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State Implements Speed Cameras in Construction Zones for Worker Safety

2024-12-12

On Tuesday, a significant step was taken as new laws were signed into effect by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. These laws hold the potential to save the lives of thousands of road workers. Automated cameras will soon play a crucial role in detecting speeding in construction zones and preventing tragic incidents.

How the New Laws Will Work

HB 4132 and HB 4133 are set to create safer and more ideal conditions for construction workers under MDOT jurisdiction. There will be a clear sign warning drivers of the cameras one mile before the start of the work zone. These cameras will automatically detect vehicles that exceed the posted speed limit and take an image of the vehicle. This proactive measure aims to deter speeding and enhance the safety of construction sites.For instance, take the case of Rene Rangel, a Van Buren County Road Commission (VBCRC) worker. Last year, he was struck and killed while working on site. His tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of these new laws. Linea Raider, the Finance and Human Resources director for VBCRC, vividly recalls that day. "We all have that day etched in our brains, and it’ll never go away," Raider said. "He was an outstanding person, always with a joke and a hard worker. It was a horrible day when he was struck and killed by a vehicle at the construction site."

The Rising Number of Construction-Zone-Related Incidents in Michigan

In 2023 alone, there were more than 8,000 construction-zone-related crashes in the state, resulting in nearly 2,000 injuries and 24 fatalities. These numbers are alarming and have prompted groups like Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) to fight for the newest Michigan laws. Lance Binoniemi, the vice president of MITA, explains, "Over the past 5 to 10 years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of accidents and fatalities within construction zones. This prompted our association and its members to look at other states and their successful measures to protect workers."Michigan now becomes the 18th state in the country to adopt these automated camera systems. Data from other states has backed up the association's fight for these laws. In Maryland, for example, there was an 85% drop in the number of speeders in the first five years of the program. And once a driver is caught speeding, there are virtually no repeat offenders with just a written warning.

The Consequences for Speeding Drivers

These laws are in place only when workers are present. The law states that over a three-year period, if a driver is going more than 10 miles above the work zone speed limit, the first violation will result in a written warning. The second violation leads to a civil infraction with a fine of up to $150. And the third violation is another civil infraction, with a fine potentially reaching $300. These consequences are designed to make drivers think twice before speeding through construction zones.As Raider emphasizes, "We have begun closing roads more than just posting lane closures because people disregard them so much and our people are not safe. Renee deserved to be safe, and unfortunately, he didn't. With these new laws, ensuring people don't speed through work zones, we hope to prevent at least one more death."Follow FOX 17: Facebook – X (formerly Twitter) – Instagram – YouTube

Apple and Samsung have long been fierce rivals, and next year, a new front in their battle may open up with the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air. These rumored new lightweight flagship phones are set to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide.

The Battle of the Lightweight Flagships

Price and Availability

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S25 Slim could make its debut at Galaxy Unpacked in January as part of the regular trio of S25s. However, it might also get its own separate launch in June 2025. Samsung is said to be building limited quantities to gauge interest before including it in the Galaxy S26 lineup.For the iPhone 17 Air (or possibly the iPhone 17 Slim), it is likely to appear in September 2025 when the other iPhone 17 models are launched. Apple has typically followed this release pattern, with the exception of the iPhone 12 in 2020. Pricing for both slim phones remains a mystery, with one rumor suggesting the iPhone Air could cost $1,200 or more.

Design and Display

The design of these phones is a topic of much speculation. The Galaxy S25 Slim is rumored to be related to the Galaxy S FE series or even replace it, acting as a new, slimmer entry-level flagship. It is expected to measure 6.7 inches across and fit between the 7.6mm Galaxy S24 and the 5.6mm Galaxy Z Fold 6 in terms of thickness.The iPhone 17 Air is said to replace the Plus model and aim to be the thinnest iPhone ever, potentially matching the thickness of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. It will feature a 6.6-inch display with a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, along with aluminum sides.

Cameras

The Galaxy S25 Slim is rumored to have a 200MP main camera, similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, helping with lossless digital zoom. While not on the level of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its cameras are expected to be stronger than the basic Galaxy S25.The iPhone 17 Air, on the other hand, may surprise with a single 48MP main sensor, lacking a Pro-style telephoto camera and an ultrawide lens. However, it is tipped to have a 24MP selfie camera, an upgrade from the current iPhone 16. One render shows the iPhone 17 Air with dual central cameras, which is a departure from Apple's usual design.

Specs

If the Galaxy S25 Slim follows the rumored specs, it will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for excellent performance and Qi2 wireless charging with magnetic alignment. There are rumors of up to 16GB of RAM for the Galaxy S25 Ultra series, but no information is available yet for the S25 Slim.For the iPhone 17 Air, it is expected to use a 3nm Apple A19 chipset, 12GB of RAM for better AI processing with an Apple-built modem. It will use the same battery tech as other iPhones, although attempts to make it thinner may impact the phone's size. There is also talk of new glue to make battery replacement easier.

Outlook

Despite their similar names, the Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air/Slim are quite different based on the rumors. Apple aims to simplify its Air phone, while Samsung wants to keep flagship features intact, even if it means a thicker frame. The rumors for both phones are still incomplete and sometimes contradictory. We will continue to monitor for more information and update this page as it becomes available.

Stablecoins have emerged as a significant force in the global cryptocurrency market, accounting for a substantial portion of trillions of dollars in transactions. These digital currencies, pegged to less volatile assets, offer a consistent value and have become crucial in various aspects of the financial world.

Unlock the Potential of Stablecoins in Finance

Understanding Stablecoins

Stablecoins are digital currencies that are pegged 1:1 to fiat currencies like the US dollar. They provide financial stability, making them suitable for practical use cases. In regions with monetary instability, stablecoins have gained prominence as a medium of exchange and store of value.For example, in countries experiencing high inflation or currency devaluation, stablecoins offer a reliable alternative to the local currency. They allow individuals and businesses to conduct transactions with a stable value, reducing the risks associated with volatile cryptocurrencies.

Types of Stablecoins

There are several types of stablecoins, each with its own mechanism for maintaining value.Fiat-Pegged Stablecoins are the most popular type and are tied to traditional currencies such as the USD and EUR. Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are well-known examples. These stablecoins offer direct convertibility to the underlying fiat currency, providing stability and liquidity.Commodity-Pegged Stablecoins, on the other hand, are backed by physical assets like gold. PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT) are examples of this type. By linking to a tangible asset, these stablecoins offer an additional layer of stability and can act as a hedge against inflation.Crypto-Backed Stablecoins are backed by reserves of other cryptocurrencies. Dai (DAI) is a notable example. This mechanism allows for the creation of stablecoins using a diversified portfolio of cryptocurrencies, providing stability while still benefiting from the potential upside of the crypto market.Algorithmic Stablecoins maintain value through programmed mechanisms without direct collateral. Ampleforth (AMPL) and Frax (FRAX) are examples of this type. These stablecoins use algorithms to adjust the supply and demand of the token based on market conditions, ensuring a stable value.

Market Influence and Adoption

Stablecoins play a crucial role in bridging traditional finance and crypto. They provide liquidity within decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized exchanges (CEXs), enabling seamless transactions and facilitating the growth of the crypto ecosystem.In regions like Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, where monetary instability is a common issue, stablecoin usage has seen a significant surge. These regions have embraced stablecoins as a means to bypass the limitations of their local currencies and access the benefits of the global crypto market.For instance, in countries with hyperinflation, stablecoins have become a preferred medium of exchange for everyday transactions. They allow individuals to preserve their wealth and conduct business without the fear of currency devaluation.

Regulatory Landscape

Stablecoins have become a focal point for regulators globally. The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) aims to create a unified framework for stablecoins, ensuring consumer protection and promoting innovation.Singapore and Hong Kong have also developed regulatory frameworks to address the growing importance of stablecoins. These frameworks provide guidelines for stablecoin issuers and help to build trust in the market.Regulatory collaboration between stablecoin issuers and law enforcement agencies is also increasing. Stablecoin issuers are working closely with authorities to combat financial crime and ensure the compliance of their operations.

The Future of Stablecoins

Stablecoins continue to grow in adoption, supported by regulatory advances that provide clarity and build trust. They offer immense potential for financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions.By reducing costs and increasing speed, stablecoins are revolutionizing payments and trade finance. They enable cross-border transactions with ease and provide a more efficient alternative to traditional banking systems.For example, in developing countries with limited access to traditional banking services, stablecoins can provide a gateway to the global financial system. They allow individuals to participate in the digital economy and access financial services that were previously out of reach.In conclusion, stablecoins have become an integral part of the cryptocurrency landscape. Their stability, market influence, and potential for financial inclusion make them a topic of great interest and importance. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, stablecoins are likely to play an even more significant role in the future of finance.