fortune dragon slot

fortune dragon slot

Chrissy Teigen took to Instagram to honour her husband, John Legend, on his 46th birthday with a heartfelt tribute. The model and cookbook author gushed about the All of Me singer. She called him the “soul of our home” in a post filled with love and admiration. JOHN LEGEND IN LONDON Teigen shared a photo of Legend sitting at London’s Bubble Planet Experience, according to The Argus. “To our everything, the soul of our home (I’m the heart), we love you so much,” she wrote. “Happy 46th birthday. You spent it taking the kids to the bubble experience in London at 8am. Now we are heading to The Devil Wears Prada musical because you’re up for any kind of date night you can get, ever.” She ended her message with: “I love you so much, we love you so much. Happy birthday.” JOHN LEGEND AND FAMILY TIME The couple marked the occasion with a night out at London’s Dominion Theatre to see The Devil Wears Prada , according to the Bolton News. Teigen shared a glimpse of their evening on Instagram Stories, showing off their excellent view of the stage. Legend and Teigen share four children—Luna (8), Miles (6), Esti (23 months), and Wren (18 months). They have been enjoying a festive family holiday in London. THE FESTIVE SEASON Just days before, they celebrated Christmas in style, with Teigen sharing adorable photos of their brood on Instagram, according to People. “Christmas morning in London! Merry Christmas, guys. We love you so much,” Teigen wrote. She then posted a picture of the family gathered around a beautifully decorated tree. Legend sported a cheerful festive jumper, while the kids donned matching plaid pyjamas. Another photo captured a closer look at the family’s stockings, stuffed with goodies and hanging along a cosy fireplace. BALANCING, WORK, FAMILY, AND FUN Legend shared similar snaps, adding an image of Luna and Miles eagerly kneeling by stacks of wrapped presents. “Have a Merry Merry Christmas!” he captioned. The Teigen-Legend family’s trip to London offers a relatable glimpse into balancing work, family, and fun. JOHN LEGEND AND CHERISHING MOMENTS South Africans, are often known for their love of big family gatherings. They can surely appreciate the warmth and joy Teigen and Legend bring to their holiday moments. Legend, who is beloved worldwide for his music, is no stranger to London’s stages. Teigen’s tribute and the family’s celebrations are reminders of the importance of treasuring moments with loved ones. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FAMILY TRADITION DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

How to protect your communications through encryption

(See Langley Christmas Fun for holiday events listing) . Mary Poppins, the Musical: Theatre in the Country staging the show Wednesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 27 to Dec. 14. Dinner theatre or show-only options. Tickets and info: theatreinthecountry.com. . Historical re-enactment: Bicentennial of the James McMillan expedition that ventured north from Oregon to this area for the Hudson's Bay Company will be commemorated by the Living Arts Society with re-enactments at Portage Park, 2964 204 St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. followed by talks, an art workshop, an art exhibit, music, costumes, and more at the Timms Community Centre between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Free but must reserve tickets for Timms events. Info: https://tinyurl.com/rjxhj59j. . Weed pulls: Join the Glen Valley Watersheds Society Tuesdays until April from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for blackberry removal. Dec. 17 at West Creek Wetlands. Blackberry pulls will be cancelled due to high winds, snow, or unfavourable driving conditions. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Saturday paddles: Fort Langley Canoe Club invites people to join the voyageurs Saturdays at 9 a.m. to paddle the Fraser River. No previous paddling experience necessary. Teaching provided. Paddles and life jackets (PFDs) are included in the drop-in rate. Info: Judy Fawcett, voyrep@fortlangleycanoeclub.ca. . Probus Club: Langley residents able to join Maple Ridge Probus Club, a social group for semi-retired and retired people 55-plus. Group meets third Thursday of the month except in summer. Info: Dick, 604-467-1590 or www.probusclubofmapleridge.org. . Hope Meets Action: Echoes through the Black Continuum: New display about Black history in B.C. is at Fort Langley National Historic Site until Dec. 12. Created in partnership with the B.C. Black History Awareness Society and the Royal BC Museum. . Senior Pride: Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Langley Senior Resources Society Centre, 20605 51B Ave. Open to all LGBTQ+ people who are 50 or older. Info: Barb, 604-888-7755. . Langley Quilters Guild: Day meeting is 10:30 a.m. while the evening gathering is 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except December) at the George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42 Ave. Info: langleyquiltersguild.com. . Holding Hope: Peer facilitated support group by Moms Stop the Harm started to support families and individuals whose loves ones use or have used substances. Info: momsstoptheharm.com. . BC Farm Museum: Open for the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 9131 King St. in Fort Langley. Museum features a children’s scavenger hunt, murals, interactive storytelling tech, and more than 6,000 items on display. Admission by donation. Info: bcfma.com. . Old-time dance: Dance or just enjoy the music and company at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273 St. Coffee, tea and snacks included in $10 admission. $20 annual membership. New time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Info: Angie, 778-836-0270, or Mary, 604-534-4802. Dec. 14 Ukrainian Prairie Band. Resume in 2025. . Music and Friends - A Celidh Celebration: All ages live music event is at the Aldergrove OAP Hall, 3015 273rd St., from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. $10 for those 14 and older. Tickets at the door. Tea, coffee and treats available as well as 50/50 draw. . Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society: Monthly Zoom meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Valley Bluegrass Music Society: Public invited to Friday bluegrass performances in St. Andrew’s Church, 9025 Glover Rd. $7 for members and $10 for non-members (cash only). Weekly jams happen September through June. Info: valleybluegrassmusic@gmail.com or the society Facebook page. . Aldergrove Swing Club: Open to all levels. No partner required. Friday dances are at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Free lesson at 7:30 p.m. with general dancing at 8:15. $10 admission. Info: mrthejackel@gmail.com or aldergrooveswing.com. . Valley Promenaders: No experience necessary for modern square dance sessions. Club meets Thursdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Info and reservations: wkrueger@shaw.ca or 778-878-4244. . Langley Camera Club: Group meets regularly at the Langley Lions Society West Langley Hall at 9400 208th St. Info: contact@langleycameraclub.ca. . Steersperson wanted: FORTified, a mixed 55-plus dragonboat team paddling in Fort Langley, is looking for a steersperson. Practices are at 10 a.m. on Sundays for the months of November and January through March. Spring and summer practices are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April through September. Info: Terry, 604-340-9108. . Aldergrove drop-in coffee group: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Aldergrove Community Station House, 2900 272nd St. on the first and third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walnut Grove drop-in coffee club: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Second Story Treasures thrift shop, 8948 202nd St., every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walkers and manual wheelchairs: Langley Pos-Abilities Society needs donations to help make life more accessible to people. Charity has a waitlist of people in need. Info: 604-961-0117 or pos-abilities.org. . Learning Farm Garden Club: LEPS garden club meets at the Learning Farm at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn new gardening skills. Info: agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Langley Meals on Wheels: volunteers needed two to three hours per week. Roles include meal delivery, cafe support workers, and kitchen help. Training and support provided. Info: lmow.ca, info@lmow.ca, or 604-533-1679. . Langley Community Chorus: Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the United Churches of Langley (Murrayville). Group is looking for more tenors. Info: membership secretary, lccmembershipsec@gmail.com. . Timms Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Club: Afternoon games played Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Timms Community Centre. Free with City rec pass ($25 annually). Drop-in format. Info: city.langley.bc.ca. . Seniors Gardening Club: Langley Environmental Partners Society invites seniors to take part. Drop-in format Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Langley Learning Farm, Derek Doubleday Arboretum. Info: Amanda, agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Monday Morning Talk Show: Langley Seniors Resource Society Centre 10 a.m. speaker series is free and open to the public at 20605 51B Ave. Info: 604-530-3020. . Municipal retirees: Municipal Pension Retirees Association Langley chapter quarterly, in-person meetings are at 1:30 p.m. in the Douglas Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Cres. Public is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Info: langleympra@gmail.com. . Swing Dance Social: Monthly dances hosted by Swing Shift, a non-profit dance group, are offered at the Murrayville Hall on the first Friday of the month. First lesson free for beginners (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.). No partner necessary. Tickets: $10 in advance through eventbrite or $15 at the door. Info: Rock Step Swing Dance on Facebook, or rockstepswing@gmail.com. Next one is Dec. 6. . Aldergrove Legion: Branch 265 supports Rolling Barrage, a national effort to help veterans and first responders with PTSD. Legion does a 50/50 on the first Saturday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Branch also fundraises with meat draws Saturdays 2 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday 5 to 7 p.m. . Men’s Shed: Langley has a chapter of the international group that allows men to get together and socialize, work on projects, or help the community by using their skills. Meetings are at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at the Ricky’s restaurant, 5978 Glover Rd. Info: info@MensShedLangley.ca or MensShedLangley.ca. . Hope after Stroke: Support group for those who have returned home after a stroke meets Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: Marilyn, 604-882-4672 or hopeafterstroke.ca. . Gamblers Anonymous: Non-profit can help adults with problem gambling. Call 1-855-222-5542. . Gamblers Anonymous family groups: Gam-Anon helps people impacted by someone else’s gambling. Welcome whether gambler seeks help or not. Info: vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca or 604-626-9418. . Hub meeting: Langley Seniors in Action monthly meetings allows local seniors to gather virtually, collaborate and network. Open to seniors and those in the senior-serving organizations and businesses. Meetings are third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Info: langleyseniorsinaction.ca/hub/meetings. . Community Engagement: Langley Community Services Society program for senior immigrants who are permanent residents. Meet people from around the world, learn about topics such as Canadian culture, financial literacy, recipes, gardening and more. Free. In person at LCSS office, 5330 207th St. or online. Info and registration: Yoona Ahn, 604-534-7921 ext. 1204 or yahn@lcss.ca. . Assistance needed: Critter Care Wildlife Society looking for volunteers for various duties (animal capture, transport, painters, builders, gardeners, landscapers, general maintenance and labour. Charity urgently needs dog and cat food, fresh produce, and towels during baby season. Info: Michelle Binnet, crittercare9@shaw.ca. . Langley Newcomers and Friends: Women’s group meets on the first Tuesday of each month for outings and activities, including movie nights, brunch, lunch, socials, walks, and more. Info: langleynewcomers.webs.com. . Meditation: Free session Thursdays 7 to 8 p.m. at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum Rotary Interpretive Centre, 21177 Fraser Hwy. Folding chairs available on site or bring one. Hosted by Melissa Kramer, Low Entropy Foundation. Open to all skill levels and those wanting to learn more. Info: www.lowentropy.org/events. . Heartfulness meditation class: Free. Learn guided relaxation and meditation techniques. Info: Judith, 604-533-1172 or divinetraveller@gmail.com. . Queen Mum’s Jewels: Women’s group meets at various venues for socializing and activities, such as luncheons, brunch, movies, live theatre, games, bus tours, fashion shows, and more. Info: bgfleming@shaw.ca. . Prostate Cancer Support Group: Group meets monthly in the Arbor Room at Valley View Memorial Garden, 14644 72nd Ave. Open to any interested in prostate cancer. Info: 604-594-5257. . Myles of Smiles Open Mic: Thursday gatherings at Veggie Bob’s Kitchen Cafe in Fort Langley are 6 to 9 p.m. Info: creative-compass.com. . CARES: Local no-kill cat shelter needs people to foster kittens. Info: mjhaney@shaw.ca. . Aldergrove Art Club: Everyone welcome Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Heritage OAP hall, 3015 273rd St. to practise, socialize and help each other. Info: Faith, 604-530-2900, or Joan, 604-856-9792. . TOPS open house: Take Off Pounds Sensibly invites public to learn about the support group at 10:30 a.m. Group meets Tuesdays at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 20955 Old Yale Rd. Info: Marnie, 604-539-8602. . Open mic: Artful Dodger Pub, 2364 200th St., has open mic night Sundays starting at 5 p.m. All ages until 9 p.m. . Fort Langley Farmers Market: Open for the season as of Saturday, April 6, the market runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday at 9025 Glover Rd. until Dec. 7. . LIBRARIES (programs and events are free unless specified otherwise) . A Sleuth of Bears scavenger hunt: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has a scavenger hunt for kids throughout December. Find groups of animals throughout the library. (A group of bears is called a sleuth.) . Reindeer scavenger hunt: Kids can find deer throughout the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., until Dec. 24. Prizes for finding all of them. . Monday Crafternoon: From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, kids can get creative at a free craft session in the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon STEAM Club: Kids ages seven to 12 can learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play at a session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Ages 12 to 14 can play Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Ages 14 to 19 can play at a session noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. No experience nor supplies necessary. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tween and teen Dungeons & Dragons: Session for kids nine to 18 is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Registration appreciated. No experience nor supplies needed. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning book club: Lively discussions of book is monthly at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Session is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Books are provided. Next gathering is Tuesday, Dec. 17. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon book club: Adults can join fellow book enthusiasts at a gathering Thursday, Dec. 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Books provided. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . All ages chess: No registration required to play chess Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, but all ages and all skill levels welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Saturday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older Sundays between noon and 2 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . "Not Bored" Games Club: All ages can play games at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. No sign up is required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Sunday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older each Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Scrabble Club: No registration is required for games scrabble at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave., Sundays from 1 to 2 p.m. No experience necessary. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Book Club: Adults invited to club at Muriel Arnason library. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Monday afternoon book club: From 2 to 3 p.m., the club for adults meets at the Aldergrove library. New members welcome. Book provides. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Hooked on Reading: Murrayville library’s book club for adults will meet 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Books provided and new members welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Chat and Chill: Described as “adult show and tell” the club is for collectors of things old and new. Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Free. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Babytime: Fraser Valley Regional Library 30-minute sessions for babies and caregivers are on Tuesdays at the Dean Drysdale branch (10:30 a.m.) and Murrayville branch (10 a.m.). Thursdays at the Aldergrove branch at 10:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. at Murrayville. Friday sessions are at 9:30 at Muriel Arnason branch, and 10:30 a.m. at Brookswood. Limited space. Register in advance through the website. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Sensory playtime: Baby (birth to two) sensory playtime with textures, sounds, and colours is Thursdays 2 to 3 p.m. at the Murrayville branch. No registration required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Storytime: Prepares children to learn to read. Children and caregivers enjoy interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and more. Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Muriel Arnason branch. Wednesday sessions are at Aldergrove (10:30 a.m.), Murrayville (10:30 a.m.) and Brookswood (11 a.m.). Thursday 10 a.m. at the Dean Drysdale branch. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Pyjama Storytime: Children and caregivers can visit the Aldergrove Library Thursdays at 6 p.m. for a 30-minute session of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Kids can wear PJs and bring a stuffie. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. Next session: Nov. 19. . Builders’ Club: Monday sessions are 3:30 p.m. at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave. Tuesday sessions are at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave., at 3:30 p.m. Drop-in fun for all ages. Library provides the LEGO, Keva planks and Magformers. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Knit and crochet: Fraser Valley Regional Library groups open to all skill levels. Group meets Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Muriel Arnason branch. Tuesday session is 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Murrayville branch. Thursdays: Aldergrove branch gathering is 1 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tech help for seniors: Aldergrove library, 26770 29 Ave., has one-on-one help for seniors Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. Bring the device (cellphone, tables, ereaders, laptops) and receive up to 60 minutes free help. Register in advance at 604-856-6415, in person, or at www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Night: Stop by the Aldergrove Library from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays for board games, puzzle cubes, LEGO, Keva planks, colouring and more. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . LEGO and KEVA Club: Aldergrove Library provides the playing pieces for anyone who wants to stop by Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning Coffee Club: Adults can head to the Murrayville Library Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to relax by the fireplace, and enjoy coffee and conversation. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Coffee and conversation: Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., invites adults to enjoy a relaxing get-together Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Conversation circle: Drop-in format for ages 12 and older for gathering for those wanting to improve their English skills. Meet at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Groups are welcome to submit information about upcoming community events in Langley. Publication is at the discretion of the newspaper, and host groups are responsible for keeping their information up to date.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol was banned Monday from travelling abroad, the justice ministry said, less than a week after he plunged the country into chaos by briefly imposing martial law. Yoon sent special forces and helicopters to parliament on the night of December 3 before lawmakers forced him to rescind the order by rejecting his decree. The unpopular leader narrowly survived an impeachment motion in parliament Saturday even as huge crowds braved freezing temperatures to call for his ouster. Despite remaining in office, a clutch of investigations has been closing in on Yoon and his close allies, including a probe for alleged insurrection. The ministry of justice confirmed on Monday that Yoon had become the first sitting South Korean president to be banned from leaving the country. A lawmaker was asked at a Monday parliamentary hearing whether Yoon had been banned from international travel. "Yes, that's right," replied Bae Sang-up, an immigration services commissioner at the ministry. Also under travel bans for their roles in last week's events are former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun -- currently in detention -- and ex-interior minister Lee Sang-min. General Park An-su, the officer in charge of the martial law operation, and defence counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung are also barred from leaving South Korea. Investigators hauled Park in for further questioning Monday, and Yonhap news agency reported that prosecutors had asked for a warrant for Kim's formal arrest. The impeachment push failed to pass after members of Yoon's own People Power Party (PPP) walked out of parliament, depriving it of the necessary two-thirds majority. The PPP says that in exchange, the 63-year-old Yoon has agreed to hand power to the prime minister and party chief, prompting howls of protest from the opposition. "This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup," Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae said. Under South Korea's constitution, the president remains head of government and commander in chief of the army unless he or she is incapacitated, resigns or steps down. In such a case, power would then be handed to the prime minister on an interim basis until elections could be held. Claiming Yoon can remain in office but has delegated his powers to the prime minister and leader of his ruling PPP -- who is not an elected official -- is "a blatant constitutional violation with no legal basis", Park said. "Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol," he said. South Korea's ally the United States indicated it would still deal with Yoon but said it "will keep lines of communication open with all relevant parties". "President Yoon is the president of Korea, and the political process in Korea will play out, as it should, under Korea's laws and Korea's constitution," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. The defence ministry confirmed Monday that the embattled Yoon still oversees the country's security apparatus, despite the apparent power vacuum in a country that remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea. "Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief," defence ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou said. Yoon has apologised for "anxiety and inconvenience" caused by his declaration of martial law but has not stepped down, saying instead he would entrust decisions about his fate to his party. He also said he would accept all political and legal responsibility for the martial law fiasco. There is no constitutional basis supporting the ruling party's claim that Yoon can stay in office but hand over his power to unelected party officials, said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University Law School. "It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup," he told AFP. "If there are issues with the president, there are ways laid out in the constitution such as suspending the president from his duties, and then move on to proceedings set out in the constitution, such as impeachment," he said. The opposition has already said they would try again to impeach Yoon, with leader Lee Jae-myung saying another vote would be held Saturday. burs-stu/ceb/bgs-sct/mlmMen's Top 25 Roundup: No. 6 Purdue routs MarshallBy KELVIN CHAN LONDON (AP) — After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won’t be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here’s a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Texting Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you’re an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there’s a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” Chat apps To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent, or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal’s encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp , so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger , which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. What about Telegram? Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels” but contrary to popular perception, it doesn’t turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France . Making calls Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, leads fan balloting for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games after one week of voting, the league announced on Monday. Ravens superstar Jackson set the overall pace with 44,681 votes followed by teammate Derrick Henry, the running back leader, in second overall at 40,729 votes. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The 'Outnumbered' panel reacts to President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and why critics are outraged over the move after his stunning reversal. President Joe Biden faced mounting criticism Monday for his decision to issue a sweeping pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, with detractors not only citing the breadth of the pardon itself but also the degree to which it breaks with the president's history of extolling the virtues of the judiciary as a bulwark against executive abuses of power. In fact, Biden took aim at these very abuses during a speech in July, in which he warned of a "dangerous precedent" created by the Supreme Court's decision that expanded the view of presidential immunity. "This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America," Biden said in July. "No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States." Biden's remarks were a response to the Supreme Court's July 1 ruling that expanded the view of presidential immunity, and which he criticized as fundamentally changing the separation of powers . "With today’s Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, that fundamentally changed," Biden said in July. "For all practical purposes, today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do," he added. PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR: HOUSE REPUBLICANS' SMALL MAJORITY COULD MAKE ATTENDANCE A PRIORITY President Joe Biden delivers the annual State of the Union address in Washington, DC, in 2024. (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images) In their decision, justices writing for the 4-3 Supreme Court majority said that presidents are entitled to absolute immunity from any actions taken within the scope of "core constitutional powers" of the office. A presumption of immunity also applies to other actions taken while holding office, they said. Biden strenuously objected to that ruling, citing deep concerns over the risks of unchecked power in the executive branch — and the erosion of what he described as necessary parameters for a sitting president. The presidency, Biden said then, "is the most powerful office in the world. It’s an office that not only tests your judgment. But perhaps even more importantly, it’s an office that can test your character." "You not only face moments where you need the courage to exercise the full power of the presidency," Biden said in his speech. "You also face moments where you need the wisdom to respect the limits of the power of the office of the presidency." TRUMP'S AG PICK HAS ‘HISTORY OF CONSENSUS BUILDING’ President Biden and Hunter Biden arrive in Syracuse, New York (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) Six months later, Biden is facing sharp criticism from some lawmakers and legal analysts for his decision to pardon Hunter, an about-face from his earlier promises, and a sweeping protection that covers any federal crimes Hunter Biden "has committed or may have committed" from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. In announcing the pardon, Biden criticized the unfair investigation and prosecution of his son, a process he said was "infected" by politics and led to a "miscarriage of justice." "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong," the president said in a statement Sunday. President Biden blasted a ruling by the Supreme Court earlier this year which he said essentially made it so there were ‘virtually no limits’ to presidential power. (Getty Images) But some critics also cited fears that Biden's pardon could further erode the public's view of the Justice Department — giving credence to Trump's frequent complaints that the Department of Justice is a political apparatus capable of being "weaponized," rather than a department that strives to act independently and largely without political influence. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Biden is "essentially endorsing Trump's long-held opinion that the Department of Justice is politicized and isn't acting impartially," longtime Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams told Fox News Digital of the pardon. Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.