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By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS NEW YORK (AP) — A ransomware attack that hit a major software provider last week caused disruptions for a handful of companies over recent days, from Starbucks to U.K. grocery giant Morrisons. Blue Yonder, which provides supply chain technology to a range of brands worldwide, said that it experienced disruptions to services it manages for customers on Thursday, which the third-party software supplier determined to be “the result of a ransomware incident.” Some systems went offline, impacting clients using Blue Yonder’s software. A spokesperson for Starbucks, for example, said that the chain’s ability to manage barista schedules and track hours was disrupted — meaning store leaders across North America are currently being instructed to use manual workarounds. Starbucks maintained that the outage is not impacting how customers are served and that ensuring workers get paid for all hours worked is a top priority. While the company continues to work towards full recovery, the spokesperson added that Starbucks was able to process payroll again as of Tuesday morning. Two of the U.K.’s biggest grocers, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, were also affected — with both telling CNN over the weekend that they had turned to contingency plans to keep operations flowing. A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed to The Associated Press that the outage “impacted our warehouse management systems for fresh and produce” and that it was continuing to operate on back up systems Tuesday. Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, said Tuesday that its service was restored. Blue Yonder declined to disclose how many of its customers were impacted by the hack. In a statement sent to the AP, a spokesperson maintained that it had notified “relevant customers” and would continue to communicate as needed. The spokesperson also maintained that recovery efforts were still underway — noting that Blue Yonder “has been working diligently together with external cybersecurity firms to make progress,” including the implementation of several defensive and forensic protocols. Blue Yonder’s website touts an extensive global roster of customers — including Gap, Ford and Walgreens. Walgreens and Gap were not impacted following the ransomware attack, spokespeople for the companies said. Ford shared that it was investigating whether the incident affected its operations earlier this week, but had no further updates when reached Tuesday. Blue Yonder, based in Arizona, is a subsidiary of Japan’s Panasonic Corp. Panasonic acquired the supply chain software firm in September 2021.
US stocks rally despite Trump tariff threat but European stocks fall
NEW YORK — The man accused of fatally setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train used his shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed in the blaze, a prosecutor said Tuesday. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, made his first court appearance and was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time.” Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. Zapeta then used his shirt to fan the flames, leading to her becoming engulfed in the fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said on Tuesday. Zapeta then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta said he didn’t know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the U.S. illegally. In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” that would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day. Overall, according to authorities, crime is down in the transit system this year when compared to last year — major felonies declined 6% between January and November of this year and in 2023, data compiled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority show. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny in the death of an agitated subway rider that the former Marine placed in a chokehold last year. The case became a flashpoint in ongoing debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is also difficult, given the vast network of trains constantly moving between the system’s 472 stations, with each stop containing multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. On Sunday, police at the station where the woman burned to death were patrolling a different area and responded after seeing and smelling smoke, authorities said.
Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreamsUs Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below. Body hair removal can be quite a hassle. Shaving with disposable razors often leads to nicks, cuts and painful ingrown hairs. Removal creams often leave behind a yucky smell and can lead to burns if left on for too long. Then there are those of Us who have to go through these experiences multiple times per week because of how quickly our hair grows. Laser hair removal device is a helpful alternative many of Us seek to get the job done. For so long laser hair removal would come with pricey trips to professionals. However, you can do the job at home with tools like the Ulike Air 10 Laser Hair Removal Device . A favorite of A-listers like Kim Kardashian , shoppers can snag the hair removal device for the year’s lowest price. That’s right! You can get the hair-zapping device for 32% off using the code USWEEKA10. Get the Ulike Air10 Laser Hair Removal Device for just $271 (originally $399) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, November 22, 2024, but are subject to change. Wondering what makes this device stand out among the rest? It features sapphire ice-cooling technology that delivers a cool, soothing sensation for ultimate comfort and near-painless hair removal. A dual light emits double flashes, covering an 18% wide treatment area and completes full-body hair removal sessions in up to 10 minutes. It also comes with SkinSensor technology that auto-adjusts and stops flashing if an area is too dark for application. If you want to snag the laser hair device, it’s important to check out the skin tone and hair color chart to ensure that it’s safe for you. It features 10 different intensity levels, so you can customize it to your comfort level. The device is safe for use on men and women on the legs, pubic area, face, back, chest, armpits and upper lips. This device is easy to use. Start out by using the included razor to shave the area you want to treat. Connect the device to a power source. The first time you use the device, treat the same area up to four times that week. Then follow up with maintenance sessions once or twice per month for long-lasting results. This device is such a hit, it turned skeptical shoppers into believers. “I was on the fence about this purchase for a couple of years,” one five-star reviewer began. “After the first few weeks, I was able to use it once a week. I immediately noticed that my hair growth had slowed a good bit. At this point, I only have to shave like once every 10ish days! And I’d be lying if I said I was using this religiously,” they continued before adding, “I am having great results!” Another “nervous” shopper added, “After just a few uses, I started seeing less hair growth and smoother skin. It was a huge relief to find that the process was virtually pain-free – just a slight cool touch which is nothing compared to waxing.” Yes, it’s true. Hair removal can be a headache. However, at-home treatments like this laser hair removal device is a great place to start. Best of all? You can snag it on sale using the code USWEEKA10. Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News See it: Get the Ulike Air10 Laser Hair Removal Device for just $271 (originally $399) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, November 22, 2024, but are subject to change.
: The YSRC will raise the burning issues of atrocities on social media activists and Polavaram, besides opposing the Wakf Board (Amendment) Bill, in the ensuing Winter Session in Parliament. Former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy held the Parliamentary Party meeting here on Thursday and chalked out the strategy to be adopted during the Parliament session. MP Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose told the media after the meeting that they would raise the issue of harassment and illegal detention of social media activists in the state. “Police are not following the rule of the law and are detaining political opponents and social media activists at will and are harassing them violating human rights,” he said. The YSRC will oppose the proposed Wakf Board (Amendment) Bill tooth and nail and will also explore legal options. Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly said that they will not tolerate any discrimination towards minorities, he said. The YSRC has decided protest against the Centre’s decision to reduce the height of the Polavaram dam and demand that the Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) package of the displaced persons be expedited. It will also fight against the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and will advocate that the Plant should be in the public sector. “We will stage protests in Delhi and will also raise our voice to get clearances for the pending Bills from the Centre,” he said.Fantasy football is a passion for many. Sometimes that passion pushes fantasy managers to make emotional decisions even when the data suggest otherwise. Each week during the 2024 NFL season, Liz Loza will attempt to strike a balance between what the data states and what the heart wants. This is called Facts vs. Feelings. I'm writing this week's column on Christmas Eve, feeling as though I should incorporate a Yuletide theme. The fact is, however, you're probably going to read this after December 25th. In which case, I hope that your holiday was merry and bright. Whether Santa slid down your chimney, the glow of Hanukkah is lighting up your evenings, or the bemusement of Festivus tickled your counter-culture soul, may the ritual of your choosing have brought you a comfortable sufficiency of your favorite things and people. If it didn't ... well, then notes for next year. Because we're already thinking about next year, aren't we? These final few days of 2024 are guaranteed to be stuffed with "spin it forward" takes and headlines selling us the "hottest new resolutions" for 2025. Many of us will pen mental manifestos about counting macros (because cutting carbs faded away with the flip phone and trucker hats) and prioritizing probiotics. Others will make public proclamations regarding intentional self-care while committing to grabbing those long overdue drinks with that friend who lives across town. It's all just wheel-spinning, really. Not that creating healthful change is frivolous. Or that I would ever doubt the authenticity of anyone's personal promises. Not at all. Rather, this specific space of time exists in such a liminal way that we can't help but feel disoriented. I don't want to dodder around in a fugue-like state but straddling the end of one year while not beginning the next invites a discomforting amount of confusion. Ripping off robust resolutions and organizing tool sheds offers us agency. Sitting still is tough. Distractions often provide us with deep delight. I'm not advocating for either. Though, I am planning to give "staying present" a valiant try. The concept is not novel. I've hinted at it throughout the season. Aiming to live in the now when the now is muddy, however, requires an accented amount of discipline. And who wants to talk about discipline on Dec. 27? Instead, why don't we just allow events to unfold? Maybe change things up when new data is discovered or different feelings bubble to the surface? Even if the calendar and the coordinating fantasy football season don't imply an expanse of hours or minutes with which to cull updated information. Who cares? We still have one, maybe two more weeks. And besides, if we can't control our circumstances, let's at least focus on how we react to them. So, don't let the purgatory of this period mess with your mentals. Ponder what it is you really want and then do that thing, taking full responsibility for any potential consequences. Trust your gut in late December as much as you did in early October and as much as you will in mid-January. Purge your garage with as much enthusiasm as a De'Von Achane Stan starting him at Cleveland. Or languish in cozies on the sofa with satisfaction similar to that of Bijan Robinson managers coming off of a third multi-TD effort. The stakes may be high and the time may be muted, but you remain the captain of your destiny in fantasy ... and life. Now, get out there and enjoy all of it. It's not too late to play for free There's still time to join or create a league in the No. 1 Fantasy basketball game. Your league starts fresh on the first scoring period following your draft. Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today! Sign up today! Brock Purdy , QB, San Francisco 49ers : Few players have seized an unexpected moment with as much vigor as Purdy. From being under center at the Super Bowl to being unceremoniously eliminated from the postseason 10 months later, the 49ers' QB has moved through an impressive number of obstacles. And, yet, he's battled through all of the disappointment and continued to produce. Purdy is currently fantasy's QB12 in terms of points per game, registering nearly 17 per contest. That's down just 1.5 points from his 2023 average. Certainly, not bad given the number of offensive stars that made early exits from San Fran's season. Moreover, Purdy has posted 20 or more fantasy points in four of his past seven games. There were two single-digit outliers (most notably the 'snow game' versus Buffalo) during that span and he tossed an ugly INT at Miami in Week 16, but his performances have been of starting caliber more times than not. Part of Purdy's appeal sneakily exists in his legs. The 24-year-old is QB8 in rushing fantasy points behind Jalen Hurts , Josh Allen , Jayden Daniels , Lamar Jackson , Anthony Richardson , Kyler Murray and Bo Nix . More specifically, Purdy is in the second tier of mobile QBs, averaging 3.9 fantasy points per game from rushing alone. That sets up nicely versus Detroit, as the Lions' defense has given up the third-most rushing yards per game (28.3) to opposing QBs. Speaking of the Lions' defense, it is banged up to say the least. As the injuries have mounted, so has the opposing offenses' production; all three signal-callers that have reached 22 fantasy points against the Lions this season have come over the team's most recent four games. The unit allowed seven passing scores from Weeks 1-12. That number jumped to eight over the most-recent four games. With Purdy playing for pride in what's expected to be a relatively close (+3.5) and high-scoring affair (51.5) , Mr. Irrelevant is in a position to make fantasy squads anything but. Alexander Mattison , RB, Las Vegas Raiders : The Raiders' backfield has been giving EOY energy since Josh Jacobs left town. Make no mistake; the team cast Mattison in an understudy role, but with Zamir White (quadriceps) and Sincere McCormick (ankle) both on the IR, the former Viking figures to receive top billing over the next pair of weeks. Even with Ameer Abdullah stumbling into a resurgence, Mattison found the spotlight in the passing game, converting four of seven looks in Week 16. The 26-year-old has handled lead back duties on five occasions this season, registering at least 16 touches and averaging 19.5 opportunities over the collection of games. His output in those efforts has been of the RB2 variety, as he's managed a solid 13.6 fantasy points per contest. He figures to post similar stats in a plus matchup at New Orleans. The Saints have allowed 17 rushing TDs to RBs, including a whopping three (to three different Packers running backs) this past Monday night. Mattison may not have been on early-season bingo cards but could be a perfectly-timed Band-Aid for facile managers seeking positional depth. Introducing the ESPN Smack Talk Fantasy Football Greeting Cards This 3-card pack offers the perfect blend of humor and humiliation, making sure your league's biggest underachievers get the recognition they deserve. Use code FOCUS10 for 10% off your order. Shop Now Terry McLaurin , WR, Washington Commanders : Talk about delayed gratification! The unlocking of Scary Terry has been a journey six years in the making. No matter the stumbling blocks or setbacks, McLaurin efforted towards ascent. That dedication exists not only on a macro level, but also from a micro POV. The chemistry between McLaurin and Jayden Daniels didn't happen overnight. At no point, however, did the duo stop massaging it into existence. Take, for example, their splits facing Philadelphia. McLaurin converted just one of two balls for 10 yards in Week 11. That number improved to a 5-60-1 stat line (worth 17 fantasy points) in Week 16. The evolution has been equal parts constant and consistent. Currently the virtual game's WR5 overall, McLaurin has posted 15 or more fantasy points in nine of his past 10 outings and in 11 total contests over the course of 2024. For context, those 11 games of 15-plus fantasy points ranks second-most in the NFL among non-QBs. Only Justin Jefferson has more (12), while Ja'Marr Chase and Jahmyr Gibbs are tied with the same number. The climb figures to continue in a game with major postseason implications on Sunday night. Washington will host a Falcons' squad miraculously still in the hunt for the NFC South crown and, with it, a playoff berth. With both offenses firing on all cylinders and Atlanta's defense allowing the highest completion percentage in the NFL (69.8%), McLaurin should put forth a commanding display. Additionally working in the wideout's favor is the fact that the Falcons have allowed a league-high (tied with the Texans) 20 receiving scores to wide receivers. That's got to make McLaurin investors feel pretty good about their chances of victory in Week 17. Alec Pierce , WR, Indianapolis Colts : No better way to close out the year than with a little YOLO. Pierce has brought the boom (and the bust) throughout 2024. Assuming he clears the leagues' concussion protocol (from a head injury suffered in Week 15), the explosive wideout figures to deliver more of the former, especially facing an ultra-generous Giants' secondary. Ranking first at the position in deep targets (29), Pierce is averaging an astounding 22.2 yards per reception (WR2). He's listed second among Colts' pass-catchers in routes run (353) and receiving yards registered (645) while leading the corps in air yards per target (21.41) and receiving scores hauled in (tied with Josh Downs for five). Pierce's downfield ability figures to be healthily exploited given the matchup. New York's defense has given up an absurd 62% completion rate on deep passes, which is by far the worst in the NFL, registering a full five points behind of the down-and-out Jaguars (57%). Interestingly, three of the six receivers who, like Pierce (21.5 yards, WR1), rank inside the top 20 in terms of aDOT have each logged season-high fantasy point totals when facing the G-Men: Calvin Austin III (20.4 FPTS, which included a kick return), Amari Cooper (27.6 FPTS), and Rashod Bateman (23.0 FPTS). The timing for Pierce and his managers could not be better. Editor's Picks The Playbook: Your fantasy football guide for Christmas Day games 2h Mike Clay Shadow Report: Your weekly guide to WR/CB matchups 1h Mike Clay Matchup rankings: Bucky Irving, Jayden Reed set up well 56m Tristan H. Cockcroft Chig Okonkwo , TE, Tennessee Titans : I am but a humble fantasy analyst, standing before you, and asking you to, once again, consider the underutilized talents of the Titans' second-most targeted pass-catcher. To be fair, it appears as though Mason Rudolph and I share an affinity for the tight end's receiving potential. Okonkwo -- who has drawn double-digit looks in back-to-back efforts -- has logged a healthy target share of 19% with Rudolph under center as opposed to 11% with Will Levis at the helm. Coincidentally, the Maryland product has also experienced an increase in snap share, up from 54% in Weeks 1-8 to 70% since Week 9. While Rudolph has not been perfect, he has provided the offense with an undeniable spark. So much so that the Titans are favored (-1) at Jacksonville in Week 17. Of course, much of that has to do with the state of the Jaguars' (briefly aforementioned) defense. Jacksonville has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs, including 20.9 to Brock Bowers last Sunday. Chig may not be Brock, but his Week 16 effort (19.1) ranked second-most at the position, behind only the Raiders rookie. He has a solid shot to flirt with those numbers again this go-around, reminding managers that late is better than never. Yes, I just gave you two entire paragraphs of Mason Rudolph-adjacent analysis without a single on-the-nose reference. Happy New Year. Follow Liz on social @LizLoza_FFRansomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers
NINGDE, China , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 24th, CATL officially launched the CATL Bedrock Chassis, the world's first ultra-safe skateboard chassis. With its outstanding performance of withstanding 120 km/h frontal impact without catching fire or exploding, CATL's Bedrock Chassis sets a new standard for intelligent chassis safety, providing comprehensive protection across all scenarios and speed ranges. Lead the industry with the most stringent safety tests With the battery-centered design, CATL's Bedrock Chassis utilizes Cell-to-Chassis integration technology, which directly integrates the battery cells into the chassis, allowing for a shared structural design between them. And based on the decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, the Bedrock Chassis is capable of absorbing 85% of the vehicle's collision energy (compared to around 60% absorbed by traditional chassis). Through various technological breakthroughs, the Bedrock Chassis successfully passed the world's first "highest speed + strongest impact" dual extreme safety test. This achievement enables the chassis to pass the 120 km/h frontal central pole impact test without catching fire, exploding or thermal runway, redefining the benchmark for safety in the industry. Currently, the speed for frontal impact safety test in the commonly used C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) is 56km/h, which, when experiencing a frontal impact at this speed, generates collision energy equivalent to falling from 12-meter-high building. In comparison, a frontal impact at 120km/h is equivalent to falling from a 56-meter-high building, generating a collision energy 4.6 times that of collision at 56km/h. In more stringent frontal pole crash tests, which simulate crashes with non-standard objects such as power poles, large trees, or animals, the impact area is only 1/6 of that in a full-width frontal impact, exponentially increasing impact pressure. At a speed of 120km/h, the impact pressure on the chassis per unit area in a frontal central pole impact is 21 times that of the 56 km/h full-width frontal impact in C-NCAP testing. Due to the extremely high crash speed and intensity, there has been no previous instance of any new energy vehicle daring to challenge a 120km/h frontal pole impact test. With this extreme challenge, CATL's Bedrock Chassis has blazed a fresh trail for the industry. Open the era of ultra-safe transportation through three technological breakthroughs CATL's Bedrock Chassis has delved deep into the realm of structure and material innovation, leveraging three technological breakthroughs to provide unparalleled protection in all scenarios and speed ranges, ensuring rock-solid safety for the entire vehicle. The CATL Bedrock Chassis introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise shell structure, where the body and energy unit framework are integrated, deeply coupled to provide the energy unit with indestructible protection. And its aircraft carrier-grade arresting structure disperses impact forces across multiple pathways during a crash, gradually decelerating the vehicle and significantly reducing the depth and speed at which obstacles intrude the cabin. The utilization of submarine-grade hot-formed steel with a strength of 2000MPa, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a strength of 600MPa, and multiple barrier structures further enhance the chassis' rigidity, making it virtually impervious. Moreover, the CATL Bedrock Chassis incorporates an ultra-safe battery cell design, NP technology, and a high-ductility energy-absorbing insulation film, leading the industry in a groundbreaking manner. In terms of high-voltage disconnection, it achieves instantaneous disconnection of high voltage circuit within 0.01 seconds of impact and completes the discharge of residual high-voltage energy in the vehicle within 0.2 seconds, setting a new industry record. Notably, the battery cells have undergone highly demanding tests, including high-speed sled impact tests at 60 km/h, 90-degree bending tests, and breakthrough sawing tests, the battery did not catch fire or explode across all three tests. These tests, all industry-firsts by CATL, have elevated the safety standards of battery cells to new heights. Unlocking the era of customization, and activating a trillion-yuan market The launch of the Bedrock Chassis not only redefines the standard for intelligent chassis safety but also activates a trillion-yuan market. It greatly accelerates the shift towards modular, personalized, and intelligent automotive design. Addressing the common pain points of high investment, long development cycles, and accelerated product iteration in the industry, the Bedrock Chassis incorporates three core characteristics: internal integration, decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, and external openness. With a rich array of toolkits and solution packages, it offers a scalable software and hardware architecture and standardized interfaces, enabling flexible configurations for different vehicle models and scenarios. This allows the realization of a "one chassis architecture, multiple vehicle models" concept and significantly improves development efficiency and shortens the R&D cycle. The time required for mass production of a vehicle is reduced from the traditional 36 months or longer to 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, the Bedrock Chassis breaks the limits of safety and modeling, and expands design flexibility through the design of decoupling of the chassis from the upper body. The fourth-generation Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology and inverted battery cell technology enhance the utilization of chassis space while reducing the risk of chassis scraping. Additionally, in terms of intelligence, the chassis supports mechanical decoupling, software decoupling and EE decoupling, enabling L3 to L4 intelligent driving capabilities. It provides high adaptability interfaces and promotes collaborative intelligent applications. At the launch ceremony, AVATR, the first automaker to use Bedrock Chassis, and CAIT-SH, CATL's skateboard chassis arm, signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on CATL's Bedrock Chassis to create a safer, higher-quality travel experience for users. Safety is a never-ending journey. In the future, CATL will continue to break technological barriers through continuous innovation, and work with partners to build a safe ecosystem for EV batteries and vehicles, safeguarding the safety of users. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587315/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587316/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587317/3.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/catl-launches-the-bedrock-chassis-that-withstands-120-kmh-impact-without-catching-fire-or-exploding-302338952.htmlOut of more than 2,500 global VC- and PE-backed companies, WuKong Education was selected for the 2025 GSV 150 based on a proprietary evaluation framework, including revenue scale, growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile. The 2025 cohort of the GSV 150 collectively reaches 3B learners and generates over $25B in annual revenue. "The rapid rise of generative AI is fueling knowledge and creating opportunities we had not imagined before," says Luben Pampoulov, Partner at GSV Ventures. "Multi-modality is making education more engaging, AI tools are driving personalization and productivity, and learning is happening at the speed of light. Effectively everyone across the 2025 GSV 150 has generative AI deeply embedded in their offering." WuKong Education is revolutionizing online education for students aged 3-18 worldwide, offering courses in Chinese, Mathematics, and English Language Arts. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, WuKong Education empowers students from 118 countries with a unique learning journey that ignites curiosity, nurtures creativity, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Powered by AI, WuKong Education adapts to each student's unique needs, ensuring that every learner receives a personalized educational journey: Personalized Learning Plans : By leveraging big data, WuKong Education tailors learning plans for each student, ensuring that every individual receives a program aligned with their needs and learning pace. Dynamic Course Optimization : With real-time AI-powered data analysis, WuKong Education continuously optimizes and adjusts course content to better match students' actual proficiency levels and interests. Efficient Teaching Support : AI analytics provide instructors with deep insights into student progress and class performance, allowing them to offer more personalized and effective guidance. This AI-driven teaching model has not only significantly improved student academic performance but also fostered the holistic development of students, earning widespread praise from students and parents around the world. "We are honored to be named to the 2025 GSV 150," said Vicky Wang , founder and CEO of WuKong Education. "This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing education. By combining the expertise of our teaching and research teams with the possibilities of AI, we are setting a new benchmark for digital education to empower students globally." Earlier this year, WuKong Education was named a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia®, a globally recognized education quality certification organization, and was also listed in the AU&NZ EdTech Top 50 by HolonIQ, a global leader in impact intelligence, for the third consecutive year. These recognitions underscore WuKong Education's continued leadership in the global EdTech industry and its ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional education to learners around the world. About WuKong Education Based in Silicon Valley, WuKong Education is shaping the future of online learning for students aged 3 to 18. WuKong Education's three core programs—WuKong Chinese, WuKong Math, and WuKong English (ELA)—combine AI-driven technology, expert educators, and personalized services to deliver engaging, dynamic learning experiences. With over 400,000 families served globally, WuKong Education is empowering students to succeed and become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: wukongsch.com . About GSV Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. We believe that ALL people have equal access to the future, and that scaled innovations in "PreK to Gray" learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit , hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India -based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit , now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV , an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures , GSV's investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global "PreK to Gray" landscape. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wukong-education-named-to-the-2025-gsv-150-for-leading-the-way-in-education-technology-302338883.html SOURCE WuKong EducationGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Even though their long-shot hopes of winning the NFC North have vanished, the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers believe they can make a legitimate run at their first Super Bowl appearance since their 2010 championship season. A rapidly improving defense gives them ample reason for confidence. The Packers (11-4) followed up a seven-sack performance in a 30-13 victory at Seattle by producing the first shutout of the NFL season, a 34-0 playoff-clinching blowout of the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. Green Bay delivered its first shutout since a 17-0 triumph over Seattle in 2021 and its most lopsided victory since a 55-14 rout of the Chicago Bears in 2014. “We’ve noticed all along that the defense is a lot different this year, and they’ve been making some big-time plays all along,” quarterback Jordan Love said. “But any time you can hold anybody to zero points in the National Football League is pretty awesome.” The Packers were seeking to produce a championship-caliber defense to go along with their dynamic offense when they fired Joe Barry as coordinator in the offseason and brought in former Boston College coach Jeff Hafley to replace him. Green Bay switched from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3, with Hafley emphasizing the need to produce more big plays. Green Bay has done just that by collecting 28 takeaways — 10 more than it had all of last year — to match the NFL’s third-highest total. The Packers haven’t forced this many turnovers since 2011, when they had 38 takeaways. That’s not the only area in which the defense has made strides. Green Bay is allowing just 19.1 points per game to rank sixth in the league in scoring defense. The Packers haven’t finished a season among the top six teams in scoring defense since their 2010 title run, when they yielded just 15 points per game to rank second. The Packers are giving up 312.1 yards per game for the league’s seventh-best total. That also puts them on pace for their highest season-ending rank since 2010, when they finished fifth in total defense. “We’re all working together, and we’ve just got some nice playmakers,” linebacker and rookie second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper said. The Packers have given up as many as 20 points just once in their last six games, a 34-31 defeat at Detroit on Dec. 5. That is the only time Green Bay has lost during that stretch. Whether this kind of success can carry over to the playoffs remains uncertain. The Packers’ shutout performance came against a New Orleans offense that was starting rookie fifth-round draft pick Spencer Rattler at quarterback in place of the injured Derek Carr and was missing five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara. Green Bay’s defense faces a much tougher task Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings (13-2), who beat the Packers 31-29 at Lambeau Field on Sept. 29. This will mark the first time in the series’ 64-year history that both teams had at least 11 wins when they face off. The Packers are eager to see what they can do against another team headed for the playoffs as their defense gears up for another postseason. “We can do whatever we want to do,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark said. “We write our own story at the end of the day. We’ve just got to keep on building.” What’s working Green Bay outrushed New Orleans 188-67 and improved its season total to 2,209 yards rushing. The Packers haven’t rushed for that many yards in a season since 2003, when they had 2,558. ... The pass rush has produced 16 sacks over Green Bay’s last four games. ... Green Bay is outscoring teams 102-34 in the first quarter. ... The Packers didn’t give up a sack Monday and have allowed just five over their last eight games. That represents the fewest sacks the Packers have given up over an eight-game stretch within a single season since 2004. What needs work Penalties remain a bit of an issue. The Packers were penalized six times for 60 yards. Stock up Love has thrown eight touchdown passes without an interception over his last five games. ... RB Josh Jacobs has run for a touchdown in six straight games. His 13 TD runs this season are a career high. ... K Brandon McManus made field goals from 55 and 46 yards to improve to 16 of 17 this season. His 55-yarder was a season long. ... S Zayne Anderson had his first career interception in his first career start. ... DL Brenton Cox Jr. has three sacks over his last four games. Stock down There really aren’t any candidates for this category, considering the Packers produced their biggest victory margin in a decade. Injuries WR Christian Watson injured a knee Monday night. ... CB Jaire Alexander (knee) missed a fifth straight game. S Javon Bullard (ankle), S Evan Williams (quadriceps) and LB Quay Walker (ankle) also didn’t play. Key number 30 – The Packers have scored at least 30 points in each of their last five games. That represents the second-longest string of games with 30-plus points in franchise history. Green Bay had seven such straight games in 1963. Next steps The Packers close the regular season with two divisional games, visiting Minnesota on Sunday before hosting the Bears (4-11). Green Bay is 1-3 against NFC North opponents this season. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
NADINE ROBINSON: Dispensing with vast pen collection the ‘write’ thing to do
WASHINGTON -- American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issu e just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 1,447 delays for flights entering or leaving the U.S. early in the day, with 28 cancellations. Snow was falling early in New York and Dallas-Fort Worth International, which is American Airlines' main hub, was getting hit with rain. Dallas-Fort Worth had the most delays, followed by Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, New York, Chicago and Miami Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have “interline agreements” that let them put stranded customers on another carrier’s flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That’s because finding a last-minute flight on another airline yourself tends to be very expensive. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. American said in an email that the problem Tuesday morning was caused by a vendor technology issue that “impacted systems needed to release flights.” The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Friday and Sunday, and on Dec. 26, Dec. 27 and Dec. 29. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. “Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation’s highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. Boston, New York City, Seattle and Washington, D.C., are the metropolitan areas primed for the greatest delays, according to the company. —— AP Reporters David Koenig, Mae Anderson and Mike Pesoli contributed to this report.