More top reads Putting on the brakes: Cruise begins layoffs, starting with the workers who supported its driverless operations. Go inside how the decision was made. Also, California regulators weigh in. Better building: Investors double down on Snaptrude in challenging legacy building design platforms. Read more. Hacked: Mortgage and loan giant Mr. Cooper confirms customer data was exposed in a cyberattack. Here's what we know. A-I can believe it: There's something going on with AI startups in France. This is why they are excited. Going for average: With the power of AI, you can aspire to be mediocre. Haje explains. (TC+) Case closed: Flutterwave cleared after a Kenyan court agrees to the Asset Recovery Agency's request to withdraw a second case against the payments company. Get the scoop. What's in a username?: Secure messaging app Signal moves a step closer to launching usernames. Learn when that will roll out. Going private: Astra's founders propose purchasing the outstanding stock in the company to take it private. Find out why. In memoriam: Chptr, a memorialization app for gathering and sharing memories of loved ones, raises $1.5 million. See how it works. There's Ooodles to tell you: U.K.-based Ooodles, a refurbished device marketplace, raises $12 million to scale up its device-leasing services. Read more. Crypto optimism: Lightspeed Faction launches its $285 million early-stage crypto fund, proving there are still deals to be had. Learn who Faction invests in. Now, that's what I call fast delivery: On-demand fashion app and Y Combinator alum Ole bagged $1.5 million early-stage funding to accelerate the delivery of luxury fashion items in 50 minutes. Read more. Even more for your Thursday: Getir is a sign of what's to come in the M&A market in 2024 (TC+) LGBTQ suicide prevention org the Trevor Project is leaving Elon Musk's X for good Amazon makes online grocery available for non-Prime members, starting with Amazon Fresh GitLab expands its AI lineup with Duo Chat | 
