Automakers' charging JV to improve experience, not challenge Tesla scope
The joint venture is another step toward broadening the charging network and gives legacy automakers a bigger stake in charging infrastructure.
Best credit cards for international travel
Holly D. Johnson | Bankrate (TNS)
Credit cards can be valuable tools when you use them close to home, but they should also be an essential part of your packing list any time you travel overseas. Not only do you normally need a credit card to put down a security deposit to rent a hotel room, but you’ll likely need a credit card to rent a car, too. And if you run out of cash while on a trip, a credit card lets you charge whatever you need and pay the balance when you return home.
The best credit cards for international trips also let you avoid added fees on international transactions and earn rewards for each dollar you spend. Some even offer robust travel protections that can shield you financially if your flight is delayed or your bags are lost or stolen.
If you’re planning a trip overseas this year, here are some of the best cards to consider.
The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for international travel overall
Why we picked it: The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it easy to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be used for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel purchased through the American Express Travel portal or transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners. A $695 annual fee applies, but the first-year and ongoing benefits can more than make up for it.
Portillo’s reveals Clermont restaurant
Illinois-based Portillo’s Hot Dogs is planning another Orlando area restaurant in Clermont.
The restaurant will be off State Road 50 a half mile east of its intersection with U.S. 27 in a new development, Portillo’s website said. An opening date was not revealed.
The 7,700-square-foot Portillo’s will have an outdoor patio and a double drive-through.
Portillo’s, which serves up Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, opened its first Orlando store in 2021 on Palm Parkway in the Village at O-Town West development near Walt Disney World. It has since opened another restaurant across from the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee.
Orange County documents have also indicated a Portillo’s is being eyed for Waterford Lakes Town Center.
The Oak Brook, Illinois-based chain went public in 2021, with the Chicago Tribune reporting at the time the business planned to go from 67 restaurants to more than 600 over the next quarter century.
Forvia to close seating plant in Highland Park, Mich., lay off 511
Automotive supplier Forvia is planning to close its seating plant in Highland Park, Mich., and lay off 511 employees in the latest round of job cuts.
Riviera Beach may see a Margaritaville-themed hotel, reports say
“Boiled shrimp,” “blender booze” and other whims from Jimmy Buffett’s 1977 hit song may soon welcome Riviera Beach residents and visitors, as the Margaritaville brand has plans to open a new hotel on the waterfront.
The property is proposed for the Riviera Beach Marina, which sits next to the Margaritaville At Sea cruise ship, news reports say. Currently, the marina only has one restaurant, Rafiki Tiki. The cruise ship sails from nearby Port of Palm Beach to the Bahamas several times a week.
Rafiki Tiki restaurant owner Dimitri Salloum welcomes the new development, as he said he believes it will bring more variety to the area, according to WPBF-Ch.15.
The 150-room hotel will also feature a restaurant and bar, according to WPTV-Ch. 5.
The development concept was recently presented to the city as part of a plan to change and improve Marina Village. But first, the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and city council must approve the project. If they do, Margaritaville may break ground in the area by December.