Max Stock Limited: Immediate report of changes to interested party holdingsThe large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the Hawk air defence system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defence officials acknowledged that the US Defence Department may not be able to send all of the remaining 5.6 billion dollars (£4.5 billion) in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about 4.35 billion dollars (£3.46 billion). Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky decide it is time to negotiate. One senior defence official said that while the US will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about 1.2 billion dollars (£0.9 billion) remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the US will have provided more than 64 billion dollars (£50.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
NoneChina-based GAC Group has launched a new eVTOL-focused brand called GOVY, expanding its efforts in sustainable air transportation. The new flying car brand focuses on designing, producing, and supporting flying cars and related products. Moreover, its flagship aircraft, AirJet, is claimed to operate as an air taxi for up to 124 miles. Drawing on GAC’s automotive experience and in-house technology, GOVY aims to offer practical solutions for urban and intercity mobility. Latest step in sustainable air transportation The company introduced the AirJet as part of the brand’s debut. This marks GAC’s second flying car concept in two years, with the AirJet taking a more traditional eVTOL approach. The AirJet is a composite-wing flying car with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Made of over 90 percent carbon fiber, it weighs just one-third of a car body of the same size, enabling longer electric flights. Like other eVTOLs, it lifts off vertically and transitions its rotors mid-air for efficient cruising. The AirJet joins GAC’s AirCar in development as the automaker expands its offerings in sustainable air travel. GAC envisions the AirCar for zero-emission trips up to 20 km (12.4 miles), while the AirJet is designed to operate as an air taxi for longer journeys up to 200 km (124 miles). The eVTOL features a high-performance electric drive system developed by GAC, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and recharging in just 30 minutes. The AirJet features a luxury cabin with a “1+1+X” seating arrangement and autonomous flight capabilities. The eVTOL is equipped with advanced safety features, including redundant power and control systems, real-time monitoring, and obstacle detection to ensure a secure flight. Robo-AirTaxi system for efficient smart mobility Currently, the AirJet has a range of 200 km (124 miles), but GAC expects future solid-state batteries to extend this to 400 km (249 miles). The company plans to start airworthiness certification for its eVTOLs in 2025 and set up an assembly line to support commercial operations in China. This step will help prepare for the introduction of its flying cars to the market. GAC also announced its Robo-AirTaxi system, combining ground and aerial transport for seamless smart mobility. The system will use the multi-rotor GOVY AirCar for urban trips under 20 km (12 miles) and the AirJet for mid-range travel up to 200 km (124 miles). The goal is to establish a “40-minute Greater Bay Area life circle,” enabling faster intercity connections while cutting transit times and costs, the company says. By 2025, GAC plans to secure airworthiness certification for its flying cars, set up production lines, and start pre-orders, moving forward with the commercialization of low-altitude mobility. With plans for demonstration operations in 2-3 Greater Bay Area cities by 2027, the Chinese company is working to shape the future of urban mobility with smarter and more sustainable technologies.
Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83
Iowa cornerback Jermari Harris has opted out of the remainder of the 2024 season in order to prepare for the NFL draft, according to a report by 247Sports.com . The 6-foot-1 sixth-year senior from Chicago has recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups in 10 games for the Hawkeyes this season. That includes a pick-6 in a 38-21 win over Troy earlier this season. Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) plays at Maryland on Saturday before closing out its regular season at home against Nebraska on Nov. 29. The Hawkeyes are already bowl eligible, so Harris is likely opting out of three games in total. After missing the entire 2022 season due to an ankle injury, Harris was suspended for two games of the following season for his involvement in the gambling investigation into Iowa athletics. He later emerged as the Hawkeyes' top cornerback, earning the team's comeback player of the year award after compiling 42 tackles, one interception and eight pass breakups. Harris will finish his college career with 105 tackles and eight interceptions. --Field Level MediaGiants’ Adoree’ Jackson laughs off ‘dumpster fire’ plane as ‘money wasted’
Data centers are some of the largest energy consumers in Europe, and are facing unique challenges in achieving net zero goals. A recent survey by found volatile energy costs and grid instability are prompting data center operators to rethink their timelines for carbon reduction. Of the executives surveyed, over 90% have adjusted their net zero targets, with half of those extending their timelines due to these persistent energy-related challenges. Decentralized energy solutions are gaining traction For many data centers, achieving sustainability goals requires balancing environmental targets with economic feasibility, especially as energy prices continue to rise. In response to these energy challenges, data centers are increasingly adopting decentralized energy solutions to mitigate grid dependence and improve resilience. The report claims 87% of European executives are already implementing some form of decentralised energy, with 54% planning to expand these systems. The move toward decentralization allows data centers to maintain operational stability while reducing reliance on traditional grid energy, which is often unpredictable and expensive. However, even with decentralized systems in place, data center leaders are cautious about fully committing to ambitious decarbonization timelines given current economic constraints. The situation is dicey for company executives, as despite the urgency of environmental goals, cost and commercial viability remain the top priorities for data center executives. Only 12% of CEOs ranked speed of decarbonization as their primary objective, while the majority prioritize reducing energy costs and achieving a commercial advantage. As data centers operate on tight profit margins, any investment in sustainable practices must demonstrate a clear return on investment. For many in the sector, this balancing act between sustainability and financial stability is proving complex, with limited capital available for large-scale green initiatives. A key risk identified in the report is the role of supply chains in delaying the energy transition. Almost half of the executives surveyed see supply chain issues as a significant barrier, with 21% ranking it as their top concern. As supply chain disruptions persist, securing the technology and resources needed for sustainable upgrades has become a formidable challenge. This uncertainty adds another layer of difficulty to achieving net zero, particularly as data centers attempt to source low-carbon energy options. To navigate these challenges, Aggreko recommends strategic partnerships between companies and energy providers. By collaborating with energy experts, data centers can better assess options like energy-as-a-service models and power purchase agreements that offer flexible, lower-risk alternatives to traditional energy procurement. These partnerships enable data centers to explore innovative energy strategies without overcommitting financially, a crucial approach for achieving both short- and long-term sustainability goals. Though current conditions make it difficult to achieve rapid decarbonization, the report suggests that data centers remain committed to sustainability. With 80% of CEOs planning to increase investment in energy solutions, even if only incrementally, there is optimism for continued progress. By adopting a balanced approach that aligns with economic realities, data centers can move towards a sustainable future while managing the operational demands of today’s market.Liberals plan to give $250 cheques to millions of Canadians, cut GST over holidays