Latest news with #Albert
New York Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Suited for Summer in Crisp Linen
'I always got inspired by those people who took pride in how they dress, how they look,' Brian Lehang, 36, said. He was talking specifically about the type of fashionable men known as dandies, and he certainly looked the part in his pale linen suit from the British brand Albert, chocolaty polo, striped scarf and woven hat. We were in Florence at the Pitti Uomo men's wear event in June, which he has been attending since 2016. There and elsewhere, dandies have seemingly been in short supply in recent years, he said. But 'for the Met Gala to use the theme dandy this year,' he added, 'it means this is not going anywhere.' A professional golf instructor who lives in Jordan, he said that the sport had furthered his passion for dressing smartly. 'If I go to work and I'm done, or it's my day off, I'll just make sure that I'm dressed up, look good, feel good and go about my day.' Tap to see more looks
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Website Creates Legal-Sounding Letters, No Lawyers Required. Is That Legal?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. What if you could scare someone into thinking you had hired a lawyer without going through the trouble and expense of actually retaining one? That's the concept behind a new online tool called launched as part of the art-and-technology program Seven on Seven (7x7). Heavyweight is a collaboration between artist and developer Morry Kolman and lawyer Kendra Albert, who came together with the idea of "an art project about lawyer vibes," as stated in their original presentation. The website, which Kolman refers to as a "project about the aesthetics of the law," is a free, open-source, non-AI tool that allows users to generate and customize official-looking legal letters from a selection of templates. "If you've ever received a legal notice like a Cease and Desist, you know that the 'oh sh-t' moment doesn't happen once you actually read the letter, it happens the second you open it and realize a lawyer is mad at you," Kolman, who goes by WTTDOTM online, wrote on X. A screenshot of a Heavyweight-generated letter that purports to be from a real law firm. A screenshot of a Heavyweight-generated letter that purports to be from a real law firm. Courtesy WTTDOTM Albert, the lawyer, emphasized that "the contents of the letter, for most people, is beside the point. What's scary is the sense of being targeted by someone who has the power to make your life miserable." Ultimately, visual cues on documents in the legal profession tend to signal legitimacy while simultaneously eliciting submission or fear from the receiving end. The duo has both had previous experiences with similar provocative stunts. Kolman is the creator of the "Traffic Cam Photobooth," a project that lets users identify their nearest public traffic camera to use for selfies. He received a cease-and-desist from the NYC Department of Transportation in November 2024. Albert's law firm, Albert Sellars LLP, released a statement earlier this year condemning President Trump's executive order targeting white-shoe law firms with a statement that just read: "F--- that fascist nonsense." Juxtaposed next to the firm's official letterhead, it brought up questions for Albert about the formal aesthetic of the law. On their blog, Albert frames the project as exploring "the aesthetics of (in lieu of access to) legal representation." "So much power in the law isn't in what's written," Kolman told Newsweek, "but in how it's arranged on the page." His work focuses on "exposing interesting idiosyncrasies or quirks of systems that people think are just all powerful," the legal system being one of them. Albert added that "lawyer aesthetics do a lot of work in the law that is really independent of the quality or actual value of the lawyering." Heavyweight "is also about the way in which aesthetic culture or aesthetics have traditionally been a way in which you verify whether something is real. And it's not always been a good proxy, but it has been a proxy," said Albert. Users are enabled to explore the performative authority that comes with creating their own cease-and-desist letters, but are also warned to use discretion in any real-world scenario. Legal and Ethical Questions Both creators say emphasize the aim of the project is not to create a tool that can be used to impersonate lawyers. They argue the project is both ethical and within the bounds of legality because the letters Heavyweight generates never claim to be a form of legal representation or from a real firm, and never include any lawyer terms (LLP, Esq, Bar, JD, etc.) which acts as a form of protection. "The goal is not to fool people," said Albert, who uses they/them pronouns. The way the site is built would make it hard for someone to successfully impersonate a real lawyer, and "it wouldn't fool anyone who was actually interested in looking into it, because that was not the goal of the project." Rather, the tool is a creative provocation, intended to make audiences think about the norms in place for systems of power, they said. Heavyweight relies on satirical humor on its site to emphasize its artistic intent. Users can tweak fonts, adjust the level of "snootiness" in the letter, and choose a source for the fake names on the letterhead from a drop-down menu that includes options like the the Mayflower manifest, former Enron executives and the town representatives in Greenwich, Conn. There are also templates based on who the intended recipient of the letter is, such as "Landlord Repair Request" and "Overdue Client." The website allows users to customize templates. The website allows users to customize templates. "Let people use the aesthetics of professionalism," Kolman said, "and see what they can get out of it." Albert is less concerned about the practical use of the tool, but rather what it stands for. When they did legal research during the initial stages of the project, Albert found few examples of litigation against people pretending to have an attorney. However, there remains some risk should a user generate a Heavyweight letter and send it out with serious intentions, especially when the creators cannot guarantee what users write in the templates. Both Kolman and Albert were adamant that Heavyweight is, first and foremost, an art project probing the question of how power comes from "selling a spectacle" and how the internet can let the public destabilize the existing image of institutions like law firms, which have come under the microscope from the Trump administration. They have not yet received feedback from users who have tested out the tool, though Kolman has been fielding mostly positive feedback in a thread on X.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Martyrs of one fire, witnesses in two lands
It was a true joy to host Fr. Albert Musinguzi, a vibrant diocesan priest from Uganda, who is spending his summer holidays with my family here in Sabah. Our paths first crossed in Rome during my family's pilgrimage in the Jubilee Year — a providential encounter that reminds me heaven has impeccable timing. He recently completed his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Sant'Anselmo. His thesis? Brace yourself: 'A Liturgical Hermeneutical Study of the Divine-Human Exchange in the Three Proper Prayers of the Mass for the Memoria of St Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs in Uganda.' Yes, it's a theological mouthful. I needed a glass of water just reading it. But beneath the Latin in the prayers lies a blazing, human story that caught me off guard. Through Fr. Albert, I was introduced to the Uganda Martyrs. They were a group of 45 young Catholics and Anglicans who were killed between 1885 to 1887 because they chose to defend their faith. Pope Francis calls this 'ecumenism of blood' highlighting the unity of Christians who have suffered martyrdom. There were also Muslim Ugandan converts who were martyred. Burned, beheaded, speared — but not defeated — their blood became the seed of a flourishing Church in Africa. Among them was Charles Lwanga, protector of young pages. The feast of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions is celebrated on 3 June by the Catholic Church. Today, Namugongo Shrine draws pilgrims from around the world, drawn by the power of a faith worth dying for. Their martyrdom wasn't about death. It was about unshakable love for God. The 22 Catholic martyrs were beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonised as saints by Pope Paul VI in 1964, during the Second Vatican Council — a momentous recognition of Africa's deep and growing Christian roots. Fr. Albert gifted my family a profound treasure, a book — African Holocaust: The Story of the Uganda Martyrs. The word 'holocaust' comes from the Greek 'holokaustos' , meaning 'completely burnt' — once describing offerings wholly consumed on the altar. In spiritual terms, it evokes lives poured out in love. In this light, the Uganda Martyrs' story is not just tragedy. It is sacred offering, a fire that still burns. The book by Fr. John Francis Faupel, first published in 1962, places their deaths within the swirl of colonialism and Buganda's court politics. Yet at its heart, it's not about empire. It's about love of God, of truth, of faith unshaken by flame. As I leafed through its pages, my thoughts drifted home to Sabah to a book launched on March 15, 2025. I recalled Reverand Fr. Cosmas Lee's book, Ultimate Sacrifice: The Tragic and Unaccounted Death of Catholic Missionaries, chronicling the fate of Catholic missionaries and laymen executed by Japanese forces in 1945. Their bodies were never found. Their names nearly forgotten. But like the martyrs of Uganda, they died not as victims of war — but as witnesses of the Cross. One Church, Two Stories, One Fire. Why Martyrs Matter? Two stories — one from the heart of Africa, the other from the highlands of Borneo — began to echo across time. Different empires. Different flames. But the same fire of faith. With kopi-O in hand and a notebook open, I did what any reflective soul might do: I drew quiet, reverent parallels. What follows isn't just a comparison, it's a celebration. Of two lands, two histories, but one Church. One of martyrs beatified and canonised — and others who, God willing, will be. In the Catholic faith, martyrs embody the ultimate witness to Jesus Christ — offering their lives out of love for God. Their sacrifice echoes His Passion, reminding us that faith is not merely belief, but the total gift of self. Martyrs deepen our courage, strengthen our devotion and draw us closer to God. Their stories unite believers, inspire hope in persecution and reveal the quiet power of grace. In honouring them, the Church proclaims: holiness can flourish even in suffering — and love is stronger than fear. Some die in fire. Others in silence. Some leave behind relics. Others vanish into the forest. But all leave behind a light that never goes out. Namugongo: Martyrs of the Flame In 19th-century Buganda (now Uganda), as colonial powers clashed and old kingdoms trembled, King Mwanga II ruled with paranoia and ruthlessness. Threatened by Christianity's influence, he demanded absolute allegiance from his court — including the young pages who had embraced the new faith. In a time of growing Christian influence, the King saw the new faith not only as a political threat but also as a personal challenge especially when Christian converts refused to indulge his sexual advances. Charles Lwanga became the protector to the younger boys under his care, shielding them from the king's sexual exploitation. His defiance, along with that of others infuriated the king. In May 1886, the King convened a court session and demanded that all his pages declare whether they were Christian. When a group boldly stepped forward affirming their faith, he ordered them imprisoned. They were given a stark choice: abandon Christianity or die. None recanted. On June 3, 1886, a group of Catholic, Anglican and Muslim converts were marched to Namugongo, a place that would soon become hallowed ground. Along the way, some were executed by spear or beheading, but most were reserved for a gruesome public spectacle of burning. At Namugongo, they were stripped, tightly bound in reed mats and tied to posts over a massive pyre. As the fire was lit, the martyrs prayed aloud, sang hymns and offered words of forgiveness to their executioners. One of the guards later testified, awestruck, that they died 'not like boys, but like angels.' These brave witnesses were not part of a political rebellion — they were peaceful believers who refused to leave their faith. All the converts were accused of embracing either Christianity or Islam, thereby being seen as undermining the authority of the monarch. In a heartfelt gesture of recognition and unity, the Government of Uganda has officially acknowledged these Muslim martyrs. Beginning in 2024, it has allocated funding to support the annual commemoration of Muslim Martyrs' Day. This move underscores the government's commitment to promoting religious tolerance and historical acknowledgment in Uganda. Today, Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage sites in Africa. Every year on June 3, millions gather to honour their memory. The story of the Uganda Martyrs continues to inspire Christians worldwide, a testament to youthful courage, sacrificial love and the power of faith to withstand even the fiercest flames. Their legacy is not merely one of suffering, but of triumph — proof that even in death, light shines through. Tenom: Martyrs of the Mist Half a century after the Uganda Martyrs, and thousands of miles east in the highlands of North Borneo, another chapter of quiet 'martyrdom' was written. This time in the misty hills of Tenom. It was 1945, the final months of World War Two. As Japanese forces crumbled under Allied pressure, paranoia and brutality surged through the interior. In this chaos, 12 men of faith— nine missionaries and three local lay Catholics — were arrested by Japanese troops between May 19 and 20, 1945. Among them was Monsignor August Wachter, the Apostolic Prefect of North Borneo, a towering figure who had served in Borneo for 40 years. Their decision to stay was not born of recklessness but of love. They had planted seeds in the hearts of the people. And like all good shepherds, they did not abandon the flock during World War Two. The missionaries were German-speaking Austrians, members of the Mill Hill Missionary — men whose homelands, ironically, were aligned with Japan in the Axis pact. By the cold logic of wartime alliances, they should have been safe — spared the suspicion and hostility faced by British or other nationals. But war, as history often reminds us, obeys neither reason nor righteousness. These men were no ordinary foreigners. They had immersed themselves in the lives of the people, speaking their languages, walking village trails and bearing the burdens of the poor. They were shepherds of souls. Fathers, teachers, friends. They didn't just serve the communities; they became part of them. It is believed they had witnessed atrocities committed by retreating Japanese forces — forced labour, executions, acts of cruelty. And in those final desperate months of war, knowledge became a threat. When Japan's defeat was inevitable, fear overtook reason. The missionaries, it seems, became liabilities. In the eyes of their captors, they were men who might speak truth when the silence ended. Under Japan's war doctrine of 'Senjō' — the battlefield purge. Anyone deemed a danger to military withdrawal or future accountability was to be eliminated. Priests, too, became targets. Not for action, but for the possibility that they might bear witness. The official version claimed the missionaries perished in an Allied bombing of Sapong Estate on July 3, 1945, supposedly vapourised without a trace. But there were no bomb craters, no bodies, no evidence. Only a silence too clean to be believed. Yet in the kampungs, the people whispered. Stories passed in hushed voices — of blindfolds and ropes, of final prayers in the jungle, of graves that disappeared beneath the earth and vines. For years, these whispers went unheard, swept aside by colonial politics and post-war rebuilding. They were not spies. They were not soldiers. They were men of peace, caught in the storm and eliminated not for what they did, but for who they were: steadfast shepherds in the image of God. Their deaths were not collateral damage; they were a deliberate silencing of moral witness. Their bodies were never found. But their names remain etched into the soul of Tenom, in the chapels they built, in the generations they catechised and in the courage of a Church that remembers. Thus, we honour them not as pawns of politics, but as martyrs of mercy. In a world gone mad, they chose to stay. When flight was an option, they remained. When silence was survival, they still stood for truth. The Tek family shared a special moment with Fr Cosmas Lee and Fr Albert Musinguzi through the gifting of books. The Priest Who Would Not Forget Then came Fr Cosmas Lee — a Sabahan priest turned quiet investigator — who refused to let truth fade into silence. Over decades, he gathered testimonies, pored over wartime records, and built a case: the missionaries weren't casualties of war, but deliberately executed just weeks before Japan's surrender. 'No remains were found. The bomb was too small. Their deaths too convenient,' he said. With the heart of a pastor and the eye of a historian, Fr Cosmas spent 15 years uncovering this painful chapter of Church history. He travelled to Rome, Amsterdam, London, and Tokyo, sifting through letters, war reports, and dusty archives. He spoke with villagers, heard survivors' stories, and pieced together long-buried truths. This wasn't just research — it was an act of love. As a boy, he had heard whispers of what happened. As a priest, he vowed to 'unturn every stone.' Silence, he believed, should never be the final word. His book presents compelling evidence that the missionaries were executed. It stands as the first detailed account of priests who died not in combat, but in faithful service. A turning point came from a 1952 memoir by Ain Yamazaki, wife of Japanese officer Kenji Yamazaki, who plainly stated the priests were executed — a long-awaited affirmation for grieving villagers. The book's launch was more than literary — it was spiritual. Parishioners wept. Elders remembered. Young people listened, many for the first time. Fr Cosmas reminded us that memory is sacred — and these men must never again be forgotten. Their legacy now fuels calls for recognition as martyrs. With the Church newly stirred, a cause for beatification is on the horizon. Recently, Archbishop Datuk John Wong led a two-day clergy pilgrimage retracing the path of Msgr Wachter and his companions. Marking 80 years since their deaths, the journey — from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom — paused at historical sites with prayers of gratitude and renewal. Guided by Fr Cosmas's reflections, the pilgrimage became not only a tribute to their sacrifice but a call for priests to rekindle courage and perseverance in their vocations. Archbishop John Wong led a Pilgrimage of Hope (23–24 June 2025), retracing the steps of WWII martyred missionaries in remembrance and renewal. (Photo: Fr Terans Thadeus) When Uganda Meets Sabah: Convergence and Contrast At first glance, the Uganda Martyrs and Sabah missionaries seem worlds apart—different lands, cultures and eras. But look closer and a shared spirit emerges. Both faced fear and violence, yet chose to stay, to serve and to surrender their lives to God. What follows is a reflection on the parallels and contrasts between these two martyrdoms—two lights that rose from very different soils, yet shine with the same unwavering flame. One Church, One Memory, One Hope Unlike their canonised Ugandan brothers, the missionaries of Sabah have not yet been formally declared martyrs. But as Fr Cosmas Lee reminds us, the road to sainthood begins with remembrance. To be recognised as a martyr, the Church looks for three things: that the person truly died for their faith, that their death stemmed from hatred of the faith, and that it was accepted willingly — a conscious 'yes' to God, even unto death. By these measures, the twelve victims of Tenom surely qualify. They didn't flee. They stayed — and bore witness with their lives. While martyrdom permits beatification without a miracle, a verified miracle is generally needed for canonisation—the final step to sainthood. The Church in Sabah now hopes to open this cause. If affirmed, they would join a sacred lineage — from the Colosseum to Namugongo, and perhaps one day, to Tenom's misty forests. Namugongo rejoices today. Its shrine sings with pilgrims and praise. The Uganda Martyrs live not only in stained glass, but in Africa's young hearts. In Sabah, we still wait — praying for the day when Tenom becomes holy ground, and Msgr August Wachter and his companions are remembered not just in history, but in liturgy and prayer. Hope does not disappoint. From Namugongo's fire to Tenom's silence, the Church walks with her martyrs. Though their deaths were separated by continents and centuries, they share one sacred thread: unwavering faith and surrender to God. In both Uganda and Sabah, holiness wore ordinary faces: young pages, seasoned missionaries, faithful laymen. All said yes. All gave all. They remained. They witnessed. They trusted. And because they did — we remember, we honour and we carry the flame. In the end, their stories speak the same truth: That the Church is built not only on stone and incense, but on the quiet courage of those who refuse to leave when the cross appears. And that martyrdom, whether by fire or silence, is never the end. It is always a beginning.
News24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Royal devotion – Princess Charlene and Prince Albert are more united than ever
It's the highlight of the Monaco social calendar, a soirée that oozes glitz and glamour while raking in cash for worthy causes. A seat at a table at Le Gala de la Croix Rouge – or the Red Cross Gala, if you don't speak French as the principality's Benoni-raised princess has learnt to do – will set you back €1,400 (about R29,400). But people do cough up – and this year there was something extra special for the guests to get excited about. Prince Albert II, the leader of the tiny enclave on the shores of the Mediterranean, was marking the 20th anniversary of his reign – and who better to honour him than his wife. READ MORE | SEE | Monaco royals celebrate 20th anniversary of Prince Albert's reign Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene, who was once looked down upon for not speaking French and struggled to be accepted by notoriously snobbish Monégasques, took to the stage to deliver a moving speech in the local lingo to the black-tie-and-ballgown crowd. 'Today marks exactly the 20th anniversary of your accession,' she told her husband, who was seated among 800 guests in the famed Monte-Carlo's Salle des Étoiles ballroom on 12 July. 'Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage and determination. Your wish for unity and serenity for Monaco has been your guideline.' Charlene (47) then added her own personal touch for her 67-year-old husband. 'Albert, you know I am always by your side, along with the Monégasques. We are standing with you with all our hearts to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership.' We love you, we support you and we thank you for being there for all of us Princess Charlene The former South African Olympic swimmer lived up to her style-queen credentials in an ethereal light-blue silk gown by Elie Saab paired with a dazzling diamond necklace. It was an outfit befitting the prestigious event, which has a history stretching back 70 years. From 1949 to 1958, Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, chaired the event, and from 1958 to 1982, the honour fell to his mother, Hollywood screen icon Grace Kelly – and thanks to her connections, it attracted acting royalty in the form of Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck, and the likes of former US First Lady Jackie Onassis. Princess Grace's granddaughter, Camille Gottlieb, paid tribute to her in an Elisabetta Franchi dress similar to one the Oscar-winner wore in the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie Rear Window. 'This ball is an opportunity for us to come together around a cause that's dear to us and touches us deeply,' said Camille (27), who was there with her mom Princess Stéphanie (60) and brother Louis Ducruet (37). Following Charlene's speech, 10 members of the Prince's Carabinieri – Monaco's military guard – performed a moving version of the country's anthem, which saw a visibly touched Albert joining in. A few minutes before midnight, he officially opened the dance floor with his wife to Coldplay's Everglow, and the evening closed with a bang with a performance by veteran English rocker Billy Idol, who played over 10 of his biggest hits. For guests, it was a night to remember. 'The gala is one of the biggest drawcards in Monaco,' one said afterwards. 'And Albert's anniversary made it all the more special.' READ MORE | 'Breach of trust': New controversy rocks Monaco royals as former wealth manager claims tax fraud When Albert took over the principality after his father died, it was largely seen as a tax haven for the super-rich – a principality that lived up to writer William Somerset Maugham's description of it being 'a sunny place for shady people'. Rainier focused on transforming Monaco into an upmarket tourist destination, developing luxury hotels and glitzy casinos. He also ensured owning property in the principality came with stringent bank-account checks – you had to have a certain level of wealth to own a slice of this seaside pie. Things aren't all that different in that regard today – sports cars still line the streets, designer shops glitter on litter-free roads, and heaven help dog owners if their pooches relieve themselves anywhere other than fenced-off poo-parks. But Albert's vision is more encompassing than the financial success of his country. He's passionate about the environment and is the only head of state to have travelled to both the North and South Poles to highlight the dangers of global warming. He's deeply committed to the welfare of his countrymen and women and in his first year as ruler founded his Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation, a global non-profit organisation committed to preserving the health of the planet. In a recent interview, Albert said he wanted to ensure a future Monaco that's 'proud of its values and its past, serene, prosperous, responsible and united'. He likened leadership to sport. 'You can train very thoroughly and prepare for every scenario, but there are always unforeseen events – and you have to respond as best as possible. What drives me is my love for my country, my sense of duty and the trust the Monégasques place in me Prince Albert 'Governing means anticipating, but also facing challenges with loyalty and resolve. In Monaco's history, we've always found ways to secure our future – even in tough and uncertain times. If we stay united, enthusiastic, innovative and supportive, we'll have one of the happiest futures possible.' Part of that future are his 10-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with Charlene. And for Jacques, his son and heir, he hopes to 'hand down to him a principality that is neither quite the same nor entirely different'. Supporting Albert along the way is Charlene, who remains a steady rock by his side despite constant divorce rumours. On 2 July they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, an occasion marked by an Instagram post of the couple at the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco earlier this year. The princess certainly seems to have put behind her annus horribilis of 2021, which saw her stuck in South Africa with ongoing medical issues and beset by rumours that her marriage was on the rocks. There was also speculation she wasn't happy in her role as princess, and felt ostracised and lonely in Monaco and longed to be back in South Africa. But these days, she and Albert seem more united than ever, and she appears to be throwing all her weight into helping him run Monaco instead of coming back regularly to SA. 'Charlene is emotionally more invested in Monaco now,' a source close to her told YOU. 'It appears she's far more comfortable now than ever in her role as princess.'
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
Trump kills Obama plan for big-rig speed limits
But federal regulators under Trump now say the proposal to install governors on all vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds would raise trucking costs and might actually make things worse by stalling traffic and putting more trucks on the road. Regulators said the proposal might have also slowed deliveries, hurt already-low driver pay and pushed more heavy truck traffic onto side streets instead of interstates. "Because drivers get paid by the mile, the more miles you can put in, well, the incentive is to not slow down," said Henry Albert, 62, an independent owner-operator based in Laredo, Texas. Albert said he understands why some safety advocates would support the speed restrictions, and said he personally limits his 2022 Freightliner Cascadia to 80 mph. He rarely drives that fast because higher speeds consume more diesel, he added. The exact speed limit being considered had not been decided but officials considered 60, 65 and 68 mph. Many states have interstate speed limits of 75, and some even allow 80 mph, although trucks are sometimes restricted to lower speeds. Federal regulators received more than 15,000 comments opposing the proposal, including objections from states that a national policy violated their right to set their own speed limits. Trump has ordered federal agencies to consider withdrawing or voiding what he considers to be onerous regulations, and the Department of Transportation cited his order in killing the governor plan. Regulators also noted the rule didn't consider the potential risk of increasing the speed differential between passenger vehicles and big rigs or the increased number of trucks that would have been needed to carry the same amount of cargo in a given period. They also said new technologies, like radar-assisted emergency alert and braking systems, have substantially improved safety since the proposal was first introduced. In a statement, the American Trucking Associations, which had supported a version of the regulation that would have restricted big-rig speeds to 65 mph, said it has long worked with regulators to find reasonable middle ground. "We believe USDOT can successfully balance deregulatory actions while enforcing sensible regulations that are on the books, in line with its safety mission," Dan Horvath, the ATA's chief operating officer said. There's a growing push by safety advocates to use technology like governors to limit driving speeds nationally; California Gov. Gavin Newsom last year vetoed a proposed state law that would have required new vehicles to alert drivers whenever they are speeding. Albert, who said he's seen few true accidents but many crashes, said he thinks better speed-limit enforcement would help improve safety for everyone on the road. "The speed limit sign isn't a starting point," he said, referencing the number of cars he sees zip past his rig at 100 mph. "It's the limit."
