5 yen to peso Intense Appalachian Drama HAZARD wins New Visions Award-Best Feature Film at 19th Bahamas International Film FestivalNEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. ___ UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. ___ Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill, conducted a radio interview and released an opinion article denying allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He insisted he was “not backing down one bit," that Trump was still supporting him and he planned to return Thursday for more meetings with lawmakers. But the president-elect's team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Hegeth, asked if he'd meet with Trump on Thursday, said he'd meet with him “anytime he'd like." Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth’s past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. ___ Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people, showcasing the uneasy intersection between law, politics and individual rights. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism of arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. ___ Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. ___ Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants “involved in terrorist activities” in the area, without providing additional details, and said it took precautions to minimize harm to civilians. The strike on the Muwasi tent camp was one of several deadly assaults across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. An Israeli attack in central Gaza killed at least 10 more people, including four children, according to Palestinian medics. Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, shows no signs of ending after nearly 14 months. Hamas is still holding dozens of Israeli hostages, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced and is reliant on international food aid to survive. Israel is also pressing a major offensive in the isolated north, where experts say Palestinians might be experiencing famine. The Biden administration has pledged to make a new push for a Gaza ceasefire now that there's a truce in Lebanon between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, ending more than a year of cross-border fighting. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump demanded this week the release of hostages held by Hamas before he is sworn into office in January. ___ South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Here's a look at the political firestorm caused by the martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night was accompanied by a pledge to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces at a single stroke.” He vowed to protect the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” Yoon, a conservative, cited repeated attempts by his liberal rivals in control of parliament to impeach his top officials and curtail key parts of his budget bill for next year. ___ French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. ___ White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. ___ Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. President-elect Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support the Republican over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. About two-thirds of voters said they own a dog or cat, but pet owners don't usually get much attention from politicians. This year, however, past comments by Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue — and Taylor Swift signed her Instagram endorsement of Harris in September as “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.” Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who owned a cat but not a dog. Still, those voters were a relatively small slice of the electorate, and pet owners as a whole did not seem to hold Vance's remarks against the GOP ticket. Childless or not, women who only owned a cat were more likely to support Harris than were dog owners, or voters who had a cat and a dog. About 6 in 10 women who owned a cat but not a dog supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast. She did similarly well among women who did not own either kind of pet. The Associated Press

10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025The Game Awards is simultaneously an awards show and a trailer extravaganza in which game studios and publishers show off their upcoming slates. Some of these trailers are for games that have already been announced; others are what TGA host Geoff Keighley calls “world premieres.” We already know from official announcements about what’s confirmed to show up, but we also have some informed guesses as to what titles and franchises could get trailers, release date reveals, or other updates — plus some far-flung wishes about what should appear. What we know: Mecha Break will get “ a special announcement. ” Bandai Namco will reveal a new fighter for Tekken 8 . Borderlands 4 will get its first actual trailer , along with Mafia: The Old Country . Plus, there’s some sort of update coming on Warframe: 1999 . Now,it’s time for some educated guesses and some slightly less likely hopes and dreams. Share your own predictions in the comments. Hideo Kojima will appear with stuff to actually show We knew Kojima would show up even before The Game Awards confirmation last week. Kojima will always show up. The only remaining question is which of Kojima’s three projects seem most likely to get a big splashy showcase this year. There are Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and OD , but there’s also Physint , described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear. I’m guessing that Death Stranding 2 will be the main event here, since it needs an actual release date besides just “2025.” Why not reveal that date at TGAs? — Maddy Myers Upcoming 2025 games They won’t be “world premieres,” but it’s likely we’ll see upcoming 2025 games at the show — especially the February 2025 lineup, which includes Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 , Civilization 7 , Assassin’s Creed Shadows , Avowed , Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii , and Monster Hunter Wilds . With all of those release dates fast approaching, these games will probably get some final trailers so people remember to play them in two months. — MM Max Payne 1 and 2 remakes Remedy Entertainment has had a solid year, all in all. In 2024, Alan Wake 2 became the fastest-selling game in the company’s history; the physical Deluxe Edition of the game launched in October alongside the game’s second and final expansion; and in between all of that excitement, Remedy announced FBC: Firebreak , the company’s first multiplayer game set in the universe of Control . But there’s still one more elephant in the room. In 2022, Remedy announced it was remaking Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne as a combined experience in partnership with Rockstar Games. We haven’t heard much about the project since, aside from a brief mention in the company’s business review earlier this year that the game was about as far along in development as Codename Condor — which turned out to be FBC: Firebreak . A Max Payne remake trailer debut at The Game Awards would be a major coup for the company and an excellent way to round an altogether successful year. It would also likely be a very emotional moment, too, as James McCaffrey , the voice of Max Payne and a longtime friend and collaborator of the studio, died in December 2023. —Toussaint Egan Dawnwalker Stealthily announced on social media in January 2024, Dawnwalker is a “AAA action-RPG set in medieval Europe” developed by Rebel Wolves , the studio co-founded in 2022 by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt . In October, Bandai Namco released a statement announcing that the company had agreed to a deal with Rebel Wolves to publish the game, which is expected to be the first of a series of titles set in what is described as the “Dawnwalker Saga.” Not much else is known about the title, aside from the fact that the game is being built with Unreal Engine 5 and that the company is expected to reveal more information about the project “in the coming months.” Sounds like prime TGA announcement material to me. –TE Project 007 It’s been four years since IO Entertainment announced that it was working on a standalone 007 game in partnership with MGM. Since then, we’ve heard neither a peep nor a squeak from the developer as to the game’s progress... That is, until October, when CEO Hakan Abrak spoke briefly but enthusiastically about Project 007’s development with IGN. It’s not much to go off of, but c’mon: Developers don’t typically talk publicly about in-development projects unless they have something to say or they’re preparing to say something. The floor’s all yours, IO Interactive. –TE Everwild After it was revealed in 2019 and fully rebooted in 2021 , Rare’s Xbox exclusive Everwild was missing in action for years — until Phil Spencer visited the studio in October 2024 and confirmed in a post on Threads that the game actually exists (“Great day at Rare, hanging out with the developers at their desks and playing Everwild”). When the team said in 2021 that the game was getting a reboot, 2024 was the projected release date, but obviously, that didn’t happen. This seems like exactly the type of Game Awards surprise that could turn up, though. Seems more likely than Silksong . — MM Analysis Events Gaming The Game AwardsWhen Pat Gelsinger returned to Intel as CEO in 2021, it was heralded as the start of a redemption arc. After more than 30 years with the company, including his tenure as CTO during its golden age, Gelsinger seemed uniquely qualified to tackle Intel's mounting challenges. His mission: restore the company to its former glory as a leader in chipmaking and manufacturing. But less than four years later, that redemption story has ended. According to sources cited by Bloomberg , Gelsinger was forced out -- a stunning turn for one of the industry's most respected technical minds. His sudden departure raises tough questions: Why couldn't Gelsinger complete the mission he was seemingly born to lead? And if Intel's most capable steward couldn't turn the ship around, what hope does the company have in a market dominated by Nvidia, Qualcomm, and TSMC? Also: The fall of Intel: How gen AI helped dethrone a giant and transform computing as we know it Gelsinger's ousting isn't just about one leader. It's a symptom of a company that has lost its way. His departure is a wake-up call for Intel to confront its cultural stagnation, address its legacy dependencies, and embrace the transformative changes required to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. Without decisive action, Intel risks becoming a relic of its own storied past. 1. Gelsinger's exit highlights Intel's cultural stagnation Gelsinger brought credibility and a bold vision to Intel but he couldn't overcome the cultural inertia that has plagued the company for years. Intel's internal dynamics have become a major roadblock. Bureaucratic bottlenecks, risk-averse decision-making, and an overreliance on legacy systems have significantly slowed innovation. Also: I switched from Intel to AMD - here's why I'm never going back I've spoken with engineers who describe Intel as a place where risk-taking is discouraged and new ideas are often met with skepticism. In contrast, companies like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Apple thrive on experimentation and rapid iteration. Gelsinger's technical expertise alone wasn't enough to resolve these systemic issues. The next CEO must prioritize cultural transformation. This involves empowering engineers, reducing red tape, and fostering a sense of urgency. Consider what Satya Nadella accomplished at Microsoft: he transformed a slow-moving giant into one of the most agile and innovative companies in the world. Intel requires a similar cultural revolution to unlock its full potential. 2. x86 dependency: Both strength and weakness x86 has been Intel's core product for decades, powering PCs, servers, and enterprise systems. However, as the industry shifts toward AI, cloud-native computing, and energy-efficient designs, x86 is beginning to seem outdated. Arm-based processors are now dominant across a range of devices, from smartphones to cloud servers, and Apple's M-series chips have demonstrated that Arm can surpass x86 in both efficiency and performance. Also: If Intel can't come up with a Qualcomm-killer soon, it's game over for x86 PCs That said, x86 is not yet obsolete. Legacy applications in enterprise environments still rely heavily on x86, and it remains popular among gamers for its capability to deliver high frame rates. However, those markets are gradually shrinking. At the same time, competitors like Ampere are proving that Arm servers can manage data center workloads with lower power consumption, while companies like Nvidia are pioneering new approaches to high-performance computing. Intel's challenge is clear: it must protect its x86 foundation while aggressively transitioning to new architectures. If it fails to adapt, x86 risks becoming a niche product, potentially leaving Intel behind in an industry increasingly prioritizing scalability, efficiency, and flexibility. 3. Foundry services: Intel's best bet - or biggest gamble Intel's venture into contract chip manufacturing through Intel Foundry Services (IFS) represents one of its most ambitious moves in recent years. The semiconductor industry urgently needs alternatives to TSMC and Samsung, especially given the geopolitical tensions that underscore the dangers of relying heavily on Asia. On paper, Intel is well-positioned to fill this gap. However, the journey to becoming a leading foundry is challenging. Intel's advanced manufacturing processes, such as the 18A node, have experienced delays, and gaining customer trust remains a significant hurdle. TSMC is not only ahead in technology but is also a reliable partner for companies like Apple, AMD, and Nvidia. For IFS to be successful, Intel must demonstrate its ability to deliver results on par with or better than TSMC. This requires meeting deadlines, offering competitive pricing, and establishing strong relationships with prominent clients. The funding provided by the CHIPS Act gives Intel an advantage, but this is a high-stakes risk. If IFS does not succeed, it could result in another setback for Intel. 4. AI hardware: Intel's missed opportunity The future of computing is centered around artificial intelligence (AI), with Nvidia at the forefront. The company's GPUs are the dominant force in AI training and inference workloads, and its Grace Hopper platform is specifically designed to manage the complex, parallel tasks that AI requires. Apple is also heavily investing in AI through its custom silicon. Also: Today's AI ecosystem is unsustainable for everyone but Nvidia, warns top scholar In contrast, Intel has struggled to establish itself in this area. While the 2019 $2B acquisition of Habana Labs was a positive move, the outcomes have been disappointing. Qualcomm is advancing AI-powered PCs with its Snapdragon X series, and AMD is working with Microsoft on custom AI chips. For Intel to remain relevant, it needs a clear and aggressive AI strategy. This could involve developing memory-safe architectures like CHERI or concentrating on edge computing. The company must act swiftly to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape. 5. Betting boldly on Arm and RISC-V Selling its xScale Arm business in 2006 -- just a year before the introduction of the iPhone and two years before Android-based devices hit the market -- was one of Intel's biggest strategic mistakes. Arm-based architectures now dominate everything from smartphones to cloud servers, and companies like Apple and Qualcomm have shown that Arm can scale effectively for high-performance computing. Meanwhile, RISC-V is gaining traction as an open-source alternative, particularly in the IoT and edge computing sectors. Also: Why Intel can no longer live in denial Although Intel has explored RISC-V through partnerships with SiFive, it has not fully committed to either Arm or RISC-V. This hesitation could prove to be a significant mistake. To effectively compete with Qualcomm and Apple, Intel must embrace a multi-architecture future. This strategy could involve acquiring Arm startups, developing its own Arm-based products, or investing more heavily in RISC-V. Intel can no longer afford to rely solely on x86 architecture. The industry is evolving, and Intel needs to take the lead -- or risk being left behind. 6. Leveraging geopolitics for strategic advantage Geopolitical tensions have transformed semiconductors into a national security concern, and Intel is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this shift. The CHIPS Act provides billions in funding for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, offering Intel an opportunity to take the lead in this sector. However, merely constructing fabrication plants (fabs) is not enough. Intel must also develop advanced manufacturing processes that can compete with TSMC and Samsung in terms of price and performance. Expanding into regions like Europe and India could help diversify Intel's supply chain, thereby reducing geopolitical risks and creating new opportunities. If Intel can successfully navigate these challenges, it could become an indispensable player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Nonetheless, the margin for error is very slim. 7. Leadership: The key to Intel's survival With Gelsinger no longer at the helm, Intel is facing a leadership void at a crucial time. The company requires a CEO who can inspire confidence, tackle complex challenges, and implement ambitious plans effectively. This situation goes beyond mere technical expertise; it hinges on vision. The right leader must confront Intel's cultural stagnation, accelerate its transition to AI and Arm technologies, and restore trust with customers and investors. Without strong leadership, even the best strategies are likely to fail. 8. The unthinkable solution: Selling Intel to ensure its legacy It may seem radical, but what if Intel's best option is to sell? For instance, Qualcomm could benefit from Intel's manufacturing capabilities to scale its Arm-based products and compete with Nvidia in AI and data centers. Intel's fabs would give Qualcomm the infrastructure it needs to operate more quickly and efficiently. However, selling Intel wouldn't be straightforward. Regulators would scrutinize the deal, and the company's role as a national security asset adds complexity. Still, in a landscape where speed and focus are crucial, selling to a more agile player might be the only way to preserve Intel's legacy. Sic transit Gelsinger Pat Gelsinger's exit marks a turning point for Intel. The challenges ahead are daunting, but they're not insurmountable. Whether through cultural transformation, bold pivots to new architectures, or even a strategic sale, Intel must act decisively -- and soon. The semiconductor industry isn't waiting for anyone. Intel has a choice: adapt and lead, or fade into irrelevance. My top 5 Cyber Monday deals all hover near the best prices of the year I test AI tools for a living, and these are the only two worth paying for Best Cyber Monday deals 2024 live now: 170+ sales featuring some of the lowest prices ever There's a new king of online shopping, and it's built an unstoppable monopoly

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After three straight losses, including back-to-back blowouts , the San Francisco 49ers needed a get-right game. The Chicago Bears helped provide just that. Brock Purdy carved up Chicago's defense to lead San Francisco to its best offensive output of the season and the defense dominated the Bears in a 38-13 win Sunday that looked a lot more like the team that went to the Super Bowl last season than the one that has struggled in 2024. “I think just the biggest thing was just getting some energy and momentum,” Purdy said. “This league is hard. It’s tough. If you don’t have momentum or energy and belief within a building, it can be really tough.” The problem for San Francisco (6-7) is it might be too late to salvage its playoff hopes. Three blown fourth-quarter leads to division rivals and the lopsided losses at Green Bay and Buffalo the previous two weeks leave the Niners two games out of the playoffs with only four games to go. They might need to win out to get back to the postseason for a fourth straight season, and even then they could need some help because their three division losses will make it tough to win any tiebreakers in the tightly packed NFC West. “If we win every single game, I think we’ve put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention,” tight end George Kittle said. “I thought everyone’s focused on this one week. ... Forget the whole season whether you’ve played like crap the entire season, whether you’ve had missed opportunities, or whether you have a bunch of touchdowns. Whatever it is, flush all that and just focus on this one game.” Big plays. The Niners repeatedly gashed the Bears for big plays as the passing game looked as good as it has all season. Purdy had eight completions go for at least 20 yards — tied for the most in any game for the 49ers since at least 1991 — with Kittle catching four of them, Isaac Guerendo two and one each for Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Kickoffs. Jake Moody attempted two line-drive kicks as San Francisco tried to pin Chicago deep instead of allowing a touchback. But both kicks landed shy of the landing zone at the 20, giving the Bears the ball at the 40. DL Yetur Gross-Matos. The Niners have been struggling to generate a pass rush with Nick Bosa sidelined, but Gross-Matos made a big impact on Sunday. He had a career-high three sacks in the game after coming into the game with just one this season. S Ji'Ayir Brown. The second-year safety lost his starting job with the return of Talanoa Hufanga from a wrist injury. Brown played 15 defensive snaps in a spot role and was beat on a TD pass to Rome Odunze in his limited action. Guerendo has a sprained foot and will be evaluated later this week to see if he can play. ... OL Ben Bartch will likely go on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain Sunday. ... LB Dre Greenlaw could return this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. ... DL Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and LT Trent Williams (ankle) will be evaluated this week but there is no timeline on when they will return. ... LG Aaron Banks cleared the concussion protocol and should play this week. ... LB Dee Winters (ankle), S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are day-to-day. 305 — The 49ers outgained the Bears by 305 yards in the first half for the ninth best advantage in a first half since at least 1991. The 319 yards for San Francisco were the most by any team in a first half this season and the 4 yards allowed were the fewest. The 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLDec. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has "indefinitely suspended" its search for a 7-year-old boy who went missing in the Gulf of Mexico late last week on a boating trip with his father and a family friend. On Sunday evening, the Coast Guard said it was ending its search for Hunter Slezak after scouring air and sea for more than 65 hours to cover 2,042 square miles in an area "approximately the size of the state of Delaware," officials said. According to a Coast Guard spokesperson, the suspension was due to the expending of all available resources in search for Hunter unless new information arises that will help, AL.com reported. His father, Michael Slezak, 40, and Sam Wooley, 69, were found dead Saturday afternoon after their vessel the "Marty Ann" departed Friday from the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Alabama's Dauphin Island and was last heard from that afternoon. An investigation is pending to determine what caused the incident but Coast Guard officials did not speculate. "Saturday afternoon, a Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island boat crew found a debris field approximately 9 miles south of Dauphin Island," according to a USCG report. On Sunday, Hunter's mother Megan Slezak in a Facebook post pleaded for help from anyone with a plane or boat willing to help look for her missing son prior to the search ending. A Mobile County Sheriff's Office flotilla launched Monday morning before 10 a.m. local time out of Bayou La Batre. "Coast Guard is searching the rest of today until nightfall for my precious Hunter," Megan Slezak said on social media. "After that they are ending their search parties." "I just need the closure of having his body to bury," the grieved wrote. "I didn't think my heart could shatter anymore then this but not at least being able to find my son's body is so incredibly painful. Momma hold your babies. They could be taken in a blink of an eye. This is THE WORST pain ever," she added. Michael Slezak was a coach at Semmes Middle School in Semmes, Ala. where he was the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year. He taught 7th-grade math from 2017 until last year. The father and teacher "inspired our students to be better scholars, better athletes, and better individuals," read part of a statement by school officials. "Through every lesson taught, every practice led, and every word of encouragement, he made an impact on our community." An official GoFundme page has been setup for the family of Michael Slezak Read More

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Aidan Chiles threw for two scores in the first half to build a three-touchdown lead and Michigan State held on to beat Purdue 24-17 on Friday night. The Spartans (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) are a win away from being eligible for a bowl with first-year coach Jonathan Smith and they play Rutgers at home in the final regular-season game. “It means a lot,” Chiles said. “We should’ve been in this place a long time ago.” The Boilermakers (1-10, 0-8) have dropped 10 straight games and will have to pull off a stunning upset against rival and fifth-ranked Indiana on the road to avoid matching a school record with an 11th loss under second-year coach Ryan Walters. Pressure to perform is expected, Walter acknowledged. “It comes with the territory and sitting in the chair I’m sitting in,” he said. Michigan State scored three touchdowns and a field goal on its four drives in the first half to take a 24-3 lead, then struggled to move the ball in the second half and Purdue almost took advantage. “It’s kind of disappointing to come out hot and the next half look like we never played football before,” Chiles said. With a chance to drive for a game-tying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, Hudson Card threw a pass toward Max Klare that caromed around and was picked off by linebacker Jordan Turner at the Michigan State 31. Card gave the Boilermakers a chance to tie the game on their next drive, but Jahmal Edrine dropped a long pass while running all alone behind the secondary and they ended up turning it over on downs at midfield with 3:05 left. Chiles missed his first chance to seal the victory on a third-down run when he went out of bounds instead of cutting back to likely get a first down and keep the clock running. “I was supposed to get a first down and I thought I did,” he said. On fourth-and-1, Chiles' sneak was spotted just past the stick and he was able to kneel to run off the remaining time. Chiles finished 15 of 31 for 159 yards yards and threw multiple touchdown passes for the third time this season. He threw a go-ahead, 7-yard touchdown pass to Montorie Foster midway through the first quarter and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Nate Carter with 41 seconds left in the first half. Carter also had a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Card was 26 of 47 for a career-high 342 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Klare had seven receptions for 83 yards and a 7-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter to bring the Boilermakers within a touchdown. The takeaway Purdue: Walters was expected to struggle, coming off a four-win debut season that included a victory over the Hoosiers, but the Boilermakers were competitive in just two of the 10 games they lost. “My focus right now is on Indiana and that is what I can control,” Walters said. “I don’t feel any pressure other than trying to win a ballgame.” Michigan State: Smith's team has slightly surpassed low expectations and the program would get a much-needed boost by earning a spot in the postseason with another win. Up next Purdue: The season mercifully ends Saturday as heavy underdogs against Indiana on the road. Michigan State: Hosts the Scarlet Knights, needing a win to end Smith's first season at a bowl game.Qatar tribune Agencies Washington In a significant shift in global trade dynamics, the United States has steadily reduced its garment imports from China over the past decade. This decline, spurred by the US-China trade war and concerns over China’s human rights violations, has opened doors for other Asian countries to expand their presence in the American apparel market. According to a recent report by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), China—once the dominant supplier of garments to the US—saw its market share plummet by 16.4 percent between 2013 and 2023. In contrast, nations like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia have emerged as major beneficiaries of this shift. China’s dominance in the US apparel market was once unassailable. Its large-scale production capabilities, efficient supply chains, and competitive pricing made it the go-to source for American retailers. However, several factors have eroded China’s market share over the past decade. The US-China trade war that began in 2018 under the Trump administration, imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods, including apparel. These tariffs significantly increased the cost of importing garments from China, prompting US companies to explore alternative sourcing options. Reports of forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region, where a significant portion of the country’s cotton is produced, have drawn widespread condemnation. In response, the US enacted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021, banning imports of goods made with forced labour from Xinjiang. This legislation further dis-incentivised American companies from sourcing garments from China. As China’s economy has matured, wages have risen, making it less competitive compared to other low-cost garment-producing nations in Asia. While China’s loss has been significant, it has provided opportunities for other Asian countries to increase their exports to the US. These nations have leveraged their strengths to fill the gap left by China. Vietnam has been the biggest beneficiary, solidifying its position as a top supplier to the US apparel market. The country’s proximity to China has allowed it to capitalise on existing supply chain infrastructure while offering lower costs. Additionally, Vietnam has signed free trade agreements with key global partners, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which enhances its competitiveness. Known for its expertise in producing ready-made garments, Bangladesh has expanded its foothold in the US market by offering competitive pricing and large-scale production capabilities. Investments in sustainability and compliance with international labour standards have further boosted its appeal to American buyers. India has emerged as a strong contender, especially in categories like cotton apparel and textiles. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and a focus on enhancing manufacturing capacity have enabled Indian exporters to seize opportunities created by China’s declining market share.Cambodia’s garment sector has also seen growth, and the credit goes to preferential trade agreements and competitive labour costs. Despite challenges like limited infrastructure, the country has managed to attract US buyers seeking alternatives to China. The redistribution of market share among Asian countries has far-reaching implications for the global apparel industry. US companies have increasingly adopted a “China plus one” strategy, diversifying their supply chains to reduce dependence on a single country. This trend not only mitigates risks associated with geopolitical tensions but also ensures greater resilience against disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic. With more countries vying for a larger slice of the US apparel market, competition among Asian exporters has intensified. This has encouraged nations to invest in improving quality, sustainability, and compliance standards. Sustainability has become a key focus area for US retailers, who are under growing pressure from consumers and regulators to adopt ethical sourcing practices. Countries like Bangladesh and India have responded by investing in green technologies and sustainable manufacturing processes, further enhancing their appeal. As Donald Trump is all set to begin his new tenure in January 2025, after the historic election win, experts are closely watching how his administration might impact US-China trade relations and the broader apparel market. Trump’s first term was marked by a hardline approach to China, including the imposition of tariffs that disrupted global trade flows. As he will be returning to office, similar policies could further accelerate the decline in US garment imports from China, benefiting alternative suppliers in Asia. Trump’s “America First” policy emphasised boosting domestic manufacturing. While it is unlikely that the US will become a major garment producer due to high labour costs, policies encouraging reshoring could impact import patterns. A Trump administration might continue or even intensify scrutiny of China’s human rights practices, leading to stricter regulations on imports from the country. This could further pressure US companies to pivot away from Chinese suppliers. However, there are challenges for emerging exporters in Asia. While countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia have successfully increased their market share, they face several challenges in maintaining and expanding their foothold, which include infrastructure limitations, geopolitical risks, compliance costs, etc. The decline in US garment imports from China marks a pivotal shift in global trade dynamics, driven by geopolitical tensions, human rights concerns, and economic factors. While this has created opportunities for other Asian countries, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from infrastructure bottlenecks to compliance pressures. For now, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia are reaping the benefits of this transition, showcasing the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating the complexities of global trade. Copy 10/12/2024 10

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