diamond game 777 WASHINGTON — Several top law firms are turning to specialists to beef up their artificial intelligence compliance practices in a way they wouldn’t with more established areas of law. They’re hiring data scientists and technologists as they test clients’ systems for bias, ensure compliance with emerging regulations and rethink their own legal offerings, which may themselves be enhanced through use of AI. The emerging field, which has consumed popular imagination for AI’s often lifelike behavior, also gives rise to potential legal snags. “The legal and the technological issues are inextricably intertwined, and we believe that over five years ago, when we launched the practice, that to truly be an AI practice, you needed legal and computational understanding,” said Danny Tobey, partner and global co-chair of AI and data analytics practice at DLA Piper. Unlike other areas of law such as environmental regulations or automotive safety, where legal experts routinely handle intricate details, AI poses unique challenges that require technologists’ expertise, Tobey said. “AI is unique because we’re not just talking about an incredibly complex and novel technology that is developing every day, but at the same time we are rewiring the infrastructure of how we practice law,” Tobey said in an interview. “A true AI practice combines both legal and computational skill sets.” DLA Piper is among many multinational firms employing this strategy. Faegre Drinker has a subsidiary called Tritura that employs data scientists to advise clients on using AI, machine learning, and other technologies driven by algorithms, according to its website. DLA Piper, which employs 23 data scientists, confirmed it hired 10 data scientists away from Faegre Drinker last year. Faegre Drinker did not respond to emails seeking comment. Others employ technologists as they incorporate AI into their own practices. A&O Shearman announced last year that it had launched an AI tool called Harvey built using the OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform that could “automate and enhance various aspects of legal work, such as contract analysis, due diligence, litigation and regulatory compliance.” Clifford Chance said in February that it had deployed an in-house AI tool called Clifford Chance Assist that was developed on Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI platform. The tool would be used to automate routine tasks and improve productivity, the firm said. “Teams of legal technologists in the U.S. and globally are thinking through what automation and AI solutions may be helpful for us as legal professionals,” Inna Jackson, technology and innovation attorney for Americas at Clifford Chance, said in an interview. Red teaming and governance To help clients figure out whether their AI models perform within the bounds of regulations and laws, DLA Piper routinely employs so-called red teaming – a practice in which officials simulate attacks on physical or digital systems to see how they would perform. “We’re working with a major retailer on testing various facial recognition solutions to make sure not only are they living up to their technical promise, but are they legally compliant and in line with the latest pronouncements from federal agencies and AI related legislation,” Tobey said. He noted that companies are rapidly incorporating AI in human resources as well, “from hiring to promotion to termination.” “It is an incredibly regulated and fraught area that raises the risk of algorithmic bias and discrimination,” he said. Clients large and small are looking for the proper controls, Jackson said. Large clients “are interested in figuring out what is the right governance model to use in deploying AI, in building AI, in partnering for AI,” Jackson said in an interview. While smaller clients are likely building governance practices from the ground up, she said. “And by governance I mean processes, controls, thinking through laws and regulations that may apply, best practices that may apply,” Jackson said. “So everybody’s thinking through the best ways to approach AI.” DLA Piper and Clifford Chance were among 280 chosen to participate in the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium, which is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal is to develop “science-based and empirically backed guidelines and standards for AI measurement and policy, laying the foundation for AI safety across the world,” according to the AI Safety Institute. Although Congress has yet to pass any broad legislation covering AI use, the European Union’s AI Act, which took effect in August, would be applicable to multinational corporations that deploy AI systems, if such systems are used to make decisions that affect EU citizens, Clifford Chance said in an advisory to clients. The EU law, which prohibits discrimination and bias, “will have a significant impact on employers and HR professionals who use, or plan to use, AI systems in their operations, recruitment, performance evaluation, talent management and workforce monitoring,” Clifford Chance said. “Clients with a global presence in particular want to know how to think about EU AI Act applicability to their operations, not just in the EU, but maybe broadly outside of the EU as well,” Jackson said. Clients are seeking advice on creating one set of practices that would be acceptable across jurisdictions “because a segmented approach per market obviously wouldn’t be practical,” Jackson said. Companies also are trying to figure out what AI guardrails will be enacted in the United States, said Tony Samp, head of AI policy at DLA Piper. “With each company that our data analysts, red-teamers, and attorneys work with, there is a parallel need for them to understand the AI regulatory landscape in Washington D.C. and the direction of congressional interest,” Samp said in an email. Samp was previously senior adviser to Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., one of the four lawmakers tapped by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer to draw up a report on AI innovation and regulation. Samp said the law firm recently hired former Sen. Richard M. Burr of North Carolina, a Republican who chaired the Intelligence Committee, to advise clients on the direction that U.S. legislation on AI could take.

LONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. 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 returned the verdict after deliberating for 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.Jinnah’s leadership in shaping Pakistan's foreign policy His leadership, vision, and pragmatism were instrumental in setting direction of Pakistan's foreign relations Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah played a pivotal role in shaping the early foreign policy of Pakistan, establishing its relationships with the outside world. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Jinnah faced the monumental task of navigating the newly-formed nation through a complex international landscape. His leadership, vision, and pragmatism were instrumental in setting the direction of Pakistan's foreign relations during its formative years. Jinnah's foreign policy vision was based on justice, equality, and respect for international law. He sought to position Pakistan as a sovereign, dignified state that would be respected in the global arena. This commitment to fairness and mutual cooperation was central to his approach, emphasising that Pakistan's relations would be built on equality and the rule of law rather than exploitation. Jinnah’s foremost initiative was to ensure that Pakistan would not be dependent on any foreign power for its strategic or political interests. This was particularly important in the context of the Cold War era, which saw the world divided into two ideological blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. Jinnah was determined that Pakistan would not become part of either bloc or be drawn into global power struggles. One of Jinnah’s early priorities was securing diplomatic recognition of Pakistan from the international community. He understood the importance of being acknowledged as a sovereign state. Just months after its creation, Pakistan became a member of the United Nations in September 1947, marking a significant milestone in its foreign policy. This membership symbolised Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and cooperation. Additionally, Jinnah began establishing Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad, sending ambassadors and high commissioners to key capitals, strengthening bilateral relations, and securing economic and political support. The Kashmir conflict with India was one of the most pressing foreign policy challenges Jinnah faced. The region of Jammu and Kashmir, with its Muslim-majority population, was claimed by both India and Pakistan. Jinnah believed that Kashmir rightfully belonged to Pakistan and sought to address this issue diplomatically. He brought the matter before the United Nations, advocating for a plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their own future. This diplomatic initiative underscored Jinnah’s commitment to securing Pakistan’s territorial integrity and his belief in peaceful conflict resolution. While Jinnah was determined to maintain Pakistan’s independence, he also recognised the importance of strategic relationships with major global powers. He sought good relations with the United States and the United Kingdom, primarily for economic and military support, but was careful not to align Pakistan too closely with either power. Jinnah maintained that Pakistan’s foreign policy should remain independent, avoiding undue influence from any superpower. This approach allowed Pakistan to establish diplomatic relations with the West without compromising its autonomy. Jinnah also recognised Pakistan’s unique position in the Muslim world and sought to build strong ties with other Muslim-majority countries. As the newly-formed Islamic state, Pakistan had a responsibility to promote unity and cooperation among Muslim nations. Jinnah worked to establish diplomatic relations with key countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt, and advocated for Pakistan’s support for causes such as the Palestinian issue. This diplomatic initiative laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s eventual leadership role in organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was formed in 1969. Jinnah understood the importance of economic relations in strengthening Pakistan’s foreign policy. In the aftermath of partition, Pakistan faced severe economic challenges, and Jinnah sought to establish trade relations with key countries to ensure the nation’s economic stability. He worked to secure trade agreements with the United States, the United Kingdom, and neighbouring countries, aiming to boost Pakistan’s economy through foreign trade, aid, and investment, while also focusing on self-sufficiency. Jinnah’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with India, despite the tensions over Kashmir, was another cornerstone of his foreign policy. While he was firm in his stance on Kashmir, he hoped for cordial relations with India. Jinnah’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and international mediation were early examples of Pakistan’s assertive role on the global stage. Jinnah envisioned a peaceful South Asia, where Pakistan could maintain good relations with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and China. He advocated for diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontation in resolving regional disputes. His careful approach to Afghanistan, particularly regarding border issues, reflected his broader goal of fostering regional cooperation and security. Jinnah’s vision of an independent, non-aligned foreign policy continues to resonate in Pakistan’s current diplomatic approach, particularly in the context of shifting global dynamics. While the geopolitical context has evolved, the core principles of sovereignty, neutrality, and strategic independence remain central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. For example, Pakistan's active participation in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and its leadership role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) align with Jinnah's vision of global cooperation. In recent years, Pakistan has maintained strong ties with China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $62 billion infrastructure and development project, which serves as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China. At the same time, Pakistan has sought balanced relations with the United States and the European Union, notably through trade agreements and cooperation on security matters, without fully aligning with either. In 2023, Pakistan signed a $1.5 billion trade deal with the United States, reaffirming its pursuit of economic cooperation without compromising its autonomy. Additionally, Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement in peacekeeping and conflict resolution reflects Jinnah’s legacy. In recent years, Pakistan has played a pivotal role in the peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, facilitating the 2020 Doha Agreement, which aimed to bring stability to Afghanistan. This initiative underscores Pakistan's commitment to diplomacy and regional stability, further exemplifying Jinnah’s ideal of peaceful coexistence. In this way, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains firmly rooted in Jinnah’s principles of neutrality, sovereignty, and global cooperation, reflecting his enduring vision.

President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general. The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table. Trump has also reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the app during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it. This month, Trump also met with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates. The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information. But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks. In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk.The atmosphere was festive at the Brar brothers' farm in South Surrey last Wednesday, as volunteers including Surrey Eagles hockey players packed hundreds of hampers for local families in need. With Christmas tunes playing in the background, the mood was jolly as the junior hockey team prepared carrots, potatoes, canned and dry goods, squash and much more, even playfully creating a tower of boxes that nearly reached the high ceilings of the farm facility. Farming brothers TJ and Ron Brar, who own the British Columbia Hockey League team as well as their farming business, reached out to their agricultural neighbours to help fill the hampers, including Evergreen Herbs, Heppell's Potatoes, North American Produce, Fresh Direct Produce, Windset Farms, RGR Produce, Little Potato Company and Sun Rich Foods. "We have such amazing fans around our rink, and giving back to them the way that they give back to us... they've been amazing. Giving back to people who may be struggling this Christmas season feels great," said Eagles winger Savek Brar, while packing the hampers. "It's a great team thing we're doing, and it's really important for us as an organization." His teammate Ryan Evenhuis agreed. "I think it's good to give back, because there's people who are less fortunate than us and they don't get a Christmas like us," he said, as his teammates packed hampers and also built a tower of boxes that nearly reached the ceiling. "I feel like it's a good thing ... to make someone else's Christmas a little bit better." Prior to the game starting at South Surrey Arena Friday (Dec. 20), the players and other volunteers handed out the fully stocked hampers — which also included tickets to a 2025 Eagles game — to those who showed up, who were very grateful, Ron Brar said. "It went fantastic! We helped a lot of people ... it was amazing," he said Monday (Dec. 23). "There was a real mixture — young families, older families, individuals — a real variety." While they were able to give away at least 100 hampers, 400 went to the Surrey Food Bank, Brar said, noting the location may have been harder to get to, for some, but the hampers and goods inside are still going to local people in need. Next year, they may look at publicizing it more, further in advance, or doing it in a different place, he added. Eagles won their Friday game vs. the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-1, with a nice break until their next game Jan. 3 vs. the Prince George Spruce Kings at home in South Surrey. The Dec. 20 game was also the team's "teddy toss" night, which was also a big success, Brar said, with numbers still being tallied. He wished the entire community a very merry Christmas and happy New Year, and extended wishes for "only the very best" for all in 2025.USC women move to No. 4 in AP poll as top three unchangedEXPERTS have called for a return of social distancing as cases of the flu surge across the UK this Christmas. Even those with symptoms of a mild cold should consider self-isolating in case they carry a virus which could be fatal to those most vulnerable, health specialists warn. Family gatherings should also be avoided as well as wearing masks and social distancing - all to avoid passing on the horror bug, experts told MailOnline. Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said: "If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week. "This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk." For many people, having the flu will feel like an exaggerated cold. The NHS states that flu symptoms can come on very quickly. They include: The dry cough could be similar to the cough experienced by people who have contracted coronavirus . The NHS states that the symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active. The health service offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of getting the virus, so if you qualify then you can get it free anywhere that offers it. In line with JCVI advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include: From October 3: From September 1: Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are: Those eligible for an RSV vaccine are: his can be at your doctor's surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots. If you're not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores. The latest data shows a high flu burden within the NHS with almost 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus. Over 150 of those are considered to be in a critical condition. In comparison, there were just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year. And experts also warn that the worst could be coming with there being a surge in illness brought on from socialising over the holiday season and New Year. Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week - 3.5 times higher than the same time last year. Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu" before it was "too late". Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS - the figures are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries." He added: "With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid 'festive flu.'" Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting , said: "With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.” Isabel Shaw, health reporter, put nine well-known cold and flu remedies to the test when she was struck down with the lurgy. Over a week, she tested products that targeted all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues. These included: She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked. Read her full verdicts here .

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Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level MediaFrance's second woman premier makes surprise frontline returnA chorus of support is growing behind actress Blake Lively after she filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign against "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni. Actress Amber Heard on Monday became the latest celebrity to speak out on behalf of the "Gossip Girl" alum over what she says was a coordinated social media effort to tarnish her name. Over the weekend, Lively filed a complaint claiming that Baldoni and a lead producer had behaved unacceptably during the filming of box office hit "It Ends With Us." The allegations included that Baldoni -- who also directed the film -- had spoken inappropriately about his sex life, and had sought to alter the film to include sex scenes that were not in the script and had not been agreed to. They also detailed how lead producer Jamey Heath had watched Lively while she was topless, despite having been asked to turn away. But the complaint goes into great detail -- including with texts and emails -- on a PR campaign to wreck her reputation and to divert attention from any public comments she might make about the men's alleged misbehavior. This was "a carefully crafted, coordinated, and resourced retaliatory scheme to silence her, and others from speaking out about the hostile environment that Mr Baldoni and Mr Heath created," the complaint says. It includes allegations that the two men hired a crisis PR team that amplified or planted negative stories about Lively on social media platforms. "You know we can bury anyone," Melissa Nathan, a member of the team, is alleged to have said, according to messages contained in the complaint. Heard's ex-husband Johnny Depp hired the same PR team during the high-profile defamation trial between the couple in 2022, in which a jury unanimously found that Heard defamed Depp over allegations he abused her. "Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying 'A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,'" Heard said in a statement carried by NBC News. "I saw this firsthand and up close. It's as horrifying as it is destructive." Heard's support came on the heels of a joint statement by America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Lively in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." "As Blake's friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," they wrote on Instagram. "Throughout the filming of 'It Ends with Us', we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice." A lawyer for Wayfarer, the studio behind the film, said in a statement released to the New York Times that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR team did anything to retaliate against Lively. "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," lawyer Bryan Freedman wrote. The complaint was lodged with the California Civil Rights Department, and is a precursor to a lawsuit. Major Hollywood talent agency WME -- which represents Lively -- has reportedly dropped Baldoni as a client. hg/aha

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NEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what’s good, what’s bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there’s shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it’s time to change that mentality, Lapato said. RELATED COVERAGE How to avoid financial stress during the holiday season Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it’s important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you’re saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget, budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year.” McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma’s Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you’ll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don’t ‘flamingo’ or bury your head in the sand “You can’t manage what you can’t see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025,” said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that’s one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers’ credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution,” said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. “Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.