## Pritzker signs law banning health insurance companies’ ‘predatory tactics,’ including step therapy

Authored by apnews.com

The Democrat signed legislation codifying one of his top initiatives of last spring’s legislation session, the Healthcare Protection Act, which outlaws step therapy, prior authorization for mental health crises and junk insurance.

“For too long, insurance companies have used predatory tactics to make an extra dime at the expense of Illinois consumers,” Pritzker said.

“For too long, patients have (been) delayed or been denied medically necessary treatments because of profit-driver utilization management practices.”.

The laws, parts of which take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and others a year later, ban so-called step therapy, also known as “fail first.”

“Coverage doesn’t always equal care — until today,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of the nonprofit mental health advocacy group, Inseparable.

The legislation was drawn up after consulting medical professionals on the roadblocks they face to providing effective care, according to Pritzker’s office.

Insurers must clearly explain prior authorization requirements in their advertising under the laws. »

### Biden: Israel and Hamas have agreed to ceasefire, hostage deal framework

Authored by jpost.com

United States President Joe Biden confirmed on Friday afternoon that, while more work is needed, Israel and the Hamas terror group have agreed on a ceasefire deal framework that would see the release of hostages.

Six weeks ago I laid out a comprehensive framework for how to achieve a ceasefire and bring the hostages home.

"There is still work to do and these are complex issues, but that framework is now agreed to by both Israel and Hamas. »

### Joe Biden Is Facing Questions About His Age And Mental Acuity. What About Donald Trump?

Authored by huffpost.com

Trump said at one point, comparing the fictitious cannibal to people who are allegedly coming to the United States from psychiatric wards.

Dozens of other Democratic lawmakers are privately expressing concerns about Biden following his disastrous performance in last month’s presidential debate.

Some Democrats have emphasized it’s worth highlighting the major differences between the two that have little to do with age. »

### California high school biology final includes racist questions, targets students

Authored by ca.news.yahoo.com

A Luther Burbank High School freshman was surprised to read his full name included on a biology final.

This test question appeared on a Luther Burbank High School biology final in June 2024. »

### The First Descendant developer responds to claims its icons are too similar to those in Destiny 2

Authored by eurogamer.net

Nexon has responded to claims the iconography of The First Descendant is strikingly similar to icons found in Destiny 2.

Earlier this week, players identified a surprising number of similarities between the icons and weapons used in the new free-to-play sci-fi shooter The First Descendant and Destiny 2.

Destiny 2 developer Bungie recently disabled rewards generated in private Crucible matches because of "an issue". »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

#### Microsoft Considering Ceasing Marketing of Xbox Consoles in EMEA, Shifting Focus to Game Pass

#### New York judge throws out Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case

#### XL bullies: Republic of Ireland to restrict ownership of dog breed

#### Biden: Israel and Hamas have agreed to ceasefire, hostage deal framework

#### AOC understands the stakes: The "high crimes" of Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito must be prosecuted