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Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday picked a side in Illinois’ long-running debate over how to regulate delta-8 and other hemp-derived products, throwing his support behind a bill that would effectively ban most sales of the weedlike substances that have soared in popularity thanks to a loophole in federal law. Pritzker called it a matter of protecting children, despite the vehement opposition of hemp industry advocates who say state Sen. Kimberly Lightford’s bill would wipe out thousands of jobs and criminalize nonintoxicating CBD products at the benefit of billion-dollar cannabis corporations. “As this market has flourished, there have been far too many stories of people, especially children, ingesting intoxicating hemp products and getting sick,” Pritzker said during a West Loop news conference. He held up bags labeled “Nerdy Bears,” an example of the unregulated psychoactive gummies that are packaged to resemble familiar candy brands. The bill sponsored by Lightford, a Hillside Democrat, would limit sales of most hemp-derived products to licensed cannabis dispensaries, except for beverages, which would be allowable for licensed alcohol sellers and distributors. But pending a lengthy evaluation period to set consumer safety and licensing standards, most of the hemp product merchants who have proliferated in an estimated $800 million industry would be cut out completely. Pritzker, who championed weed legalization when he took office, has long called for regulations on hemp products, as have leaders of both the cannabis and hemp lobbies. The governor said Lightford’s approach was better than alternatives offered up by hemp industry leaders who welcome stringent licensing requirements that would let them stay in business. “I understand that there are a lot of stores that are selling these products that would not be able to sell these products,” Pritzker said. “But typically, they’re not stores that are dedicated to this product. There are a few, but mostly these are convenience stores, gas stations. They’ve got other products that they sell. They wouldn’t go out of business not selling this one.” Lightford’s bill passed the Illinois Senate by a 54-1 vote in the spring, but never made it to the statehouse floor . It’ll require a three-fifths House majority to pass it by the end of the lame duck session Jan. 7. West Side state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, will be fighting it. He’s pushing to limit sales to people 21 or older, require manufacturers to undergo product testing to obtain $500 licenses, impose a 10% tax rate on sellers and — most importantly — allow current sellers to stay in the market. “To think we’re going to turn back the hands of time for a prohibition when we thought we learned from the prohibition of cannabis — that’s what’s most disappointing,” Ford said. “With synthetic drugs being spewed in communities, when you drive it to the underground market, it makes it more dangerous for people, and that was the main reason we regulated cannabis.” The hemp-based brouhaha centers around delta-8, the mind-altering substance that can be derived from the plant, which federal lawmakers didn’t account for when they legalized sales of hemp derivatives in 2018. Other derivatives like CBD are used in a wide array of lotions, oils, shampoo and more popular wellness products that don’t have psychoactive effects. Lightford said her bill “protects consumers, helps our cannabis industry flourish, keeps the promise to our social equity communities and doesn’t stifle reputable hemp business establishments.” But Jennifer Weiss said she’s terrified the proposed legislation would drive her out of business at Cubbington’s Cabinet, her Victorian-inspired apothecary in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. “Almost every single thing that I sell, due to the various components of the bill, would be banned,” said Weiss, who added that she opened the shop in 2020 specifically because of the lack of regulations around hemp products. “I wanted to provide a trustworthy source of these products. We’ve been pushing for thoughtful regulation.” Charles Wu, CEO of Chi’Tiva locations and director of the Illinois Hemp Business Association, estimated 10,000 people would be put out of work from the hemp product industry if Lightford’s bill becomes law. He called it “an unjust and cynical attempt to protect the handful of billionaires who own most of the licensed cannabis industry.” “It’s like a Coke vs. Pepsi situation, and Coke gets to make all the rules, which is not cool,” Wu said. “We’re not the bad guys. We’re not like the out-of-staters who are shipping in this [lookalike packaging] crap that the cannabis side tries to paint us as. We have been willing and asking for much more strict, limiting licensing.” Tiffany Chappell Ingram, director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, said in a statement that “we look forward to working collaboratively to put in place a measure that will empower consumers, protect public health and help ensure our state’s legal cannabis industry can reach its full potential.”777kyat slot game online 。

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Tom Mayenknecht: Otherwordly new contract for Mets' Juan SotoHere's some gift ideas for the outdoorsmen -- and women -- on your listELON — An Elon University researcher, administrator and mentor has been named the next dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Haya Ajjan’s selection follows a national search this fall. She will succeed long-time Dean Raghu Tadepalli. Ajjan currently serves as associate dean and professor of management information systems for the Love School of Business. She will begin her new role on June 1 with an eye toward deepening experiential learning opportunities for students and strengthening partnerships with employers, industry leaders and the broader community, Elon Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rebecca Kohn said. “Dr. Ajjan is committed to keeping Elon University at the leading edge of business education to prepare students for rewarding careers in any industry they are called to serve,” Kohn said. “Her vision and understanding of the importance of developing partnerships across campus and beyond will benefit the Love School of Business, and the greater Elon University community, for years to come.” Ajjan joined Elon in 2010 and teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in data analytics and information systems. Since then, among the successful programs and initiatives to which she contributed are: Ajjan previously served as a faculty administrative fellow in Elon University’s Office of the President. In that appointment, she collaborated on the creation and launch of the Boldly Elon strategic plan, Elon’s COVID-19 data matrix and Elon NEXT, a continuing education and professional development program. Ajjan’s research and teaching focuses on artificial intelligence, digital business strategy and emerging technologies, areas where she has published extensively and earned national recognition. Outside of her teaching and administrative responsibilities, Ajjan has prioritized opportunities to mentor junior faculty members, much as she describes being mentored throughout her tenure. “Elon University has nurtured my growth, transforming me from an acorn into a thriving oak,” Ajjan said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to give back to an institution that has given me so much by working under the leadership of President Book and Provost Kohn.” As dean, Tadepalli worked with faculty, staff, alumni, business leaders and parents to develop a rigorous curriculum and professional resources for students in a business school consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Under Tadepalli’s leadership, enrollment in majors in the Love School of Business increased by 60%, as did the number of faculty. Ajjan earned a bachelor's and master's in business administration and a Ph.D in information technology from the University of North Carolina Charlotte Belk College of Business. She and her husband, Mahdi, are the parents of two sons, Alexander and Julian.

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Amid Congress’ rush to ‘do something’ about the perceived dangers of the internet, the deeply flawed Kids Online Safety Act has emerged, exploiting these fears to grant the government sweeping authority to suppress online expression and erase the digital communities young people depend on. For this reason, we recently joined the ACLU in sending a letter to Congress opposing this dangerous bill. Despite recent amendments— reportedly crafted with input from Elon Musk —the bill grants government agencies the power to define and police what content is deemed “harmful” for minors. This vague and overreaching framework threatens free expression, opens the door to politically motivated censorship from the incoming Trump administration, and disproportionately harms marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. Elon Musk’s endorsement of KOSA exposes the hypocrisy of his professed commitment to free speech. Instead of protecting young people, KOSA risks silencing protected speech and conversations about gender identity, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ health care—topics that could be perceived as controversial but are essential to the survival and wellbeing of many young people. For our youth, especially young people in less supportive situations learning about their identities, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Research from LGBT Tech shows that 90% of transgender youth say digital platforms have helped them better understand themselves, and 74% of LGBTQ+ youth overall say these spaces are vital to their personal growth. Social media connects them to affirming communities and resources they may not have access to in their offline lives. More than half of Black Transgender and nonbinary youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year. For these young people, online communities and digital content are far from harmful, they are vital to their wellbeing and mental health. Yet KOSA would force platforms to prioritize avoiding politically motivated government investigations over promoting conversations about being LGBTQ+, accessing reproductive healthcare, and learning about lifesaving medical breakthroughs. What makes KOSA most frustrating is how little it does to address the actual challenges youth face online, such as bullying, hate speech, and predatory behavior. Instead of tackling these root issues, KOSA scapegoats free expression, making the internet less inclusive and supportive for both young people and adults. This is our call to action: Our Democratic leaders, starting with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn), must discard their support for this harmful bill. Protecting children online is crucial, but it cannot come at the expense of constitutional rights or the wellbeing of our vulnerable youth. Congress should focus on real solutions: expanding mental health support, funding culturally competent resources, and addressing the unique challenges faced by young people. These measures would address the challenges young people face in their day to day lives without threatening their access to potentially lifesaving digital communities. For us, as vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, we stand united in our commitment to policies that truly protect and uplift our youth. Even with its recent amendments, KOSA threatens to make the internet less accepting, less inclusive, and less supportive for those who need it most. Our kids deserve better. They deserve a future where their voices are heard, their identities are respected, and their rights are upheld. If Congress genuinely wants to create safer digital spaces, lawmakers should prioritize input from America’s parents, educators, and kids—not unpredictable billionaires like Elon Musk. Amanda Babine is executive director of Equality New York, a leading advocate for advancing equality for all LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. Tandra R. LaGrone is CEO at In Our Own Voices, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ BIPOC communities. Carmen Neely is co-founder, president and CEO of Harlem Pride, and vice chair of the Center for Black Equity.

Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money convictionFACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setupRenuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Health | Vallejo City Council passes smoking ordinance Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

JAMAICA, N.Y. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) today announced that Turkish Airlines will begin operations at the new terminal when it opens in 2026. Turkish Airlines will also unveil a brand new, state-of-the-art lounge for its premium customers, launching the next phase of the award-winning airline's growth at its top U.S. gateway. The New Terminal One, set to be the largest international terminal in the United States , will offer best-in-class amenities and innovative technology for a transformational and efficient travel experience. The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Turkish Airlines, which currently flies 19 times weekly from JFK Airport to its hub at Istanbul , providing seamless connections to its extensive global network, will continue to offer top-tier service from the new terminal. As part of its expansion in the JFK market, Turkish Airlines will open an 11,000-square-foot lounge in the New Terminal One – twice the size of the airline's lounge at the existing Terminal 1. The new lounge will feature premium amenities, expansive views of JFK Airport's airfield and provide direct boarding access to aircraft, offering unmatched convenience for Turkish Airlines' business class customers and top-tier frequent flyers. Recognized for its exceptional in-flight service, Turkish Airlines recently received the World Class Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fourth consecutive year, placing it among just 10 airlines in the world to have received this prestigious recognition. Turkish Airlines was also chosen as the Best Airline in Europe nine times by Skytrax. Over the years Turkish Airlines also received accolades from Skytrax and other prestigious organizations numerous times for its Business and Economy Class offerings and Lounges. Turkish Airlines offers service to 351 destinations, including 25 in the Americas. Turkish is a member of the Star Alliance and will join other alliance members at the New Terminal One: LOT Polish Airlines, EVA Air and Air China. "We are thrilled to welcome Turkish Airlines to the New Terminal One at JFK, where their commitment to world-class customer service aligns perfectly with our mission to provide an unparalleled customer experience," said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument . "We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Turkish Airlines to elevate the travel experience for customers from 2026 and beyond." Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: "We are excited to bring Turkish Airlines' world-class service to the New Terminal One at JFK, further enhancing our passengers' travel experience with a state-of-the-art-lounge. This move underlines our commitment to continue our growth in the U.S market." In addition to Turkish Airlines, the New Terminal One has partnered with several other global carriers, including Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos and Philippine Airlines. Air China is also partnering with the terminal on elevating the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York . The New Terminal One is focused on improving the customer experience by collaborating with potential airline partners. This includes working with airline teams across all customer journey touchpoints. Set to be JFK Airport's largest terminal when complete, the New Terminal One will offer a world-class customer experience and additional widebody aircraft gate capacity – providing international airlines a unique opportunity to grow their service at JFK, the top global gateway to the U.S. About The New Terminal One The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States . The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK's south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion, anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport's two new terminals combined. The New Terminal One will be a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including ambitious participation goals of 30% for minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/projects/the-new-terminal-one/ About Turkish Airlines Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 491 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 351 worldwide destinations in 130 countries (298 international destinations and 53 domestic destinations within Turkiye). More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/turkish-airlines-to-begin-operations-at-the-new-terminal-one-at-jfk-and-unveil-world-class-lounge-302331710.html SOURCE The New Terminal One at JFK

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