Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood producer serving prison sentences for sexual assault convictions, has publicly voiced support for actor-director Justin Baldoni in his ongoing $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and actress Blake Lively. Weinstein, currently incarcerated at New York’s Rikers Island ahead of a retrial for his overturned 2020 conviction, drew parallels between Baldoni’s case and his own 2017 media exposé, claiming The Times “cherry-picked” evidence to fit predetermined narratives in both instances.

The Allegations
The dispute stems from a December 2024 Times article titled “We Can Bury Anyone,” which detailed alleged efforts by Baldoni’s PR team to discredit Lively during a conflict over the film It Ends With Us, which Baldoni directed. The report cited text messages suggesting a coordinated smear campaign, which Baldoni claims were misrepresented and stripped of context. In his lawsuit, Baldoni accuses the publication of colluding with Lively to publish a “false and defamatory narrative” as a “vehicle for her vengeance”.

Legal Developments
A March 2025 court ruling signaled potential dismissal of The Times from the case, with U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman stating the publication presented “substantial grounds” for dismissal and a “strong likelihood” of prevailing on First Amendment grounds. Despite this, Baldoni expanded his lawsuit to $400 million, naming Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist as co-defendants, alleging extortion and retaliatory tactics.

Weinstein’s Role
Weinstein, whose 2017 Times exposé catalyzed the #MeToo movement, told TMZ that Baldoni’s legal action “hit me hard,” likening it to his own experience of “selective” reporting. He added, “I should have stood up and fought back then. That regret still haunts me”. The Times defended its reporting, stating its Weinstein coverage was “rigorously reported” and based on documented evidence, while emphasizing Weinstein’s past admissions of misconduct.

Counterclaims
Lively has countersued Baldoni, accusing him of fostering an uncomfortable environment for women on set and engaging in retaliatory behavior. Her legal team denies the allegations of collusion, calling Baldoni’s lawsuit a “punitive” attempt to silence critics.

The case, set for trial in 2026, has drawn scrutiny for its intersection of celebrity, media ethics, and legal accountability.

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Utah has officially become the first state in the United States to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water systems, a decision that has sparked intense debate among health experts, policymakers, and residents. Governor Spencer Cox signed the legislation on March 27, and the ban is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

The Legislation and Its Implications

The new law prohibits municipalities and communities in Utah from deciding whether to add fluoride to their water supplies, marking a significant shift in state control over public health measures. Advocates for the ban argue that fluoridation is costly and constitutes unnecessary government intervention. Governor Cox, who grew up in an area without fluoridated water, likened it to being “medicated” by government policy.

The legislation also allows pharmacists to prescribe fluoride for individuals who wish to access its dental benefits while removing community-wide fluoridation practices[6]. This approach reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that personal choice should play a greater role in health decisions.

Public Health Concerns

Despite its supporters, the ban has faced strong opposition from dental professionals and national health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA). Experts warn that eliminating fluoride from public water could lead to increased rates of tooth decay, particularly among children and low-income populations who may lack access to alternative sources of fluoride.

Fluoride has been added to public water supplies across the U.S. since 1945 as a cost-effective measure to reduce cavities and promote oral health. Studies have consistently shown its benefits in preventing dental disease. The ADA condemned Utah’s decision as a “willful disregard for oral health,” emphasizing that cavities remain one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses among children.

RFK Jr.’s Role and National Implications

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of water fluoridation, has praised Utah’s move as a step toward reducing what he views as harmful public health practices. During a visit to Salt Lake City on April 7, Kennedy expressed his hope that other states would follow Utah’s example. He also announced plans to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoridation nationwide.

Kennedy’s advocacy has prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to launch a review of fluoride’s potential health risks. While previous federal recommendations supported water fluoridation based on its proven benefits, Kennedy’s department is reconvening its Community Preventive Services Task Force to reassess these guidelines.

Broader Context

The debate over fluoride reflects broader skepticism toward public health interventions in recent years. Concerns about fluoride’s potential cognitive effects—such as diminished IQ scores linked to high exposure levels—have fueled opposition, though experts note these risks are associated with concentrations far higher than those used in community fluoridation.

As Utah sets a precedent with its statewide ban, other states like North Dakota and Tennessee are considering similar legislation. The decision marks a turning point in public health policy, raising questions about balancing individual choice with community-wide benefits.

The long-term impact of Utah’s decision remains uncertain, but it underscores growing divisions over science-based health measures in America today.

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Modern smartphones offer incredible video capabilities, but sometimes the footage can look flat, lacking depth and vibrancy. This article explores five practical tips to elevate your phone videos, with a focus on lighting techniques like bounce lighting and natural light, as well as using the highest quality settings available.

1. Optimize Lighting: Bounce Lighting and Natural Light

Lighting is one of the most critical factors in creating visually appealing videos. Here are two effective techniques:

• Bounce Lighting: Bounce light involves redirecting light off a surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, or reflectors) to create soft, diffused illumination. This technique avoids harsh shadows and gives your subject a natural, cinematic glow. For example, bouncing light off the ceiling turns the entire surface into a softbox, wrapping light around your subject evenly. This method works well in small spaces or when you lack expensive modifiers.
• Natural Light: Leveraging daylight is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your videos. Position your subject facing a window or shoot during golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for flattering, warm tones. Avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows; instead, opt for diffused natural light for a balanced look.

2. Shoot in the Highest Quality Available

Always set your smartphone camera to its maximum resolution and frame rate. For example:

• Resolution: Use 4K for sharp details.
• Frame Rate: Choose 30fps for standard motion or 60fps for smoother movement.
  Higher-quality settings capture more detail and color information, making post-production adjustments easier.

3. Improve Composition

A well-composed shot adds depth and interest to your videos:

• Use the rule of thirds to position your subject off-center.
• Incorporate foreground and background elements to create layers.
• Avoid cluttered backgrounds that distract from the main subject.

4. Stabilize Your Shots

Shaky footage can ruin the professional feel of your video:

• Use a tripod for static shots.
• Invest in a gimbal or stabilizer for smooth motion during handheld filming.

5. Enhance Color and Contrast in Post-Production

Even with perfect lighting and composition, flat videos may need color grading:

• Adjust contrast to add depth.
• Fine-tune saturation and vibrance to make colors pop without oversaturation.
• Use LUTs (Look-Up Tables) designed for mobile footage to achieve cinematic color profiles.

Conclusion

Flat phone videos often result from poor lighting, low-quality settings, or lack of post-production enhancements. By using techniques like bounce lighting, maximizing natural light, shooting in high resolution, stabilizing your shots, and refining colors in editing software, you can transform dull footage into vibrant, professional-looking videos.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life