Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) NEW YORK (AP) — The gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here’s the latest: Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . FBI announces reward for information leading to gunman’s arrest and conviction The FBI announced Friday night that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the shooter who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer. The FBI’s New York Field Office is working with the New York City Police Department to identify the gunman. Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Gunman’s steps after killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO give police new clues The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack. For many companies, investor meetings are seen as a risk In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Police have obtained other surveillance images of the person wanted for questioning Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Another health insurer taking precautions after the shooting Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. says its Investor Day will now be virtual The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. UnitedHealth Group says it’s focused on supporting Brian Thompson’s family The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. NY Mayor Eric Adams provided no new information on investigation’s progress during interviews But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Hours after the shooting, UnitedHealthcare removed photographs of its executives from its website Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to NY last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. Police test DNA and fingerprints on discarded bottle as they hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner. Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNINGWASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. VIVEK RAMASWAMY SAYS FEDERAL AGENCIES CAN BE ‘DELETED.’ CAN TRUMP DO THAT? But deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China's hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of what officials have said is a limited number of individuals. Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose communications were accessed. WHICH JAN. 6 DEFENDERS COULD SEE PARDONS Neuberger said Friday that officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but that a “large number" were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are "primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. In addition, she said, the government was planning additional actions in coming weeks in response to the hacking campaign, though she did not say what they were. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia, and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.
After a thrilling double-overtime win over Fresno State, California Baptist makes the nearly 2,500-mile trip to Orlando to face Central Florida on Sunday. The Lancers (5-3) capped their time at the Acrisure Holiday Invitational in Palm Springs, Calif., with an 86-81 victory over the Bulldogs on Wednesday. That followed a last-second, 79-77 loss to SMU the day before. Dominique Daniels Jr. played 45 minutes against Fresno State and led California Baptist with 29 points. He paces the Lancers with 20.3 points per game, while Kendal Coleman averages 15.1 points and is shooting 59.7 percent form the floor. However, coach Rick Croy's team has struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 30.7 percent entering its first true road game this season. UCF (5-2) is coming off of an 84-76 win over Milwaukee last Wednesday despite being outrebounded 41-31. The Knights were helped by the heroics of senior guard Darius Johnson, who had 28 points as he shot a career-best 8-for-10 from beyond the arc. "Darius was terrific," UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. "He's so comfortable in his leadership role now, he's leading our team and running the show, and our new players are becoming more comfortable playing with him. He's been a rock for us this season, and you love to see it out of a senior point guard." "I had an extraordinary night shooting the ball from three," Johnson said. "I rarely think that would happen again, but it's great. I know my teammates are going to have nights like that as well." Johnson is among the nation's leaders in minutes per game (36.6) and is shooting a team-high 50 percent from 3-point range (23 of 46). He, along with his fellow guard Jordan Ivy-Curry, are each averaging 16.9 points to lead UCF. The Knights opened the season with an impressive win over Texas A&M, now No. 20 in the AP poll, but lost both games at last weekend's Greenbrier Tip-Off, including a triple-overtime defeat against LSU on Sunday. UCF has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018-19. This will be the first meeting between the Knights and the Lancers, who will each have time off afterwards. UCF won't play until Dec. 8 against Tarleton State, while California Baptist is idle until its Dec. 11 game at San Diego State. --Field Level Media
Saturday, December 28, 2024 In recent years, Australian travelers have shown a notable preference for quieter, child-free travel experiences. Screaming babies and restless children are often seen as unavoidable nuisances for many passengers, whether parents or solo travelers. Despite rising demand for child-free flights, local airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia have yet to introduce such options, citing cost and controversy as primary obstacles. Meanwhile, international carriers such as Scoot and AirAsia have successfully offered these options, sparking debate among the travel industry and passengers alike. This report delves into the growing popularity of child-free flights, the reluctance of Australian airlines to adopt this trend, and the strategies international carriers have implemented to meet passenger preferences. The Rising Demand for Child-Free Flights A recent analysis by Flight Centre reveals that terms like “adults only” ranked as the second most searched category on their platform in 2024, making up 31% of search terms. This trend is only slightly outpaced by family travel searches at 32%. Similarly, Flight Centre’s luxury division, Travel Associates, reported that 81% of its bookings were made by couples or solo travelers, with family bookings lagging at just 15%. James Kavanagh, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group, emphasized the increasing demand for tailored travel experiences, stating that “travel operators are responding by introducing adults-only experiences across airlines, cruises, and tours.” However, while demand is evident, Australian airlines remain hesitant to introduce child-free cabins. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Hesitation Among Australian Airlines Despite clear data highlighting passenger interest, major Australian airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia have shown no indication of adopting child-free cabin options. Industry insiders cite several reasons for this reluctance: According to a Sydney-based travel agent, Australian carriers prefer to avoid stirring controversy or bearing the costs associated with cabin modifications. “While the demand is strong, it’s unlikely we’ll see these changes from local airlines anytime soon,” the agent noted. International Carriers Leading the Way While Australian airlines remain cautious, several Asian carriers have embraced the concept of child-free flights. Over a decade ago, Singapore-based Scoot and Malaysia’s AirAsia introduced dedicated quiet zones on their flights. These spaces, branded as “Scoot-in-Silence” and “The Quiet Zone,” prohibit children under 12 and 10 years old, respectively. Both carriers have seen increased demand for their quiet zones, particularly among solo travelers and couples. These options have also been praised for offering greater comfort and minimal disturbances, making them a popular choice for passengers prioritizing a tranquil journey. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The Economic and Social Debate The idea of child-free flights has sparked heated debates among travelers and industry experts. Advocates argue that it’s about offering more choices and enhancing passenger satisfaction. Critics, however, view such policies as discriminatory and divisive. Online discussions reveal divided opinions: Despite the controversy, the rising demand for adults-only travel experiences suggests a growing market segment that values quiet and comfort over inclusivity. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Impact on the Travel Industry The demand for child-free flights reflects broader trends in travel personalization and segmentation. Key impacts on the industry include: However, airlines must balance these opportunities with the potential risks of alienating family travelers and incurring additional costs. Future of Child-Free Flights in Australia While international carriers like Scoot and AirAsia lead the way, the future of child-free flights in Australia remains uncertain. Industry experts believe that Australian airlines may eventually adopt similar options as passenger demand grows and societal attitudes evolve. However, significant barriers, including financial constraints and public opinion, must first be addressed. For now, Australian travelers seeking child-free experiences will need to look to international airlines or alternative travel options, such as adults-only cruises and resorts. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The debate over child-free flights highlights the evolving preferences of modern travelers and the challenges faced by the travel industry in meeting diverse needs. While Australian airlines have yet to embrace this trend, international carriers’ success with quiet zones demonstrates the potential for such offerings. As the travel industry continues to innovate and adapt, the question remains: will Australian airlines step up to meet the demand for child-free flights, or will they risk losing customers to more flexible competitors abroad? Do you have a story tip related to travel industry? Email us: [email protected]
Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package blocked again by US judge
NonePresident-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Mr Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Mr Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker”. Mr Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Mr Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was co-operating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Mr Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Mr Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison – the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the US attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Mr Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Mr Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offences “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was US attorney”. Mr Trump and the elder Mr Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.