Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily, publicly addressed his contentious legal battle with actress Blake Lively for the first time in nearly two years, sharing an emotional Instagram video Wednesday in which they spoke about enduring what they described as significant pain and trauma while largely staying silent throughout the dispute.

“We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it’s not because we haven’t had anything to say, because Lord knows we have,” Justin Baldoni, 42, said at the outset of the roughly five-minute video. “But it just felt like every time we went to make a video like this, we wanted to speak, something was telling us not to. It just didn’t feel like the right time, and we were talking about it and feeling into it and praying about it.”

Emily Baldoni, 41, echoed her husband’s sentiment, indicating the couple felt the moment had finally arrived to speak publicly. “There is so much to say,” she said, adding that gratitude has played a central role in the family’s recovery. “We can genuinely say that we are sitting here today feeling immense gratitude for so many things, and so many people, and so many things that have happened to us,” Emily said. She was careful to note, however, that the gratitude did not erase the difficulty of the past two years. “That gratitude, it doesn’t negate the injustice and the pain that we have also felt in the last few years,” she said, adding that the family has had “a lot of trauma” to move through together.

The legal dispute between Baldoni and Lively began in December 2024, when Lively alleged that Baldoni sexually harassed her and orchestrated an online smear campaign against her during the filming and promotion of “It Ends With Us,” the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel that Baldoni both directed and starred in alongside Lively. Baldoni denied the allegations and responded with a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane, along with Sloane’s public relations firm, accusing them of defamation and breach of contract.

U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman later dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit in its entirety and separately threw out the majority of Lively’s claims against Baldoni, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy. In May, the two sides reached a settlement resolving the remaining claims in the case shortly before the matter was set to proceed to trial. Some early reporting on that settlement indicated no money had changed hands between the parties. More recent court filings, however, indicate Liman has since ordered Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, to pay Lively’s legal fees connected to the litigation, an amount reported at approximately $8.04 million. According to Deadline, Baldoni’s side has until Monday, July 13, to either agree to that figure or contest it in court, and representatives for Baldoni had not responded to a request for comment on the filing as of Wednesday morning.

In the Instagram video, Baldoni did not directly name Lively, reference the film, or detail the specifics of the legal proceedings, instead focusing on the broader emotional toll the dispute has taken on his family. “There have been so many painful things that have been spoken to existence… over the last couple years,” Baldoni said. “And that created so much noise, and we didn’t want to add to the noise, so we just wanted to let the justice system run its course.”

Emily Baldoni struck a similar tone, suggesting the family has had to grapple with difficult questions throughout the ordeal. “We’ve had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many things, like, ‘How could something like this even happen?’” she said, adding a reference to what she characterized as the framing of the dispute, “let alone disguised as a fight for women.” She went on to express confidence in the eventual outcome of the case, saying, “The truth and the facts have spoken for themselves, and here we are.”

Justin Baldoni described the process of moving forward as ongoing and non-linear. “We are healing,” he said. “And if you’ve ever been through something traumatic, you know that healing isn’t linear. It looks different every day. And we have had to rethink for ourselves what is real and what matters.” He also thanked the couple’s family, friends and broader community for their support throughout the legal battle, telling his roughly 4 million Instagram followers, “Thank you does not feel like enough. But we’re here because of so many of you and all of our friends and family.”

Emily, who shares two children with Baldoni, indicated that while there remains more the couple could say about the dispute, they intend to focus their energy elsewhere for now. “There’s so much more to say and that time will come,” she said. “But for now, we are going to focus on continuing the healing and hanging out with our kiddos and enjoying life.”

Neither Lively nor representatives for her and Reynolds had publicly responded to the Baldonis’ video as of Wednesday. The public dispute between the two “It Ends With Us” co-stars had remained largely dormant in recent months following the May settlement, though the more recent ruling on legal fees suggests some aspects of the litigation remain unresolved as the July 13 response deadline approaches.

Wednesday’s video marked the first time either Justin or Emily Baldoni had addressed the legal saga publicly since the dispute first became public in late 2024, a period during which the couple has largely avoided commenting on the case directly while it moved through the court system. With the response deadline on the legal fee ruling now just days away, further developments in the case are expected in the coming weeks, though it remains unclear whether either side plans additional public comment beyond Wednesday’s video as that process unfolds.

Norway’s preparations for Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against England hit an unexpected snag this week when the team abruptly relocated hotels in the Miami area, just one night after checking in, following player complaints about persistent construction noise and traffic disruption near their accommodation.

The team checked out of The Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale after players raised concerns about a major construction site bordering the property, along with noise from a heavily trafficked road nearby that was reportedly affecting the squad during rest periods. According to reporting from The Mirror and Yahoo Sports, an official complaint was submitted to FIFA, and Norway’s delegation was relocated within roughly two and a half hours to a hotel closer to Hard Rock Stadium, where Saturday’s quarterfinal against England will be played.

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken defended the decision, framing it as a necessary step to keep the squad focused ahead of what he described as the biggest match in Norwegian football history. “We are going to stay for a week in Miami and we have now been for six weeks in the United States and we are going to play in the biggest match in Norwegian history,” Solbakken said. “We have avoided cabin fever so far and don’t want any risk of it now. FIFA have accepted that we must move to another hotel.” He went on to explain some of the specific shortcomings of the original accommodation, saying, “There were a few things that weren’t right there. FIFA agreed with that and was very willing to help us. You would like to have a gathering and meeting room. In total, there were too many little things. It’s not that you can’t live there, but we should be a team, be together and a unit.”

Norway logistics manager Truls Daehli echoed the sentiment that the move, while disruptive, was ultimately worthwhile given the stakes of Saturday’s match. “It is brutal having to move but we are satisfied with the new place and everyone is happy now,” Daehli said. “Some people might fear that this will affect the players, but it was the players who wanted this more than anyone else.” Team captain Martin Odegaard also addressed the situation after the relocation was completed with the help of volunteers, offering a brief explanation without going into specific detail. “There were some things that could have been better, and we fixed them,” Odegaard said. “Just to optimize and prepare ourselves as best as possible for an important match.”

The hotel disruption comes on top of a separate issue that has affected the squad throughout the tournament: a lingering illness that has circulated among players in recent weeks. Solbakken first referenced the situation following Norway’s win over Brazil, describing a range of symptoms among squad members without indicating the issue was severe. “We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout,” Solbakken said at the time, attributing some of the symptoms to the demands of travel. “But there’s air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We’re over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn’t come.”

Reports of a broader illness within the camp have since been tempered by Norway’s own medical staff. According to Yahoo Sports, team doctor Ola Sand has said all players are currently healthy, and Solbakken has since clarified that only one individual within the delegation, team manual therapist Thomas Odegaard, had been significantly affected. Even so, the illness has already had some impact on the team’s availability earlier in the tournament, with forwards Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen both missing matches at various points due to sickness.

Despite the off-field disruptions, Norway’s on-field form throughout the tournament has been described as exceptional. The team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and swept through the group stage, losing only to France in its final group match after resting several regular starters with qualification already secured. Norway then defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 before eliminating five-time champion Brazil by the same scoreline in the Round of 16, a result built around a two-goal performance from striker Erling Haaland.

Saturday’s quarterfinal against England is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated matches of this stage of the tournament, pairing Haaland, currently tied for the tournament’s Golden Boot lead, against an England side that enters as the favorite but has faced its own share of late-tournament adversity, including a serious wrist injury to midfielder Jordan Henderson sustained during postgame celebrations following the team’s Round of 16 win over Mexico. The winner of Saturday’s match will advance to the semifinals, with some analysts suggesting the eventual victor could go on to have a genuine chance at winning the tournament outright given the strength of both squads.

Norway’s Football Federation is expected to cover any additional costs associated with the team’s relocated accommodation, according to reporting on the situation, while FIFA assisted directly with the logistics of the move itself. With both the illness concerns and the hotel disruption now largely resolved heading into the final days before kickoff, Norway’s coaching staff has expressed confidence that the team can enter Saturday’s match in Miami at full strength, physically rested and free of the off-field distractions that marked the early part of the squad’s stay in South Florida.

For a country making its first-ever appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal, the stakes attached to Saturday’s match extend well beyond the disruptions of the past week. Norway’s players and coaching staff have consistently framed the tournament run as a historic opportunity for the country’s football program, one that team officials say they are determined not to let logistical setbacks undermine as they prepare to face England for a place in the tournament’s semifinal round.

Seci Construction, Inc. is a family-owned exterior home improvement company that has served homeowners across the Northeast since 1973.

Founded in Clifton, New Jersey, the company has spent more than five decades building a reputation for dependable workmanship, trusted service, and long-term customer relationships.

Over the years, Seci Construction has completed more than 5,000 roofing projects while expanding its expertise in siding, windows, doors, gutters, and masonry. The company serves homeowners across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, focusing on improving both the appearance and durability of residential properties.

Seci Construction grew steadily through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business. That approach helped the company stand out in a competitive industry where trust and consistency matter. “We’ve always believed that quality work speaks for itself,” the company says. “People remember when you treat their home with care and respect.”

The company’s commitment to high standards has earned major industry recognition, including GAF Master Elite Contractor and President’s Club Member status, along with Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor certification. Seci Construction also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received more than 500 verified positive HomeAdvisor reviews.

Today, the company continues to focus on helping homeowners protect and improve their properties for the long term. “We want people to feel proud of where they live,” the company says. “That mindset has guided us from the beginning.”

Interview Q&A

Q: How did Seci Construction first get started?

A: Seci Construction was founded in Clifton, New Jersey in 1973. Back then, the business was much smaller and focused mainly on exterior home improvement work in the local area. The company grew slowly through referrals and repeat customers. “In those days, your reputation travelled through neighbourhoods,” the company says. “If you did good work, people told their friends and family.”

Over time, that local trust helped the company expand across New Jersey and eventually into New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Q: What helped the company survive and grow over five decades?

A: The company believes consistency played the biggest role. The construction industry changes constantly, but Seci Construction stayed focused on workmanship and reliability.

“We never tried to cut corners,” the company says. “If you want to last in this business, people need to know they can depend on you.”

That mindset helped the company complete more than 5,000 roofing projects over the years while building long-term customer relationships.

Q: Why did roofing and siding become such a major focus?

A: Roofing and siding are two of the most important parts of any home. They protect the property from weather, water damage, and long-term structural problems.

“A roof is not something homeowners think about every day,” the company says. “But when there’s a problem, it becomes the most important part of the house.”

The company focused heavily on those services because they directly affect safety, comfort, and long-term property condition.

Q: How has the industry changed since the company started?

A: According to Seci Construction, technology and materials have changed dramatically since the 1970s. Modern roofing systems, energy-efficient windows, and upgraded siding products offer much better durability than older materials.

At the same time, customer expectations have also changed.

“People are more informed today,” the company explains. “Homeowners do research before making decisions. They want transparency and communication.”

The company says adapting to those expectations has been important for staying competitive.

Q: What do industry certifications mean to your business?

A: Seci Construction has earned certifications including GAF Master Elite Contractor and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor status. The company says those recognitions represent years of proven workmanship and ongoing training.

“These certifications are earned through performance,” the company says. “They show customers that we meet high industry standards.”

The company also holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has received more than 500 verified positive reviews through HomeAdvisor.

Q: What separates Seci Construction from other contractors?

A: The company believes experience and accountability make the difference.

“When you’ve worked on thousands of homes, you learn how to solve problems properly,” the company says.

Seci Construction also emphasises that it is fully bonded and insured, which provides homeowners with added confidence during large exterior renovation projects.

The company says communication is another important factor. “People want updates. They want honesty. That matters just as much as the construction work itself.”

Q: Has being family-owned shaped the culture of the company?

A: Absolutely. The company says family ownership helped create a more relationship-driven approach to business.

“We understand that a home is personal,” the company says. “People are trusting you with something that matters deeply to them.”

That perspective influenced how the company approaches customer service and project planning. Many customers return years later for additional work after their first project experience.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the journey?

A: For Seci Construction, longevity itself is a major source of pride.

“There’s something meaningful about seeing homes you worked on decades ago still standing strong,” the company says.

The company also values the trust it has built within communities over several generations.

“Some families have worked with us more than once across different homes,” the company explains. “That kind of trust means a lot.”

Q: What does the future look like for Seci Construction?

A: The company plans to continue evolving alongside the industry while keeping its core values the same.

“Materials and technology will keep changing,” the company says. “But quality workmanship and strong relationships will always matter.”

Seci Construction says its long-term focus remains simple: helping homeowners improve and protect their homes with dependable service and experienced craftsmanship.

Alinta Energy has struck its second domestic gas supply deal in a week, agreeing to buy 46 petajoules from Chevron over five years from 2027 as it plots a Cataby power station.

Chevron will supply Alinta with the gas from its Gorgon and Wheatstone facilities in the North West, and it will be used to supply WA homes, businesses and industry. 

Chevron Australia president Balaji Krishnamurthy said the deal extended a relationship spanning back four decades and was an endorsement of WA’s domestic gas reservation policy. 

“The agreement is another demonstration of the way LNG developments, under WA’s long-standing domestic gas policy, have enabled a well-supplied domestic gas market, benefitting homes, businesses and vital industries,” he said.

“Natural gas underpins our everyday lives, from powering electricity generation to supporting the state’s world class mining sector, and we remain committed to delivering the affordable, reliable energy that Western Australians depend on.

“Enduring partnerships, like the one we have with Alinta Energy, are how that energy reaches homes and businesses right across the state.”

The deal means Alinta has secured 76 petajoules of gas supply in a matter of days, after it struck a deal to buy 30 petajoules of gas from a Japanese consortium which owns a stake in the Woodside-operated Scarborough LNG project earlier this week.

That deal, with LNG Japan Corporation – jointly owned by Sumitomo and Sojitz Corporation – will run into the ‘early 2030s’ but an exact term has not been specified.

Alinta managing director and chief executive Jeff Dimery said the Chevron deal gave his company greater certainty over its position in the market into the 2030s.

“Securing long-term supply from established projects like Gorgon, Wheatstone and the North West Shelf is critical to meeting the needs of our customers and supporting the state’s energy security,” he said. 

“This agreement gives us greater certainty in our portfolio and ensures we can continue to provide dependable energy for households, businesses and industry as the energy system evolves.”

The deals have been announced against a backdrop of heightened political uncertainty over the future of domestic gas reservation in WA.

The state’s long-standing 15 per cent domestic gas reservation policy is still in effect, but it remains to be seen whether a mooted 20 per cent federal reservation policy will usurp the policy in WA.

The state government initially sought assurances that the WA policy would not be impacted by the federal measure but appeared to soften its position in a conversation with the Australian Financial Review this week.

Alinta is in the process of planning a new gas power station at Cataby in the Mid West, which would be gas powered and supply up to 400MW of energy to the state’s electricity grid over 20 years. 

The project was announced in March and referred to the EPA this week. 

Managing people effectively is one of the biggest responsibilities any employer faces.

From recruitment and onboarding to handling employee relations and ensuring compliance with employment law, businesses must navigate a wide range of HR challenges while remaining focused on growth. For organisations operating in London’s competitive business environment, having access to expert HR advice can make a significant difference.

Whether you run a start-up, a growing SME, or an established company, professional HR consultancy provides the guidance needed to manage employees confidently and minimise legal risks.

The Challenges of Modern HR Management

Employment legislation in the UK is continually evolving, requiring employers to keep policies and procedures up to date. Issues such as disciplinary matters, grievance handling, absence management, flexible working requests, and workplace investigations all require careful handling to ensure fairness and legal compliance.

Many business owners simply do not have the time or specialist knowledge to deal with these matters internally. As a result, they often seek external HR expertise that offers practical advice tailored to their organisation.

The Benefits of Working with Local HR Experts

Every business has unique requirements, and local HR consultants are well placed to understand the specific challenges faced by organisations in their region. They can provide personalised support while responding quickly to changing business needs.

Businesses looking for professional HR guidance can benefit from Avensure’s local HR consultancy in London, which offers tailored support across a wide range of employment matters. Access to experienced consultants enables employers to make informed decisions while remaining compliant with current employment legislation.

Supporting Employers Through Every Stage

Professional HR consultancy extends far beyond solving workplace disputes. Experienced consultants can assist with many aspects of employee management, including:

• Drafting employment contracts
• Creating employee handbooks
• Developing workplace policies
• Performance management
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Managing sickness absence
• Recruitment support
• Redundancy planning

Having structured HR processes in place helps businesses operate more efficiently while improving consistency across the organisation.

Reducing Employment Risks

One of the primary reasons businesses invest in HR consultancy is to reduce the likelihood of employment disputes. Incorrect procedures or poorly documented decisions can lead to expensive claims, reputational damage, and unnecessary disruption.

Professional HR advisers help employers follow best practice throughout the employment lifecycle, ensuring decisions are well documented, legally compliant, and fair to all parties involved.

By identifying potential issues early, consultants help organisations avoid costly problems before they escalate.

Flexible Support for Growing Businesses

As businesses expand, managing people often becomes more complex. New employees bring additional responsibilities, while larger teams require more structured management processes.

Rather than building an expensive in-house HR department, many organisations choose outsourced consultancy services that can scale alongside their growth. This provides access to specialist expertise whenever required without the ongoing overheads associated with full-time HR staff.

The flexibility of outsourced support allows businesses to receive assistance during busy periods or when handling particularly sensitive employment matters.

Building Strong Workplace Relationships

Effective HR is about more than compliance. It also plays an important role in fostering positive workplace culture and improving employee engagement.

Clear communication, fair procedures, consistent management practices, and well-defined policies all contribute to higher levels of employee satisfaction and productivity. Professional HR consultants help businesses implement these systems in a way that supports both employers and employees.

A well-managed workforce is often more motivated, engaged, and committed to organisational success.

Staying Ahead of Legislative Changes

Employment law is rarely static. New regulations, updated guidance, and evolving workplace expectations require businesses to regularly review their HR practices.

Working with experienced consultants ensures employers receive up-to-date advice that reflects current legal requirements and best practice. This proactive approach helps businesses remain compliant while reducing uncertainty around complex employment issues.

Conclusion

Strong HR management is essential for businesses that want to grow sustainably while protecting both their employees and their organisation. Professional consultancy provides valuable expertise, practical guidance, and ongoing support that helps employers navigate complex workplace issues with confidence.

By partnering with experienced HR specialists, businesses can improve compliance, strengthen employee relations, reduce legal risks, and create a more productive working environment that supports long-term success.

Gold steadied early on Friday as markets assessed risks of inflation stemming from the recent U.S.-Iran military escalation in the Middle East, with renewed rate-hike expectations putting the non-yielding metal on course for a weekly decline.

FUNDAMENTALS

Spot gold held its ground at $4,122.09 per ounce, as of 0047 GMT, and was headed for an over 1% weekly fall. U.S. gold futures for August ‌delivery were ⁠down 0.2% ⁠at $4,131.50.

Iranian armed forces launched attacks on U.S. military infrastructure in Gulf states on Thursday following U.S. strikes on Iran’s southern coastal and eastern provinces, further eroding a three-week-old ceasefire.

The latest round of strikes has fuelled inflation concerns and reinforced the probability of the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates this year. Markets are pricing in a 64% chance of a September rake hike from around 54% a ⁠week before, according ‌to CME’s FedWatch tool.

Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting, released earlier this week, showed growing concerns among policymakers about elevated inflation, with ⁠a few participants seeing a case for raising interest rates.

New York Fed President John Williams said on Thursday he did not expect energy prices to rise persistently for the rest of the year despite renewed hostilities in the Middle East.
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting the labor market remained stable despite a slowdown in job growth in June.
HSBC cut its average gold ‌price forecasts for 2026 and 2027 on Thursday, citing a hawkish shift in U.S. monetary policy expectations and a stronger dollar.
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) has 632.4 tons ⁠of gold reserves worth about 308 billion zlotys ($81.68 billion), NBP Governor Adam Glapinski said on Thursday.

Fortuna Mining expects to receive the final permit for its Diamba Sud gold project in Senegal within weeks, its chief executive told Reuters.

Elsewhere, spot silver eased 0.1% to $59.94 per ounce, platinum gained 0.2% to $1,614.22 and palladium added 0.4% to $1,252.75. All three metals were on track for a weekly loss.

DATA/EVENTS (GMT)

0300 China Overall Comprehensive Risk Q3

0300 Japan Overall Comprehensive Risk Q3

0600 Germany HICP Final YY June

0645 France CPI (EU Norm) Final MM, YY June

0645 France CPI YY, MM NSA June

0800 China Total Social Financing June

0800 China M2 Money Supply YY June

Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs has barred employees from trading on prediction-market contracts linked to financial markets and political events, ‌a ⁠source familiar with ⁠the matter said on Thursday.

A memo was issued some time back in which the policy prohibits staff from participating in event-based ⁠contracts that could ‌create real or perceived conflicts of interest ⁠with the bank, its clients or the broader financial industry.

Bloomberg News, which first reported the policy, said repeated violations could result in disciplinary action, including termination, and ‌that employees may be required to forfeit gains from prohibited ⁠trades.

The restrictions do not apply to prediction-market contracts related to sports and entertainment, the source said.