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Justin Baldoni responds to Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit claims as ‘categorically false’

Blake Lively is seen in Midtown on January 28^ 2020 in New York City.

Actor/director Justin Baldoni is responding to the lawsuit filed against him by his It Ends with Us co-star Blake Lively, which accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment, followed by a retaliatory public smear campaign to “destroy” her reputation.

An article printed by The New York Times said that Lively, 37, accused Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath of repeatedly violating physical boundaries and making inappropriate, including sexual, comments to her during production of the film.

TMZ first reported news of the lawsuit Lively filed this week against the men and their production company, allegeing that they sexually harassed her and then tried to ruin her professional reputation when she complained about their actions. The suit said they damaged her business and caused her family, including her husband, actor-producer Ryan Reynolds, “severe emotional distress.”

Through his attorney, Baldoni, 40, issued a statement which called the allegations that Lively made against him “categorically false.” Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions. These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media. Wayfarer Studios made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film, to work alongside their own representative with Jonesworks employed by Stephanie Jones, due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met.”

Editorial credit: Liam Goodner / Shutterstock.com

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Bill Maher HBO comedy special ‘Is Anyone Else Seeing This?’ coming in January

Bill Maher performs at Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento^ California on August 19th^ 2011

Bill Maher has a new comedy special coming to HBO next year. Per Variety, Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? will premiere in January, marking Maher’s 13th stand-up comedy special for HBO.

Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? will be taped in front of a live audience at the CIBC Theater in Chicago, and apparently comes with a content warning. Said Maher: “I almost called this special ‘You Won’t Feel Safe’, because if you’re purely a team player in American politics, you won’t. This one is for the 80 percent of Americans who want to see crazy called out no matter where it comes from. And the last twenty minutes on my sex life, that’s for everybody.”

Maher released his first comedy special for HBO in 1989 and dropped his most recent special, #Adulting, in 2022. He has also hosted the HBO talk show Real Time with Bill Maher since 2003. HBO EVP of late night & specials programming Nina Rosenstein said in a statement: “Bill’s comedic commentary has been an extraordinary part of HBO for 12 specials and 22 seasons of Real Time with Bill Maher. We truly value his steadfast commitment to honesty and humor, which we know will be front and center in his next special.”

A new episode of Real Time with Bill Maher will air Friday at 10 p.m. EST on HBO, featuring actor and producer Michael Douglas, along with journalist John Heilemann and attorney Sarah Isgur.

Editorial credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

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Alluma Launches New Foundation to Enhance Mental Health and Substance Use Services

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Alluma is proud to announce the launch of the Alluma Foundation, a new initiative dedicated to expanding access to high-quality mental health and substance use care in northwestern Minnesota. By mobilizing resources and fostering innovative funding solutions, the Alluma Foundation aims to bridge critical gaps in care and create a foundation of hope, healing, and resilience for individuals and families in need.

“Access to mental health care remains one of the most pressing challenges in our region, and the Alluma Foundation is our answer to this need,” said Dr. Christopher Mills, Alluma Foundation Board Chair. “Through the Foundation, we’re making it easier for our community to come together and invest in mental health and substance use services.”

Donations to the Alluma Foundation support a range of critical needs, such as providing financial assistance to clients and fueling innovative programs. For example:

• A $100 donation could cover transportation costs, ensuring a client can attend therapy

appointments for a month.

• A $500 donation could support a community outreach program, bringing cutting-edge

mental health services to underserved areas.

These contributions create immediate and lasting change, ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to thrive.

Looking ahead, the Foundation will hold its first major giving event on February 13, 2025, during Giving Hearts Day. This regional day of giving will serve as a key moment to rally the community around the Foundation’s mission and highlight the importance of investing in mental health care.

“Our mission has always been about promoting wellbeing and instilling hope,” said Shauna Reitmeier, Executive Officer of Alluma. “The Alluma Foundation is an extension of that mission, ensuring that we have the resources to provide accessible care for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Every donation has the power to transform lives and build a stronger, healthier future for our region.”

To learn more about the Alluma Foundation, its mission, and how to contribute, visit allumacares.org/foundation.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please call our 24/7 Support & Crisis Helpline at 1-800-282-5005 or call or text 988.

The post Alluma Launches New Foundation to Enhance Mental Health and Substance Use Services first appeared on KROX.

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Washington School students learn while collecting Cereal for the Community

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Washington School collected cereal boxes during December for various learning experiences, including literacy, math, and STEM. The children were able to count, recognize letters, and build with the cereal boxes.  

The ultimate goal was to collect cereal for the community.  The boxes were gathered in the classrooms for lessons; then, all the classes brought the boxes to the gym for a final lesson, a giant Domino Run.  

The post Washington School students learn while collecting Cereal for the Community first appeared on KROX.

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Priscilla Gonzalez finishes 5th at Bemidji Girls Wrestling tourney

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Two Crookston Pirate Girls Wrestlers competed in the Bemidji Blue Ox Girls wrestling invite on Saturday. 

PRISCILLA GONAZALEZ
Priscilla Gonzalez wrestled at 106 pounds in the varsity tournament and finished fifth place.  In the quarterfinals, she lost to Tia Kanneh of Moorhead by pin at 2:30. She had a bye in the first consolation round. In the consolation semi-finals, she lost to Taylor Merschman of Bemidji by a pin at 2:43. In the fifth-place match, Priscilla beat Isabelle Dobson of Staples-Motley by pin at 1:26 to finish fifth place.

MASYN ARGUELLES
Masyn Arguelles wrestled at 118 pounds in the J.V. tournament and finished second place. She received a bye in the first round and advanced to the quarterfinals. Masyn beat Brenalen Fredrickson-Holm of Bemidji by pin at 3:34. Masyn won the semi-final match by beating Zara Maeder of St. Michael-Albertville by pin 1:24. In the championship, Masyn lost to Rose Turnberg of New York Mills by pin at 4:43 to finish second place.

Priscella Gonzalez on the award stand after getting fifth place

Masyn Arguelles on the award stand after getting second

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U.S. Postal Service asks people to clear walkways and around mailboxes

Winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings, and icy condition warnings have already been issued across portions of Minnesota.

Postal officials are asking for the public’s cooperation in keeping mailboxes, steps, and sidewalks clear of snow and ice, so letter carriers are able to provide the safest, most efficient delivery service possible.

The Postal Service is asking customers to help keep their letter carrier safe through the following actions: •Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail and to drive away from the box without danger of the need for backing

.•Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls.
•Steps should also be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer’s home.
•Overhangs should be clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.

Residents who receive delivery to roadside mailboxes also must keep the approach to, and exit from, the mailbox clear of snow or any other obstacles, like trash cans and other vehicles.  The carrier needs to get in, and then out, without leaving the vehicle or backing up.

The post U.S. Postal Service asks people to clear walkways and around mailboxes first appeared on KROX.

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Pirate Girl’s Hockey taking on Prior Lake – ON KROX

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The Crookston Pirate Girls Hockey team wraps up a trip to the Twin Cities with a game against Prior Lake. The game started at 1:00 p.m. and can be heard on KROX Radio.

FIRST PERIOD

SECOND PERIOD

THIRD PERIOD

Team 1st 2nd 3rd OT Final
Crookston 1 2 1
Prior Lake 1 2 1

1st Period
3:29 – Crookston – Jocelyn Field (Ashlyn Bailey)
16:41 – Prior Lake – Ava Anderson (Abigail Grove, Paige Watkins)

2nd Period
4:17 – Prior Lake – Addison Heinicke (Alivia Heinicke) (PP)
12:46 – Crookston – Addie Fee (Kaylie Clauson) (PP)
13:48 – Crookston – Addie Fee (Adley Vigness) (PP)
14:37 – Prior Lake – Abigail Grove (Gabriella Voll, Ciera Clinger)

3rd Period
1:08 – Crookston – Addie Fee (Hadley Verwest, Jocelyn Field)
15:11 – Prior Lake – Abby Anthony (Addison Heinicke) (PP)

OVERTIME

Goalie 1st 2nd 3rd OT Total
Sophie Cappiello-PL 11 11 5
Kamebelle Freije-Crox 7 12 9

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DNR Reminds Minnesotans that ice is NEVER 100% safe

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With fresh snow in many parts of the state, anglers and others recreating on the ice must keep in mind that snow can hinder ice-making and cover up potentially dangerous areas, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

In addition, it’s vital people check the ice thickness frequently and keep in mind the DNR’s ice thickness recommendations, which apply to new, clear ice (double them for white or snow-covered ice):

  • More than 4 inches for ice fishing or other activities on foot.
  • 5-7 inches for a snowmobile or a small ATV.
  • 7-8 inches for a side-by-side ATV.
  • 9-12 inches for a car.
  • 13-17 inches for a truck.
  • More than 20 inches for a large truck with a wheelhouse shelter.

When measuring the thickness of the ice, measure only the clear ice – not any slush or snow that’s settled on top of it. It’s important to keep in mind, too, that ice thickness and quality can vary even within a small area on the same body of water.

DNR conservation officers report lakes throughout the state are attracting increasing numbers of anglers, and they expect things will be even busier over the holidays. COs continue reminding ice recreationalists of the importance of wearing safety gear such as ice picks and a life jacket or float coat, and to check the ice for themselves – not rely on someone else’s tracks, footprints, or social media post.

“We understand and share in people’s excitement for getting onto the ice and making the most of a short season,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “But there’s nothing good to be gained by pushing the envelope. There are plenty of good ice-fishing opportunities out there, but please check the ice yourself and take our thickness guidelines seriously.”

Every year, unexpected falls through thin ice result in serious injury or death. Checking the ice thickness with a spud bar, auger, or other device is the best way to prevent falling through. Wearing a life jacket or float coat is the best way to avert tragedy should someone fall through the ice, since the initial shock of falling into cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers. A good set of ice picks will help the person get out, and a cell phone, whistle or other communications device makes it more likely they would be able to call for help. Make sure to let someone on shore know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

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Leo Club members help Santa get ready for 43rd annual Toys for Tots Delivery

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Santa’s helpers have been busy wrapping presents for the Crookston Firefighters and Auxiliary and the City of Crookston Employees 43rd annual Toys for Tots drive. Every year, these toys are delivered to kids in Crookston who may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.  The toys are being purchased and dropped at the Golden Link, where the Crookston High School Leo Club has been helping to get them wrapped in time for Santa to deliver them on Christmas Eve. On Monday, December 9, Leo Club Director Linda Morgan had nine Leo Club members wrapping for two hours at the Golden Link, and on Monday, December 16, there were also nine members helping out.  Monday, December 23, will be the final wrapping session before Santa heads out to make his deliveries. 

Pictured are the Leo Club members that were wrapping Monday, December 16: Emilee Smith, Leah Johanneck, Tessa Weber, Addie Fee, Emma Laplante, Kaylie Clauson, Joey Nesseth, Ava Martin and Cecelia Widman.

The post Leo Club members help Santa get ready for 43rd annual Toys for Tots Delivery first appeared on KROX.