining cutting-edge AI capabilities with the transparency and security of blockchain. ASIA leverages blockchain to create a decentralised AI model training and deployment platform. This democratised approach removes the traditional barriers of centralisation, ensuring fair access to AI resources and fostering innovation. 4. Ondo: Innovating the DeFi Ecosystem As decentralised finance (DeFi) continues to disrupt traditional financial systems, Ondo is leading the way with unique liquidity provisioning and yield generation solutions. By addressing DeFi inefficiencies, Ondo earns its spot as one of the Top four cryptocurrencies to buy now. Ondo provides structured products that make it easy for users to participate in liquidity pools. These offerings minimise risk while maximising returns, appealing to new and experienced DeFi participants. Ondo collaborates with institutions to bring traditional financial assets onto the blockchain. This integration bridges the gap between DeFi and traditional finance, opening new avenues for growth and adoption. Why These Cryptocurrencies Are a Must-Watch? Whether you’re new to the crypto space or a seasoned investor, these projects represent the forefront of blockchain innovation. With the growing adoption of blockchain technology, exploring these cryptocurrencies could provide significant opportunities for both financial gains and technological engagement. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, it is crucial to stay informed about emerging projects and their unique value propositions. By considering these Top 4 cryptocurrencies to buy now , you position yourself at the cutting edge of the digital asset revolution. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics

NEW YORK (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres can carry the good cheer of ending the longest losing streak in the NHL this season into their holiday break. Buffalo routed the New York Islanders 7-1 on Monday night, scoring twice in the first, three times in the second and twice more in the third to snap a 13-game (0-10-3) month of futility. After the win, there was palpable relief heading into the break as the Sabres are off until Saturday, when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had four assists, the most by a defenseman this season. He stressed that achieving victory is satisfying for the moment, but only a step in a long process ahead. “We battled for a long time and finally it went our way,’’ said Dahlin, the first Buffalo defenseman with four assists in a game since February 2008. “Now, it’s up to us to keep this thing going.” The Sabres last won at San Jose, 4-2, on Nov. 23. What followed was a vexing run in which they dropped six one-goal games and were outscored 53-28. The low point was a 5-4 loss to Colorado on Dec. 3 in which Buffalo became the 90th team in NHL history to squander a four-or-more goal lead. Buffalo is last in the Eastern Conference with 28 points. Against the Islanders and following a hard-fought 3-1 loss at Boston on Saturday, the Sabres were solid from start to finish in scoring seven goals for the first time this season. They were so dominant, that boos rained down on the host Islanders at UBS Arena. “It was huge to score some goals, and it was good to have a complete game,’’ said forward Jason Zucker, who scored Buffalo’s third goal. “It’s really hard not to overthink when you’ve lost that many in a row, so I give our guys credit. It was fun to get that win going into the break." The Sabres started their season 4-7-1, then won seven of nine games before the skid began. That led to renewed angst in Buffalo because the Sabres haven't reached the playoffs since 2011. Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, who returned to the team last summer, was supportive during his squad's month of frustration. The 64-year-old Ruff previously coached the Sabres from 1997-2013 and has seen virtually everything in his long coaching career. He was succinct in praising his club after their dedicated road effort. “We denied a lot of plays in our end. It was a determined game,’’ Ruff said. “The bench had a lot of life. It’s a weight off our shoulders.” Tage Thompson, who leads the Sabres with 17 goals, said Monday's win proved that focused hard work is the way forward for his team. "Tonight we said shift after shift we're going to do the right things and let the chips fall when there they may," he said.