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Venezuela president Maduro increases minimum wage by 300 per cent as inflation approaches 2 million per cent

Venezuela‘s president has raised the country’s minimum wage by 300 per cent as part of routine wage increases as his government battles hyperinflation. Nicolas Maduro increased the minimum wage to 18,000 bolivars, around £5.20, per month amid an economy suffering from annual inflation nearing two million per cent. Mr Maduro announced his economic plans at the start of his second, disputed, term on Monday, as calls increased for him to surrender power.

GOP condemnation rises over Rep. Steve King's white supremacy comment; House to vote on rebuke

The House was scheduled to vote on a formal rebuke of Rep. Steve King, who has received bipartisan condemnation for his comments on white supremacy.

Complaint in Closs case could be road map for prosecution

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The criminal complaint charging a Wisconsin man with abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents laid out the case in detail and offered a possible road map for how prosecutors will seek a conviction in the girl's 88-day ordeal.

Who's behind the egg that broke the Instagram world record?

By now, you've heard about the egg, which surpassed a photo of Kylie Jenner's daughter, Stormi, on Sunday as the most-liked post on Instagram.  But who did the egg? Whose dumb but ultimately successful idea was this? > View this post on Instagram > > A post shared by EGG GANG (@world_record_egg) on Jan 4, 2019 at 9:05am PST Here's what we know so far: ## 1\. The egg account holder goes by "Henrietta." Henrietta is, according to a report from BuzzFeed News, a "chicken from the British countryside." ## 2\. The account holder, however, claims to live in London. "I'm an individual living in London," the account holder told The Independent earlier this week. They also revealed that they only have 400 followers on their personal Instagram account. ## 3\. The egg's name is Eugene, allegedly. In some interviews, the account holder goes by the name Eugene, bypassing the whole "Henrietta" schtick entirely. ## 4\. The person who did the egg was participating in dry January at the time. Nothing breeds creativity like suddenly not drinking. ## 5\. Fans of the egg are called the "Egg Gang." Sure. ## 6\. The egg account follows 928 accounts and two hashtags. The hashtags are #WSHH -- WorldStarHipHop -- and #FatBoySSE, who is a rapper from New Jersey. > View this post on Instagram > > A post shared by Supreme Patty (@supremepatty) on Jan 14, 2019 at 5:20pm PST ## 7\. Supreme Patty is a suspect. So far, the only public figure to have implied responsibility for the egg is Supreme Patty, an Instagram star who smokes hot sauce and is known for squeezing lemon juice into his own eyes. While Patty didn't claim he did the egg outright, one of his friends did say so in a TMZ interview. (This is, of course, to be taken with a lemon-sized grain of salt.) For what it's worth, we do not think Supreme Patty did the egg. It's more likely that he's just capitalizing on the big meme of the moment. He did get an egg tattoo, though, so kudos on committing to the bit. And the egg does follow him on Instagram. We've reached out to Supreme Patty and will update this post if we hear back. ## 8\. Okay, the egg account says it's not Supreme Patty. In an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, @world_record_egg claimed the TMZ story was bogus. "We're still anonymous. Fake news," they wrote. Image: Instagram So we guess it's not Supreme Patty. Stay tuned for more egg updates. This story is developing ... UPDATE: Jan. 16, 2019, 1:34 p.m. ET This story was updated to include information regarding the egg's Instagram Story as well as the hashtags it follows. ## WATCH: A teenager crashed their car doing the "Bird Box" challenge

Two Republicans Push ‘Border Bonds’ to Let Americans Finance a Wall

Representatives Steven Palazzo of Mississippi and Andy Harris of Maryland, both members of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced the Border Bonds for America Act of 2019 -- a law that would allow Americans to buy such securities from the U.S. The money would be put in a trust fund and used just to build a wall along the nearly 2,000 mile (3,200 kilometer) border. The tactic echoes the Liberty Bond program, which appealed to Americans’ sense of patriotism to raise funds during World War I.

Procter & Gamble’s Toxic Sanctimony

Recognized around the world as a symbol of manly civility for more than a century, Gillette will now be remembered as the company that did itself in by sacrificing a massive consumer base at the altar of progressivism. In case you hadn’t seen or heard: Parent company Procter & Gamble launched a Gillette ad campaign blanket-demonizing men as ogres and bullies. At home and at work, in the boardroom, on the playground, and even while barbecuing in the backyard, Gillette sees nothing but testosterone-driven trouble.

Saudi urges 'fair' energy transition, defends oil

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia called Tuesday for a "fair" and gradual global energy transition as it unveiled an ambitious domestic renewable energy programme. Experts say energy output from renewables, especially solar and wind, is growing faster than anticipated, threatening to displace oil, gas and coal as the world's main sources of power. "Balancing greenhouse gas emissions will take decades," he said at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

A new migrant caravan heads for U.S. border

Several hundred Honduran migrants have crossed the border with Guatemala, as part of a new migrant caravan headed for the U.S. border. Jayson Albano reports.

Delta growth to slow further in first quarter as shutdown weighs

Delta Air Lines Inc on Tuesday forecast a further decline in revenue growth per mile flown in the first quarter, hit by a partial government shutdown.

SAS soldier hailed as a hero after charging into gunfire to take down terrorists in Nairobi hotel

A member of the SAS helped save hundreds of lives when he charged into gunfire to rescue civilians trapped during a terrorist attack in Nairobi. A mission mounted by Kenyan forces on Wednesday ended a 20-hour assault on 14 Riverside, a luxury hotel and office complex in one of the city's most affluent districts, killing at least five of the perpetrators. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose to 21, with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. At least one Briton was killed and one other badly wounded, amid fears the true death toll could be higher after the Kenyan Red Cross disclosed that as many as 50 people remained unaccounted for. The unidentified SAS soldier, reportedly in Kenya to train and mentor local special forces, often appeared to be at the forefront of the operation, frequently pictured bringing civilians to safety.   The soldier, carrying his special forces C8 Diemaco rifle, enters the compound alongside Kenyan security forces Credit: AFP Although on non-combat deployment, he raced to the scene within the first hour of the attack, wearing body armour over civilian clothes and a balaclava to cover his face.  In one photograph from the scene, he carries the limp, bleeding body of a victim. Another shows the soldier bursting into the hotel complex with his special forces issue C8 Diemaco rifle drawn.  He reportedly worked with US Navy Seals, operating under Kenyan command, during the mission. British special forces, who regularly train the equivalent troops of foreign nations, are not meant to engage in any direct combat on such missions.  However, the Telegraph understands that no action is to be taken against the SAS man who acted in Kenya, and that his decision to involve himself in the life-saving operation is considered to be a fine example of the ethos of British Special Forces.    The SAS soldier evacuates an injured woman from the scene in Nairobi Five years ago in Nairobi a bungled security operation was blamed for prolonging a terror attack on the Westgate shopping mall, during which 67 people were killed. Lessons appear to have been learnt. On Wednesday multiple security units, acting under the command of the head of a feared paramilitary unit, mounted a sustained counterassault, clearing the complex building by building. It was unclear if other British personnel were involved. A second British security officer, stationed in a getaway vehicle outside the complex during the first phase of the counterattack on Tuesday afternoon confirmed his involvement but declined to give details, only saying: “We are part of an ongoing operation”.  More than 800 people were caught up in the incident, many of them either hotel guests or workers at the local headquarters of multinational corporations housed in the complex’s five office blocks. A British national named as Luke Potter was confirmed among the dead. An employee of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, set up by the philanthropist and Labour peer Lord Sainsbury, he had only recently arrived in Nairobi. Luke Potter, the British man among at least 14 people killed in a militant attack at a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi. Credit: PA At least one other Briton, believed to have been with Mr Potter, was among the wounded after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. She was described as being in a critical but stable condition by friends. Those still trapped in the latter stages of the siege told terrifying stories of their ordeal. Cherop Rotich, a secretary, said she had hidden in an office lavatory as gunmen prowled the corridor outside, kicking at doors and taunting their intended victims.  “I honestly thought I was not going to get out alive,” she said, shortly after being led out of the complex. Others told of how they fled restaurant tables and business meetings as the gunmen, with bandoliers strapped to their chests, fired at random.  Even when rescue came, the danger persisted. Survivors led out of the complex by police officers on Wednesday morning said they had come under sniper fire. Security forces help civilians flee the scene as cars burn behind Credit:  Ben Curtis/ AP Worried about the impact of terror attacks on Kenya’s tourism sector, government officials have a history of playing down the number of victims of terror attacks.  President Kenyatta has yet to fulfill a promise to hold a commission of inquiry into the 2013 Westgate attack, which saw accusations that army personnel sent in to kill the Jihadists instead engaged in a drunken looting spree before blowing up part of the mall to cover their tracks. Dominic Troulan, a former British special forces officer attached to the Foreign Office, engaged terrorists amid the chaos, helping to free many civilians. He was later awarded the George Cross. Mr Kenyatta on Wednesday pledged to hunt down those responsible for the attack, responsibility for which was claimed by al-Shabaab, a Somali Islamist outfit affiliated to al-Qaeda. “We will seek every person involved in planning, funding and executing this heinous act,” he said in a sombre address to the nation. Nairobi attack Under British and American tutelage, Kenyan intelligence gathering on al-Shabaab activities has improved in recent years. Last February, a mass attack on an unknown Nairobi target was thwarted after a vehicle filled with weapons and explosives was intercepted on the road from Somalia to the Kenyan capital. But there has been quiet criticism after recent warnings of an impending attack, passed onto Kenya by Western intelligence agencies, allegedly did not meet a sufficiently serious response. However, Kenyan security forces were placed on high alert in October after the country's intelligence service received reports of an impending attack on government buildings in Nairobi. A Kenyan security source said that the picture was unclear, however, and that the identity of targets kept changing. Yet it was also becoming apparent that the terrorists had staked out the Riverside complex for some time. Reuben Kimani, a barista in the hotel that bore the brunt of the attack, said he recognised one of the gunmen because he had served him coffee on several occasions.

What happens to the 62,500 students with special needs during Los Angeles teachers' strike?

The disruption triggered by the strike that began Monday in the nation's second-largest school district could set back thousands of other children with developmental disabilities who need special education and consistency, parents told USA TODAY.

American anchor for Iranian TV is arrested on visit to US

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television has been arrested by the FBI during a visit to the U.S., the broadcaster reported Wednesday, and her son said she was being held in a prison, apparently as a material witness.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand moves toward launching 2020 presidential campaign

The New York Democrat announced her intentions on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" ahead of a trip to Iowa this weekend.

Hottest vehicles at Detroit auto show: Shelby GT, electric SUV, Kia SUV

The Ford Shebly GT 500, Toyota Supra and Kia Telluride generate buzz at the Detroit auto show.

FBI debated whether Trump was ‘following directions’ of Russia, transcripts reveal

Top FBI officials debated whether Donald Trump was “acting at the behest of” Russia and “somehow following directions,” according to newly disclosed transcripts of congressional hearings. James Baker, the FBI’s general counsel in the aftermath of James Comey’s firing as FBI director, told lawmakers senior bureau officials discussed the possibility the US president was working for the Kremlin, according to transcripts obtained by CNN. The other extreme is that the president is completely innocent, and we discussed that too,” Mr Baker told investigators at a closed-door hearing in 2018.

F-22 vs. F-35: Which Stealth Fighter Wins in a Shootout?

The U.S. Air Force’s original plan was for the F-22 to be its high-end air superiority fighter while the F-35 was designed to be primarily an air-to-ground strike aircraft, but one which could defend itself.

Turkish prosecutor seeks extradition of NBA's Kanter over Gulen links: Anadolu

Turkish prosecutors are seeking the extradition of New York Knicks center Enes Kanter over his links to the U.S.-based cleric accused of orchestrating a failed coup in 2016, state-owned Anadolu news agency said. Kanter, a vocal critic of President Tayyip Erdogan, was indicted by a Turkish court last year over alleged membership of an "armed terrorist group" after being contacted repeatedly by people close to Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. Anadolu said on Tuesday prosecutors had sought the issue of a "red notice" for Kanter, an Interpol request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition.

Fortnite left players exposed to 'massive invasion of privacy'

Children playing Fortnite were exposed to a potential “massive invasion of privacy” thanks to an oversight in the game’s security, researchers have revealed.  The popular shooting game enjoyed by more than 80 million people around the world left users vulnerable to a flaw that if exploited, allowed hackers to steal virtual currency and read private conversations online. The bug was fixed in mid-December, according to researchers who shared their findings with Fortnite's developer, Epic Games. To take control, the researchers sent a message to their victim over social media including a malicious link.  Once clicked, the user’s Fortnite authentication token - code that confirms a user is logged in - could be captured by the attacker without the user entering their username or password.  “Fortnite is one of the most popular games played mainly by kids. These flaws provided the ability for a massive invasion of privacy,” said Oded Vanunu, head of products vulnerability research for Check Point, who found they were able to access target accounts.  Fortnite | Read more It comes as the police’s fraud arm warned that scammers are using the multiplayer Battle Royale-style game to trick young players into handing over their parents’ bank details.  Criminals are increasingly targeting children on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with adverts claiming to offer free "V-bucks", a currency used to buy extras like character outfits.  After clicking the link, victims can be asked questions about their account, which the perpetrator uses to log in, and steal credit or debit card details that are stored there. Fortnite fever has gripped the nation since it launched in July 2017, with parents growing concerned that their children have become "addicted" to the multiplayer title.  Users could protect themselves in future using  by turning on two-factor authentication which prompts the player to enter a security code sent to their email address upon logging in. Epic Games have been contacted for comment.

Sears Chairman Eddie Lampert revises his bid to save the company, report says

Amid an auction of its assets, Sears chairman Eddie Lampert has tweaked his bid for the beleaguered retailer according to Bloomberg

Charter school educators back striking Los Angeles teachers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles school administrators urged the union to resume bargaining as thousands of teachers walked picket lines for a second day Tuesday, joined for the first time by some of their counterparts from independent charter schools.

UK PM May reaches out to rivals in Brexit deadlock

May said she was "disappointed" by Corbyn's decision and stressed that "our door remains open". Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party (SNP) said his party would only participate if she were prepared to consider delaying Brexit, ruling out a "no deal" and the option of holding a second referendum. The prime minister is working to the tightest-possible deadline as Britain prepares to leave the bloc that for half a century defined its economic and political relations with the rest of the world.

Wild-Styled 2020 Toyota Supra Debuts With More Power and Tech

Toyota unveiled the highly anticipated all-new Supra sports car at the Detroit auto show. Sharing platform and powertrain with the redesigned BMW Z4 roadster, the Supra promises to be a natural h...

Manchin Calls Pelosi’s Request for SOTU Postponement the ‘Wrong Approach’

Democratic senator Joe Manchin said Wednesday that he thinks House speaker Nancy Pelosi made the wrong move in asking President Trump to postpone his State of the Union address until the government is reopened, or give the address from the Oval Office instead of the capitol. “I’m not sure what her intentions are,” Manchin said on NBC. “I have the utmost respect for Speaker Pelosi. Pelosi cited security concerns in a letter to Trump on Wednesday asking that  he postpone the State of the Union address to Congress until the government reopens, or deliver it from the Oval Office instead.

Steve King: Republican congressman who defended white supremacy stripped of committee assignments

A senior Republican congressman has been blocked by his own party from sitting on committees after his universally condemned remarks about white supremacy. Steve King, in his ninth term representing Iowa in Washington, will not be given committee assignments for the next two years, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said. Mr King had served on the agriculture, small business and judiciary committees in the last Congress, also chairing the judiciary's subcommittee on the constitution and civil justice.

Apple, Amazon called out for "incorrect" Taiwan, Hong Kong references

TAIPEI/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - One of China's top government-linked think tanks has called out Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc and other foreign companies for not referring to Hong Kong and Taiwan as part of China in a report that provoked a stern reaction from Taipei. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) said in a report this month that 66 of the world's 500 largest companies had used "incorrect labels" for Taiwan and 53 had errors in the way they referred to Hong Kong, according to China's Legal Daily newspaper.

PG&E ex-CEO receives $2.5 million in severance as company announces plans for bankruptcy

The ex-PG&E CEO resigned Sunday ahead of the utility's impending bankruptcy due to potential liability for its role in recent California wildfires.

Huawei boss Ren Zhengfei denies espionage allegations in rare public announcement

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has broken a lengthy silence to hit back at criticism levelled at the Chinese telecoms giant by western countries in recent months, claiming that the firm is not aiding Beijing in espionage. Mr Ren, who has not spoken to the foreign press since 2015, said that his company has “never received any request from any government to provide improper information”. The chief executive made the public appearance following the arrest of his daughter and Huawei’s chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver two months ago, who is alleged to have violated US sanctions on Iran. Huawei is the world’s biggest provider of telecoms equipment and will be a key partner for companies working to build next-generation 5G mobile networks. The company has come under fresh pressure after a Huawei executive arrested in Poland was accused of spying. Huawei has since sacked the employee. The arrest comes after months of heightened scrutiny from the likes of the US, Australia, Japan and the UK, which have raised questions about the cyber security risks posed by the telecoms firm. Technology intelligence - newsletter promo - EOA “I love my country, I support the Communist Party. But I will not do anything to harm the world,” Mr Ren told journalists in Shenzhen on Tuesday. “I don’t see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and the businesses of Huawei.” The Huawei boss doubled-down on his defense, saying that his company does not have regular contact with the political regime and would refuse any requests from the Chinese government for sensitive information.  Huawei has also found support from the Chinese government amid a backlash from western countries. During a briefing in Beijing on Monday, Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the allegations of security threats posed by Chinese companies were being used to suppress their growth in international markets. “We urge relevant parties to cease the groundless fabrications and unreasonable restrictions toward Huawei and other Chinese companies, and create a fair, good and just environment for mutual investment and normal cooperation by both sides’ companies,” she said. Ms Hua added that those using "security reasons to hype, obstruct or restrict" Chinese company ties with other countries would be hurting their own interests.

The Latest: UN Security Council condemns Kenya attack

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The Latest on the extremist attack on a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya (all times local):

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

A toddler, still strapped into a car safety seat, survived a fall out of a moving vehicle this week on a Minnesota road—providing a chilling reminder of the importance of proper car seat installa...

No One Is More Elated About Meghan Markle Than This Kid

This kid had the most relatable reaction ever

Russia's Lavrov: We're not rubbing our hands with glee over Brexit

Russia's foreign minister said his country's aim was to have a strong and united European Union, whether or not Brexit happens. Rough cut (no reporter narration)

Pence urges US diplomats to promote legal immigration

Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday urged US diplomats to emphasize that the United States still welcomes legal immigrants, amid unrelenting pressure from President Donald Trump to seal off Mexico with a wall. "I urge you to assure our allies this administration will continue to stand for legal immigration, even while we address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border," Pence told 180 US ambassadors and chiefs of mission abroad who were back at the State Department for an annual meeting.

What Ford and Volkswagen's Tie-Up on Trucks Means for the Ranger in America

Ford and VW formalize an alliance to build pickups and vans, but don’t expect the Amarok to make it to the U.S.

U.S. eyes Taiwan risk as China's military capabilities grow

The senior U.S. defense intelligence official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, did not predict that China's military, known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA), would take such a step but said such a possibility was the top worry as China expands and modernizes its military capabilities. "The biggest concern is that ... they are getting to a point where the PLA leadership may actually tell Xi Jinping that they are confident in their capabilities," the official said, referring to China's president. Pressed on whether the official was referring to Chinese confidence in its capabilities to be able to successfully win a battle with Taiwan, the official said, "Well, specifically that would be the most concerning to me." Taiwan is only one of a growing number of flashpoints in the U.S.-China relationship, including a trade war between the countries, U.S. sanctions on the Chinese military, and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

40 mile-per-hour mudslides, floods: California storms could cause serious damage

Mudslides and flooding were closing roads in California as heavy rains and snow were forecast deep into the week.

The top 5 benefits that make the American Express Platinum Card a must-have

BGR has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. BGR and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers. With large banks like JP Morgan and American Express poised to start significantly changing up how they structure rewards associated with premium credit cards, consumers may find it trickier than ever these days to figure out how to wade through the choices of plastic available to them and come to a decision. These kinds of cards, in particular, come with generally high fees to go along with the abundance of perks. Large financial institutions have historically enticed borrowers to spring for their most luxe credit options by offering incentives like free air travel and tons of points, though as The Wall Street Journal reported in recent days some banks are now looking to tweak that model -- changing up the rewards so that you get less on the front end and you're induced to actually use the cards more to get the benefits over the long term. All of which is to say, when you consider all of the above and the various options on the market available to you, there are several reasons why the Platinum Card® from American Express is a smart choice for consumers who want the best mix of price and rewards. Here's some of what it offers. An impressive domestic lounge network One of the easiest reasons to cite for why it's worth it to spring for the Amex Platinum Card is the lounge access you're afforded. This card gets you into any of the more than 30 Delta Sky Clubs around the globe plus American Express' own luxurious Centurion Lounges -- which also happen to be multiplying. Examples include the new 12,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal D that opened in the fall and which offers a full bar menu that features local wines and beer as well as a menu with Texas-themed dishes. In all, this card unlocks access to more than 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries. The Platinum Card's Priority Pass membership also makes free food and drinks available at a growing number of airport restaurants and bars, so this benefit definitely helps take the sting out of getting hit with a long layover between flights. Tons of points, baby! The Platinum card is also offering a whopping 60,000-point bonus that kicks in once you make $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of your card membership. By one estimate, those points are worth up to $1,200 according to The Points Guy's recent valuation, and come on top of the card's other benefits like lounge access. When you book through an airline or via American Express Travel, you can earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on flights and hotels. This particular benefit has also been singled out for praise as being the best offering in its category among all cards, given that the 5x multiple on points for airfare can be earned even when you book through any airline - whereas you need to book through Amex Travel to get the 5 points for every dollar benefit. A combined up to $400 in airline fee and Uber credits Among the other ways this card's benefits more than offset that $550 fee each year, you also get up to $200 airline fee credit that can pay for everything from checked bag fees to in-flight food and drink purchases. The only caveat is you have to choose one airline each year that you'll direct your fee credit to, but it's a small price to pay. And as if that wasn't enough, Amex is also throwing in up to $200 in Uber savings each year. It's structured as a $15 Uber credit each month, with up to an additional $20 extra in December - which, while frequent travelers will have no problem using that up quickly, is still one more welcome perk to have. You've got to connect the card to your Uber app, and the monthly benefit is of the use-it-or-lose-it variety, but don't worry. If you don't have need of an Uber ride during a particular month, you can always use that month's credit on an UberEats delivery, instead. Complimentary premium status and memberships galore, from hotels to car rentals The Amex Platinum also has a ton of hotel-related perks alone that will quickly offset the costs that rack up from frequent travel, including complimentary gold status at Hilton and Starwood Hotels, which lets you enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton chain and which can also be matched with Marriott Gold status. Likewise, Platinum card members can also upgrade to Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Elite Status without having to meet any minimum stay requirements. And as if that wasn't enough, other elite member benefits include being given an enhanced room at check-in, when available. For car rentals, it's the same story. You get complimentary elite status with brands like Avis and Hertz, giving you the ability to take advantage of free membership in premium car rental programs that include special upgrades and discounts. The verdict: As the industry-leading charge card, the Platinum Card from American Express is the quintessential credit card. It's not even hard to not only over the card's annual fee, but actually come out ahead. If you travel a lot during the course of a year, or even if you're only on the road and hopping flights sporadically here and there, the Amex Platinum Card definitely is worthy of serious consideration. Benefits span beyond travel, like the card's stellar purchase protection, which reimburses you if you use it to buy an item that's later lost, stolen or damaged accidentally. Amex will cover you for the amount you paid, up to $10,000 per item with a $50,000 yearly maximum, for starters. You'll get plenty of use out of this card, in other words, and then some.

AP Explains: Who are al-Shabab attackers of Kenya hotel?

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The overnight attack on a hotel complex in Nairobi that left 14 dead was quickly claimed by the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which has targeted Kenya with several devastating assaults in recent years, leaving hundreds dead. Here's a look at the group which has been called the deadliest in Africa:

You’ll want to eat this giant M&M cookie right out of the pan

Welcome to Best Bites, a twice-weekly video series that aims to satisfy your

Netflix Price Hike Points to the Changing Math of Cord Cutting

Here's some bad news for those looking forward to the season 3 premiere of “Stranger Things”: The demogorgon isn't the only thing on the rise. Netflix is planning to boost prices for all of its m...

David Webb speaks out after being accused of 'white privilege' by a CNN legal analyst who didn't know he was black

Sirius XM radio and Fox Nation host David Webb reacts to CNN legal analyst Areva Martin accusing him of 'white privilege' during a debate on his radio show.

Huawei’s Founder Breaks Silence to Deny U.S. Spying Claims and Praise Trump

Ren Zhengfei, the billionaire founder of Huawei Technologies Co., broke a years-long silence as his technology empire faces its biggest crisis over three decades of existence. The telecom mogul called Donald Trump “a great president” and said he will take a wait-and-see approach to whether the U.S. leader will intervene in the case of his eldest daughter and Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou. The emergence of the reclusive Ren, who last spoke with foreign media in 2015, underscores the depth of the attacks on Huawei, the largest symbol of China’s growing technological might.

Britain's May says she will respond quickly after key Brexit vote

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her senior ministers she would respond quickly to Tuesday's evening's vote in parliament on her proposed Brexit deal, her spokesman said. Asked by reporters if she would quit if, as widely expected, she lost the vote, the spokesman said May was determined to deliver the will of public and take Britain out of the EU.

Jamie Dimon says shutdown could reduce economic growth to zero this quarter if it continues

Jamie Dimon, CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase CEO, said that the partial government shutdown could sap all growth from the U.S. economy.

The 2019 Heavy Duty Ram’s Cummins Requires An Entire Eight Feet of Diesel-Exhaust-Scrubbing Tech

The Ram HD's improbably long exhaust system alone is something to gawk at.

Correction: Venezuela-Maduro's Challenger story

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — In a story Jan. 14 about the head of Venezuela's congress, The Associated Press erroneously spelled the family name of Juan Requesens.

Key things to know about Gabon

Gabon, one of Africa's top oil producers, has been ruled for more than 50 years by the Bongo family. President Ali Bongo, who took over from his father in 2009, oversaw the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday, the day after returning home from an absence that prompted a foiled coup. One in two Gabonese is aged under 20.