Wednesday evening was marked by significant legal, financial, and technology-related developments, key stories emerged involving the federal death penalty case of Luigi Mangione, Tesla’s stock movements amid a major executive compensation plan, US diplomatic efforts in Gaza, and the forthcoming TikTok deal in the United States.
Luigi Mangione case: Judge restricts public statements
US District Judge Margaret Garnett has directed Justice Department officials to refrain from making public comments that could prejudice the death penalty trial of Luigi Mangione.
The 27-year-old defendant faces federal charges in the December shooting of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel and has pleaded not guilty.
He also faces separate state murder charges in New York.
The judge’s order follows concerns raised by Mangione’s defense team that statements made by senior government officials, including President Donald Trump, potentially linked him to “left-wing” extremism, violating court rules on out-of-court statements.
The directive warns that future violations could result in sanctions, including financial penalties or contempt of court.
“The attempts to connect Mr. Mangione with these incidents and paint him as a ‘left wing’ violent extremist are false, prejudicial, and part of a greater political narrative,” the defense team said in court filings.
US expects resolution in Gaza
Meanwhile, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough in Gaza during the Concordia Summit 2025.
He indicated that a resolution could be announced in the coming days.
Witkoff also confirmed that Washington recently presented President Trump’s 21-point Middle East peace plan and highlighted ongoing US engagement with Iran as part of broader diplomatic efforts.
Tesla stock gains amid $1 Trillion executive package
Tesla shares rebounded on Wednesday, rising 4.1% to $443.42, following a 2% decline in the previous session.
Investor attention has focused on a proposed performance incentive plan for Chief Executive Elon Musk, which could grant him approximately 425 million incentive-linked shares—roughly 12% of Tesla’s stock—if the company reaches an $8.5 trillion market capitalization.
The package, valued at nearly $1 trillion at the target price, has drawn both shareholder and analyst scrutiny.
Musk defended the proposal on social media, stating the plan is “not about compensation” but rather about maintaining influence over Tesla’s operations, particularly in the company’s planned expansion into robotics.
Analysts have expressed optimism over Tesla’s prospects in artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
Piper Sandler raised its price target to $500 from $400, while Baird upgraded Tesla to Buy from Hold with a target of $548.
TikTok deal set for signing
In technology news, President Trump is expected to sign the official TikTok deal on Thursday, aimed at keeping the social media app operational in the United States.
Under the agreement, TikTok will be majority-owned by American investors, with Oracle Corporation serving as the US government’s “trusted service provider.”
All US user data will be stored securely in the United States, preventing access by ByteDance or Chinese authorities, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
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