kk99 Explore the World Expo: Significance of the Event / Osaka Expo Venue to Showcase Japan’s Recycling Society; CO2-Absorbing Bacteria to Be Introduced

PRESS RELEASE Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., called for the Defense Department’s top watchdog to investigate the Pentagon’s failure to secure its communications from foreign spies, following the devastating “Salt Typhoon” hack of major telecom companies by Chinese government hackers. In a letter to Department of Defense Inspector General Robert Storch, Wyden and Schmitt highlighted the DOD’s failure to secure its communications from foreign spies. The senators revealed that DOD informed Congress that it signed a major contract this year, worth up to $2.7 billion, for wireless phone services for U.S. military personnel, even though DOD knew that the phone companies’ networks were vulnerable to foreign surveillance. Last month, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed hackers working for the Chinese government breached multiple telecommunications companies and targeted call information for President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance and Senate Majority Leader Schumer, among other high-profile targets. “DOD’s failure to secure its unclassified voice, video, and text communications with end-to-end encryption technology has left it needlessly vulnerable to foreign espionage. Moreover, although DOD is among the largest buyers of wireless telephone service in the United States, it has failed to use its purchasing power to require cyber defenses and accountability from wireless carriers,” Wyden and Schmitt wrote. “We urge you to investigate DOD’s failure to secure its communications, and to recommend the changes in policy necessary to protect DOD communications from foreign adversaries.” Wyden and Schmitt revealed multiple concerning new details about DOD’s inability and unwillingness to protect soldiers and civilian employees who rely on wireless phone networks, in their letter today: Read the full letter here .

Frozen and Convenience Food Market to grow by USD 468.9 Billion (2024-2028), driven by demand for vegan options; Report highlights AI-driven trends - TechnavioIn a continent brimming with potential yet burdened by governance challenges, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is bent on transforming the public sector in Africa. Through its AIG Public Leaders Programme, AIG PLP, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that they exemplify this commitment by equipping public sector leaders with the skills and tools needed to tackle complex challenges, drive reforms, and create lasting impact across their respective organisations and communities At the heart of the mission of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is the belief that effective leadership is key to transforming public service delivery and enhancing the lives of citizens. The special purpose vehicle for this was by instituting AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP). Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, this flagship initiative has been equipping public sector leaders with the necessary tools and skills they need to tackle any challenge, while driving reforms, and creating lasting impact in their various organisations and communities. Commitment to Public Sector Excellence The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation is dedicated to improving lives through transformed public service and better access to primary healthcare. Collaborating with governments, academic institutions, civil society, and private sector organisations, the foundation has made significant strides in strengthening public sector reform initiatives, providing capacity-building programmes, and supporting healthcare access. One of its central goals is to foster public sector leadership development, recognising the critical role that ethical, competent, and reform-minded leaders play in driving good governance. The Foundation has trained over 700 public servants to date, each one serving as a change agent within their ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The AIG Public Leaders Programme Launched in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the AIG PLP is an executive leadership programme tailored to senior public servants across Africa. Now in its fourth year, the programme is a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to building a critical mass of ethical and skilled leaders who are empowered to address the unique challenges of the African public sector. With a six-month curriculum that combines online and in-person learning, participants engage in discussions, simulations, and practical exercises designed to enhance their leadership capabilities. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on capstone projects—real-world reform initiatives that participants develop to tackle pressing challenges within their organisations. These projects ensure that learning translates into actionable solutions, creating ripple effects of positive change. The latest cohort, which began in November 2024, comprises 68 public servants from across Africa. Participants will convene for an intensive residential week starting 18th November, where they will collaborate on group work, develop their capstone projects, and share insights with like-minded leaders. Filling the Gaps in Leadership Development Many public servants excel in technical expertise but lack the leadership competencies necessary for impactful decision-making. The AIG PLP bridges this gap by focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and high-stakes decision-making. Alumni leave the programme as well-rounded leaders capable of driving responsive, citizen-centred governance. This focus has already borne fruit, with alumni spearheading transformative reforms in diverse sectors. For instance, Abraham Oludolapo’s project on combating sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has provided a framework that ensures the safety of over 400,000 corps members annually. His work underscores the AIG PLP’s emphasis on ethical leadership and accountability, which are cornerstones of effective governance. Networking and Collaboration Public sector challenges are rarely confined to individual MDAs. Recognising this, the AIG PLP fosters collaboration among participants from different countries and sectors. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and peer learning, the programme helps leaders develop innovative solutions to shared problems. This collaborative approach is key to ensuring more efficient and effective service delivery across the continent. Driving Policy and Social Impact The exposure to world-class training and best practices from developed countries equips AIG PLP alumni with the tools to drive policy innovation and systemic reforms. Dr Ibiwunmi Olokun’s reform project at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, which reduced patient wait times from 70 to 30 minutes, is a testament to the programme’s impact. By improving operational efficiency, her initiative has enhanced healthcare delivery for thousands of patients while setting a benchmark for other primary healthcare centres. Similarly, Mohammed Ahmed’s efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria through improved intelligence-sharing and regulatory compliance illustrate the transformative power of strategic leadership. His work has strengthened financial integrity and accountability, vital components of a robust economic system. PLP as a Catalyst for Change The achievements of AIG PLP alumni speak volumes about the programme’s transformative potential. From Arc Joy Osaretin Baderin’s implementation of a performance management system in Nigeria’s Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to Dr Chidinma Ogbonnaya’s health database upgrade at the Nigeria Immigration Service, each success story highlights the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development. Notably, the programme’s reach extends beyond Nigeria. Caroline Kendagor, a High Court Judge in Kenya and an alumnus of the third cohort, credits the AIG PLP for preparing her to navigate the demands of judicial leadership. Her story underscores the programme’s role in fostering ethical governance and strategic decision-making across Africa. Promoting Ethical Leadership and Accountability At its core, the AIG PLP champions ethical leadership and accountability. By nurturing leaders committed to transparency and integrity, the programme helps build public trust and reduce corruption. Alumni are trained to recognise and mitigate biases, fostering a culture of fairness and accountability within their institutions. Vision for Africa’s Future The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade. By aligning its initiatives with national civil service reform strategies, such as Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), the Foundation ensures its efforts are both relevant and impactful. The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens. The Call to Action As the AIG PLP continues to expand its impact, the need for partnerships with private sector and philanthropic organisations has never been greater. Collaboration is essential to scaling these initiatives and ensuring that the gains made in leadership development translate into widespread improvements in public service delivery. For policymakers, donors, and citizens alike, the message is clear: investing in leadership development is not a luxury but a necessity. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s efforts demonstrate that with the right training and support, public servants can rise to the occasion, delivering the transformative change that Africa so urgently needs. Undoubtedly, the AIG Public Leaders Programme exemplifies the power of leadership in driving systemic change. By equipping public servants with the skills, tools, and networks they need, the programme is building a future where public institutions work for the people they serve. As alumni continue to implement reforms and rise to positions of greater influence, the ripple effects of the AIG PLP will be felt across the continent, improving lives and shaping a brighter future for all. Quote The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade... The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens Caption Participants of the Cohort 4 AIG Public Leaders Programme with Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON; Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; and Executive Vice Chair, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, in Abuja for the Residential Week of the AIG PLP programme...recently

Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.As residents in Meadow Lake eagerly await the completion of the Co-Op Centre, there’s a renewed sense of optimism when it comes to economic prosperity for the city. “It seems like every time you turn around there is another restaurant coming,” said Trevor Dignean, administrator for the Meadow Lake and District Chamber of Commerce. “I know we’re getting a Pizza Hut here. Now we’re getting a Mary Brown’s Chicken and Burger King is coming...so we’re definitely good on the restaurant side.” While he’s happy to see any new business startups, Dignean said there’s a bigger need in Meadow Lake when it comes to hotels. “With our new facility and arena opening in May, you know that’s going to create lots and lots of traffic and bigger events, so that would be the biggest concern that we probably have here is accommodations.” Mayor Merlin Seymour agrees more beds would be a welcome addition to the community. He said there just aren’t enough hotel rooms to attract the large events they’d like to hold when the Co-Op Centre opens. The state-of-the-art facility will house an NHL-size arena, administration space, fieldhouse, and will serve as a central gathering place for a variety of recreational, cultural and community events. “Coming up in February of 2026, Meadow Lake, in conjunction with Flying Dust [First Nation], is hosting the Saskatchewan Winter Games . So, definitely a hotel would be a benefit. We do have some really great places to stay in town, but if you’re trying to attract a bunch of new people or a bunch of people to a concert or sporting event, you have to have a place for them to lay their heads down.” Several years ago, Seymour said a hotel was planned for Meadow Lake. Canalta Hotels bought property on the west side of the city where Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza and Dairy Queen were developed. “The original plan was to build a hotel, but being based out of the Drumheller area, when the oil and gas industry tanked, they pulled back the reigns on building a hotel,” Seymour said. Right now, Flying Dust First Nation is putting water and sewer infrastructure in a parcel of land north of the city. Seymour hopes the proactive work means good news on the horizon. Chief Tyson Bear told meadowlakeNOW the First Nation is following through on the ongoing vision of prior leadership to be self-sustaining and business orientated. “We’re building relationships with developers,” said Bear. “There’s potential to have a Canadian Tire possible, a Marks Work Warehouse, Sports Chek. There are so many opportunities we’re looking at including a hotel.” While he couldn’t confirm any specific developments, Bear did say there will likely be ground breaking in the spring on new business. “Being bordered up to the city of Meadow Lake, we want to be included in the economic development of the city,” Bear said. “There are a lot of First Nations in the area and without them in the community, I don’t think that there would be an economy in Meadow Lake that would thrive as well as it does.” All parties are looking forward to the potential of economic reconciliation in the future, Dignean said. In the meantime, the excitement for the opening of the new Co-op Centre is ‘unbelievable.’ “Everybody just wants it open now.” — cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com On X: @MeadowLakeNow

Today's fortune: Dec. 25, 2024Nebraska defensive lineman Kai Wallin enters the transfer portal