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Business Wire
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
VICIS, Schutt Helmets Top Updated Virginia Tech Football Safety Ratings
PLAINVIEW, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This week, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab recalibrated its helmet testing protocols to better reflect how well helmets manage impacts tied to concussion risk, and both VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to meet and exceed these more rigorous safety standards while other popular models drop in rating. "We are proud that VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to set the gold standard as we protect the future of the game." - Jeremy Erspamer, CEO of Certor Sports, parent company of Schutt and VICIS. Share This shift aims to ensure that 5-star ratings reflect only the most advanced protection available. As a result, the number of youth football helmets earning a 5-star rating decreased by more than 75%, with only six helmets earning a top rating. The VICIS ZERO2 Youth helmet now remains among one of only two 5-star-rated youth helmets readily available for purchase. 'These updated ratings are monumental for football safety at every level,' said Jeremy Erspamer, CEO of Certor Sports, parent company of Schutt and VICIS. 'They re-establish what it means to be a top-performing helmet and provide a clearer roadmap for parents and coaches to choose the best protection for their athletes. We are proud that VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to set the gold standard as we protect the future of the game.' Virginia Tech's STAR (Summation of Tests for the Assessment of Risk) system evaluates helmets based on how well they reduce head acceleration in sports-specific impact scenarios tied to concussion risk. With stricter thresholds, only helmets with exceptional performance now earn the highest 5-star designation. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab only recommends players wear helmets that receive a 5-star or 4-star rating. In the Youth Football Helmet category, the VICIS ZERO2 Youth earned a 5-star rating, placing it in the top tier for impact protection. Multiple Schutt helmets received a 4-star rating, reaffirming the brand's reputation among parents, coaches, and programs seeking elite-level head protection. In the Varsity Football Helmet category, only 11 varsity helmets received 5 stars, including four from Certor Sports, the most of any other brand. The VICIS ZERO2 and VICIS ZERO2 TRENCH remain standout performers, both earning a 5-star rating under the tightened benchmarks. The Schutt F7 2.0 was recognized for its superior impact severity reduction, also receiving a 5-star rating. 'These new ratings should be a wake-up call with Virginia Tech no longer recommending some of the most commonly used helmets in youth and varsity football,' Erspamer said. 'Just because a helmet is widely used doesn't mean it's the safest. This should be a moment of reckoning for the entire football ecosystem, from manufacturers to coaches and parents. We owe it to young athletes to go beyond familiarity and focus on verified protection.' Certor Sports' continued innovation and leadership in protective design ensures that its helmets consistently rank among the safest in the game, an achievement made more meaningful by the raised bar. To learn more about VICIS helmets, visit and to learn more about Schutt helmets, visit Certor Sports, LLC, located in Plainfield, Indiana, is a domestic sporting goods manufacturer and parent company for leading protective and equipment brands, including VICIS, Schutt Sports, and TUCCI. From protection to performance, Certor Sports has developed emerging technologies used by MVP-caliber professionals to youth athletes competing each weekend. To learn more, visit
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stray Kids' 'MEGAVERSE' hits new milestone; K-Pop's rising stars score 100 Million views
Stray Kids has officially reached another significant milestone with their 'MEGAVERSE' music video crossing 100 million views on YouTube. The achievement was recorded on July 13th at around 10 AM, marking their 16th music video to reach this impressive viewership threshold. This places them at the forefront of 4th generation K-pop boy groups in terms of digital success. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the timeline - 'MEGAVERSE' was released as part of their mini-album '樂-STAR' (Rock-Star) in November 2023, meaning it took less than two years to accumulate 100 million views. This demonstrates the group's consistent ability to create content that resonates with global audiences. For context, 100 million views represents a massive global reach that's comparable to the viewership of major entertainment milestones. It's the kind of digital achievement that reflects both the group's growing international fanbase and the increasing global appetite for K-pop content. Understanding the Significance in Today's Digital Entertainment The achievement becomes even more impressive when viewed within the broader context of digital entertainment consumption. In today's content-saturated environment, reaching 100 million views requires not just initial popularity but sustained engagement over time. This is similar to how successful films maintain their momentum through word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. Stray Kids now holds the record for the most 100-million-view music videos among 4th generation K-pop boy groups. Their catalog of successful videos includes tracks like 'God's Menu' (신메뉴), 'Back Door', 'MIROH', 'My Pace', 'MANIAC', and many others. This consistency in producing viral content speaks to their understanding of what resonates with audiences across different cultures and demographics. The Creative Vision Behind 'MEGAVERSE' The track itself showcases the artistic growth of Stray Kids, particularly through their internal producing unit 3RACHA, consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. This self-production approach has become increasingly common in the K-pop industry, with artists taking greater creative control over their musical output. 'MEGAVERSE' serves as the opening track of the '樂-STAR' album and features what industry professionals describe as "concise rhythm and powerful bass sounds with concentrated energy, tempo transitions, and sweeping rap." The music video complements this with dynamic direction and surreal storytelling that moves between different temporal and spatial dimensions. This creative approach reflects a broader trend in K-pop where visual storytelling has become as important as the music itself. The video's production values and conceptual depth demonstrate how the genre has evolved beyond simple performance videos to become a form of multimedia art that engages audiences on multiple levels. Global Impact and Cultural Bridge-Building While celebrating this digital milestone, it's worth noting that Stray Kids continues to expand their global presence through their 'dominATE' world tour - their largest international tour to date. They've performed at major stadiums across North America and are currently touring Europe with shows in Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. This achievement represents something significant about how modern entertainment transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. The success of 'MEGAVERSE' demonstrates that when content is authentic and emotionally resonant, it can connect with audiences regardless of language barriers or cultural differences.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PBS, STAR want GRS to contest solo in Sabah polls
PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) have agreed that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should contest solo in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election. This shared stance was affirmed by PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan when met by the media after the PBS-STAR Convention held at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today. Both leaders, who are also GRS deputy chairmen, agreed there should be no clash of seats between PBS and STAR, in line with the parties' Kadazandusun Murut (KDM)-based collaboration heading into PRN17. Dr Joachim said both parties would remain in GRS and would not leave the coalition to contest independently, describing such a move as "political suicide." He said that he was open to GRS forming alliances with other parties, but stressed that the Sabah-based coalition must remain dominant. "If PBS and STAR contest solo, it would be a disease. "But if it's GRS, that's fine. PBS is still with GRS. "Yes, we can cooperate with any party, but GRS must be dominant, that's the key," he said. Dr Joachim, who is also Sabah's deputy chief minister II, said PBS is eyeing more than 12 seats in the election, although discussions are still ongoing with other GRS component parties. "We are still negotiating and have submitted our list of requested seats. "In fact, PBS is seeking more than 12 seats. "But this is not the time to focus on seat allocations. "What matters most is that GRS wins, that's our priority," he added. Meanwhile, Jeffrey said STAR and PBS supporters prefer that GRS contests under its own banner, and if there is cooperation with other parties, particularly Pakatan Harapan (PH), they should use the GRS logo during the election. However, he said GRS must contest at least 55 seats to improve its chances of forming the government in the event that its partners lose. As for STAR's allocation, the deputy chief minister I said the party is targeting 15 seats in the state election and is still discussing to avoid any overlaps with PBS or other GRS components. He warned that seat clashes among component parties would only weaken GRS and benefit the opposition. PBS and STAR, which signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April last year to face PRN17 together, are two of eight GRS component parties. Both parties currently hold seven and six state assembly seats respectively, PBS with seven and STAR with six, making them the second-largest bloc in GRS after Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat). Today's joint convention between PBS and STAR marked their first-ever collaboration at this level, as both parties prepare for the impending election.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
MMEA's STAR team praised for heroic PDRM helicopter crash rescue
JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team has been commended for their rapid and effective response following the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai. Their swift action ensured all five Air Operations Force (PGU) members were rescued without fatalities. The MMEA highlighted the team's efforts in a Facebook post, praising their courage and professionalism. 'The team, led by Maritime Lieutenant Nur Mohd Farhan Mohd Hamil, demonstrated exceptional bravery in rescuing all victims despite challenging conditions,' the post stated. The incident occurred at 10.15 am during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025, a joint operation involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. The AS355N helicopter, registered as 9M-PHG, crashed near the Gelang Patah Maritime Jetty after departing from Tanjung Kupang Police Station at 9.51 am. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the helicopter carried five individuals, including the pilot. Two officers were reported in critical condition, requiring respiratory support at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA). Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department director, Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim, confirmed that three victims were in regular wards, one remained sedated in the ICU, and another was under intensive care. - Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
MMEA's elite team hailed for heroic rescue after police helicopter crash
JOHOR BARU: The prompt response from the Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) following the police helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai on Thursday showcased the agency's readiness and effectiveness in handling emergencies, as well as its commitment to protecting the nation's waters. In a Facebook post, the MMEA said the ten team members were the first responders who dived into the river to rescue and extract five members of the Air Operations Force (PGU) onto a safety boat despite the chaotic situation. "The team, led by Peninsular Malaysia STAR Team deputy squadron leader, Maritime Lieutenant Nur Mohd Farhan Mohd Hamil, showed great bravery and professionalism in rescuing all victims without any loss of life," the post read. In the 10.15am incident, the policeowned AS355N helicopter with registration number 9M-PHG crashed during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025, a joint exercise involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, held at the Gelang Patah Maritime Jetty. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in a statement, said the helicopter departed from the Tanjung Kupang police station at 9.51am, carrying five people, including the pilot. Following the crash, two of the five policemen involved in the incident were reported to be in critical condition, requiring respiratory assistance and treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA). Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim was reported as saying that three of the victims had been placed in regular wards, one remained sedated and was receiving intensive care in the ICU, while another was also being treated in the same unit. – Bernama
