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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 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: 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.” 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 to 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. 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. 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 an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!None
The longest-lived US President, Jimmy Carter, has died. The 100-year-old entered hospice care in February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia where he and his wife, Rosalynn, spent most of their lives. In a statement on X, The Carter Center said that the former president was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully. President Joe Biden, Donald Trump and several leaders mourned the Democrat's death. Carter was the third US President to visit India. In 1978, the Democrat took a trip to see PM Morarji Desai and improve US-India relations. It was during his White House term that New Delhi's nuclear ambitions grew. Jimmy Carter vouched for nuclear non-proliferation and even pushed India to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The move was opposed by several Indian leaders, who called it an attack on the country's sovereignty. Read More: Jimmy Carter And Rosalynn Carter: A Look At Their Relationship Timeline However, during his visit, Carter also visited the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad in Haryana. The village was later renamed Carterpuri in his honor, and to symbolize the deep ties he fostered between the two nations. Jimmy Carter's link to the village ran deeper - his mother Lillian Gordy Carter had been stationed there in the 1960s as a social worker. Read More: Jimmy Carter Family: All About Ex-President's 22 Grandchildren A villager, who was 24 when Carter and his wife visited the village, told WION in 2020: "It was festivity in the village when he came. He called on village panchayat and presented the proposal of renaming the village Carterpuri". Carter also wrote to the headman of Carterpuri saying, "I very much appreciated the warm hospitality and friendship which you and all the people of Carterpuri extended to me when I visited your village. It was, without doubt, one of the high points of my entire foreign travel and represented an experience I shall not soon forget". Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
'A ballroom of activity': How Black Friday is hitting those closer to home
Rams in search of offensive consistency in New OrleansDo you know who Austen Pleasants or Charlie Heck are? Don’t worry about it. Before this week, I didn’t either, and knowing practice-squad-level offensive linemen is my thing. Either way, we’ll likely hear their names often on Monday Night Football, as one of those newcomers will be protecting 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy’s blindside against the Lions. The other might be bookending him at the opposite tackle spot. Best of luck out there, 13! But that’s not all, folks. By extrapolating the way the season has gone for the 49ers into Monday, don’t be surprised if we see a third offensive-line newcomer — interior lineman Matt Hennessy — against the Lions. Yes, a bad situation first turned worse for the 49ers, and now it’s turned downright cruel, with potentially three players who were acquired (on waivers and poached from practice squads) protecting their potentially $60 million man. And with the 49ers having nothing to play for in the standings, it’s enough to make you wonder if Kyle Shanahan should even bother playing Purdy — or any of the Niners’ other top players, for that matter — this week or next. After all, if these next two weeks are, effectively, preseason football for 2025, shouldn’t the 49ers head coach treat them as such? (As a refresher, Shanahan hates the preseason and would, in an ideal world, not play anyone who could potentially make the 53-man roster.) This is the first time the 49ers have faced truly meaningless games in years — going back to the pandemic 2020 season — so it’s a fair question. But I think it should be saved for the season’s final week, when both the Cardinals and 49ers will play a game that both teams would be better off losing. Yes, so long as there is one team in a game with something to play for in the standings — for the Lions, that’s a shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC – it’s incumbent on the 49ers to maintain a code of professionalism and put something close to their best out on the field. So unless you’re injured, you’re going into harm’s way. “Welcome to the reality of the world,” Shanahan said Thursday. The game might not always mean anything as it releases to the playoffs, but the beauty of the NFL is that every game — no, every snap — is an opportunity to show your worth. “This is your job... Teams all over the league are in this situation. You’ve still got to go out there and perform the same way.” “You get 17 checks for 17 games.” And, for the record, Purdy said this week that he’s “100 percent healthy.” So, yes, he’s playing. And that should remain the case until the Lions open up an insurmountable lead on Monday. (We might not have to wait long.) Not just because of the code of professionalism or pride but also because there is still something to be gleaned from Purdy’s performance. As I wrote a few weeks back, the season’s final games would be a referendum on Purdy . The 49ers will sign him this offseason, but how the team and fan base feel about that new contract will be determined by what Purdy has done for the 49ers lately. I don’t need to tell you that the fan base isn’t too keen on Purdy signing a record-breaking, market-setting deal. Reaching that standard might never happen — the mere concept of a $60 million quarterback has folks’ heads spinning (even though with recent-season salary-cap growth, it’d be the equivalent of Jimmy Garoppolo’s record-setting contract from 2018). But Purdy performing at a high level on Monday could sway at least the rational amongst us. Not only would he be doing that with a makeshift (if that) offensive line and a second-string receiver group (we’ll see if Deebo Samuel shows up again on Monday), but he’d have done it against the kind of defense that has stymied him this entire season. The way to beat the 49ers and Purdy is to play man coverage and blitz in strange and confusing ways. The Lions play more man coverage than anyone else in the NFL and have been blitzing like crazy in recent weeks. It all makes Monday something close to a perfect data point. Yes, the circumstances are hardly ideal for Purdy, but a $60 million quarterback is expected to smooth at least some of the issues the Niners will face. And wouldn’t it be good to know if Purdy can beat man-to-man coverage? Monday’s game would leave zero doubt if he flails and be one hell of a negotiating point for him if he succeeds. And beyond all of that, the Niners quarterback needs to develop some rhythm, chemistry, and verve with this offense heading into next season. It’s not all his fault that the Niners have regressed to the point where this game is meaningless for San Francisco, but he needs to be part of the solution. Can he get something going with Ricky Pearsall? Can he keep George Kittle in that deserved first-team All-Pro spot? Can he help buy another year of Deebo Samuel in Niners’ red? Can he help one of these new offensive linemen land a job with the Niners (or another team) next season? If the risk of injury is deemed too high, then we might as well never practice or play football again. Call the NFL and ESPN and tell them the game is canceled—the Niners can’t win the Super Bowl, so they’re taking their ball and staying home. Because above everything else, it does comes down to professionalism. Is this effectively the preseason? Sure. But you’re not paid for the preseason — you merely earn a per diem for those games. On Monday night, everyone will receive a handsome check for their services. Even Purdy, the lowly-paid quarterback, will earn close to $60,000 for his work week. That’s enough to pay off two-thirds of one of those new trucks he bought his offensive linemen. Yes, being in the NFL is a great job, if you can get it. And the surest way to lose it is to take it for granted. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The dollar and gold gained Friday amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, while stocks got a boost from data. Bitcoin pushed on further with its march towards the $100,000 mark, as the cryptocurrency benefits from US president-elect Donald Trump's pledge to ease regulation around digital tokens. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 22 points as Central Arkansas beat Southwestern Christian 87-69 on Sunday night. Cato also contributed 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Bears (4-9). Layne Taylor scored 15 points while shooting 6 for 14, including 3 for 10 from beyond the arc and added three steals. Brayden Fagbemi had 13 points. The Eagles were led by Deondre Dunn, who posted 26 points, six rebounds and three steals. George McCurdy added 14 points for Southwestern Christian. Chris Fetuga had 13 points, seven rebounds and five steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
If you’re on a routine for putting your trash cans out, you might want to take a second look at your calendar. The City of Sarnia is modifying its waste collection schedule to optimize garbage pickup, and pivoting from picking up Christmas trees at curbside, to disposing of them at a central location. As of January 6, yard waste will be pivoting to a bi-weekly schedule in alternating zones from April to December, and routes will be changed to optimize pick-up and reduce collection delays. There will be some zones where the change will create a three-week delay in delivery – this will then mean that those select areas will receive one additional pickup to reduce that gap. You can visit the city’s website to make sure that you know your collection day and/or zone change. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, performing cosmetic procedures on several women A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women. W5 Investigates | 'I never took part in beheadings': Canadian ISIS sniper has warning about future of terror group An admitted Canadian ISIS sniper held in one of northeast Syria’s highest-security prisons has issued a stark warning about the potential resurgence of the terror group. Is a phone for your kid on the holiday shopping list? Read this first Many families may be considering giving their children their first device with direct access to the internet and social media, but there are some concerns. Poilievre suggests Trudeau is too weak to engage with Trump, Ford won't go there While federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week, calling him too 'weak' to engage with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declined to echo the characterization in an exclusive Canadian broadcast interview set to air this Sunday on CTV's Question Period. Bruce the tiny Vancouver parrot lands internet fame with abstract art Mononymous painter Bruce has carved a lucrative niche on social media with his abstract artworks, crafted entirely from the colourful juices of fruits. Why this Toronto man ran so a giant stickman could dance Colleagues would ask Duncan McCabe if he was training for a marathon, but, really, the 32-year-old accountant was committing multiple hours of his week, for 10 months, to stylistically run on the same few streets in Toronto's west end with absolutely no race in mind. It was all for the sake of creating a seconds-long animation of a dancing stickman for Strava. Former Ont. teacher charged with sexually assaulting a teen nearly 50 years ago A senior from Clearview Township faces charges in connection with an investigation into a sexual assault involving a teen nearly 50 years ago. It's time for a good movie this holiday season, here's what's new in theatres This holiday season has a special edition at the theatres with movies "that everyone has been waiting for," says a movie expert from Ottawa. Kitchener SIU invokes mandate after OPP-involved shooting on Highway 401 in Cambridge Highway 401, through Kitchener, was brought to a standstill Friday due to an investigation by Ontario Provincial Police. Family of Guelph, Ont. man killed in B.C. crash pushing for case review The family of a Guelph, Ont. man who was killed in a car crash in British Columbia is pushing for a review of the case, after learning about the charge that a driver involved is now facing. Region of Waterloo considers reducing, and even cutting, some services to keep tax increase down The Region of Waterloo is considering reducing or eliminating some services in an effort to lower the potential 2025 tax increase. Barrie Snow closes portion of Highway 11 OPP have closed a segment of Highway 11 in South Muskoka due to unsafe driving conditions caused by weather. Muskoka declares significant weather event The District Municipality of Muskoka has declared a significant weather event in response to the snow that continues to fall in the region. Road closed for 'suspicious' structure fire Emergency crews tended to a structure fire in Tottenham Saturday morning that has been deemed suspicious. Windsor Bright Lights Windsor opens it's 2024 display with a splash The cold couldn't keep hundreds from attending Friday night's opening of Bright Lights Windsor. The annual tradition returns this year with several new features. Firearms offender arrested in Windsor after violating conditions of release Just a month after being released from jail on firearm related charges, a Windsor man has been arrested once more. Windsor Spitfires outshoot Guelph on the road, but can't secure a win An uphill battle for the visitors, they outshot Guelph 43-27 but just couldn’t get it in the net, losing the game 6-2. Northern Ontario Saultites keep digging as the snow keeps falling Snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie seemed to be delayed this year, but the cruel joke by Mother Nature saw a single dump make up for weeks of fall-like weather. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Man fined $10K for abandoning homemade barge in Lake Nipissing A man from Lavigne, Ont., has been fined $10,000 for abandoning a homemade barge in Lake Nipissing. Sault Ste. Marie Saultites keep digging as the snow keeps falling Snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie seemed to be delayed this year, but the cruel joke by Mother Nature saw a single dump make up for weeks of fall-like weather. Two arrested following shooting on Manitoulin Island The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have two people in custody following a shooting incident in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Thursday. Another 60 cm of snow possible in the Sault as severe weather continues Closures and cancellations are piling up in Sault Ste. Marie as a major winter storm continues for another day Friday. Ottawa New plan in the making to free cargo ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. A new plan to free the Tim S. Dool, a large cargo ship that ran aground on a shoal along the St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. on Saturday is expected to be finalized early next week. It's time for a good movie this holiday season, here's what's new in theatres This holiday season has a special edition at the theatres with movies "that everyone has been waiting for," says a movie expert from Ottawa. Canadian Army vehicles on roads and highways in the Ottawa area starting this weekend Attention eastern Ontario drivers! You may see an increased number of Canadian Army vehicles on roads and highways in the Ottawa area starting this weekend, warns the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Toronto Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, performing cosmetic procedures on several women A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women. Why this Toronto man ran so a giant stickman could dance Colleagues would ask Duncan McCabe if he was training for a marathon, but, really, the 32-year-old accountant was committing multiple hours of his week, for 10 months, to stylistically run on the same few streets in Toronto's west end with absolutely no race in mind. It was all for the sake of creating a seconds-long animation of a dancing stickman for Strava. 'A huge, huge hit:' Ontario would be disproportionately impacted by Trump’s proposed tariffs, expert says If U.S. President-elect Donald Trump follows through on a threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports, Ontario will likely see the brunt of the impact, a business professor at Carleton University says. Montreal Buying a home? Here's everything you need to know about Quebec's 'welcome' tax Anyone who has bought a home in Quebec knows the rollercoaster high of making that big, life-changing purchase – and the sudden crash that occurs when the welcome tax bill comes in the mail, alongside its 30-day payment deadline. Montreal researchers make breakthrough discovery in fighting HIV Researchers in Montreal have made a breakthrough discovery in HIV research by finding a way to expel the virus from its hiding places and destroy it. Cyclist injured in collision near Jacques-Cartier Bridge Montreal police (SPVM) say that a cyclist was struck by a vehicle on an access ramp to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Ville-Marie on Saturday morning. Atlantic Man charged after Halifax high school placed in hold and secure A man has been charged after a high school in Halifax was placed in hold and secure Friday morning. Teen arrested in connection with weapons call at Fredericton High School Fredericton Police Force arrested a 14-year-old boy Thursday in relation to a weapons call at Fredericton High School. Singer-Songwriter Aaron Goodvin says ‘thank you’ to Atlantic Canadians with east coast tour Singer-songwriter Aaron Goodvin catches up with CTV's Katie Kelly during a quick stop on his east coast tour. Winnipeg True North officially buys Portage Place Mall True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) has officially purchased Portage Place Mall. Parts of southwestern Manitoba under extreme cold warning, temperatures could feel like -40 Much of southwestern Manitoba is under an extreme cold warning as the wind chill could make temperatures feel close to minus 40. 'Very alarming:' Online scams spike during the holidays Shoppers are out looking for the best deals on gifts for their loved ones. However, the RCMP and the Better Business Bureau are warning people that the deals they’re seeing online might be too good to be true. Calgary Man who died trying to help stranded motorist identified as Khalid Farooq, father of 5 The man who lost his life trying to help a stranded motorist Wednesday has been identified as Khalid Farooq. Cautious optimism? Alberta energy sector prepping for a turbulent 2025 Energy sector leaders say they're happy with how 2024 went but fear the stretch of good fortune could end in 2025. Stampeders locker room sale offers helmets, game-worn jerseys The Calgary Stampeders are cleaning out their lockers Saturday and giving fans an opportunity to own some game-worn gear. Edmonton Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Massage therapist charged in connection with sexual assault at Mill Woods clinic An Edmonton massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident earlier this year. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scores in OT to lift Oilers to 4-3 win over Utah Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored 1:18 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Utah Hockey Club 4-3 on Friday night. Regina Regina's LED volume wall leaving Sask. months after opening Less than a year after an LED volume wall was introduced to the film world in Saskatchewan, the equipment is making its exit from the province. Over 400 volunteers play a part in 2024 Canadian Western Agribition As the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) comes to s close, organizers are celebrating the volunteers who have helped make the event a success over the years. Jury sequestered to find verdict in sexual assault trial against Regina chiropractor Justice Janet McMurtry sequestered a 12-person jury to determine a verdict against Regina-based chiropractor Ruben Manz. Saskatoon Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday. One dead, two injured in Sask. highway collision A 61-year-old man was killed and two others were taken to hospital following a collision between an SUV and a truck near Prince Albert on Friday night. Saskatoon temporary smudge location to be taken down While the City of Saskatoon says it granted a temporary permit for smudging and a ceremonial open fire, that expired at 6p.m. Tuesday night. Vancouver Bruce the tiny Vancouver parrot lands internet fame with abstract art Mononymous painter Bruce has carved a lucrative niche on social media with his abstract artworks, crafted entirely from the colourful juices of fruits. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Are scented candles bad for you? What the science says Concerns about the safety of candles are rooted in the chemical reactions that occur when you burn them, as well as in the artificial fragrances and colorants that contribute to the various scents you may love. Vancouver Island Yuletide festivities help kick off holiday season in Greater Victoria Greater Victoria has a host of yuletide festivities this weekend for residents ready to kick off the holiday season. Supreme Court clears way for B.C. to include other governments in opioid lawsuit B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says a Supreme Court of Canada victory has cleared a "pathway" for governments across the country to go after opioid makers and distributors for damages arising from the opioid crisis. Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Stay ConnectedLONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!How to protect your communications through encryption
People dine at a hotpot restaurant in Jiulongpo District, southwest China's Chongqing, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Chan) CHONGQING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 54 individuals, including 19 foreigners, received their vocational skill certificates as "hotpot chefs" on Friday, becoming the first batch of professionals to be officially accredited for this occupation in China. After passing previous cooking exams, these skilled workers from countries such as Poland, Pakistan and Ghana were awarded certificates of various levels during the Launch Ceremony of the Belt and Road International Skills Certification, held in southwest Chongqing Municipality on Friday. "I am happy to pass the certification exam and receive my certificate as a junior-level hotpot chef," said Claudia Katarzyna Bzyl, a Polish student at the School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University. She added that after undergoing systematic training, she now has a deeper understanding of Chongqing's hotpot and has developed a fondness for its food culture. "I will continue learning and plan to open a Chongqing hotpot restaurant in Poland. Thus, people can savor Chongqing flavor," Bzyl said. Apprentices learn to cook hotpot at a hotpot restaurant in Nan'an District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 9, 2024. (Xinhua) The role of hotpot chef was officially recognized in the 2022 edition of China's occupational classification code. A detailed standard outlining the profession's definition, skill levels and vocational training requirements was jointly published in February by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Commerce. Renowned nationwide for its spicy hotpots, Chongqing took the lead in formulating the industry standard. As of June 2024, the municipality was home to around 37,000 hotpot restaurants, with the total output of the hotpot industry chain reaching 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce. Chongqing has made significant progress in establishing an international evaluation system for skilled talent, according to Xie Liguo, head of the Chongqing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the organizer of the ceremony. During the event, Chongqing also launched other international skills certifications across various sectors, including catering, logistics, the internet and new energy. Furthermore, Chongqing institutions also signed a memorandum of understanding on skills certification cooperation with TüV Rheinland (China) Ltd., a leading testing and certification service provider headquartered in Germany.Energy minister tours several factories specialized in producing energy components in Riyadh
They are investigating whether his short-lived martial law decree earlier this month amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant on Monday. Investigators plan to question Mr Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Mr Yoon has dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and has also blocked searches of his offices. It is not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Mr Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Under the country’s laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge and it is unlikely Mr Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detainment. Mr Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law that lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. His fate lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Mr Yoon from office or reinstate him. Mr Yoon has defended the martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, describing it as a warning against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which has been bogging down his agenda with its majority in the parliament. Parliament voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president after Mr Yoon’s powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court’s review of Mr Yoon’s case. The country’s new interim leader is Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also finance minister.