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SAFE GROUP - Half-Year Financial Report as of June 30, 2024WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction" amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. Fresh questions over the two nominees' pasts, and their treatment of women, arose with Republicans under pressure from Trump and his allies to quickly confirm his Cabinet. At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump's nominees, it became clear after Gaetz's withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators' careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump's picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won't face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he "shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It's one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

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Key Takeaways Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming regulated industries like healthcare, finance and legal services, but navigating these changes requires a careful balance between innovation and compliance . In healthcare, for example, AI-powered diagnostic tools are enhancing outcomes by improving breast cancer detection rates by 9.4% compared to human radiologists, as highlighted in a study published in JAMA . Meanwhile, financial institutions such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia are using AI to reduce scam-related losses by 50%, demonstrating the financial impact of AI . Even in the traditionally conservative legal field, AI is revolutionizing document review and case prediction, enabling legal teams to work faster and more efficiently, according to a Thomson Reuters report . However, introducing AI into regulated sectors comes with significant challenges. For product managers leading AI development, the stakes are high: Success requires a strategic focus on compliance, risk management and ethical innovation. Related: Balancing AI Innovation with Ethical Oversight Why compliance is non-negotiable Regulated industries operate within stringent legal frameworks designed to protect consumer data, ensure fairness and promote transparency. Whether dealing with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in healthcare, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in finance, companies must integrate compliance into their product development processes. This is especially true for AI systems. Regulations like HIPAA and GDPR not only restrict how data can be collected and used but also require explainability — meaning AI systems must be transparent and their decision-making processes understandable. These requirements are particularly challenging in industries where AI models rely on complex algorithms. Updates to HIPAA, including provisions addressing AI in healthcare, now set specific compliance deadlines, such as the one scheduled for December 23, 2024. International regulations add another layer of complexity. The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, effective August 2024, classifies AI applications by risk levels, imposing stricter requirements on high-risk systems like those used in critical infrastructure, finance and healthcare. Product managers must adopt a global perspective, ensuring compliance with local laws while anticipating changes in international regulatory landscapes. The ethical dilemma: Transparency and bias For AI to thrive in regulated sectors, ethical concerns must also be addressed. AI models, particularly those trained on large datasets, are vulnerable to bias. As the American Bar Association notes, unchecked bias can lead to discriminatory outcomes, such as denying loans to specific demographics or misdiagnosing patients based on flawed data patterns. Another critical issue is explainability. AI systems often function as "black boxes," producing results that are difficult to interpret. While this may suffice in less regulated industries, it's unacceptable in sectors like healthcare and finance, where understanding how decisions are made is critical. Transparency isn't just an ethical consideration — it's also a regulatory mandate. Failure to address these issues can result in severe consequences. Under GDPR, for example, non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue. Companies like Apple have already faced scrutiny for algorithmic bias. A Bloomberg investigation revealed that the Apple Card's credit decision-making process unfairly disadvantaged women, leading to public backlash and regulatory investigations. Related: AI Isn't Evil — But Entrepreneurs Need to Keep Ethics in Mind As They Implement It How product managers can lead the charge In this complex environment, product managers are uniquely positioned to ensure AI systems are not only innovative but also compliant and ethical . Here's how they can achieve this: 1. Make compliance a priority from day one Engage legal, compliance and risk management teams early in the product lifecycle. Collaborating with regulatory experts ensures that AI development aligns with local and international laws from the outset. Product managers can also work with organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to adopt frameworks that prioritize compliance without stifling innovation. 2. Design for transparency Building explainability into AI systems should be non-negotiable. Techniques such as simplified algorithmic design, model-agnostic explanations and user-friendly reporting tools can make AI outputs more interpretable. In sectors like healthcare, these features can directly improve trust and adoption rates. 3. Anticipate and mitigate risks Use risk management tools to proactively identify vulnerabilities, whether they stem from biased training data, inadequate testing or compliance gaps. Regular audits and ongoing performance reviews can help detect issues early, minimizing the risk of regulatory penalties. 4. Foster cross-functional collaboration AI development in regulated industries demands input from diverse stakeholders. Cross-functional teams, including engineers, legal advisors and ethical oversight committees, can provide the expertise needed to address challenges comprehensively. 5. Stay ahead of regulatory trends As global regulations evolve, product managers must stay informed. Subscribing to updates from regulatory bodies, attending industry conferences and fostering relationships with policymakers can help teams anticipate changes and prepare accordingly. Lessons from the field Success stories and cautionary tales alike underscore the importance of integrating compliance into AI development. At JPMorgan Chase, the deployment of its AI-powered Contract Intelligence (COIN) platform highlights how compliance-first strategies can deliver significant results. By involving legal teams at every stage and building explainable AI systems, the company improved operational efficiency without sacrificing compliance, as detailed in a Business Insider report . In contrast, the Apple Card controversy demonstrates the risks of neglecting ethical considerations. The backlash against its gender-biased algorithms not only damaged Apple's reputation but also attracted regulatory scrutiny, as reported by Bloomberg. These cases illustrate the dual role of product managers — driving innovation while safeguarding compliance and trust. Related: Avoid AI Disasters and Earn Trust — 8 Strategies for Ethical and Responsible AI The road ahead As the regulatory landscape for AI continues to evolve, product managers must be prepared to adapt. Recent legislative developments, like the EU AI Act and updates to HIPAA, highlight the growing complexity of compliance requirements. But with the right strategies — early stakeholder engagement, transparency-focused design and proactive risk management — AI solutions can thrive even in the most tightly regulated environments. AI's potential in industries like healthcare, finance and legal services is vast. By balancing innovation with compliance, product managers can ensure that AI not only meets technical and business objectives but also sets a standard for ethical and responsible development. In doing so, they're not just creating better products — they're shaping the future of regulated industries.Another stowaway caught on Delta flight raises major concerns about airport safety

Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the "modest award." Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. "She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice," she said. "I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served." The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. "He's not a man, he's a coward," attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. "A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is." Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him "no" as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, "now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. "I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again," she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman's complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said "she never said 'no' or stopped" and testified that everything she said was a lie. "It is a full blown lie among many lies," he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. "How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings." McGregor's lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. "You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise," attorney Remy Farrell said. "I'm not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch." The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor's arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked "happy, happy, happy." McGregor said he was "beyond petrified" when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor's friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.One Inc , the leading payments network for the insurance industry, announced today a partnership with U.S. Bank aimed at delivering a comprehensive, unified payment experience for Property & Casualty (P&C) and Life insurers. The collaboration will provide the seamless integration of U.S. Bank’s leading money movement and banking capabilities with One Inc’s best-in-class ClaimsPay® and PremiumPay® solutions to optimize claims and premium processing experiences for customers. U.S. Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in the United States. Its strength, stability and deep experience in payments and insurance will improve complex claims and premium payment processes for mutual carrier customers. In addition, with One Inc’s Digital Wallet, insurance carriers can streamline payment processes across multiple channels, from credit/debit cards to Apple Pay®, Google PayTM, PayPalTM, Venmo, and ACH transactions. In the future, the partnership will help accelerate the use of instant payments within the insurance industry. U.S. Bank was part of the first payment on the RTP Network® and a launch partner of the FedNow® Service. By combining U.S. Bank’s instant payment capabilities with One Inc’s insurance-focused Digital Payments Network, the collaboration will allow insurance carriers to deliver faster payment solutions for outbound claims disbursements. “Both U.S. Bank and One Inc are dedicated to elevating the insurance payment experience, making it simpler and more efficient for insurers and their policyholders,” said Ian Drysdale, CEO of One Inc. “Together, we’re eager to empower carriers with streamlined solutions that support their financial objectives and deliver a more connected payment journey. This emphasizes our strengths to modernize the insurance payment landscape while offering a unified platform for both incoming and outgoing payments.” “We’re excited to partner with One Inc, a technology leader delivering innovative solutions for insurance carriers nationwide,” said Mike Jorgensen, Head of Emerging Solutions and Strategy in Global Treasury Management at U.S. Bank. “By bringing the payment capabilities of One Inc and U.S. Bank, we can create even more value for our insurance clients and respond to the evolving needs of their policyholders.”

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The large mysterious drones reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. The Morris County Republican was among several state and local lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the spate of sightings that range from the New York City area through New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.