Tag: News

• Jamaal Bowman just became the first Squad member to lose reelection.
• Progressives saw the primary as a battle against AIPAC, the deep-pocketed pro-Israel group.
• It was — but Bowman was also a weak incumbent who was uniquely vulnerable.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman was roundly defeated in the Democratic primary for New York's 16th congressional district on Tuesday, making him the first member of the progressive "Squad" to lose reelection.

His moderate opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, will almost certainly be elected to Congress this fall after defeating the congressman by over 16 points.

In the closing days of the race, progressive trained their ire on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a group whose super PAC spent millions to sway the race toward Latimer.

"We should be outraged when a super PAC of dark money can spend $20 million to brainwash people into believing something that isn't true," Bowman said at his election night party on Tuesday.

But while AIPAC did play a big role in this race — as it has in several high-profile Democratic primaries in recent years — it would be a mistake to simply blame the pro-Israel group for Bowman's loss.

The congressman was uniquely vulnerable to a primary challenge, and the group is continuing to lose influence within the Democratic Party.

AIPAC can make a big difference — but it can't straight-up buy elections

Ahead of the 2022 election, AIPAC — a lobbying group that advocates for essentially unconditional support for Israel — established a super PAC called "United Democracy Project" to increase their direct influence on elections.

As progressives like to point out, much of the super PAC's funding has come from Republican billionaires, and it has primarily poured money into Democratic primaries to block the ascent of progressives.

Bowman emerged as one of AIPAC's top targets this year as a result of calling for a ceasefire in the days after the Hamas attack on October 7 and describing Israel's actions in Gaza as a "genocide."

AIPAC spent over $17 million on Bowman's primary. It's the most they've ever spent on one race, and it's the most that a single group has spent on a congressional race this cycle. That avalanche of money made this House primary the most expensive in American history.

On the ground, AIPAC's offensive translated into TV ads attacking Bowman and praising Latimer, as well as a deluge of mailers at residents' doors. Those ads mostly focused on Bowman's vote against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, rather than his criticism of Israel.

Having the backing of AIPAC — or any super PAC, for that matter — can give a huge leg-up to candidates, especially in open primaries.

Last month, AIPAC played a major role in Oregon's 3rd congressional district, where Maxine Dexter defeated Susheela Jayapal in the Democratic primary with the help of $2.3 million in AIPAC spending, apparently routed through 314 Action Fund and a PAC called "Voters for a Responsive Government."

Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn may have been headed to Congress if AIPAC hadn't spent $4.2 million to boost state Sen. Sarah Elfreth, who raised just $1.4 million on her own before defeating Dunn in the Democratic primary in May. And that's not even considering the successes that the group had in Democratic primaries in 2022.

But sometimes AIPAC flops, too: the group spent $4.6 million to defeat state Sen. Dave Min in a California House primary in March after the he expressed fairly moderate criticisms of Israel. He ended up winning by over 6 points.

More broadly, there's a reason why just a few Squad members ended up being vulnerable to a primary challenge this year, despite widespread progressive fears in late 2023: It would be way too difficult to actually take them all out, especially given how the politics around Israel have shifted among Democrats over the course of recent months.

For example, AIPAC reportedly tried to recruit a primary challenger to Rep. Summer Lee in Pennsylvania, only for the effort to apparently fizzle. Lee easily won her primary in April after the group declined to spend any money on the race.

Bowman was a weak incumbent, had significant personal scandals, and said incendiary things about October 7

In 2022, Bowman faced two challengers, each of whom raised a fairly paltry sum. AIPAC did not spend any money against him.

He got just 54% of the vote, losing big in the more upscale portions of Westchester County.

It's impossible to really say what effect Bowman's infamous September fire alarm incident had on his race, but there's little doubt it was a high-salience event.

He was censured by the House over it, including by 3 of his Democratic colleagues. The most charitable explanation, the one that Bowman has put forward, is that he was genuinely confused when he did it, which doesn't paint a flattering picture of the congressman's temperament.

The more sinister view — the one that George Latimer certainly capitalized on — is that as a former middle school principal, Bowman knew exactly what he was doing, and he was seeking to disrupt a vote on a government funding bill.

The congressman's characterization of reports of rape on October 7 as "propaganda" was probably the single worst thing he said (he has since apologized).

That, combined with his embrace of the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement and some of his incendiary rhetoric on the Jewish state, alienated many of Bowman's Jewish constituents, who appear to have turned out in record numbers.

Not to mention the revelation that Bowman once embraced 9/11 conspiracy theories, created the impression that the congressman held radical, fringe views outside the mainstream of American politics.

Months before AIPAC began dropping millions of dollars on the race, polling already showed Bowman struggling against Latimer.

Despite his own flaws, Latimer was a well-positioned challenger

In the closing weeks of the campaign, Latimer consistently made statements that — at best — were racially insensitive.

He told the congressman during a virtual debate that his "constituency is Dearborn, Michigan," even though Bowman had received less than $2,000 in itemized contributions from the majority-Arab city. He later said that he wasn't referring to the "Islamic presence" in the city, but the fact that Bowman has a joint fundraising committee with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, whose Detroit-area district includes Dearborn. Yet all of the money that's flowed through that committee has come from New York donors.

He also accused Bowman of trying to "play the ethnic game" by highlighting those kinds of statements. And Jacobin reported that he has slow-walked desegregation efforts in Westchester County.

Despite all of that, Latimer was well-positioned to take Bowman on. He's well-known in the county, has strong relationships in parts of the district where Bowman has consistently underperformed, and is by all accounts a skilled retail politician.

Looking at each candidate's fundraising is also an instructive indicator of local support.

As of June 5, 61% of Latimer's itemized contributions came from New York, and over a third came from within the district. By contrast, only about 30% of Bowman's itemized contributions came from in state, and less than 10% came from the district.

There's a glimmer of hope here for progressives

Bowman's defeat is indeed a victory for AIPAC. And they may get another one later this summer, when Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri — who faces a Department of Justice probe over potential misuse of campaign funds — faces an AIPAC-backed opponent in her Missouri primary in August.

Progressives fear, and pro-Israel forces may hope, that Bowman's loss will send a broader message that lawmakers will be punished for being outspoken in their criticism of Israel.

But look closely, and you can see that while AIPAC notched a win here, there are plenty of signs that its rigid pro-Israel stance is losing sway within the Democratic Party.

This year, Democrats on Capitol Hill held up standalone aid to Israel for six months in defiance of AIPAC's lobbying.

Mainstream members of the party have grown far more comfortable levying criticism against Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, defying a chilling effect that AIPAC has long helped enforce.

Lawmakers openly discussed the prospect of conditioning military aid to Israel, a position that was once viewed as fringe.

In the end, 37 House Democrats and three Senate Democrats voted against sending military aid to Israel.

AIPAC will be able to defeat two of them this year, at most.

• This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.
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In today's big story, we're looking at how the next job you apply for might be fake.

What's on deck:

• Markets: Charles Schwab said stocks are giving an incoming bear market.
• Tech: This is what top VCs are excited about — and sick of — when investing in AI.
• Business: A former SAP account manager is breaking her NDA to speak out about a workplace sexual assault.

But first, send me your résumé.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Now (not really) hiring

Corporate America has gotten so bad that companies are posting jobs they don't intend to fill.

A recent survey of hiring managers by Resume Builder found three in 10 companies have active fake job listings, writes Business Insider's Tim Paradis. And there is zero shame in their game, as nearly 70% of hiring managers said fake job posts were "morally acceptable."

In fact, some companies justify the move as a way to help their employees. Posting jobs can give workers the impression the company is growing and signal to burnt-out employees that help is on the way.

Except, you know, it's not.

It's another knock for people navigating an incredibly frustrating labor market. While employment is still relatively low, sitting at only 4%, the job market is also pretty stagnant.

High-paying white-collar roles aren't readily available, and people aren't quitting as much as they once were. (Goodbye, Great Resignation; hello, Big Stay.)

Even if you find a legitimate job posting, it doesn't get much easier.

With the power firmly back in employers' hands, the hiring process has become a marathon, writes BI's Alexandra Bacon. Multiple interview rounds, personality tests, and on-site assessment days drawn out across several months have become the norm.

And even then, you might still get ghosted!

It's an issue that's particularly relevant for entry-level roles, which are also under threat of being automated away by AI.

Maybe that's why so many young people are feeling depressed and disconnected from their peers. Beaten down by the process, some are opting to wait things out. Last year, roughly 20% of people aged 15 to 24 were NEETs, not in education, employment, or training.

Some might argue companies taking their time to hire is a good thing in the long run. Better to make sure they get the right candidate than rush to fill positions that don't ultimately work out, which could lead to layoffs. Workers were also spoiled with the 2021 job market, where candidates named their prices.

Workers can claim back some power even in the current environment. Thanks to some states' pay transparency laws, job postings (even if they aren't real) give current employees an idea of how their salary compares to what their company is advertising for other roles.

And a fake job posting might be a blessing in disguise. After all, do you really want to work for a company willing to do that in the first place?

3 things in markets

1. Citi Wealth's tech is a dumpster fire. The bank's tech isn't exactly highly regarded — leading to an accidental $900 million transfer in 2020 — but it's a real problem for Citi's struggling wealth business. An audit estimates it'll cost at least $500 million to overhaul Citi Wealth's patchwork technology.
2. It's showtime for Nvidia investors. The AI darling's annual shareholder meeting is today. It comes after a tumultuous few days in the market that saw it shed more than $400 billion in market cap. For some it was a hiccup, but others worry it could signal a bubble preparing to pop. Nvidia's dominance could also be tested by a competitor's approaching IPO.
3. Bad news bears. Stocks are looking "eerily similar" to the last bear-market crash in 2021, Charles Schwab said this week. Although the market is flourishing at the index level, individual stocks aren't doing so hot. That means a bear market could be on the horizon.

3 things in tech

1. Apple's beef with Meta isn't going anywhere. One day after the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was in talks with Meta for an AI deal, Apple corrected, telling Bloomberg it wasn't going to partner with Mark Zuckerberg's company any time soon.
2. These are the types of AI startups investors want to fund next. BI asked nine VCs what they're most excited about in AI and what they're tired of. The most desirable startups are building AI's infrastructure, working with unstructured data, and revolutionizing software development. Investors said they're ready to move on from large-language models since big players dominate the space.
3. Microsoft's AI CEO works closely with these execs. An internal Microsoft tool that tracks employee interactions has revealed which executives work with new AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman the most. It also shows 12 execs who report directly to Suleyman, including Inflection AI cofounder Karén Simonyan.

3 things in business

1. The real problem with work isn't pay or perks, but lack of purpose. Americans increasingly feel their jobs are meaningless, and their dissatisfaction makes them more likely to quit. The feeling is especially prevalent among Gen Z and millennials.
2. A former SAP employee breaks her NDA. After Ashley Kostial reported being raped by a colleague during a work trip, she felt pressured to sign two nondisclosure agreements — one with SAP and its subsidiary, Ariba, and one with her insurance provider, Aetna. She's decided to risk coming forward now because she views the NDAs she signed as unjust — and wants to see the use of NDAs ended for other victims of sexual assault.
3. Wind power stays winning. A millennial who switched from working on oil rigs to wind turbines says he's been promoted faster in renewable energy thanks to the sector's rapid expansion. Employment in wind is expected to triple by 2030 in the UK, where he lives, and it's the fastest-growing career in the US.

In other news

• David Einhorn is suing the former employee who claimed to be his head of macro. Here are the most eye-catching parts of Greenlight's lawsuit.
• Tal Alexander announces he will step away from his brokerage firm amid rape allegation.
• CNN stands to make millions from the Trump-Biden debate, but its rivals could make even more.

What's happening today

• Julian Assange attends his sentencing hearing after agreeing to plead guilty to espionage charges.
• Russian judicial proceedings against detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich begin in secret.
• Paris Hilton, who spent nearly two years in residential treatment facilities as a teenager, testifies in Congress on child welfare.
• "The Bear" season 3 drops on Hulu.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Annie Smith, associate producer, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.

• Luxury air travel is on the rise, including the use of private jets and premium tickets.
• The pandemic's 'revenge travel' trend has people spending more on luxury air experiences.
• Semi-private jets and premium-class options offer accessible luxury for budget-conscious travelers.

It's official: 2024 is the year of luxury air travel.

Travel experts told Business Insider they had noticed an uptick in clients opting for luxury air travel experiences, from private jets to first-class and premium-class plane tickets.

Oliver Bell, cofounder of luxury travel company Oliver's Travels, said this trend could be partly attributed to "revenge travel," where people are "willing to spend more for incredible experiences" in the aftermath of the pandemic.

According to a Forbes Advisor survey of 1,000 Americans in January of this year, 39% of people say their travel budget in 2024 will be higher than the previous year. (That's down from 45% of people surveyed in 2023.)

But you don't have to be flushed with cash to experience luxury air travel. You just have to do your research.

Semi-private jets are often overlooked

Private jets are one of the most obvious ways to travel in luxury, but according to Bell, they are often overlooked because people assume they are too expensive.

"A lot of people assume that flying private is only for the rich and famous, the Elon Musk's of the world," Bell said.

"Of course, it's by no means a 'cheap' way to fly as it still will typically be more expensive than flying commercial, but it is much more accessible than people think, which could be why we're seeing an increase now that people are becoming more aware," he added.

As BI's Alesandra Dubin previously reported, June 2022 had the most private flights in the US since October 2007.

Dubin recommended booking a publicly available seat on a "hop on" semi-private jet flight to save money. Numerous private regional airlines, such as JSX, offer this option.

JSX offers various routes from private terminals across the West Coast and Texas. Passengers don't have to worry about crowds or security lines, and with a maximum of 30 passengers on each flight, you can get the feeling of flying private without actually hiring your own jet.

In June 2021, Dubin wrote about her experience traveling from LA to Vegas on a JSX flight for $99. Her ticket included a free checked bag, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol.

Alternatively, some private jet companies offer subscription services where you get full access for a set fee every month. For example, Surf Air is an LA-based private jet company that offers unlimited private flying memberships for $295 per month or $3,540 annually.

"Instead of having to wait in long queues with limits on baggage or extra payments required, you can arrive as little as 15 minutes before your flight, board directly, and enjoy complete comfort and privacy," Bell said.

Affordable or 'middle-of-the-road' luxury

Some passengers can travel in first or business class for less using credit cards or airline reward points.

But for less frequent flyers or those who don't have the points, there are alternative options.

David Guthrie, founder of safari company Tent with a View, said he has noticed an increase in clients opting for "middle-of-the-road luxury" options, such as premium-class plane tickets.

He said it's become common for airlines to offer a "more elevated experience compared to standard economy," but these options are "not nearly as plush or pricey as first-class or private charters."

Airlines, including KLM, Delta, and United, offer premium or comfort-class tickets.

Each airline offers different perks. With United Airlines' Premium Plus package, passengers will get bigger seats, more legroom, and an amenity kit with skincare products from TheraFace, including eye serum, facial spray, hand cream, and lip balm.

It also includes free alcohol, upgraded meal cutlery, and noise-canceling headphones on board, as well as larger TV screens, priority check-in and boarding, exclusive security lanes, and priority bag handling.

According to Martina Coogan, head of United Airline's corporate sales in the UK and Ireland, fares start at around $1,077.

Coogan told BI that Premium Plus is "gaining in popularity with both leisure and corporate travelers, and we expect this trend to continue."

He said it's an especially popular option for passengers traveling on long-haul flights from the US to the UK.

Meanwhile, with KLM's premium comfort package, passengers are seated in a "quiet cabin" with up to 28 seats with 17cm more legroom and 7.5cm more recline than an economy seat. Guthrie said this package is popular among his clients, who appear to spend double the amount on premium comfort tickets compared to economy.

Similarly, Delta's Comfort Plus package offers more legroom (though it's not clear by how much), early boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and complimentary snacks on flights over 900 miles and drinks on flights over 251 miles.

• WalletHub released a report ranking the best US states for summer road trips.
• States were ranked across 32 metrics including gas prices, safety, and number of attractions.
• Texas was ranked the best state for summer road trips, followed by Minnesota and New York.

If you're determined to take a road trip this summer but aren't sure where to go, consider one of these 10 states ranked by WalletHub as the best summer road-trip destinations.

To determine the best states for summer road trips, WalletHub, a personal-finance website, measured 32 metrics in each state across three overall categories: costs, safety, and activities.

Each state's road trip potential was determined by examining factors such as gas prices, safety, and the number of attractions including amusement parks, historical sites, and national parks.

These 10 states earned the highest scores in WalletHub's ranking.

10. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranked 32nd in costs and 14th in both safety and activities, according to WalletHub.

Popular road-trip destinations include views of Amish country along Route 30 and historic sites such as Gettysburg and the Liberty Bell.

9. Maine

In addition to numerous scenic byways, Maine is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most-visited national parks in the US.

WalletHub found that Maine had the lowest average cost of car repairs out of any state. Maine was also the safest state, taking the top spot in WalletHub's safety ranking. It scored 29th in costs and 30th in activities.

8. Wyoming

Camping prices in Wyoming are the second-lowest in the country — perfect for visiting hot spots like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Wyoming was also the fifth-safest state in WalletHub's ranking and placed 22nd in activities.

7. North Carolina

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway helped the state rank fourth for the most scenic byways and seventh in WalletHub's overall activities ranking. It was also 17th in costs and 34th in safety.

6. Ohio

Ohio features a mix of natural wonders like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, touristy spots like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and quirky roadside attractions like the world's largest basket.

It's the second-cheapest state for car repairs behind Maine, contributing to its ranking of 21st in costs. WalletHub also ranked Ohio 24th in safety and 13th in activities.

5. Florida

Florida is tied with Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Washington for the state with the highest percentage of total area designated as national parkland. It also has attractions like Disney World, placing it second in WalletHub's activities ranking (California, the home of Disneyland, snagged the top activities spot).

Florida ranked 23rd in costs, but last in safety.

4. Louisiana

Louisiana has the third-lowest average gas prices, contributing to its first-place pick in WalletHub's costs ranking. It ranked ninth in activities and 46th in safety.

New Orleans offers a plethora of live music, Cajun restaurants, and lively festivals, but there's also plenty of wildlife to see in Louisiana's famous wetlands.

3. New York

New York is full of fascinating tourist sites with the second-most National Historic Landmarks per capita, placing it third in WalletHub's activities ranking. It ranked 40th in costs and 12th in safety.

In addition to the densely packed streets of New York City, upstate New York offers hiking trails, historic mansions, and views of Niagara Falls.

2. Minnesota

Minnesota ranked 12th in costs and 20th in activities. WalletHub found that the state has the third-fewest vehicle fatalities per million miles, contributing to its ranking of seventh in safety overall.

Minnesota also has the fourth-most fairs and festivals per capita in the summertime — the Minnesota State Fair in particular is legendary for its over-the-top culinary offerings.

1. Texas

With over 9,500 miles of scenic byways, numerous famous attractions including The Alamo and the Space Center Houston, and affordable accommodations, WalletHub ranked Texas the No. 1 state for summer road trips in 2024. It topped WalletHub's list with rankings of 11th in costs, 39th in safety, and fifth in activities.

• I moved my family to Switzerland for the summer instead of sending my kid to day camp.
• Our two-month Airbnb rental in Zurich fits five people and costs less than his day camp would have.
• The decision wasn't purely economical; My son is also getting to experience a different culture.

Summer camp is expensive, and even if you're willing to pay for it, your kid might not get a spot.

When I started researching day camps for my 5-year-old son in New York last year, I found that many would set us back by almost $10,000 for just one child — and we weren't even considering overnight camps. 

That high price tag generally includes transportation to and from the camp, breakfast and lunch, daily activities, and swimming lessons. But a lot of day camps have drop-off at about 9 a.m. and pickup at 2:30 p.m. or 3 p.m., when my partner and I are still working. So, in some cases, the price of camp doesn't even cover full-time childcare during work hours. 

Instead of dealing with lottery systems and day-camp costs, which averaged $87 a day per child in 2022 a(nd $96 a day in 2023), my husband and I, both remote workers based in the US, decided to spend the summer in Zurich, with our son and in-laws. 

Renting our accommodations abroad cost significantly less than sending our child to summer camp, and it came with perks. 

Our long-term Airbnb rental in Zurich was cheaper than many US day camps

We found that renting an Airbnb with three bedrooms and an office in Zurich was more cost-effective than enrolling my child in summer camp from June through August. 

The rental, which spanned from July 9 to August 18, cost us about $6,000. The owner offered us a discount for the extended stay and was willing to arrange the rooms to accommodate our living situation. 

We could've booked a cheaper and smaller place, but we went with a larger home with laundry and two bathrooms since my in-laws came with us to help care for our son. Paying for the extra space to house my in-laws and a week-long soccer camp in Zurich was still cheaper than the day camps in the tristate area. 

We also used points to cover most of our flights and split food costs with my in-laws to keep expenses down.

There are benefits of living abroad as a family that aren't financial

Aside from the financial benefits, the experiences and lessons my son learned while living abroad are invaluable. He was exposed to different cultures, foods, and ways of life.

Staying in Zurich for an entire summer also gave my family the opportunity to explore places far outside the tourist track. We planned trips to places we would've never likely explored otherwise, like Feldkirch, Austria, and Vaduz, Liechtenstein. As an added bonus, we signed our little one up for a week of a local soccer camp in Zurich, which cost about $300.

Plus, my son is a train fanatic, so we put several rail trips on our itinerary. He'd been so eager to see Big Ben, so we also planned a weekend trip to London, which is just a 90-minute flight from Zurich.

My husband and father-in-law love cycling, so living here gave them the chance to catch the Tour de France at the French border. The memories created from these trips were priceless. 

Because my husband and I can do our jobs remotely, we were able to spend this summer abroad without compromising our professional commitments or paychecks.

My husband's company is based in Switzerland, and I work with editors on the East Coast, so our schedules allowed us to take turns watching our son. And when we were both working, my in-laws helped take care of him.

I'd consider making these extended family trips a tradition

This summer was a bit of an experiment. I'd always wanted to live abroad for a short period of time, and I could potentially see us extending our stay during summers down the road. 

If possible, it would be great to rent a different home base to explore another region in depth. I even saw an intriguing camp called Alpine French School, which incorporates both French lessons and activities. I'd love for my son to have the opportunity to learn a new language and make friends from around the world.

I'm also not closing him off from day camps in the US, especially as he gets older and forms stronger bonds with kids at school. Perhaps we can even switch between day camp and family vacations every year. 

Spending time together as a family and seeing new places is extremely important to my husband and me. With limited time to travel during the school year, summer offers the best opportunity to explore.

This story was originally published on July 20, 2023, and most recently updated on June 26, 2024.

• Delta Air Lines debuted its first-ever lounge just for business-class customers.
• The nearly 40,000-square-foot space features a wellness center, terrace, and full restaurant.
• The new lounge should help alleviate crowds at Delta's more widely accessible SkyClub lounges.

Delta Air Lines has debuted its highly anticipated Delta One Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The nearly 40,000-square-foot lounge builds on the airline's famous SkyClubs with high-class perks like a wellness center, terrace, and full-service restaurant.

The bougie-ness isn't surprising considering Delta's premium-focused reputation. It's the only carrier of the Big 3 with sliding doors in business class, for example, and free WiFi on more than 650 of its domestic planes.

But it wasn't the first to open a dedicated business-class-only space; American Airlines and United Airlines run their respective Flagship and Polaris lounges. It also wasn't the first of the three to incorporate a separate restaurant or spa-like amenities.

Still, after previewing the space ahead of its grand opening, I think Delta's is the best of its kind thanks to a wide suite of amenities that all conveniently fit into one exclusive space.

Plus, frequent SkyClub goers at JFK can rejoice, as the new Delta One Lounge could help split up the crowds.

The new Delta One Lounge differs from the airline's collection of SkyClubs with more amenities and exclusivity.

Delta has dozens of SkyClubs across the US, and there are plenty of ways to get access, such as a paid membership, flying on a first or business-class ticket on Delta or an eligible partner, or having the right credit card.

The new Delta One lounges, which are expected to open in Los Angeles and Boston later this year, are more selective. According to Delta, same-day arriving or departing Delta One passengers and invite-only 360 members flying first class can visit.

Also allowed are those departing or connecting same-day on partner airlines in their respective business or first-class cabins. These include Air France, Korean Air, Latam, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. You can't get in by having the right credit card.

The perks start before security at a dedicated check-in space on the far right side of Terminal 4. It's stocked with drinks and snacks.

A frosted-glass room will welcome eligible travelers and direct them to the check-in desks. This is Delta's second dedicated business-class check-in, the other being at Los Angeles International Airport.

The LAX location connects to a SkyClub — which is one of its most extravagant ones, in my opinion — but the airline said it will eventually lead to its own Delta One Lounge in October.

There are concierge desks and bag drop stations to help travelers before they are directed to what will eventually be a private security line.

At Wednesday's opening, customers will use whatever security line they're eligible for at New York-JFK, like PreCheck or Delta's digital ID line.

However, come fall, Delta One lounge-goers can use a private TSA security line that leads right into the lounge. Delta has a similar setup at LAX.

To its credit, American has a fast-track security line for its premium passengers flying out of its fully renovated Terminal 8 at New York-JFK, which is co-branded with Oneworld partner British Airways.

Once past the chaos of crowds and security, customers will step into what I think is the best premium lounge among the US Big 3 airlines.

I've previously visited two of American's new Flagship lounges at JFK and United's Polaris lounge at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC.

All are beautifully done and individually have great elements — like United's sleeping pods and restaurant and American's wine-pouring table and circular Champagne bar.

However, I like that Delta combines everything into one and tops it off with a penthouse flare and bougie finish. It's simply more extravagant with a wider variety of amenities compared.

The Delta One Lounge is divided into several sections, the most glamorous being its 140-seat Brasserie restaurant.

The sit-down restaurant offers a three-course meal complete with an appetizer, main course, and dessert. There's all sorts of seating, from high-top tables to booths, and charging ports are also available.

"We haven't done anything like this before in any of our SkyClubs," Claude Roussel, VP of Delta Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience, told Business Insider. "The level of food and beverage and quality is really unlike anything you'll see, we think, at any other airport lounges."

It's similar to United's dining room at Dulles, which also offers a full sit-down service made from scratch but is less extravagent.

The restaurants at United and Delta's business-class lounges are separate from their respective buffet and market areas and offer on-demand dining.

Delta's dining room felt like I was in a Manhattan skyrise, complete with gold and wood finishings, unique wall and ceiling designs, an open kitchen, and a chandelier inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge.

Five small courses were served during the preview, and, as expected, everything was delicious.

Delta partnered with famous New York City-based Union Square Events and Restaurant Associates, a Danny Meyer concept, for the restaurant menu.

The meal (which had five courses for the media instead of the planned three) included hamachi crudo, corn agnolotti, seared salmon, rotisserie chicken, dark chocolate souffle, and New York cheesecake.

A market and bakery complete with hot and cold food is available on the other side of the lounge for quick bites.

The market and bakery host everything from salmon and flatbread to avocado toast and eggplant Parmesan. Allergies and other eating restrictions can be accommodated.

It's impossible to go hungry here.

There's also a bar with cold non-alcoholic drinks on tap and a coffee bar. Bar carts are stationed throughout the lounge, too.

The cold drinks on tap during the preview included things like green tea, beetroot, and flavored waters.

Staff members were available to take orders.

Complementing the restaurant and buffet is the giant bar just outside the Brasserie.

The half-circle bar reminds me of the equally beautiful champagne bar that is the centerpiece of American's Terminal 8 Chelsea Lounge.

Roussel said a few expensive top-shelf drinks at the Delta One Lounge, like a LOUIS XIII Cognac, will cost, but most alcohol is complimentary.

Passengers can enjoy their beverages in one of the seemingly neverending seating areas in the giant lounge.

The lounge has hundreds of seating spots available, from the bar to the restaurant to the terrace to the living room, complete with loungers, couches, and soundproof booths for private calls.

There's also a smaller dining area by the buffet, and beyond that is a section designed for business travelers. Here, customers can find portable computer monitors made by the company Espresso that connect to a laptop to provide a second screen.

I'd recommend the terrace.

The Delta One Lounge's all-season terrace resembles the indoor-outdoor concept also present at its grandiose Los Angeles SkyClub.

"The sunroof will open, and it's fully conditioned, so you can be there in the middle of winter or on a beautiful spring day," Roussel said.

The best part of the terrace, though, in my opinion, is the view of the planes. I could sit there and just watch them come and go all day.

If you don't want to be reminded you're at an airport, lounge-goers can escape to the wellness center for one of three spa-like services.

Delta's swanky new lounge offers a mini spa with three wellness services: shoulder and neck massage, hand and arm massage, and eye treatment. Roussel said the services would take about 15 minutes to keep travelers' time in mind.

Products from Grown Alchemist are available on a cart, like face and hand creams and toners.

Other services include 20-minute massage chairs and zero-gravity chairs, which Roussel said are good snooze options.

United, by comparison, has two full sleeping pods at Dulles with beds and a door, but Roussel said Delta's JFK lounge isn't intended for transiting passengers needing a long sleep.

"We focus really on the flights going out in the afternoon, so we don't expect people wanting to come here and take three to four-hour naps," he said. "You may have a connecting passenger in the morning, but that's not the breath of our clientele."

Complementing the wellness center are eight showers — which I imagine would be welcomed after a long-haul flight.

In addition to separate restrooms, the Delta One Lounge sports giant shower rooms stocked with toiletries, towels, slippers, and robes. Staff members are available to help.

For example, Roussel pointed to the two-way closet where customers can place suits or jackets so employees can access them without opening the shower room door.

This allows them to press or iron their clothes while the traveler freshens up. United has the same design, as well as offers robes, heated towels, and toiletry products.

There's also a shoe shine — rounding out all of the business traveler's needs.

If you are fresh off a long-haul flight from Europe and heading for a meeting, you could shower, get your suit pressed, and have your shoes shined all in one place.

Delta said this all-inclusive experience would distinguish it as a premium airline, and Roussel described the new exclusive Delta One space as a "destination lounge."

While I'll likely never get access on my own, the Delta One Lounge will impress the airline's most premium flyers.

Delta clearly knows what its most premium customers want, from the unique artwork lining the walls and spacious seating to the business-focused services like portable monitors and suit pressing.

"You might be here for four hours and start with a coffee, followed by lunch at the Brasserie and a massage in our wellness treatment, and finishing with a cocktail at the bar before you leave," Roussel said.

It's also a win for those with SkyClub access as Delta One passengers clear up space in the commonly overcrowded lounges.

Delta has had a problem with its SkyClubs being overcrowded with long entry lines, prompting the airline to change who can access the lounges, including barring employees and restricting basic economy tickets.

With the opening of the new Delta One Lounge, SkyClub goers will get relief at JFK — and eventually at Los Angeles and Boston this fall.

• CNN reports that Biden is considering allowing US private military contractors to go to Ukraine.
• Sources told the outlet that they would be restricted to helping maintain US-supplied equipment. 
• The Biden administration has long ruled out a move like this. 

President Joe Biden's administration is moving toward a plan that would allow US military contractors to deploy to Ukraine for the first time in a limited capacity, CNN reported.

Four US officials familiar with the matter told the outlet that a policy is being worked on to allow the Pentagon to issue private contracts to send troops for the maintenance and repair of US-supplied systems in Ukraine.

Biden himself has not signed off on the policy, CNN reported.

A White House spokesperson told Business Insider: "We have not made any decisions and any discussion of this is premature.

"The President is absolutely firm that he will not be sending US troops to Ukraine," they added.

Should the draft plan go ahead, it would be put into action later this year, the officials told CNN.

The move would cross a long-held red line for Biden, who has been wary of taking actions that would put American troops in the firing line or bolster Russian claims that the US, and NATO more broadly, is fighting a proxy war in Ukraine.

CNN's sources insisted that the plan includes the requirement that contractors develop strong risk-mitigation plans.

They also said that the move would likely see numbers from just a few dozen, up to around 200, contractors in Ukraine at any one time.

This would be a far cry from the previous situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw tens of thousands of private personnel contracted by the US.

If it went ahead, the move would likely help relieve considerable logistics headaches over keeping US-supplied weapons and equipment working.

US maintenance support remains remote, conducted via video calls and chat lines, with seriously damaged equipment needing to be sent to neighboring countries for repairs.

This is a problem for artillery like Howitzers, which are needed almost constantly for the defense of the front line — but is also likely to be a key issue for the F-16s Ukraine is readying to use, which bring with them a host of complex maintenance needs.

In February, European leaders balked at French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out.

As of earlier this month, Macron is proceeding with a plan to bring together a coalition of countries who could send troops to Ukraine in a similar supporting role to the plan being considered in the US — the training of Ukrainian troops and the maintenance of equipment.

Allowing US private contractors to go to Ukraine would not be the first time that the Biden White House has crossed its self-imposed red lines regarding support for Ukraine.

F-16s were a no-go until last summer — while more recently, the US said it was allowing Ukraine to use its weaponry in limited strikes on Russian soil.