jili41 SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election , according to a Federal Police report unsealed Tuesday. Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-President Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation's electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Lula’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Bolsonaro told journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Ahead of the 2022 election, Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030 . Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal Police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses . Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Lula from power. Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later. Hughes reported from Rio de JaneiroDorothy’s incredible journey to Oz is much more than a fun story

Trump says he picks Bessent to be US treasury secretaryCentury-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal with the industry being squeezed by discount chains and other competition. Public companies are under a lot more scrutiny and if private, the Nordstroms may have more leeway in reviving a department store chain that, like others, has looked to revive lackluster sales for years. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Many of come in all shapes, forms, sizes and specs. From gaming to , they all come with different specs that affect over image quality. Depending on your set-up, users are usually going to have to make some changes to various settings to get the most out of the monitor. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure the display resolution matches the current input or maybe it’s something as complex as getting the best color accuracy. Then there are other things users should be aware of like specific features like KVM and settings that may help reduce eye strain at the cost of image quality. To help you get started with your new monitor, here are some things you should be aware of.

Makkah, a city that sees millions of visitors every year, quietly holds a piece of Hyderabad ’s history that often goes unnoticed. Nestled in the heart of this busy city is the Nizam’s Rubath, a legacy that dates back centuries. Established with the purpose of providing free accommodation for pilgrims traveling from the Deccan region, the Rubath has long been a symbol of Hyderabadi hospitality and philanthropy. Its origins, deeply rooted in the vision of the Nizams, reflect their commitment to supporting their people on this holy journey. The Rubath Nizam Hyderabad in Makkah traces its origins to the mid-19th century during the reign of Afzal-ud-Daula, Asaf Jah V. Recognizing the challenges faced by pilgrims journeying from Hyderabad and surrounding regions to Makkah, the Nizam decided to create a sanctuary for them. While there is no historical evidence to support the number, legend has it that Afzal-ud-Daula established 42 Rubath buildings in 1860 to provide instant relief to those who faced long journeys. Notably, at that time Saudi Arabia was undergoing a financial crisis, as the country had yet to discover the oil reserves that would later transform its economy. The government was struggling to provide adequate facilities to the influx of pilgrims arriving for Hajj. The Nizam’s Rubath proved to be an invaluable resource, offering refuge and much-needed comfort to not only Hyderabadis but visitors from Marathwada and Karnataka. To ensure easy access to the Kaaba, the Rubath was strategically established near the haram. Over time, the Rubath only grew in importance and became a significant symbol of Hyderabad’s connection to Makkah. The Nizam’s Rubath in Makkah today is a blend of tradition and modernity. It continues to be a cornerstone for pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage. However, with the expansion of Makkah’s Grand Mosque and urban development, the number of Rubath buildings has significantly decreased and relocated further from the mosque. Today, only three buildings remain with a total capacity of about 1,200 people. Due to the shortage of accommodation, every year a limited number of Hajj pilgrims are selected through a draw. While the property provides modern-day amenities like air conditioning, free WiFi, free laundry, and much more, visitors remain unsatisfied. Speaking to Siasat.com , a doctor from Hyderabad said, “I stayed in the Nizam’s Rubath in Ramadan this year and the management was subpar with issues like maintenance. Though the facilities are decent, they do not reflect the kind of standard one might expect from such an iconic institution.” Another challenge facing Nizam’s Rubath is the expansion of the hospitality industry in Makkah. Despite offering free or subsidized accommodation, Hyderabadi visitors are opting for private hotels that provide better proximity to the Haram, shuttle services, and buffet options, which the Rubath struggles to match. Additionally, online booking platforms have made it easier for pilgrims to secure accommodations tailored to their needs, further reducing reliance on the Rubath. For a young Ruqia Fatima, comfort is the most important when choosing a hotel. “It is fascinating to learn about the Rubath’s history but the practicality of choosing a hotel closer to the Kaaba with better services makes it more appealing which is why I did not opt for the Rubath for my Umrah trip. The lack of information and reviews about the Rubath online also influenced my choice,” she says. It is to be noted that, despite these trends, the Rubath continues to serve as a symbol of Hyderabad’s enduring legacy in Makkah, reflecting a tradition of hospitality that has spanned over a century.

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TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Light and Power is closing South Cass Street, between 14th Street and South Airport Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Crews will be installing overhead primary wire across South Cass Street between Dendrinos Drive and Fairway Hills Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Questions? Call (231)932-4565. BENZONIA — Benzie Area Historical Museum will be closed through Jan. 2. The museum will reopen at 11 a.m. Jan. 3. OKLAHOMA CITY — Stand for the Silent has launched the Stand Out program. Teachers around the United States may nominate students who are positive role models, are kind, show leadership skills, address bullying and more. Winners will receive a T-shirt and gift card. Nominations for the spring semester are accepted from Jan. 1 to April 1. To learn more, visit standforthesilent.org/schools/standout . DEARBORN — The AAA Auto Club Group is continuing its “Tow to Go” program through 6 a.m. Jan. 2. The program provides free transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles, both AAA members and others. Michigan residents can call 1(855)286-9246 for a ride during the holidays. The service may not be available during severe weather or rural areas. TRAVERSE CITY — Northwest Education Services Career Tech has received an Excellence in Practice Award from the Michigan Department of Education. The health sciences program was recognized in the “Engaging Instruction” category. The program includes hands-on training, clinical rotations and industry certifications for students who are interested in a health care career. Students learn about anatomy, patient care and health care delivery systems. GRAYLING — The Michigan National Guard Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center received $224,000 from the U.S. Army 2024 Environmental Resilience Funding program. Funds will support three projects: habitat restoration for federally-threatened species, Eastern massasauga rattlesnake surveys using the Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence technique and Hungerford’s crawling water beetle surveys. Camp Grayling has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Michigan on project planning and proposals. SCOTTVILLE — West Shore Community College has received a $33,660 Barrier Removal: Direct to Students grant from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. Students can apply for gas cards, emergency grants or technology assistance through westshore.edu/future-students/campus-life/care-team .Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies

Joby Aviation, the Santa Cruz-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has received certification for its pilot training, in addition to having its voluntary safety management system accepted.

For the millions of people at home with friends and family for the festive season, it’s also the time of year where many get roped into fixing the house’s spotty Wi-Fi or face a barrage of questions about tech. Instead this holiday season, give the gift of good security advice. This is the ideal time of year where you can get hands-on to help make meaningful changes that bolster the cybersecurity of your loved ones. This isn’t to say fixing the family printer isn’t worth your time, but sharing a little security advice goes a long way in protecting those you care about from the most common online threats. As someone who’s covered hacks and breaches for well over a decade, I think of cybersecurity as an investment in something you hope never happens. Nobody wants to experience the “oh s—t” moment of realizing you’ve been hacked, or had your bank accounts or online wallets drained, yet many default to the mindset that “it could never happen to me” without realizing that their account passwords from yesteryear may not be a sufficient defense against today’s hacking efforts. Oftentimes, taking a few minutes with friends and family can be the impetus that they need to get started with cybersecurity, and stay protected. As for what to suggest to your folks, I asked Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, a company that provides security awareness training to help people defend against cyber threats before they strike; and Caitlin Condon, the vulnerability intelligence director at cybersecurity firm Rapid7, for their top security advice to share with friends and family. Their recommendations are to focus on the security basics that do the most work to keep your online accounts secure. An important part of passing along effective security advice is helping your friends and family get started with the apps and security features they need to stay secure. This way, they can learn alongside you and build up those new habits and practices over time. “It’s often not enough to merely recommend or install security technologies; we need to help loved ones learn how to use these technologies to build confidence and trust,” said Condon. Set up a password manager that stores complex and unique passwords “When we go home for the holidays, a lot of times our family asks us for things that actually aren’t the top thing that they need to focus on,” said Tobac. It’s no good giving a family member advice on cryptocurrency — for example — if they reuse the same password for every online account they have, Tobac said. The best password is one that you never have to remember, and that’s where a password manager can help. Password managers save your login details, and can also generate and store complex and unique passwords, so you never have to remember the same password across your various online services. (Using the same password across the internet makes all of those accounts more vulnerable to being hacked if someone guesses or steals your password.) There are plenty of password managers out there to choose. Your browser may have one already, and iPhones and iPads have their own Passwords app . Bitwarden is also a popular free-to-use password manager that also lets you access your passwords from your phone. “It can help to sit down with loved ones, particularly if they aren’t terribly tech-savvy, and walk them through setting up a master password, installing browser plugins, generating and storing new passwords — starting with financial or healthcare sites — and logging in and out of the password manager,” said Condon. A common fear is forgetting or losing the master password that locks your password manager from outsiders, Condon said. Some people opt to have a copy of their master password written down and kept somewhere in their house for safekeeping. “In my experience, it’s a lot less risky to write a master password down on paper and store that somewhere in your home than it is to reuse easily guessable passwords,” said Condon. Multi-factor authentication can save the day Passwords alone are not enough to protect your accounts from intruders. Some of the biggest hacks of 2024 were possible because corporate giants forgot to implement basic security features, like multi-factor authentication (or MFA), allowing hackers to walk right in with just a stolen password. Having a second layer of security like MFA (also known as two-factor) to your online accounts makes it far more difficult for anyone with just your password to access your account. MFA works by sending an additional second code by text message to a device that you own or prompting you to generate a code in an authenticator app. “Help them turn on multi-factor authentication, whether that’s a code, or text message, especially for the essential accounts — like your email address account — which is the key to the castle for all of your other accounts,” said Tobac. Tobac also recommended locking down your phone provider’s account with MFA, because — just like your email account — anyone with access to your phone number could gain access to any linked online account in case you ever forget your password. That’s also why some prefer to use an authenticator app generated on a device instead of having a text message (which can be intercepted) sent to their phone. There are plenty of authenticator apps; a popular choice is Duo Mobile , a simple app that generates second-factor codes on the fly while having an optional cloud backup in case you lose access to your phone. Remember that any MFA is better than none. Be ‘politely paranoid’ on the phone “Another thing I see folks struggle with regularly is the wave of spam texts, calls, emails, and notifications designed to social engineer users into visiting malicious websites or giving away logins and personal data,” said Condon. Oftentimes, letting a call go to voicemail can be an effective way of avoiding scams and fraud. Even with caller ID, phone calls inherently make it difficult to know for sure who the person you are speaking with is legitimate . Tobac suggests being “politely paranoid,” a way of verifying that people and companies are who they say they are by contacting them back using a different method of communication before ever handing over information that could do harm, like a credit card number or a password. Tobac explained that if you get a call purportedly from your bank to say there are strange charges on your account, you can politely hang up the phone and call back using the official number on your bank card. The same goes for anyone who calls you that might ask for information but you can’t be sure who it is. You can check out the organization’s website, app, or secure message inbox to check for yourself first before taking any action. Having those common websites bookmarked in the browser for easy access can help your relatives verify any suspect call in a matter of seconds. “Help your loved ones bookmark official login pages they can visit safely to check secure messages or account transactions when they’re concerned there might be something amiss,” Condon. “Show them how to navigate to those sites via pinned bookmarks or browser shortcuts.” A password manager, multi-factor authentication and being “politely paranoid” on the phone are by far the simplest, yet most effective roadblocks for malicious hackers. Ensuring the cybersecurity foundations in place (and your loved ones understanding their importance) is a great place to start with friends and family, Tobac said. “That’s the best gift you could give them,” said Tobac. “The gift of not getting hacked.”Picking the top-performing artificial intelligence (AI) stock a year out isn't easy. In 2023, it ended up being Nvidia . In 2024, all signs are pointing toward Palantir Technologies . This shift from AI hardware to AI application software was predictable because it has to be deployed and become useful at some time for all of the investment dollars in hardware to pay off. As a result, I think we'll see another AI software company rise to the top in 2025. My prediction is that it will be SoundHound AI ( SOUN 12.60% ) , even though it has already had an incredibly strong 2024, rising over 300%. So, how can a company that has already risen so much be a top pick for 2025? SoundHound's reach has widened in 2024 SoundHound AI's platform is centered around taking a voice input and turning it into a prompt for an AI platform. This has multiple uses, including automaking, restaurants, financial services, insurance, and healthcare. The company already has products serving those industries, and automakers and restaurants are some of its largest clients. Still, the company has become quite diversified in 2024. During last year's third quarter, 72% of revenue came from one client, and 90% of total revenue came from the automotive sector. Now, the largest client contributed only 12% of revenue, and the largest sector made up 25% of revenue. That diversification is a key part of SoundHound becoming more relevant in all industries and turning into a more stable company. If that single client left in late 2023, it might have caused the business to go belly up. If its largest client leaves now, it will still hurt, but not as much as it would have before. While SoundHound still has risks associated with it, this plays a huge part in lowering that risk level. In the third quarter, revenue grew 89% year over year to $25.1 million. This makes it a small-cap stock, as its revenue in the past 12 months totals $67 million. For other, more established software companies, that would be a fairly small percentage of overall revenue, but the company isn't expected to stay there for long. Management projects 2025 revenue will come in between $155 million and $175 million, which is nearly double the revenue it projects for 2024. Clearly, SoundHound expects its business to maintain its boom for 2025. This also highlights a key investment point: How high is the limit if its products become the industry standard in audio recognition? Think of all the ways we use voice to control what we do; now, imagine that being associated with the power of AI. SoundHound could become a huge winner in this space, even after it has run up so much. A lot of success is built into its stock price Perhaps the biggest risk with SoundHound is its valuation. Investors need to be aware of the success that's already baked into the stock's price. Its valuation tips the scales at around 40 times sales , which historically is very expensive. SOUN PS ratio, data by YCharts; PS = price to sales. However, we also know that SoundHound's current trailing-12-month revenue is set to triple by the time 2025 ends (if management's projections come true), which would price the stock in a more reasonable valuation range -- somewhere around 20 times sales. The problem is that the stock must stay at the same price. If the company's business continues to boom, its stock isn't going to stay put. Although I'm excited about 2025, it's clear that all of that year's financial growth is already assumed in the stock price. As a result, if the business stumbles, the stock will take a nosedive. Still, I think there are hefty tailwinds blowing in SoundHound's favor, and I wouldn't be surprised if management ends up beating 2025 expectations, since it has raised its guidance multiple times in 2024 (that year's revenue was originally projected to be between $63 million and $77 million; current guidance is for $82 million to $85 million). If SoundHound AI forecasts that it will continue doubling its revenue in 2026, I think that would keep the hype going in the stock, and be enough to propel it to become the best-performing AI stock in 2025.

Victims and families react as Biden spares the lives of 37 federal death row inmates