Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance unit, was shot and killed on December 4 outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

The attack, described by police as targeted, occurred around 6:45 a.m. ET as Thompson was arriving for a company investor conference. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Authorities believe the shooter, who wore a mask and carried a gray backpack, had been lying in wait for Thompson. The suspect fled on foot before escaping on an electric bike.

Not random

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch indicated that this incident was not random but premeditated. The motive is still under investigation.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, reported he had previously received threats. UnitedHealth, the largest U.S. health insurer, is facing scrutiny after a significant data breach earlier this year affecting healthcare services.

Witnesses noted the gunman targeted Thompson specifically, as he ignored other pedestrians. Local police confirmed Thompson was shot in the back and the suspect continued firing despite a malfunction in the weapon.

In light of the incident, UnitedHealthcare canceled the remainder of its investor conference and expressed condolences to Thompson’s family.

The French government led by President Emmanuel Macron fell after a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

This marks the first removal of a prime minister by lawmakers in over fifty years, highlighting significant political gridlock in the country.

The vote has left France’s public finances uncertain, as the country grapples with increasing political fragmentation.

Macron attempted to tackle the rise of Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally by calling for snap elections, which resulted in a hung parliament.

Budgetary measures

The Assembly is now divided among Macron’s supporters, Le Pen’s party, and a coalition of leftist groups, complicating efforts to approve essential budgetary measures for 2025.

Le Pen, alongside leftist lawmakers, supported the no-confidence motion after proposed spending cuts and tax hikes aimed at reducing a projected deficit exceeding 6% of GDP.

French President Macron.

Prime Minister Barnier stressed the need for urgent financial reforms, noting France’s debt servicing surpasses its defense budget. With limited options, Macron faces challenges in resolving the deadlock, as he cannot dissolve the Assembly and call for new elections until July.

He might appoint a new prime minister to push for a budget extension.

Le Pen expressed her willingness to support a budget extension while criticizing Barnier’s economic plans as harmful to working and middle-class citizens amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

Barnier’s recent fall from power has intensified calls for Macron’s resignation by opposition members, signaling a deepening crisis in French governance.

A U.S. judge has once again denied Elon Musk’s controversial $56 billion Tesla pay package, raising questions about the company’s governance practices. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s tariff threats against BRICS nations could derail de-dollarization efforts, adding tension to global trade dynamics.

Concerns are also growing around Super Micro Computer audits, which have sparked fears of potential vulnerabilities in the tech sector. Additionally, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has announced his departure, leaving questions about whether his efforts to revitalise the company met expectations.

These developments underline the influence of leadership on shaping the global tech landscape, as decisions continue to ripple across industries.