Tech giants Google and Samsung are gearing up to enter the competitive landscape of wearable headsets. In a strategic alliance, the two companies are set to unveil a mixed-reality headset designed to rival Apple's Vision Pro and Meta's Quest 3. This collaboration will see Samsung take the lead in manufacturing the headset, which will be driven by an innovative Android operating system, thus challenging Meta's market dominance. Although the release date is targeted for 2025, the pricing details have yet to be disclosed. Industry analysts anticipate that Samsung may aim to offer a more affordable option compared to Apple's steep $3,499 price point for the Vision Pro, with Meta's Quest 3 currently retailing at $500.

Reveling in the sun-soaked landscapes south of the border may come with a heftier price tag for cruise ship visitors to Mexico starting next year. The Mexican government is set to introduce a $42 immigration surcharge for each passenger arriving via cruise liners. According to the Associated Press, this fee will be levied on all passengers, irrespective of whether they choose to disembark or remain aboard the vessel. The new legislation mandates that Mexico's Immigration Institute will issue a "group visa to every individual on the ship's manifest." This development has raised concerns among several tourism organizations.

The Australian outback, a vast expanse of deserts and semi-arid wilderness, is a testament to the untamed beauty of our planet. It is a land that covers approximately 80% of Australia's interior, an area so immense it could swallow Texas seven times over. Here, the elements are unyielding, with temperatures swinging wildly between day and night, and the landscape is so inhospitable that it is largely forsaken by mankind. Yet, within this wilderness lies a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the expansive blue skies that seem to stretch on forever to sunsets that paint the horizon for what feels like an eternity, offering some of the most breathtaking scenes on Earth.

On a Saturday shrouded in the tempestuous embrace of the elements, the northern Greek metropolis of Thessaloniki unveiled its long-awaited metro system, a beacon of modernity amidst the gusty winds and rain. The city, steeped in history and tradition, welcomed this new chapter with open arms, as its citizens, undeterred by the inclement weather, formed eager queues outside the stations, their anticipation palpable as they awaited their first journey on the autonomous trains.

When considering global holiday hotspots, Thailand stands out as a top destination. Reports indicate that it has already welcomed around 26 million international visitors this year, with 2025 poised to be even more bustling. This Southeast Asian gem is renowned for its picturesque beaches, delectable cuisine, pulsating nightlife, and sacred temples. However, it's also notorious for its crowds. Over time, Thai authorities have attempted to mitigate the impact on its natural wonders by periodically shutting down popular national parks to allow for recovery.

In the wake of the US presidential election, a palpable restlessness has swept across the nation, igniting a fervent desire among Americans to seek solace and sanctuary beyond their borders. The winds of change have carried with them a surge in the quest for new horizons, as the allure of foreign lands beckons with promises of respite and rejuvenation. "It's been such a gut reaction of, 'I want to move, but I don't know where, and I don't know how,'" echoes Arielle Tucker, a Switzerland-based certified financial planner, whose expertise in guiding US citizens through the labyrinth of international relocation has been in high demand.

Europe's mainland, particularly its northern reaches, exudes a festive allure that is unmatched. The wintry weather and Gothic architecture create an ambiance that is perfect for those yearning for a quintessential winter escape. Here are some of the European destinations that celebrate Christmas with unparalleled enthusiasm. Vienna, the picturesque capital of Austria, radiates holiday spirit as the year draws to a close. The towering Christmas tree and the well-known Christmas market outside the majestic Rathaus, Vienna's City Hall, are must-see attractions. However, the Spittelberg market adds an extra layer of festive delight. This market, nestled in the streets of the Biedermeier Quarter, offers exquisite handcrafted items and hand-knitted sweaters. Visitors can savor a warm gluhwein while strolling leisurely, admiring the architecture that seems perfectly suited for the holiday season.

Democracy has ancient roots, and the Lycians, who once governed the southwest region of present-day Turkey, were no strangers to this form of governance. Two millennia ago, they established a democratic federation that would later influence the political framework of the United States. Amidst the current global challenges faced by democracies, a different legacy of the Lycians endures in the Mediterranean—a legacy centered on the concept of death. A drive along the coast reveals the proximity of the deceased to the living, with the Lycians' elaborate tombs etched into cliffs, overlooking towns, valleys, and the sea. These are not the only remnants; grand sarcophagi, likely housing the remains of Lycia's elite, are scattered across the landscape, often seamlessly integrated into the urban environment. For history enthusiasts, seeking out these monuments is an adventure that requires a mix of exploration and historical curiosity. While some tombs are preserved within ticketed archaeological sites, others are open to the public, demanding a level of determination and skill akin to that of an Indiana Jones to uncover.

Nearly five decades after the tragic events that unfolded in Guyana, the nation is considering revisiting its somber past. The United States' Reverend Jim Jones and over 900 of his followers perished in the remote interior of this South American nation, marking one of the most significant acts of mass suicide in modern history. A government-supported tour company is now proposing to open the former commune, now hidden by lush vegetation, to tourists, a move that has reignited old wounds. Critics argue that such a venture would show disrespect to the victims and unearth a distressing chapter of history.

After a five-year restoration process following a catastrophic fire, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was officially reopened with a grand ceremony on Saturday. The event was attended by a host of global figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump, current US first lady Jill Biden, the world's wealthiest individual Elon Musk, and Britain's Prince William, who joined French President Emmanuel Macron in a celebration that blended Catholic rituals with historical and political significance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who made a last-minute appearance, was given a standing ovation upon his arrival at the cathedral. Approximately 170 bishops from across the globe and priests from all 106 parishes in Paris participated in the event, though Pope Francis was notably absent, opting to send a message instead, which described the reopening as an occasion of "joy, celebration, and praise."

A visit to Rome in 2024 might leave some tourists feeling underwhelmed. The city, renowned for its ancient splendors, has seen many of its treasures obscured by scaffolding due to ongoing extensive renovations. Rome's historic heart has taken on the appearance of a construction zone, with teams laboring day and night on a multitude of infrastructure and preservation initiatives. Traffic, already a challenge, has become even more unbearable. The silver lining is that once these projects are completed, the Eternal City is poised to reveal itself more resplendently, with an upgraded metro system that will swiftly transport visitors to key attractions. However, with the year-long Roman Catholic jubilee, anticipated to draw up to 35 million visitors, just around the corner, a significant portion of the restoration efforts remain incomplete.

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, the transformation of public figures is a common occurrence. However, few transitions have been as intriguing as that of Matt Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida, who is set to join One America News Network (OAN) as an anchor starting in January. This shift, announced by the network, marks a significant milestone in Gaetz's career and the trajectory of OAN, a far-right news outlet that has positioned itself as a staunch advocate for conservative principles.

General Motors (GM) has announced a strategic shift, discontinuing its pursuit of autonomous taxi fleets and refocusing on driver-assistance technologies that necessitate human intervention. The company cited the extensive time and resources required to scale the autonomous taxi business, along with an increasingly competitive market, as the primary reasons for this decision. In a statement, GM highlighted the challenges of scaling the business and the growing competition in the autonomous taxi sector.

As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump approaches, the economic landscape is poised for a significant shift. With the promise of new tariffs on the horizon, the air is thick with anticipation and uncertainty. The proposed tariffs—25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, an additional 10% on goods from China, and a range of 10% to 20% on products from all other countries—have the potential to reshape the way Americans shop and spend.

Rumors are circulating that Walgreens Boots Alliance is in talks with Sycamore Partners to privatize the company, a move that has caused its stock to surge nearly 20% on Tuesday. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, negotiations between the struggling drugstore chain and the private equity firm are underway, with the potential deal expected to be finalized in the early part of the next year. Walgreens Boots Alliance has declined to comment on these speculations, stating that they do not engage with rumors or conjecture. The specifics of the potential agreement are still being finalized.

Activist investment firm Barington Capital and private equity firm Thor Equities have proposed a radical restructuring of Macy's, arguing that the company would be more financially valuable if it ceased operations and liquidated its assets. This assertion is based on their belief that Macy's real estate holdings are worth more than the company itself, a situation they deem unsustainable as it obscures the true worth of Macy's. They contend that Macy's stock has become so unappealing due to the company's struggles that its market value is less than the value of its individual components. The proposed solution is to dismantle the company and unlock the value of its assets.

The Resumption of Boeing's Production: A Journey Through Turbulence

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, which polled nearly 5,400 employed adults in the United States, has shed light on the sentiments of American workers towards their jobs. The study, released on a Tuesday, revealed that a significant majority of respondents—88%—expressed a degree of satisfaction with their employment, with 50% claiming to be very satisfied and 38% somewhat satisfied. Among different demographic groups, white workers emerged as the most content, with 55% reporting high levels of job satisfaction. This figure was notably lower among Hispanic (44%), Black (43%), and English-speaking Asian workers (42%). Age also played a role, with the 65 and older cohort reporting the highest satisfaction at 67%, followed by those aged 50-64 at 56%. Middle and upper-income earners were slightly more likely to report being very satisfied, as were 42% of lower-income individuals.

In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Taco Bell, a brand synonymous with tacos and Mexican-inspired fare, has taken a bold step outside its comfort zone with the launch of the Live Más Café in San Diego. This new concept signals a strategic shift for the brand, as it enters the competitive realm of specialty beverages, a market long dominated by industry giants like Starbucks and Dunkin’, as well as rapidly expanding chains such as Dutch Bros, Swig, and Scooter’s Coffee.

The global aviation sector is on track to generate a staggering $1 trillion in revenue in the upcoming year, with passenger volumes projected to reach a record-breaking 5 billion, according to a recent announcement by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The organization also anticipates a significant surge in the average profit per passenger for airlines, which is expected to rise to approximately $7 in the next year, a marked increase from the mere $2.25 seen 18 months prior. This year's per-passenger profit is forecasted to be $6.40. These figures signify a remarkable recovery for an industry that, due to the pandemic, experienced three consecutive years of losses from 2020 to 2022, totaling nearly $187 billion. The robust demand for travel, which has seen a strong rebound following the easing of Covid-related travel restrictions, has swiftly restored profitability within the airline industry and has enabled some carriers to command higher ticket prices.

President-elect Donald Trump regards tariffs as a powerful tool, one that can be strategically deployed to exert pressure on both allies and adversaries, addressing a range of issues from drug smuggling and unauthorized border crossings to challenges to the US dollar's supremacy. Trump, who once proclaimed himself "Tariff Man" and recently hailed import taxes as "the greatest invention ever," embraces a high-stakes, high-reward approach that aims to maximize leverage over other countries, compelling them to engage in negotiations. There is an argument to be made for employing tariffs as a formidable bargaining tool, albeit one that carries the risk of increasing consumer prices for those already burdened by the high cost of living. With the United States importing approximately $3 trillion worth of goods annually, the prospect of tariffs can wield significant influence over nations whose economies would collapse without access to the American market, should Trump impose a 100% tariff on their exports.