Takeoff

Ahead of Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States, the Chinese presidential road convoy was flown across the Pacific aboard an Air China Boeing 747 cargo plane after the leader's own Boeing 747 departed. The cargo reportedly included the Hongqi N701, the heavily armored sedan reserved for China's top leadership, as well as other escort vehicles and equipment.

The Pentagon is preparing to buy electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, opening a new defense funding stream for the emerging eVTOL industry. Financial coverage is focused on which listed companies stand to benefit most from the military contracts, with investors weighing which stock captures the defense money.

A performance of "Hotel Lobby" by Quavo and Takeoff has become the basis of a viral AI-generated meme circulating online. The clip has been reworked with artificial intelligence tools, prompting confusion and amusement as the altered versions spread. The rapper duo, formerly of Migos, released the track as part of their collaboration, and fans are now sharing the AI edits widely across social platforms.

The Florida Department of Education has approved Takeoff by IXL for statewide adoption, meaning the learning platform can now be used by schools across Florida. The learning company IXL announced the decision, which makes its Takeoff program an approved instructional option for the state's educators and districts.