Kendrick Lamar has done it again. The rapper completely shocked music listeners by dropping his new album on Friday morning. Nobody, not even Lamar's collaborators, saw it coming. The consensus among fans is that the Compton legend delivered a stellar and surprisingly catchy body of work. He has moved on from his highly controversial feud with Drake , and refocused on what he does best. Longtime Lamar heads aren't the only ones who are loving GNX , though. The rapper's fiancee, Whitney Alford, also took to social media to make her admiration for the album known. Whitney Alford posted the GNX album cover on her Instagram Story, along with three hearts. She didn't provide any text, but the co-sign spoke for itself. Kendrick Lamar's relationship with Whitney Alford has been a major talking point throughout 2024. Drake leveled several serious allegations at Dot during their feud, and many of them had to do with Alford. The 6 God accused Lamar of being estranged and living apart from Alford and their two children. He also accused the rapper of being physically violent with his longtime fiancee. "They hired a crisis management team," Drake rapped. "To clean up the fact that you beat on your queen." Read More: DJ Akademiks Gives His Highly-Anticipated Review Of Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" "Not Like Us" shifted the narrative, though. Kendrick Lamar's number one diss took the culture by storm, and Whitney Alford went along for the ride. She appeared at the Pop Out show on Juneteenth, where Dot played "Not Like Us" a whopping five times to L.A. fans. She also appeared in the video for "Not Like Us," dancing alongside her children. Whitney Alford has not publicly spoken on the Lamar vs. Drake feud, but she has made it clear through her actions that she supports her partner. This is not the first time Whitney Alford has been supportive of Lamar's work. She contributed spoken word passages to the rapper's sprawling 2022 double album, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers . Despite the fact that Lamar was addressing his infidelity and his struggles with remaining faithful as a superstar, Alford stood by his side. Lamar and Alford have presented a united front during the last few years, and fans of the couple have taken to social media to voice their enthusiasm over the latter's GNX co-sign.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. People are also reading... York women's prison inmate dies; cause unclear but she was earlier denied echocardiogram Colleen Williams pens farewell letter to viewers after longtime stint on NTV Schuyler Community Schools staff arrested, no longer employed with schools York News-Times Volleyball Player of the Season: EMF's Kaydence Haase Business Beat: Check out the latest on the business scene around York Paige Hubl, former Nebraska volleyball player and Lincoln Southeast coach, dies at age 34 Nebraska volleyball earns No. 2 overall seed in NCAA Tournament, will host first weekend Apprenticeship program to bring more special education teachers to York-area schools Suspect nabbed in York County stop sentenced to prison on drug charge SNC recognizes seven YNT area players as all conference Nebraska company seeks to break China's stranglehold on rare-earth minerals Nebraska football signing day preview: Potential flips and a 5-star up for grabs Previewing the area's top girls basketball returners York News-Times Football Player of the Season: High Plains' Gage Friesen York High event promises songs, Shakespearean speech and suspense The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The dramatic downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad presents possible danger, and an opening, for neighboring Israel. After fighting wars on multiple fronts for months, Israel is now concerned that unrest in Syria could spill over into its territory. Israel also views the end of the Assad regime as a chance to disrupt Iran’s ability to smuggle weapons through Syria to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military over the weekend began seizing control of a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria created as part of a 1974 ceasefire between the countries. It said the move was temporary and meant to secure its border. But the incursion sparked condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and possibly exploiting the chaos in Syria for a land grab. Israel still controls the Golan Heights that it captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed — a move not recognized by most of the international community. Here’s a look at recent developments along the Syrian frontier. Where are the Israeli troops? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces were moving to control a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarized buffer zone in Syrian territory. The buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights was created by the U.N. after the 1973 Mideast war. A U.N. force of about 1,100 troops has patrolled the area since then. On a visit Sunday to a Golan Heights hilltop overlooking Syria, Netanyahu said that because Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, Israel’s move into the buffer zone was necessary as a “temporary defensive position.” “The peacekeepers at (the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF) informed the Israeli counterparts that these actions would constitute a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, that there should be no military forces or activities in the area of separation,” said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He added that the buffer zone was calm and UNDOF peacekeepers remained in their position. The Security Council is scheduled to meet for special consultations called by Russia to discuss the buffer zone issue. The rebels who ousted Assad and now control much of Syria are led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, although he severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. On Monday evening, Netanyahu said Assad’s fall is the “direct result of the heavy blows we landed on Hamas, on Hezbollah and on Iran.” He added that Israel would occupy the summit of Mount Hermon, which is within the buffer zone on the Syria-Lebanon border, and at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet) is the highest peak in the eastern Mediterranean coast. Israel has sent troops into the buffer zone, including on the Syrian side of snow-dusted Mount Hermon, which is divided between the Golan Heights, Lebanon, and Syria. Only the United States recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights. How long will Israeli troops be in the buffer zone? Israeli troops began moving into the buffer zone Saturday. Also on Saturday, armed men attacked U.N. forces near the border with Israel, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. “(The Israeli military) took targeted and temporary control of certain areas near the border to prevent an Oct. 7 scenario from Syria,” Saar said, referring to Hamas’ surprise 2023 attack into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Dujarric also acknowledged Saturday’s attack. “Armed individuals climbed the wall of a U.N. position near Hadar,” he said. “Following an exchange of fire with U.N. peacekeepers who were protecting the position, the base was partially looted. There were no casualties.” UNDOF forces later recovered some of the looted items, “including a number of the weapons and ammunition that had been taken,” he added. Many in the region condemned the move. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of “exploiting the power vacuum ... to occupy more Syrian territories and create a fait accompli in violation of international law.” Saudi Arabia separately criticized Israel for what it called its “determination to undermine opportunities for Syria to restore its security, stability and territorial integrity.” This isn’t the first time Israel has entered the buffer zone this year. An Associated Press report last month examining satellite imagery found that Israel had been working on a construction project, possibly a new road, along the border with Syria from as early as July, and had in some cases entered the buffer zone during construction. Following the AP report, U.N. forces warned that the Israeli military has committed “severe violations” of its ceasefire deal with Syria. Is Israel invading Syria? Israeli political and military leaders have stressed that the seizure of the buffer zone is temporary and not a prelude to entering other parts of Syrian territory. “The plan at the moment is that this is a temporary step to make sure stability is kept in the border, making sure the buffer zone is kept, and the U.N. forces can stay,” said a military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military guidelines. The official noted that in 2014, U.N. peacekeepers fled the buffer zone after al-Qaida-linked Syrian rebels attacked their encampments. After armed men attacked U.N. forces over the weekend, Israel wanted to ensure the situation did not repeat itself, the official said. Israel isn’t currently trying to change the border or prepare for an invasion into Syria, said Carmit Valensi, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think-tank. “Right now, it’s a tactical operation, not a long-term strategy, in response to the dynamic situation in Syria,” she said. With the collapse of the Syrian army, Israel wants to protect its borders until the situation stabilizes, she said. What are Israel’s interests? Israel says its immediate goal is to prevent the instability in Syria from spreading into the border region. Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday laid out Israel’s plans for the border area. He said that after completing the takeover of the buffer zone, Israel would create a “security zone” beyond it by destroying heavy artillery across Syria and preventing Iran from smuggling weapons through Syria into Lebanon. Foreign Minister Saar said Monday that Israel has struck multiple sites holding chemical weapons and long-range missiles to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors. Saar did not say when the strikes occurred. Analysts said Israel is likely to continue carrying out strikes against targets across Syria. Israel is planning outreach to Syria’s Druze population, a close-knit religious minority that also lives in Israel, Jordan and Lebanon and has maintained some ties across borders. Israel is also trying to open lines of communication with Syrian rebel groups, to help ensure Iranian-backed factions don’t reclaim any territory, according to Valensi. For many years, Israel quietly provided food, medicine, clothing and other assistance to war-ravaged southern Syria through “Operation Good Neighbor,” which ended in 2018. More than 4,000 wounded and sick Syrians received medical treatment in Israel or in Israeli field hospitals, and those non-diplomatic connections could now prove crucial.Outgoing Orono Mayor Dennis Walsh appointed a new council member Monday night, despite objections from colleagues who said the move would erode trust with residents. Claire Berrett, a longtime Orono resident criticized by some as being too supportive of Walsh, took the oath of office during a contentious City Council meeting in which officials and audience members at times shouted over each other. “It’s an honor,” Berrett said during the meeting. “It feels awkward to me right now, because I wasn’t expecting this, but I will promise you this: I will always vote in the best interests of Orono and its citizens.” The selection comes as Orono is bracing for major political turnover and grappling with contentious issues like the future of its fire department . Earlier this month, voters selected a new mayor and two new council members, who are set to begin their jobs in January. One week after the election, Council Member Matt Johnson resigned with about two years left on his term. Berrett filled his seat, though it’s not yet clear how long she might be there. Orono City Attorney Soren Mattick said he expects the appointment will last through November of 2026, though he left open the possibility officials could pass a special election ordinance that somehow changes that. Incoming Mayor Bob Tunheim said he believes city leaders exceeded their authority in appointing Berrett and that a special election needs to be held. “I can’t speak for the rest of the incoming council, but I think the community will want us to move quickly to put in motion the steps necessary to hold a special election,” Tunheim said in an interview Tuesday. He added: “I intend to be professional and civil with Ms. Berrett and I look forward to working with her for the time she remains on council.” Berrett didn’t immediately respond to a message Tuesday. Election vs. appointment Berrett’s sudden appointment surprised some people, who expected Monday night’s meeting to include a presentation on an application process for people who were interested in taking Johnson’s seat. Materials prepared for the council and included in a meeting packet note that “past practice of the city has been to fill council vacancies through an application, interview and appointment process.” When Johnson resigned earlier this month, city officials said they expected they would also need to hold a special election next year. But at Monday’s meeting, Walsh cited advice from state officials and said that because there isn’t a city ordinance addressing special elections, “there will not be one.” In a text message Tuesday, Walsh said it was “our duty” to put someone in place who will take care of Orono. “Claire is overly qualified to make sure that any decisions moving forward will be done with Orono’s best interest in mind when she votes,” he said. Walsh moved Monday night to appoint Barrett to the position. Orono City Council Member Alisa Benson, who had been the only one set to return to office next year, urged the council to hold off, saying multiple people had expressed interest in the job. “It’s the exact opposite of honoring those election results and the message that the voters have sent with it by doing this sort of maneuver at this meeting tonight,” she said. Council Member Maria Veach previously took her seat through an appointment process and said she “dealt with its aftermath for my entire term.” “I knew that really well-intentioned people won’t be given a chance, and the appointment process is brutal,” Veach said. “Unfortunately, what we’re tasked with is unprecedented yet again.” Berrett’s appointment failed on a 2-2 vote, with Walsh and Council Member Richard Crosby voting for her selection and Benson and Veach voting against. The city attorney said that, in the event of a tie, state law allows the mayor to appoint a new council member. Walsh immediately appointed Berrett, eliciting boos from the audience. During public comment, multiple people spoke against Berrett’s selection, with some raising concerns about the process and some saying they knew little about her except that she had ties to a group that held a forum featuring Walsh in the runup to the election. (Walsh received just one-third of the votes in the November election, losing to Tunheim.) Berrett didn’t address that head-on, but said she would tell people a little bit about herself. She said she has been an Orono resident for 29 years and has a “servant’s heart,” adding that she had served on a parents’ association and a parish council. “I hope to get to know you all in a real, face-to-face way, not behind keyboards,” she said. “...And I’m looking forward to the civility that incoming Mayor Tunheim has promised, and I hope that filters through all of Orono.”
California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sitesThe Board of State Canvassers certified nearly all of Nebraska's 2024 elections results Monday with little fanfare. The board, which consists of Gov. Jim Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Auditor Mike Foley and State Treasurer Tom Briese, unanimously certified the results of all but one local race that triggered an automatic recount. Several close races in the state Legislature and among Nebraska's congressional delegation were approved without objection. For Nebraska's first general election after implementing a new voter ID law, Deputy Secretary of State Wayne Bena said ballots were processed smoothly, and praised the state's election workers for this feat. He said there were about 345 ballots that were rejected because voters did not comply with the law, plus approximately 654 early mail-in ballots rejected because voters didn't properly fill out their information. People are also reading... "This election, from all metrics, went very well," Bena said. The one automatic recount was triggered in a four-candidate Dawson Public Power District race, where the second and third-place finishers were separated by 20 votes, with the race slated to award the top two finishers seats on the board. Automatic recounts are triggered when there is a margin of less than 1% in the results, based on the number of votes the winner received. The canvassing board will now meet on Dec. 10 to certify the results of this recount. There was some question about whether the board would certify the results of Nebraska's ballot initiatives, particularly a pair of measures that are slated to legalize medical marijuana. Both Hilgers and Evnen have made efforts to invalidate the measures, which both passed with roughly 70% support, alleging that petition circulators and notaries with the campaign engaged in fraud or did not follow proper protocol. Last week, Lancaster District Court Judge Susan Strong dismissed several challenges made against the measures by Evnen and former state Sen. John Kuehn. However, that case is expected to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court. Regardless, both Evnen and Hilgers had said earlier that they would certify the results of the medical marijuana initiative. The issue was not mentioned during the board's meeting. The certification does not impact the legal challenge. Photos: 2024 Election Day in Lincoln Daily Nebraskan photographers Emma DeShon (left) and Izzy Lewis send photos to their news desk during a Democrat election night watch party Tuesday at the Delray 817. Lincoln City Council member Justin Carlson (from left), Liz Ring Carlson, Lancaster County Commissioner Christa Yoakum and her husband John Yoakum, a member of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District board, chat during a Democrat election night watch party Tuesday at the Delray 817. Lincoln City Council member Justin Carlson (from left) and Liz Ring Carlson speak with Lancaster County Board Commissioner Christa Yoakum during a Democrat election night watch party Tuesday at the DelRay 817. Joanna Davis-Yoakum wears earrings encouraging people to vote during a Democratic watch party on Tuesday at DelRay 817. Members of the Lancaster Democratic Party congregate during an election night watch party Tuesday at DelRay 817. Chelsea Richardson (center right) points to a board projecting election results to Kyle Carson (right) both of Lincoln, at a Dan Osborn watch party at Embassy Suites in La Vista on Tuesday. Incumbent state Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln (center) talks with her mother Debbie Curry of Columbus (right) at a Republican election night watch party on Tuesday at the Cornhusker Hotel. Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward (left) talks with incumbent Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln at a Republican election night watch party on Tuesday at the Cornhusker Hotel. District 27 legislative candidate Dawn Liphardt of Lincoln attends a Republican election night watch party on Tuesday at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Republicans, including Auditor Mike Foley, attend a Republican election night watch party on Tuesday at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Susanne Shore looks on her husband, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, speaks during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. Cardboard cutouts of Tim Walz and Kamala Harris are set up at a Democrat watch party Tuesday at Delray 817. Benita Casas wears a cat mascot head while enjoying a Democrat election night watch party on Tuesday at Delray 817. Democratic Party members congregate around a photo area with cardboard cutouts of Tim Walz and Kamala Harris during an election night watch party Tuesday Delray 817. Michael Marcheck poses for a portrait in front of a photo area during a Democrat election night watch party Tuesday at Delray 817. Chris McCoy (left) and Laura Heine chat during a Democrat election night watch party on Tuesday at Delray 817. Rep. Adrian Smith speaks during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer talks to supporters during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. She won her bid for a third term. Rep. Don Bacon talks to supporters during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the UNL City Union on Tuesday. University of Nebraska-Lincoln political science sophomore Leo Sabbini gets ready to make a phone call next to 1st District Rep. Mike Flood at U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer's campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts (from left) and 1st District Rep. Mike Flood talk with U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer as volunteers make calls at a phone bank drive at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. First District Rep. Mike Flood and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer talk with supporters at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts (left) talks with Sen. Deb Fischer at Fischer's campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. The two stopped by to talk with volunteers on Election Day as they made calls to voters. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts talks with supporters at Deb Fischer's campaign office on Election Day in Lincoln. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer talks with supporters at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. Volunteers were making phone calls to voters on Election Day. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and 1st District Rep. Mike Flood carry pizzas for volunteers making phone calls at Deb Fischer's campaign office in Lincoln on Election Day. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (right) talks with supporters, including Darlene Starman of Lincoln, at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (left) and 1st District Rep. Mike Flood talk with volunteers at Deb Fischer's campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. Voting stickers are available on a table to voters at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln on Tuesday. Chris McCollister (left) votes along with others Nov. 5 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Lake Schulke casts her vote on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. A cutout of Jesus watches over voters on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Voters cast their ballots Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Katie Goeling (right) fills out her ballot while her son Gunner, 4, holds her hand during Election Day on Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm. Katie Goeling (left) fills out her ballot while her son Gunner, 4, holds her hand during Election Day on Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm. Katie Goeling (center) fills out her ballot while her son Gunner, 4, holds her hand during Election Day on Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm. Election official Bob Snider works during Election Day on Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm. Toussaint Barrett votes Tuesday at F Street Community Center in central Lincoln. Abigail Webb votes on Tuesday at F Street Community Center. People line up to vote Tuesday at F Street Community Center in central Lincoln. Rep. Mike Flood speaks during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. Rep. Mike Flood speaks during a Republican election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue on Tuesday. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Senate budget chief ‘glad’ about additional shelter rulesThe Witcher 4 Is Now in "Full-Scale Production" - IGN Daily Fix In today's Daily Fix:CD Project's long-in-development The Witcher 4 game is now in "full-scale production," which the company has described as the most intense phase of game development. No other details around the game have been revealed, so we're left with just a couple of teaser images. CDPR's other projects, including another Witcher game and a new Cyberpunk entry, are still in development. In other news, Xbox is killing off the Xbox Avatars with the shutdown of the Avatar Editor app. Basically, no one was using them, and if you happened to have purchased any avatar accessories via the online store recently, you may be entitled to a refund. And finally, Amazon has released a teaser for the Concord-centric episode of Secret Level. The game may be no more, but it will live on in at least one more piece of media.
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