
A masked gunman fatally shot Brian Thompson , the CEO of UnitedHealthcare — one of the nation’s largest health insurers — outside a Manhattan hotel where the company was holding its investor conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Police are still searching for the gunman. A day after the shooting, a TikTok went viral claiming UnitedHealthcare posted a LinkedIn job listing for a new CEO within 24 hours of Thompson’s death. The job listing that appears in the video advertises a full-time, remote position based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with an annual salary range of $300,000 to $450,000. Another viral TikTok claimed the company also posted the same job listing on Indeed. Many commenters on the viral TikToks questioned whether UnitedHealthcare actually posted a job listing for a new CEO directly following the fatal shooting. Did UnitedHealthcare post a job listing for a new CEO the day after Brian Thompson’s death? No, UnitedHealthcare did not post a job listing for a new CEO the day after Brian Thompson’s death. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . UnitedHealthcare did not post a job listing for a new CEO shortly the day after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York on Dec. 4, like two viral TikToks claimed. UnitedHealthcare is the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. Thompson worked at UnitedHealth Group for 20 years. In April 2021, he was named UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after running the company’s Medicare and retirement business. On Dec. 6, VERIFY searched the most recent job listings posted on UnitedHealthcare’s LinkedIn and Indeed profiles and found that the company had not posted an ad for a new CEO within hours of Thompson’s death. We also found that the job was not listed on UnitedHealth Group’s official careers website . The salary range that appears in the viral TikTok’s fake job listing is also significantly lower than Thompson’s actual salary. In 2023, Thompson’s annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, was $10.2 million, making him one of the company’s highest-paid executives, according to UnitedHealth Group’s 2024 proxy statement . Peter Deragon, a managing director at Stanton Chase, a global executive search and leadership consulting firm, says most companies don’t hire their CEOs through LinkedIn, Indeed or other online job boards. “Most C-suite executives don’t ‘hunt’ for a job in the traditional sense of the word. They aren’t found scouring job boards or parsing over the latest employment listings,” Deragon wrote in a blog post from January 2023. “Instead, C-suite professionals willing to shift between employers enter a different process. They position themselves favorably and are ‘courted’ by companies in need of quality leadership,” he added. Liz Ryan, the CEO and founder of Human Workplace, a career coaching and consulting firm, agrees. “Higher-level executives don’t get new jobs by filling out online applications and uploading their resumes,” Ryan wrote in November 2023. “They don’t job hunt that way because they’d never get hired if they did.” VERIFY reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication. The Associated Press contributed to this report .Tehran will support Damascus in beating back the jihadist onslaught in Syria, as it represents a danger to the entire region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said. The al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprise attack from its base in Idlib last week, violating a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Türkiye in 2020. HTS militants have taken the cities of Aleppo and Hama so far, displacing over 280,000 people. “The Takfiri terrorist groups have hatched a long-term plot to cause insecurity and violence in the region,” Araghchi said on Friday, after meeting his Iraqi and Syrian colleagues in Baghdad. “Our goal is to strengthen consultations and coordination in order to support the Syrian government and people,” he added. At the Baghdad meeting, Iran and Iraq pledged to coordinate policy on Syria.The crisis in Syria has a “clear impact” on Iraqi security and needs to be contained, said Iraq’s prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. “It is imperative that we stand united to protect Syria’s unity, sovereignty and the safety of its people,” Iraqi President Latif Rashid said. Earlier this week, Araghchi said that Tehran would consider an open military intervention in Syria should Damascus request it. Iran has already provided President Bashar Assad’s government with intelligence and satellite data, a senior official who wished to remain anonymous told Reuters on Friday. “It is likely that Tehran will need to send military equipment, missiles and drones to Syria,” an Iranian official added on condition of anonymity, noting that Iran has already “taken all necessary steps to increase the number of its military advisers in Syria and deploy troops.” Militants backed by the US and some regional powers launched an armed insurgency against Damascus in 2011. An al-Qaeda splinter used the conflict to declare itself ‘Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’ (ISIS) in 2014. The following year, Russia sent an expeditionary force to Syria at Assad’s request and helped the government beat back both ISIS and other militants. Iran and the Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah also aided Damascus. Kurdish militias aided by the US helped defeat ISIS in northwestern Syria, but then refused to reunite with Damascus and kept control of the country’s farmland and oil deposits. Meanwhile, Türkiye intervened in 2017 to block the Syrian army from overrunning Idlib province, the last holdout of HTS. Ankara later pledged to support a political solution in Syria.As you rev up your engines and prepare to take on the virtual racetracks of the "Assetto Corsa" series, remember that the "Godlike Power" festival is not just a celebration of speed and competition, but a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of racing enthusiasts like you. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of racing simulation, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this thrilling and immersive gaming experience. So buckle up, hit the gas, and embrace the power of your inner racer in the "Assetto Corsa" series. The road to victory awaits!
The news of her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and followers around the world. Many are reflecting on the dangers and risks associated with cosmetic surgeries, particularly when it comes to procedures like liposuction, which involve the removal of excess fat from the body.
In terms of space and versatility, the Deep Blue S09 is expected to excel as a large-sized SUV, offering ample room for passengers and cargo alike. With customizable seating configurations and innovative storage solutions, the S09 will provide the flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of needs and activities, whether you're embarking on a family road trip or transporting bulky gear for outdoor adventures.Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading "Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and "The people without homes uphold their rights." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, the reports, mirroring the housing crunch in many parts of the world, including the US. Organizers said that over 100,000 turned out, while police estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the height of the previous decade's Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in past 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from $7.50 US in 2014 to about $13.50 this year, according to the real estate website . The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment, per the AP. Samuel Saintot said he is "frustrated and scared" after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for 15 years in Barcelona's city center that he must vacate the premises. The protester suspects the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. Despite looking outside Barcelona, he can't find anything. "And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary," he said. "And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town." A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rent and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27%. "We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes," said Ignasi Martí, a professor at Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory.
The Red Sox new-look bullpen is beginning to take shape, but will the club's recent additions be enough?
The Witcher fans were left in shock recently when CD Projekt Red (CDPR) issued a warning to Doug Cockle, the iconic voice behind Geralt of Rivia, stating that he is no longer allowed to discuss any possible future installments of the beloved series, including the highly anticipated "The Witcher 4." This surprising development has set the gaming community abuzz with speculation and raised questions about the future of the franchise.
In the highly anticipated action-adventure game "Black Myth: Wukong", developed by Game Science Studio, players will now be able to navigate the game world more effectively with the introduction of the long-awaited map feature. This new addition not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also preserves the traditional Chinese aesthetic of the game, ensuring that the thrill of exploration remains a central element of the gameplay.
SEOUL, South Korea — A Jeju Air plane flying from Bangkok to South Korea with 181 people on board crashed on landing Sunday, killing 179 with just two people plucked alive from the wreckage. Here’s what we know so far. What happened? A Boeing 737-800 aircraft belonging to low-cost carrier Jeju Air, flying from Bangkok to Muan airport, was warned of a bird strike by the control tower, officials said, during its first attempt at landing shortly after 9:00 am (0000 GMT). Minutes later, the pilot issued a “mayday” warning and tried to land again. Video showed the plane, its landing gear still retracted, attempting a belly landing. Dramatic video shows the plane skidding along the runway with smoke trailing behind until it slams into a wall at the end and bursts into flames. READ MORE: Jeju Air plane crash: 179 feared dead, only 2 survivors Jeju Air ‘sincerely apologizes’ after fatal S. Korea plane crash All but 2 feared dead after South Korea plane crashes with 181 aboard All but two are killed All 175 passengers and four of the six crew members onboard were killed. The passengers were all Korean apart from two Thais, a three-year-old and a 78-year-old, authorities said. Rescue workers plucked two survivors — flight attendants aged 25 and 33 — from the wreckage. What caused the accident? Investigations have been launched, but officials are focusing on a possible bird strike and poor weather. “It really has to be a series of catastrophic events that led to such a high loss of life,” aviation consultant Philip Butterworth-Hayes told AFP. “Crash protection systems on board are extremely robust,” he said, describing the disaster as “the most serious incident I’ve seen” in recent years. When asked whether the runway might be too short, one official said this was likely not a factor. “The runway is 2,800 metres long,” or 9,200 feet, “and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without issues,” the official said. Both black boxes — the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder — have been recovered, deputy transport minister Joo Jong-wan said. What is a bird strike? A bird strike — a collision between a bird and an aircraft in flight — can be hazardous to aircraft. Jets can lose power if birds are sucked into their air intakes, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency. Bird strikes have caused a number of fatal accidents globally. “We’re looking at substantial birds hitting an engine, and that is, as we know, very rare,” said Butterworth-Hayes. He mentioned the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” incident in 2009, when a US Airways Airbus A320 was forced to ditch in New York’s Hudson River after a bird strike damaged both of its engines. All aboard managed to escape. Rescue operation Hundreds of firefighters and other emergency responders, including military, were deployed to the Muan airport area, with the country’s acting president designating the site a special disaster zone. Family members, many crying in despair, waited on the airport’s first floor. Government response The accident occurred with South Korea in the throes of a political crisis that began when then-president Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, days before being impeached. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, on his third day in office, convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members Sunday and visited the crash scene. Aviation safety record South Korea’s aviation industry has a solid safety record and the crash was the first fatal accident for Jeju Air. On August 12, 2007, strong winds caused a Jeju Air-operated Bombardier Q400 carrying 74 passengers to veer off the runway at another southern airport, Busan-Gimhae. A dozen people were injured. Before Sunday, the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil took place on April 15, 2002, when an Air China Boeing 767 traveling from Beijing hit a hill near Busan-Gimhae, resulting in 129 deaths. The most recent fatal crash of a South Korean airline happened in San Francisco, California on July 6, 2013. Asiana Airlines’ Boeing 777 aircraft missed its landing, leaving three dead and 182 hurt. The deadliest disaster to hit a South Korean airline goes back to September 1, 1983, when a Soviet fighter jet shot down a Boeing 747, which Moscow claimed was mistaken for a spy plane. All 23 crew and 246 passengers aboard the Korean Air flight — a New York-to-Seoul flight via Anchorage, Alaska — were killed.JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Two weeks before Election Day, activists from across the country gathered for an online rally heralding the historic number of state ballot initiatives seeking to change the way people vote. Hopes were high that voters would ditch traditional partisan primaries and embrace ballots with more candidate choices. Instead, the election reform movement lost almost everywhere it appeared on a statewide ballot. “It turns out, in retrospect, we weren’t yet ready for prime time,” said John Opdycke, president of the advocacy group Open Primaries, which organized the rally. In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota — a mixture of red, blue and purple states — voters rejected either ranked choice voting, open primaries or a combination of both. The open primary proposals sought to place candidates of all parties on the same ballot, with a certain number of top finishers advancing to the general election. Under ranked choice voting, people can vote for multiple candidates in order of preference. If no one receives a majority of first place votes, then candidates who receive the fewest votes are eliminated and their votes redistributed to people’s next choices. Election reform advocates raised about $110 million for the statewide ballot measures, vastly outpacing their opponents, according to an Associated Press analysis of campaign finance figures that could grow even larger as post-election reports are filed. Still, their promotional push wasn’t enough to persuade most voters. “While Americans are frustrated with politics, I think most Americans are just fine with the traditional way of voting,” said Trent England, executive director of Save Our States, which opposes ranked choice voting. Advocates for alternative election methods had thought momentum was on their side after Alaska voters narrowly approved a combination of open primaries and ranked choice voting in 2020. Then voters in Nevada — where initiatives proposing constitutional amendments require approval in two consecutive elections — gave first-round approval to a similar measure in 2022. But Nevada voters reversed course this year. In Alaska, an attempt this year to repeal open primaries and ranked choice voting appears to have fallen just short of passing, garnering 49.9% support in results released Wednesday. Final results are expected to be certified Nov. 30. In addition to Alaska, versions of ranked choice voting already exist in Maine ‘s federal elections and about 50 counties or cities. Voters in Washington, D.C., and the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, both approved ranked choice voting this November. And voters in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota, reaffirmed their use of it. Data suggests that ranked choice voting rarely results in different outcomes than traditional elections won by candidates receiving a plurality, but not majority, of support. The AP analyzed nearly 150 races this fall in 16 jurisdictions where ranked choice voting is authorized, ranging from the Board of Assessors elections in the Village of Arden, Delaware, to the presidential elections in Alaska and Maine. The ranking system was needed in just 30% of those cases, because the rest were won by candidates receiving a majority of the initial votes. Nationwide, just three candidates who initially trailed in first-place votes ended up winning after ranked vote tabulations — one for Portland City Council and two for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In San Francisco, two progressive candidates campaigned together, encouraging voters to rank them No. 1 and 2. Initially, they fell behind a moderate candidate who would have won a traditional election. But after six rounds of rankings, one of the progressive candidates emerged the victor when the other was eliminated and his supporters’ votes were redistributed to her. Supporters of ranked choice voting point to that as a success, because it avoided two similar candidates splitting the vote and both losing. “It’s kind of like a pressure valve – you don’t always need it, but when you do, you really do,” said Deb Otis, director of research and policy at FairVote, which advocates for ranked choice voting. In Portland, Oregon, voters used ranked choice voting for the first time this November in their mayoral and City Council elections, even as Oregon voters simultaneously rejected a measure to implement it for federal and statewide offices. Political outsider Keith Wilson, who led Portland’s 19-person mayoral field with about one-third of the initial vote, ultimately won election after 19 rounds of ranked tabulations. One City Council seat took at least 30 rounds to decide. But not everyone participated in the new voting method. About one-fifth of Portland voters skipped the council races, and about one-in-seven voters left the mayoral election blank. Opponents of ranked choice voting contend that some people find it confusing and don’t vote in ranked races. Academic research also has cast doubt on the benefits of ranked choice voting, said Larry Jacobs, a professor of politics at the University of Minnesota. Fewer Black voters tend to rank candidates than white voters, he said, and there is little evidence that ranked choice voting reduces political polarization or negative campaigning. “I think the tide for ranked choice voting is turning away from it,” Jacobs said. Groups that heavily financed this year’s election reform initiatives aren’t giving up, but may retool their approach. Supporters are considering whether to separate the efforts to end partisan primaries from those to adopt ranked choice voting, and whether to focus more on incremental changes that state legislatures can make instead of on high-stakes initiatives to amend state constitutions. Opdycke said some of this year’s initiatives may have launched prematurely, counting on ads to persuade voters without first cultivating enough grassroots support. “I think there’s a deeper appreciation for the kind of brick work, foundation-building, conversation creation that has to go on as a precursor of launching a formal campaign,” he said. Unite America, which spent around $70 million this year in its effort to end partisan primaries, is analyzing voter surveys and focus group results to help reshape its approach. “The question is not if we should continue that effort,” Unite America Executive Director Nick Troiano said, “but how are we ultimately going to succeed at it?”