Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Wednesday.
A health insurance C.E.O. was gunned down in ManhattanA police manhunt is underway in New York City after the head of one of the nation's largest health insurers was fatally shot this morning in Midtown Manhattan. The police described the killing as a targeted attack. Here's what we know. The executive, Brian Thompson of UnitedHealthcare, was shot just after 6:45 a.m. near the New York Hilton Midtown, where his company was holding its annual investor presentations. The surrounding blocks are a popular holiday destination for tourists and shoppers. Surveillance video obtained by The New York Times shows a gunman in a dark hooded jacket walking up behind Thompson and firing at him at least three times. Police said the attacker had waited for Thompson, ignoring other passers-by, before shooting him in the back and leg. Thompson collapsed on the sidewalk against a wall before the gunman fled on an electric Citi Bike into Central Park. For more: Thompson, 50, managed a division that employs about 140,000 people. He had recently received several threats, though that is not unusual for health insurance executives.
Justices appeared set to uphold a Tennessee law on trans careThe Supreme Court's conservative majority seemed inclined today to uphold a Tennessee law banning transition care for transgender youth. A decision in the case, which is expected by June, could set a precedent for transgender rights in America and affect similar laws in more than 20 other states. At least five of the court's conservative justices appeared likely to side with Tennessee. Some of the justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, argued that judgments about contested scientific evidence should be made by legislatures rather than judges. The liberals on the court seemed more accommodating to the plaintiffs, who are backed by the Biden administration and argued that the Tennessee law violated the Constitution by denying equal protections for transgender people. My colleague Emily Cochrane spoke with families of transgender children in Tennessee ahead of the hearing. Some left the state, while others chose to remain. "A lot of these families are worried that a ruling upholding the ban could further embolden state legislatures and the incoming Trump administration to pass even tougher laws aimed at transgender people," Emily said. At the court: Chase Strangio, who argued against the ban for the A.C.L.U., was the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court. Data: Tennessee is home to about 3,100 transgender teenagers, according to estimates.
Trump's support for Hegseth is wobblingA small but pivotal group of Republicans has expressed concern about confirming Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary. Hegseth, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, drinking to excess and financial mismanagement while running veterans' nonprofits, met with senators today on Capitol Hill. People close to Trump said his support for Hegseth is wavering. The president-elect has held discussions with other people he is considering for the job, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida.
France's prime minister is expected to resignFrench lawmakers voted today to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government from office. It was France's first successful no-confidence vote in more than 60 years, and it sent the country into a fresh spasm of political turmoil that leaves it without a clear path to a new budget and threatens to further jolt financial markets. Barnier is expected to resign soon. More top news
The best albums of 2024This year, no album was singularly ascendant. Perhaps that was because listeners these days are more likely to be drawn to individual songs — or snippets of songs — than entire albums. Nevertheless, our three pop music critics each winnowed this year's releases into a list of the best albums of 2024. Listen to their selections, which feature Charli XCX, Mk.gee and MJ Lenderman, among others.
Mushrooms take a leading roleRestaurants around the U.S. are increasingly offering epic mushroom main courses, giving the fungi equal billing with steak or salmon. Though mushrooms have long been seen as a side ingredient, they've caught on with both vegetarians and curious diners. The chef at Café Chelsea in Manhattan shared his recipe for a mushroom prepared like steak au poivre. If you're making it at home, try to avoid storing your mushrooms in plastic: They need to breathe.
Dinner table topics
Cook: Cajun-style chicken pasta has become a cult classic. Watch: Stream these holiday movies. Read: Our columnist selected this year's most outstanding crime novels. Design: Follow these tips to create a meaningful home library. Exercise: Experts argue that it's better to attempt to optimize health span than life span. Sip: Wirecutter tested 17 thermoses. This one is the best. Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all our games here.
America's hottest dog toyLamb Chop, a woolly sock puppet, entertained generations of children on television after it was first introduced to the world in the 1950s by the ventriloquist Shari Lewis. Now, the curly-haired puppet is among the most popular dog toys in the country. Since Lamb Chop entered the dog toy market in 2010, it has taken a mysteriously strong hold on America's dogs and their owners. "There definitely does seem to be some kind of bond that I can't really explain," one owner said. Have a cherished evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew Philip Pacheco was our photo editor today. We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com.
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