aztec’s treasure
The wooden slips were discovered during an excavation in the ancient capital city of Buyeo, located in present-day South Korea. Buyeo, also known as Sabi, was the capital of the Baekje Kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which had close political and cultural ties with China during the 4th to 7th centuries.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro had reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said with a thin smile. “Sooner or later other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development.” But he added, “we have this system now. And this is important. Testing the missile will continue, “including in combat, depending on the situation and the character of security threats created for Russia,” Putin said. noting there is ”a stockpile of such systems ready for use.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia’s bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. “The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined,” he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick... there will be consequences,” he said. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He underlined that the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday’s previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations “in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who added this is not the first time such a threat has been received. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office continued to work in compliance with standard security measures, a spokesperson said. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile, whose name in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region, and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday’s attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. The stricken area was cordoned off and out of public view. With no fatalities reported from the attack, Dnipro residents resorted to dark humor on social media, mostly focused on the missile’s name, Oreshnik. Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russia struck a residential district of Sumy overnight with Iranian-designed Shahed drones, killing two people and injuring 13, the regional administration said.. Ukraine’s Suspilne media, quoting Sumy regional head Volodymyr Artiukh, said the drones were stuffed with shrapnel elements. “These weapons are used to destroy people, not to destroy objects,” said Artiukh, according to Suspilne. —— Associated Press journalists Lorne Cook in Brussels, Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed. —— Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraineSAN DIEGO, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC today announced that Rich Steinmeier, Chief Executive Officer, and Matt Audette, President and Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference on December 10. The presentation takes place at 10:00 a.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible at investor.lpl.com , with a replay available on the website after the presentation. Contacts Investor Relations investor.relations@lplfinancial.com Media Relations media.relations@lplfinancial.com About LPL Financial LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com . Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “ Investor Relations ” or “ Press Releases ” section of our website.
NoneSt. Thomas defeats Montana 88-81 behind 22 points each from Kendall Blue and Nolan MinessaleIn a heartwarming display of compassion and support, a local community has rallied around a 19-year-old brother who made the difficult decision to drop out of school in order to work and take care of his younger sister. The selfless act of the young man has not gone unnoticed, as individuals and organizations have come together to provide financial assistance and resources to ensure that the siblings can lead a life free from worries.1550nm LiDAR Market Size, Trends 2031 By Key Players- Hexagon AB, Riegl, LSLiDAR, Innovusion, Luminar, LeiShen Intelligent System 11-23-2024 05:29 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Verified Market Reports USA, New Jersey: According to Verified Market Reports analysis, the global 1550nm LiDAR Market size is reached a valuation of USD 1.5 Billion in 2023, with projections to achieve USD 3.8 Billion by 2031, demonstrating a CAGR 18.6% from 2024 to 2031. What is the outlook for the 1550nm LiDAR market in the coming years? The 1550nm LiDAR market is experiencing significant growth and is expected to expand steadily over the next decade. The increasing demand for high-performance LiDAR sensors in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and geospatial applications is driving this growth. The 1550nm wavelength is preferred due to its eye-safe properties, enabling the deployment of LiDAR systems in a wider range of environments, including urban areas. Additionally, advancements in laser technology and signal processing are enhancing the capabilities of 1550nm LiDAR systems, making them more accurate and cost-effective. Governments' growing investment in infrastructure development, especially for smart city projects, is also boosting market prospects. The market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of around 25% from 2024 to 2032, with key applications spanning automotive, defense, surveying, and environmental monitoring. https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=899294&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=386 What are the key driving factors behind the growth of the 1550nm LiDAR market? Several factors are contributing to the rapid growth of the 1550nm LiDAR market. First, the automotive industry is a major driver, with self-driving vehicles requiring precise mapping and object detection that 1550nm LiDAR offers. The technology's ability to penetrate atmospheric conditions like fog and rain, combined with its safety features, is making it ideal for autonomous systems. Secondly, the growing demand for high-resolution 3D mapping in surveying and civil engineering is accelerating adoption. LiDAR's ability to capture detailed topographical data efficiently is critical for these sectors. Finally, advancements in military and defense applications are propelling the market, as 1550nm LiDAR is used for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. Additionally, regulatory support for autonomous technologies is further accelerating adoption in various industries. What are the investment opportunities and challenges in the 1550nm LiDAR market? Investment opportunities in the 1550nm LiDAR market are significant, particularly in sectors like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and infrastructure mapping. Companies can benefit from investing in LiDAR system manufacturing, software development for data processing, and integration services. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and North America present attractive growth potential due to technological adoption and government funding. However, challenges include the high cost of 1550nm LiDAR systems, which may limit adoption in some industries. Furthermore, competition from other LiDAR wavelengths (like 905nm) and technological barriers related to miniaturization and power consumption pose risks. Nonetheless, the market's overall growth trajectory, driven by increasing demand for precision in automation and smart infrastructure, remains favorable for long-term investors. Major companies Hexagon AB, Riegl, LSLiDAR, Innovusion, Luminar, LeiShen Intelligent System Trends Global Market Expansion: As markets continue to globalize, numerous enterprises in the 1550nm LiDAR sector are actively exploring opportunities in emerging markets. Leveraging their expertise and resources, these companies are strategically expanding their footprint and reaching out to new customer segments, thereby capitalizing on evolving market dynamics. Sustainable Practices: There's a noticeable surge in prioritizing sustainability within the market, spurred by both consumer preferences and regulatory mandates. This shift is manifesting in heightened adoption of eco-friendly materials, implementation of energy-efficient processes, and proactive initiatives aimed at waste reduction. Digital Transformation: The 1550nm LiDAR market is swiftly embracing digital transformation, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain. This transition is significantly enhancing operational efficiency, fostering product innovation, and elevating customer experiences through personalization. Health and Wellness: Consumers are placing a growing emphasis on health and wellness, catalyzing the introduction of functional and nutritious products in the 1550nm LiDAR market. Additionally, there's a notable trend towards integrating health-focused attributes into existing offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations. Key Segments Are Covered in Report 1550nm LiDAR Market By Type Short Range LiDAR Mid-range LiDAR Long Range LiDAR 1550nm LiDAR Market By Application Automotive Industrial Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Service Robot Others Get a Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=899294&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=386 Barriers to Entry Strong Brand Loyalty: Established brands enjoy strong customer loyalty and trust, making it difficult for new entrants to capture market share without substantial investment in brand building and marketing campaigns. Economies of Scale: Existing players benefit from economies of scale, which enable them to lower production costs per unit and offer competitive pricing, posing a barrier for new entrants to achieve similar cost efficiencies. High Capital Requirements: Entry into 1550nm LiDAR Market requires substantial initial investment in manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and marketing, making it challenging for new entrants to compete effectively. Regulatory Hurdles: Compliance with 1550nm LiDAR industry regulations and standards adds complexity and cost to market entry, especially for startups or smaller firms lacking resources to navigate regulatory requirements effectively. Regional Analysis North America (USA and Canada) Europe (UK, Germany, France and rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America) Middle East and Africa (GCC and Rest of the Middle East and Africa) The report offers analysis on the following aspects: (1) Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios of the top players in the 1550nm LiDAR Market. (2) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, R&D activities, and product launches in the 1550nm LiDAR market. (3) Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market strategies, geographic and business segments of the leading players in the market. (4) Market Development: Comprehensive information about emerging markets. This report analyzes the market for various segments across geographies. (5) Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the 1550nm LiDAR Market. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. What are the present scale and future growth prospects of the 1550nm LiDAR Market? Answer: The 1550nm LiDAR Market size is reached a valuation of USD 1.5 Billion in 2023, with projections to achieve USD 3.8 Billion by 2031, demonstrating a CAGR 18.6% from 2024 to 2031. 2. What is the current state of the 1550nm LiDAR market? Answer: As of the latest data, the 1550nm LiDAR market is experiencing growth, stability, and challenges. 3. Who are the key players in the 1550nm LiDAR market? Answer: Hexagon AB, Riegl, LSLiDAR, Innovusion, Luminar, LeiShen Intelligent System are the Prominent players in the 1550nm LiDAR market, known for their notable characteristics and strengths. 4. What factors are driving the growth of the 1550nm LiDAR market? Answer: The growth of the 1550nm LiDAR market can be attributed to factors such as key drivers technological advancements, increasing demand, and regulatory support. 5. Are there any challenges affecting the 1550nm LiDAR market? Answer: The 1550nm LiDAR market's challenges include competition, regulatory hurdles, and economic factors. For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/1550nm-lidar-market/ Inquiry: Mr. Edwin Fernandez Verified Market Reports USA: +1 650 781 4080 APAC: +61 485 860 968 EMEA: +44 788 886 6344 Website:- https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ About us: Verified Market Reports Verified Market Reports is a leading global research and consulting firm with over 10 years of experience providing advanced analytical research solutions, tailored consulting and in-depth data analysis to individuals and companies seeking accurate, reliable and timely research. Data and technology consulting. It provides insights into strategic and growth analysis, the data you need to achieve business goals, and helps you make key revenue decisions. Our research works as partners to provide our clients with accurate and valuable information to help them make better data-driven decisions, understand market forecasts, capitalize on future opportunities and help optimize efficiency. The industries we cover span a wide range of industries including technology, chemicals, manufacturing, energy, food and beverage, automotive, robotics, packaging, construction, mining and gas. etc. Verified market reports help you understand comprehensive market indicator factors as well as current and future market trends. Our analysts have extensive expertise in data collection and management, using industry methodologies to collect and examine data at every step. They are trained to combine the latest data collection techniques, superior research methodologies, specialized knowledge, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research results. Having served over 5,000 clients, we provide trusted market research services to over 100 global Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Dell, IBM, Shell, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, Siemens, Microsoft, Sony and Hitachi. We provided it. We work with some of the world's leading consulting firms, including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company, delivering customized research and consulting projects for companies around the world. This release was published on openPR.
Gilmore Girls fans left in tears by sweet reunion starring Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson By EMILY LEFROY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:08 GMT, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 22:13 GMT, 3 December 2024 e-mail 22 shares View comments If they lead we will follow - right into a Walmart commercial. Gilmore Girls fans are feeling especially festive after a new advertisement for the retailer dropped, with three fan favorites reuniting. The 30-second Walmart ad begins with Sean Gunn, who played Kirk in the series, walking into Luke's diner in Stars Hollow and dropping off a branded box on the counter. Kirk leaves the diner, crossing paths with Lorelai (Lauren Graham), who walks in and asks Luke (Scott Patterson), for 'coffee, coffee, coffee, please' - a signature phrase of the show. Luke responds by telling her it's 'coming right up' before opening the box to reveal a Keurig coffee maker, exclaiming: 'You shouldn't have.' 'I had to,' he dryly replies. 'You're drinking me out of business.' The advertisement ends with the couple standing next to each other in the snow while Lorelai holds the Walmart box. Fans loved the nostalgic advertisement, many immediately clocking the wedding ring on Luke's hand. The 30-second Walmart ad begins with Sean Gunn, who played Kirk in the series, walking into Luke's diner in Stars Hollow and dropping off a branded box on the counter 'I love being a Gilmore Girls fan bc why am I crying over a 20-second Walmart ad after an eight-year drought,' one fan posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Walmart really ate with that Gilmore Girls ad,' declared another. 'Walmart ads hitting me in the feels with Chad Michael Murray and the cast of Gilmore Girls,' another gushed. However, not all were charmed by the throwback. 'Gilmore Girls Walmart ad is bleak to me. Why did they use one of the sad la la songs. Why does Kirk look like Lulu just died. In what universe would Lorelai use a Keurig,' a fan ranted. 'This Gilmore Girls Walmart commercial gives me the ick and I really wish it did not,' agreed someone else. The stars spoke to People about what it was like working together again for the Walmart commercial. 'It's always a little surreal [returning to Stars Hollow], because we were back where we've been so many times,' Graham admitted. Fans were thrilled to see their favorite actors and characters back on screen (pictured is Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore) Luke gifts Lorelai, who is coffee-obsessed, with a Keurig saying she's 'drinking him out of business' The advertisement ends with the couple standing next to each other in the snow with Lorelai holds the Walmart box Gilmore Girls ran for seven seasons chronicling the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter with just a 17 year age difference living in a town called Stars Hollow Scott Patterson (Luke Danes) and Sean Gunn (Kirk) photos posted to Instagram, teasing 'something special' happening Most of the fans loved the nostalgic advertisement, many immediately clocking the wedding rings on Luke and Lorelai's hands Last week, the trio teased 'something special' happening on December 3, much to the delight of eager viewers. They shared a series of images to social media, including a snap of a cup of coffee at Luke's Diner, run by charmingly grumpy Luke Danes, shared by Patterson. Gunn posted a photo of the iconic gazebo and the Stars Hollow sign, to his Instagram, writing: 'Kirk's 63rd job? Find out on 12/3.' READ MORE: Gilmore Girls fans sent into a frenzy as they speculate over possible reunion Graham then also shared a picture of a snowy Stars Hollow street, writing: 'I've got something brewing,' a wink to her character, Lorelai Gilmore, and her coffee habit. Gilmore Girls premiered in 2000 on the WB, with the series finale in 2007 on The CW. It ran for seven seasons chronicling the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter with just a 17-year age difference living in a town called Stars Hollow. Lorelai's relationship with her wealthy parents, played by Bishop and the late Edward Hermann, is strained at best but both sides do their best to try to get along. The star-studded cast included Melissa McCarthy, Milo Ventimiglia, Jared Padalecki, Chad Michael Murray, Adam Brody, and Kelly Bishop. A four part Gilmore Girls special aired on Netflix in 2016 and picked up nine years after the series ended. That special also ended with the cliffhanger - with Rory revealing she was pregnant in the last seconds of the limited series. Walmart also released advertisements for Crazy Rich Asians, Love Jones and SpongeBob SquarePants. Walmart Share or comment on this article: Gilmore Girls fans left in tears by sweet reunion starring Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson e-mail 22 shares Add commentAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:30 p.m. EST
Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasuresAs the investigation continues and more information comes to light, we urge pet owners to refrain from using the affected pet food products and seek alternative, reputable brands that prioritize the health and nutrition of our pets. The regulatory authorities are committed to ensuring that all pet food products in the market meet the highest standards of quality and safety for the well-being of our furry friends.
Claims ‘woke’ ad sent Jaguar stocks plummeting are falseLAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Christian Shumate's 22 points helped McNeese defeat NCAA Division-member LeTourneau 103-69 on Saturday night. Shumate also contributed five rebounds for the Cowboys (5-4). Quadir Copeland added 20 points while shooting 7 of 8 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line while they also had nine rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. Sincere Parker had 16 points and went 7 of 11 from the field. The Yellow Jackets were led by Deonte Jackson, who posted 21 points, five assists and seven steals. Walker Blaine added 14 points and four assists for LeTourneau. Caedmon Liebengood also had 14 points. McNeese visits Mississippi State in its next matchup on December 14. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
In conclusion, "Serenade" is a testament to the enduring value of music as a universal language that touches the soul and ignites the imagination. With its groundbreaking design, innovative mechanics, and captivating narrative, "Serenade" promises to revolutionize the way we experience video games and redefine the role of music in interactive entertainment. So, pick up your virtual instrument, tune your voice to the melody of the universe, and let the songs of "Serenade" guide you on a quest to save the world.
Photo: The Canadian Press NDP leader Jagmeet Singh leaves the Prime Minister's office in the West Block after taking part in a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and fellow opposition leaders on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he won't play Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's games by voting to bring down the government on an upcoming non-confidence motion. The Conservatives plan to introduce a motion that quotes Singh's own criticism of the Liberals, and asks the House of Commons to declare that it agrees with Singh and has no confidence in the government. The motion is expected to be introduced on Thursday and the debate and vote are set for Monday. Singh said he is not going to trigger an election when he believes Poilievre would cut programs the NDP fought for. "I'm not going to be playing Pierre Poilievre's games. I have no interest in that. We're frankly not going to allow him to cut the things that people need. I want to actually have dental care expanded, I want people to actually start to benefit from the pharmacare legislation we passed," Singh said. With the NDP's expected support, the Liberals should survive this next confidence vote brought forward by the Conservatives. The Tories have vowed to bring forward non-confidence motions every chance they get. The party will have two more opposition motions after this one, which are expected to continue to call for non-confidence. The NDP are scheduled to have their opposition day on Friday. Earlier on Tuesday, Singh did acknowledge that the Conservatives have a sizeable lead on the NDP in public opinion polls, while giving a campaign-style speech to visiting party staffers from across the country. Most pollsters in Canada have recorded a roughly 20 point lead for the Conservatives over both the Liberals and NDP for the last few months. The non-confidence vote was scheduled after Speaker Greg Fergus intervened to pause a filibuster on a privilege debate about a green technology fund. The Conservatives have said they would only end that debate if the NDP agree to topple the government or if the Liberals turn over unredacted documents at the centre of the parliamentary gridlock.
Bonucci, who was a central figure in Juventus' dominant Serie A campaigns and their UEFA Champions League runs, seemed open to the idea of a new challenge in the highly competitive Premier League. The prospect of working under Guardiola, known for his innovative tactics and meticulous attention to detail, was undoubtedly appealing to the seasoned defender.The surge in the Chinese yuan has significant implications for various sectors of the economy. A stronger yuan can benefit Chinese consumers by making imported goods cheaper and reducing inflationary pressures. It can also help to attract more foreign investment into China, as foreign investors seek to take advantage of the currency's appreciation.KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday's Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro had reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said with a thin smile. “Sooner or later other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development." But he added, "we have this system now. And this is important.” Testing the missile will continue, “including in combat, depending on the situation and the character of security threats created for Russia,” Putin said, noting there is ”a stockpile of such systems ready for use.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin's claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow's talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick... there will be consequences,” he said. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday's missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He underlined that the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who added this is not the first time such a threat has been received. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office continued to work in compliance with standard security measures, a spokesperson said. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile, whose name in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region, and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. The stricken area was cordoned off and out of public view. With no fatalities reported from the attack, Dnipro residents resorted to dark humor on social media, mostly focused on the missile’s name, Oreshnik. Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russia struck a residential district of Sumy overnight with Iranian-designed Shahed drones, killing two people and injuring 13, the regional administration said.. Ukraine’s Suspilne media, quoting Sumy regional head Volodymyr Artiukh, said the drones were stuffed with shrapnel elements. “These weapons are used to destroy people, not to destroy objects,” said Artiukh, according to Suspilne. —— Associated Press journalists Lorne Cook in Brussels, Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed. —— Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Early Investors Predict This Presale Leader Will Outshine Cardano by 2025
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 209 yards and four touchdowns to lead No. 10 Tennessee to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday. The Volunteers (9-2) overcame a sluggish start to roll up the impressive win. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, but Tennessee found its rhythm. Grad student receiver Bru McCoy, who hadn't caught a touchdown pass this season, had two. Peyton Lewis also ran for two scores. “Once we settled in and did the ordinary things, we had a real good day,” said Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, whose team scored touchdowns on all eight red zone visits. “We started off cold,” said Iamaleava. "We made too many errors. We picked it up as the game went on. “That first play (of the Vols' first series of the game — a long incomplete pass to Squirrel White) we missed for a touchdown. I really want that one back. All you can do is focus on the next play.” Tennessee's defensive line, which had no sacks in last week's loss to Georgia, had four against the Miners. UTEP (2-9) struggled with two missed field goals and three turnovers. It was the second time in Miners coach Scotty Wallen's seven-year coaching career that his team has been shut out. “I thought we took massive steps forward, even though the results weren't what we wanted,” said Wallen. “(Tennessee) is one of the best teams in the country, right there.” Just before halftime, UTEP lost starting quarterback Skyler Locklear with an injury. Backup JP Pickles had trouble getting anything going. “When Skyler went down, that kind of messed with us,” said Miners center Brennan Smith. Tennessee's offense came alive with 28 points in the second quarter. In the final four drives of the quarter, Iamaleava completed 11 of 12 passes for 146 yards and touchdowns to White, Ethan Davis and McCoy. “(That first touchdown) was special for me,” said McCoy. "I promised my mom I'd get into the end zone. I never worried (this season, about not scoring). You have to have faith. The timing will be right for it to happen.” UTEP was the dominant team in the first quarter. Tennessee managed just 37 offensive yards and, thanks to an interception near the end zone and a missed field goal by the Miners, both teams were scoreless after 15 minutes. POLL IMPLICATIONS Tennessee’s convincing victory, coupled with losses by Mississippi and Indiana, should put the Volunteers in a good position when the next College Football Playoff poll is released. The Vols were ranked No. 11 going into this week’s games. THE TAKEAWAY UTEP: The Miners will head into a very winnable game against New Mexico State having won two of their last five games. First-year coach Scotty Walden will try to build on that success in the offseason to help enhance his roster. Tennessee: Even a lopsided win won’t carry much weight where it means the most — in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Vols will have to rely on a convincing win against Vanderbilt next week, a team that has shown a lot of improvement this season, to help their standing for those coveted spots. UP NEXT UTEP: The Miners will finish their season at New Mexico State Saturday. Tennessee: The Vols will finish their regular season at Vanderbilt next Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBeirut: Syrian rebels announced they had gained full control over the key city of Homs early on Sunday after only a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule dangling by a thread as insurgents marched on the capital, Damascus. Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting “Assad is gone, Homs is free” and “Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad”. A giant portrait of Bashar al-Assad sits on a building in Damascus. Credit: AP Rebels fired guns into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control has collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military. The fall of Homs gives the insurgents control over Syria’s strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base. Homs’ capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement’s dramatic comeback in the 13-year-old conflict. Swaths of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting ground down the insurgents, who were forced out. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the main rebel leader, called the capture of Homs a historic moment and urged fighters not to harm “those who drop their arms”. Syrian opposition fighters on a seized Syrian air force fighter plane at the Hama military airport on Friday. Credit: AP Rebels freed thousands of detainees from the city prison. Security forces left quickly after burning their documents. Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani said in a statement early on Sunday that operations continued to “completely liberate” the countryside around Damascus and rebel forces were looking towards the capital. In one suburb, a statue of Assad’s father, the late former president Hafez al-Assad, was toppled and torn apart. The Syrian army said it was reinforcing around Damascus, and state television reported on Saturday that Assad remained in the city. People arrive at the Jordanian side of the border as others wait in their cars on Saturday, after a ban on crossings into Syria. Credit: Getty Images The lightning rebel advance suggests Assad’s government could fall within the next week, US and other Western officials said. Since the rebels’ sweep into Aleppo a week ago , government defences have crumbled at a dizzying speed as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose in places where the rebellion had long seemed over. The twin threats to Damascus and the strategically vital city of Homs now pose an existential danger to the Assad dynasty’s five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence in the country of its main regional backer, Iran. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of the southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is backed by Russia and Iran, but both are bogged down in separate conflicts. Credit: Saudi Press Agency/AP The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian Army. The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, Pedersen said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he felt “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the city were shuttered, a resident told the Associated Press, and those still open had run out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle [in Damascus] or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018 when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving non-critical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad rumours Syria’s state media denied social media rumours that Assad had left the country, saying the president was performing his duties in Damascus. Assad has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a year-long conflict with Israel. Iran has had its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the US should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. A Syrian opposition fighter holds a rocket launcher in front of the provincial government office. Credit: AP Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on implementing a 2015 UN resolution calling for a Syrian-led political process would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pedersen, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha summit on Saturday to discuss the situation. No details were immediately available. The insurgents’ march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were also marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he said. An insurgent commander, Hassan Abdul Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Credit: Al Jazeera HTS controls much of north-west Syria and, in 2017, set up a “salvation government” to run daily affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaeda, ditching hardline officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third-largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began on November 27, during which rebel fighters captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city. Opposition activists on Friday said insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites that had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. The Syrian Observatory said government troops had withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and were sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents were to capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The army said in a statement that it had carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists”. The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since the conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is the main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there was a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity”. He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter .Title: Beijing Exposed: Softest Center Revealed in Defeat, Undercover Fouls, Completely Outplayed by Liu Chuanxing, Zhou Qi's Poor Performance in Focus
Topping Isco's list is none other than Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro who has tormented defenders and midfielders alike for over a decade. Isco described Messi as a player with unparalleled skill, vision, and unpredictability, making him an absolute nightmare to play against. The battles between Isco and Messi on the pitch have produced some memorable moments, showcasing the brilliance of two of the best talents in world football.As the Syrian opposition continues to press forward and make gains on the ground, the international community is left to wonder about the implications of these developments. Will Turkey's alleged support for the rebels lead to a decisive shift in the balance of power in Syria? What will be the response of Assad's allies, particularly Russia and Iran, to these latest developments? And what does all of this mean for the future of Syria and the wider Middle East?