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☆ 'Toadzilla': Australian park rangers discover record-breaking cane toad
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Aina J. Khan | Aina Is A Freelance Reporter With Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: 1 min

In the wild rainforest of Australia’s north, park rangers have stumbled upon a predator so large they felt they had no choice but to dub it “Toadzilla.”The giant cane toad was discovered Thursday by rangers who were conducting track work in Conway National Park in the state of Queensland. A snake slithering across the track beside the Conway Circuit serendipitously forced the team to stop their vehicle, Ranger Kylee Gray recounted, leading her to step out, look down and gasp when she spotted the toad. “I reached down and grabbed the cane toad and couldn’t believe how big and heavy it was,” Gray said in a statement from Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science. “We believe it’s a female due to the size, and female cane toads do grow bigger than males,” Gray added in the statement. Though not this big, usually.

☆ Mother, politician, trailblazer. How Jacinda Ardern became an icon for millions
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Aina J. Khan | Aina Is A Freelance Reporter With Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

In the six years since then, she has become an icon of the left and a champion for women in public life, bringing a compassionate and authoritative energy to the hypermasculine realm of world politics. Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, during a news conference in Sydney in June. Data released last year to New Zealand’s Newshub media outlet showed police recorded 18 threats to the prime minister in 2019, 32 in 2020 and 50 in 2021. If that person receives more than two-thirds of caucus support, Ardern said, she will resign soon after and the new leader will be sworn in as prime minister. Ardern said she plans to remain in Parliament until April, avoiding the need for a snap vote in her suburban Auckland electorate.

☆ London police officer admits to being serial rapist
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Aina J. Khan | Aina Is A Freelance Reporter With Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

LONDON — A London police officer has admitted raping and sexually assaulting a dozen women over nearly two decades, in a case described as "devastating" for the already frayed public trust in the force. “He has devastated colleagues.”“He used the fact he was a police officer to control and coerce his victims. Carrick met some of the women through online dating sites or on social occasions, using his position as a police officer to gain their trust, according to The Associated Press. Police have been working to repair ties with the community and restore trust among women after a string of cases that fueled concerns around sexual misconduct, misogyny and racism. Earlier this month, one officer pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault of a woman in her 20s while off duty, and another officer was convicted of harassment of a female colleague.

Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it Check mark icon A check mark. Very high annual fee Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Annual companion certificate can help you recoup most, if not all, of the annual fee Check mark icon A check mark. $325 annual travel and dining credit can offset most of the $400 annual fee Check mark icon A check mark. Statement credits can help you recoup the annual fee Check mark icon A check mark.

Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe best credit cards for adding authorized users reviewsBest overall: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCost to add an authorized user: $0 for up to four authorized users. Authorized users aren't the main account holder; instead, they're using a credit card that's tied to the main account. Credit history isn't a factor in adding an authorized userFor people who are building or rebuilding credit, getting approved for a premium credit card usually isn't a possibility in the short term. Some banks will even allow you to add an authorized user under 18 to your account — read our guide to adding children as credit card authorized users for all the details.

☆ 10 Amex Business Platinum card benefits you'll want to activate right away, so you can enjoy hotel elite status, statement credits, and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Joseph Hostetler | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers luxury benefits and rewards. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is packed full of benefits that are perfect for small business owners — including freelancers and remote workers. Here are 10 things you should do when you first get The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card Check mark icon A check mark. But by paying with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you'll get a statement credit of up to $189 back**.

☆ Sequoia Capital took a $213 million bath on FTX after the crypto exchange imploded. That's not that bad, VCs say.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Melia Russell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

FTX investor Sequoia Capital has marked down its position to $0 as the crypto exchange crumbles. Sequoia Capital now views its $213.5 million investment in FTX as worthless as the crypto exchange teeters on the brink of collapse after an eleventh-hour deal to salvage the business fell apart. "Somehow Sequoia capital turned a FTX write down to zero into a humblebrag. It invested $150 million into FTX through its third growth fund, which Sequoia said totaled less than 3% of that fund's capital commitments. In its letter to investors, Sequoia said it does "extensive research and thorough diligence" on every investment it makes.

☆ Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card review: Earn 75,000 points and get valuable perks like upgraded boarding and travel credits
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Jasmin Baron | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +30 min

Otherwise, have a look at other Southwest cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, which have lower annual fees but the same elevated welcome bonus offer. Review: Is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card the best for you? If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is definitely worth it. However, if you're not able to use all of the benefits, you could save money by opening the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card instead. Who is eligible for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card?

SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean government will conduct a thorough investigation into the Halloween crowd crush that killed more than 150 people in the capital over the weekend, officials said Monday, as the country mourned its worst disaster in years. Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Saturday in Itaewon, a nightlife district of Seoul that is popular with foreigners, when a crowd surge began in a sloped and narrow alleyway, setting off a deadly panic. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol pays tribute in front of City Hall in Seoul on Monday. The crowd surge is the country’s deadliest peacetime accident since the 2014 sinking of the Sewol ferry. Stella Kim and Thomas Maresca reported from Seoul, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

SEOUL, South Korea — As morning arrived in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood, quiet prevailed at the scene of the tragedy where at least 153 people died on what should have been a night of Halloween revelry. What we know about the deadly incident in Seoul At least 153 people were killed and 103 injured, officials said. While Halloween is not a traditional holiday in South Korea, Itaewon is known for its costume parties at bars and clubs, which have soared in popularity in recent years. The last major tragedy in South Korea also hit young people. Stella Kim and Thomas Maresca reported from South Korea.

☆ The credit score you need for popular rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +31 min

Knowing the credit score you'll need to be considered for popular rewards credit cards can help you decide which to apply for. Crystal Cox/Business InsiderIt's good to know the credit score you'll need to get approved for a credit card before you apply. Not all rewards credit cards require a high credit score, however. Capital One says you'll need excellent credit to be approved for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. However, we don't recommend that you dive into rewards credit cards until your score is at least 700.

Prime Early Access Tool deals FAQsHow we vet Amazon Prime Early Access Sale tool dealsTool discounts can be found throughout the year, but they're most prevalent during Black Friday, Father's Day, and Prime Day. We combed through the tool deals of the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale, using historical data to ensure that we recommend products whose prices are equal to or better than any previous deals. What is the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale? New in 2022, the Prime Early Access Sale is similar to Prime Day, Amazon's other annual sales event. Yes, the Prime Early Access Sale is only for Prime members.

Show more Regular APR 19.24% - 26.24% Variable Editor's Rating 4.65 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.65 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Cardholders receive up to $100 in credit toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee every four years. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Read more: Citi AAdvantage Executive card reviewThe Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit is available once every five years. Read more: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card reviewThis card offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® statement credit of up to $100 every four years.

☆ Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card review: Earn 50,000 points and get valuable perks like upgraded boarding and travel credits
▼ + stars: | 2022-07-13 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Jasmin Baron | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +30 min

Otherwise, have a look at other Southwest cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, which have lower annual fees but the same bonus. Review: Is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card the best for you? How to earn points with the Southwest Priority cardChase recently refreshed the earning categories and benefits on the Southwest cards, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is definitely worth it. However, if you're not able to use all of the benefits, you could save money by opening the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card instead.

Chris Parypa Photography/shutterstockThe Southwest Companion Pass allows you to fly with a companion for only the cost of taxes and fees. Here's everything you need to know about using the Southwest Companion Pass. While the Companion Pass is good for only one companion, you can change who your companion is up to three times per year. Southwest Companion Pass frequently asked questions (FAQ)Is the Southwest Companion Pass worth it? The Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring a travel buddy every time you fly Southwest for just the cost of taxes and fees.

☆ You don't need a company with several employees to qualify for a business credit card — even side gigs like driving for Uber can count
▼ + stars: | 2022-04-01 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Any sort of for-profit business activities count as a business — even on a very small scale — can likely qualify you for a business credit card. Do you qualify for a business credit card? How to establish a tax identityThe foundation of obtaining a business credit card is establishing a separate tax identity for your business activity. When you sign up for a business credit card, you're dealing with the commercial banking division of the bank. That means business credit card spending will not help you build personal credit (because these products aren't intended to be used for personal spending).

☆ If you have the Amex Platinum or Business Platinum, you're eligible for premium-airfare discounts with more than 25 airlines
▼ + stars: | 2021-05-12 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +23 min

You'll also earn 5x Amex Membership Rewards points when you book airfare through this program. As mentioned above, you need to be a Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card cardholder to access the Amex International Airline Program and its benefits. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. One way to book this ticket is to transfer your Membership Rewards points to Delta and book an award ticket, which would cost 320,000 Membership Rewards points plus about $6 in taxes and fees. Read more: Amex Platinum versus the Amex Business Platinum: Which premium card is right for you?

☆ 6 Amex Business Platinum card benefits you'll want to activate right away, so you can enjoy hotel elite status, statement credits, and more
▼ + stars: | 2021-05-07 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

The Amex Business Platinum comes with perks like airport lounge access and airline incidental fee credits. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers luxury benefits and rewards. Here are six things you should do when you first get The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Activate elite status with Hilton and MarriottLike the personal version of the card — The Platinum Card® from American Express — The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers complimentary Gold elite status with two hotel programs**: Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. To do this, log into your Amex Business Platinum account online, and navigate to the Benefits tab.

For my Oka-B flats review, I wore mine right out of the box and there was no break-in period. Similar to more of our favorite footwear brands like Allbirds and Rothy's, the Oka-B flats are made from recycled materials. The brand even offers a recycling program in which customers can send back their worn shoes for 15% off their next purchase. This hasn't been an issue when I've worn them during the rain or in cooler weather, like 75 degrees Fahrenheit and below. The Oka-B flats are a savvy substitute for rain boots, as they'll keep your feet dry and comfortable all day in a sleek silhouette.

Persons: I've, That's, Elizabeth Yuko, —, They're, they've Organizations: Business, Georgia Matte Ballet, Taylor, New York Locations: New York City, Oka, Georgia, New

☆ 11 tax deductions you won't want to forget about this year
▼ + stars: | 2020-04-09 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Tax deductions like medical expenses, mortgage interest, and, in some cases, college tuition can help reduce your overall tax bill. Note that these types of tax deductions apply only if you're itemizing your taxes instead of taking the standard deduction, which increased as part of 2017 tax reform. Home-mortgage interestIf you own a home, you probably already know about this one — it's one of the most significant tax deductions available to most families. And keep in mind that you're paying both income tax and self-employment tax on your small-business income — so you've got an added incentive to make sure you're taking all the deductions you're entitled to. This is calculated separately from both the personal deductions and your business expenses, and additional restrictions apply above certain income levels.

☆ My parents 'refinanced' my student loans, and even though I'm still paying them off I'll save over $9,000
▼ + stars: | 2020-02-12 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

When I took out student loans to attend grad school, I was able to get government loans at a fixed 6.21% interest rate. I started my MBA in 2014 and the majority of my student loans were direct unsubsidized loans serviced by NelNet with a 6.21% fixed interest rate. They mentioned the idea of paying off my student loans with their home equity line of credit, and then I would owe them instead. At the time, their home equity line of credit had a sub-prime 2.49% variable interest rate — significantly lower than my student loan interest rate. Many private lenders offer student loan refinancing, so make sure to get quotes from multiple lenders before deciding to refinance — you'll want to confirm you'll ultimately save money.

By adding an authorized user to your rewards credit card, you can often share valuable perks. Authorized users aren't the main account holder; instead, they're using a credit card that's tied to the main account. Credit history isn't a factor in adding an authorized userFor people who are building or rebuilding credit, getting approved for a premium credit card usually isn't a possibility in the short term. Some banks will even allow you to add an authorized user under 18 to your account — read our guide to adding children as credit card authorized users for all the details. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe best premium cards for adding authorized users reviewsBest overall: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCost to add an authorized user: $0 for up to four authorized users.

☆ American Express Return Protection: A Comprehensive Guide
▼ + stars: | 2019-11-08 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

AdvertisementIntroduction to American Express Return ProtectionOverview of Return ProtectionBeyond glamorous perks like airport lounge access and annual statement credits, American Express cards offer several valuable benefits that can protect your purchases. AdvertisementEligibility and CoverageEligible CardsReturn protection is available on virtually every Amex card, from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to the Amex Platinum Card to the American Express® Green Card . FAQsWhat is American Express Return Protection? Which purchases are covered under American Express Return Protection? How much coverage does American Express Return Protection provide?

Persons: —, you'll, Merchant, you've Organizations: Business, American Express, Service, American, Express, Protection Locations: United, Amex

☆ By using a rewards credit card to pay my taxes, I earn more than 40,000 points each year
▼ + stars: | 2019-10-31 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I earn more than 40,000 points per year paying my taxes with a rewards credit card. While there can be fees associated with paying taxes with a credit card, sometimes the points earned are well worth it. However, I actually look forward to my tax filings, because it's a great opportunity to earn credit card rewards. Choosing the right credit card for paying your taxesThe hardest part of the process might be deciding which credit card to use. For example, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers 100,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the card, and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers 70,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points after you make $5,000 in purchases within the first three months.

☆ 5 reasons I pay a CPA $350 to do my taxes, even though I could do them myself
▼ + stars: | 2019-10-14 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A good tax professional goes way beyond preparing your tax return — they can help you plan for the future and avoid costly mistakes. But a few years ago, I started working with a certified public accountant to do my taxes, and I've never looked back. I pay my CPA $350 each year to file my taxes, but I handle my regular bookkeeping on my own. Here are a few reasons why I decided that working with a CPA or an EA (Enrolled Agent) makes a lot of sense. Every year brings tax law changes, whether from new laws passed by Congress, old laws expiring, or regular changes to keep up with inflation.

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