Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a recent appointee to oversee the US Commerce Department, has emerged as a vocal advocate for Tether, a company central to one of the most significant crypto assets globally. Yet, within the realm of cryptocurrency—a financial ecosystem notorious for hosting some of the century's most substantial frauds—Tether stands out as an enigmatic entity, perpetually under the microscope of investor scrutiny regarding its operations. It operates as an unregulated offshore financial institution, serving as a cornerstone of the $3 trillion cryptocurrency industry. In essence, Tether functions by exchanging traditional currency for digital tokens, known as tether (lowercase-T), which act as a stable digital representation of the US dollar within the cryptocurrency market. These tether tokens are classified as stablecoins, designed to maintain a consistent value amidst the volatility of other cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Sheetz, a prominent gas station and convenience store chain, has announced a significant reduction in fuel prices at select locations. The company has decided to cut the cost of its Unleaded 88 fuel by 40 cents per gallon, a discount that will be in effect until the end of November. This promotion is available across 505 of Sheetz's locations that stock this specific grade of gasoline. Such periodic price reductions by Sheetz and similar chains are strategic moves to create excitement and drive sales, even if it means accepting lower profit margins. The hope is that by offering discounted fuel, the company can attract more customers, which in turn could lead to an increase in convenience store sales.

Milan's prestigious Via Monte Napoleone has surpassed New York's iconic Fifth Avenue to claim the title of the world's most costly shopping destination, a milestone that signifies the first occasion a European city has led the global rankings. Over the past year, rental prices on this street, nestled in the financial epicenter of Italy, have surged by 11%, reaching a staggering $2,047 per square foot, or an equivalent of €20,000 ($21,094) per square meter, as the demand for retail space has significantly outpaced the available supply. This information is derived from a recent report by the real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, released on Wednesday. In contrast, the rents on Upper Fifth Avenue, spanning from 49th to 60th streets, have remained static for the second year in a row at $2,000 per square foot.

The Associated Press reports that a local public health authority in Idaho has ceased distributing COVID-19 vaccinations to residents across six counties, following a close vote by its governing board. Southwest District Health has become the first in the country to face such restrictions in administering the vaccines. Typically, the provision of vaccinations is a critical role for public health departments.While certain states like Texas have prohibited health departments from advocating for COVID-19 vaccines and Florida's top medical official has advised against them, contradicting medical consensus, no government entities have previously banned the vaccines outright. "I'm not aware of any similar instances," remarked Adriane Casalotti, the director of government and public affairs for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. She noted that while health departments have sometimes halted vaccine distribution due to financial constraints or low demand, none have done so based on a judgment of the medical product itself."

A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals who engage in physical activity solely on weekends possess a comparable risk of developing mild cognitive impairment to those who exercise more regularly.

The powers that be in Venice have decided to stick with the charge for drop-in tourists, a choice that's gotten a mix of cheers and jeers from both visitors and locals. Dropped on October 24, the 2025 blueprint will expand the number of days the fee is active, climbing from 29 in 2024 to 54. There's also a revamp of the fee structure, transitioning from a set fee of 5 euros (around $5.40) in 2024 to a variable rate. Early birds, those booking more than four days in advance, will keep the lower fee of 5 euros, while those booking at the last minute, within three days of showing up, will have to fork out double at 10 euros (about $11).

As the colder months draw near, Mount Fuji, Japan's famous peak, is missing its usual snowy cap, marking a rare event in the mountain's long history. Normally, by this time of year, the top of Japan's highest mountain would be covered in snow. But as of recently, the peak is still bare, which has people worried about how climate change is affecting this national icon. The first snow is usually a sign that winter is coming after the summer climbing season wraps up, which happened a while ago this year. On average, snow starts to cover Mount Fuji around early October, and last year's first snow was noted a few days into the month, according to Japan's weather experts. But most of the snow melted away quickly last November because of unusually warm weather, as reported by a major news outlet. This year, the weather office, which has been announcing the first snow on Fuji every year since the 1800s, hasn't made that announcement yet, blaming the delay on the warm weather. "The high temperatures in Japan since the summer, along with the rain, have stopped the snow from falling," explained a weather expert from the weather office recently. The lack of snow by late October breaks the previous record set in the mid-20th century.

Nima Rinji Sherpa's ears still carry the dark hue of windburn, a testament to his daring ascents to altitudes where oxygen is scarce and weather can turn treacherous in a heartbeat. This month, the 18-year-old Nepalese mountaineer etched his name in history as the youngest individual to conquer all 14 of the world's loftiest summits. Yet, Nima is not one to rest on his laurels; he is already gearing up for his next monumental challenge. In a recent video call from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Nima revealed that after a brief respite, he will prepare to scale Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, alongside Italian climber Simone Moro—during the winter, in true alpine style. "It entails climbing an 8,000-meter peak in the depths of winter... devoid of fixed ropes, supplemental oxygen, and support. It's a true test of human endurance," Nima explained. "Such a feat has never been accomplished in the annals of mountaineering." He jested that after this, he would indeed take some well-deserved rest.

Japanese whiskies, nihonshu (sake), and beers have garnered global acclaim. However, a Tokyo-based bar is on a mission to revive interest in doburoku, an ancient and controversial beverage steeped in Japanese history. Heiwa Doburoku Kabutocho Brewery, nestled in the Nihombashi district of eastern Tokyo, is part of this revival. During the Edo era (1603-1868), this area bustled with activity as boats laden with sake shipments docked here. With this historical significance in mind, Heiwa Shuzou, a brewery established in 1928 in Wakayama prefecture known for its sake production, chose to open this unique doburoku-focused bar in one of Tokyo's most affluent neighborhoods. Before delving into the bar to sample this drink, it's essential to understand the rich and contentious history of doburoku.

Raised in modest conditions in the bustling heart of Macao, Simon Sio's childhood home was nestled in an antiquated edifice, directly facing the city's most opulent lodging at the time, the illustrious Hotel Central. This establishment, which first welcomed guests in 1928, swiftly evolved into a distinguished hub for the elite, including celebrities and dignitaries, throughout the subsequent decades. During the 1960s, the youthful Sio would sneak into this sanctuary of cool air, a luxury not commonly found in the sweltering tenements that encircled it. However, his adventures were cut short when he was ejected one day. "In my naivety, I didn't understand the rules," Sio reminisces. "I pointed at the hotel and vowed to one day make it mine." While countless youngsters globally have uttered such defiant promises, Sio is among the rare few who have actually fulfilled such a pledge. The entrepreneur, now in his 65th year, established his real estate development firm, Lek Hang Group, in 1991. Leaping forward to 2024, Sio could be seen inaugurating the reopening of the venerable Hotel Central, now under his ownership. His acquisition was not driven by animosity but by a desire to revive a fragment of Macao's vanishing heritage, a cause dear to his heart.

On a radiant, sunlit afternoon amidst the recent summer in Antarctica, the Seabourn Pursuit cruise liner collided with a vast expanse of sea ice in the pristine Hanusse Bay. The vessel advanced steadily, the ice shattering beneath its prow, until it was firmly lodged hundreds of meters into the icy waters. The 250 voyagers aboard the Pursuit gathered on their balconies and peered over the ship's railings to witness the spectacle. However, there was no frantic dash for the lifeboats. Instead, the passengers descended to the gangplank and began disembarking to explore the icy terrain. This encounter was not a mishap but a deliberate adventure, replete with a table adorned with flutes of champagne to celebrate their Antarctic arrival. Among those strolling on the ice floe were Greg and Susana McCurdy, retired Las Vegas law enforcement officers. Susana, now a part-time travel consultant, and her husband are spending their golden years visiting as many exotic destinations as possible. After securing their champagne, the McCurdys unfurled a small banner proclaiming “7th Continent Antarctica 2024,” and posed for a commemorative photograph. With this journey, they became part of an exclusive group who have set foot on every continent. Susana noted a shift among her clientele recently: “They seek more genuine, more bucket-list destinations, particularly post-Covid. They’re no longer waiting… And Antarctica is high on everyone’s wish list.”

Just a stone's throw from Moab, Utah, Red Cliffs Lodge typically hands out complimentary goodies such as maps to patrons. But in the fall of 2023, they spiced things up with a chilling addition: a ghost-chasing kit. This set comes complete with a recording device, an EMF detector, a spirit-communicating radio known as a ghost box, and a compendium of local spectral tales and the lodge's own ghostly chronicles. "Our visitors frequently come across odd occurrences, and there are three apparitions often spotted: the cigarette-smoking wrangler, the decapitated dame, and the submerged figure strolling by the Colorado River," remarks Brian Hunnings, the lodge's General Manager. "If you're prone to sensing such phenomena, chances are you'll cross paths with them. We aim to equip you for that adventure."