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Shatel: Nebraska is going to a bowl game again — and here are some dream matchupsNoneThe Seahawks released receiver and kick returner Laviska Shenault Jr., the team announced Monday afternoon. There was no corresponding move announced, meaning they have a spot open on its 53-man roster. The Seahawks could be saving that in case outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is able to come off injured reserve this week to play Sunday against Arizona. Nwosu returned to practice last week and coach Mike Macdonald has said the team hopes he could be back for the pivotal game against the Cardinals. The move came in the wake of a mistake-filled special-teams performance against the New York Jets on Sunday that the team overcame with a 26-21 win. The Seahawks fumbled two consecutive kickoffs, one by Shenault, who bobbled the attempt and lost it again when he hit the ground. Shenault also had a lost fumble in a game against the 49ers in October, though he also had a 97-yard kickoff return for a TD in that game. Shenault, a second-round pick of the Jaguars out of Colorado in 2020, signed with the Seahawks as a free agent last spring. He has a fully guaranteed contract of $1.152 million. He was used some as a receiver, playing 45 snaps, with five receptions for 36 yards. He had 16 kickoff returns for 459 yards. The Seahawks recently signed Cody White off the practice squad to the 53-man roster and has Dareke Young and Jake Bobo also as backup receivers. Dee Williams also lost a fumble on a kickoff as the Seahawks allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown during a bizarre first half in which the Seahawks fell behind 21-7. Shenault was also a member of the kickoff cover team throughout the season, including on Sunday. He played two offensive snaps against the Jets and 15 on special teams.PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A pair of conservative groups on Friday challenged a Maine law that limits donations to political action committees that spend independently in candidate elections, arguing that money spent to support political expression is "a vital feature of our democracy.” Supporters of the referendum overwhelmingly approved on Election Day fully expected a legal showdown over caps on individual contributions to so-called super PACs. They hoped the referendum would trigger a case and ultimately prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify the matter of donor limits after the court opened the floodgates to independent spending in its 2010 Citizens United decision. The lawsuit brought by Dinner Table Action and For Our Future, and supported by the Institute for Free Speech, contends the state law limiting individual super PAC donations to $5,000 and requiring disclosure of donor names runs afoul of that Citizens United legal precedent. “All Americans, not just those running for office, have a fundamental First Amendment right to talk about political campaigns,” lawyers wrote in the lawsuit in federal court. “Their ‘independent expenditures,’ payments that fund political expression by those who are not running for office but nonetheless have something to say about a campaign, are a vital feature of our democracy.” Cara McCormick, leader of the Maine Citizens to End Super PACs, which pressed for the referendum, said the lawsuit attempts to undermine the will of the people after an overwhelming majority — 74% of voters — approved the referendum last month. “Super PACs are killing the country and in Maine we decided to do something about it. We want to restore public trust in the political process,” she said. “We want to say that in Maine we are not resigned to the tide of big money. We are the tide.” But Alex Titcomb, executive director of Dinner Table Action, argued Friday that the government “cannot restrict independent political speech simply because some voters wish to limit the voices of their fellow citizens.” Named in the lawsuit are Maine’s attorney general and the state’s campaign spending watchdog, the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. The ethics commission is reviewing the complaint, said Jonathan Wayne, executive director. The Maine referendum didn’t attempt to limit spending on behalf of candidates. Instead, it focused on limits on individual donations to super PACS, an area the Supreme Court has not ruled on, observers say. Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig, a longtime advocate for campaign finance reform, contends the U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on the issue of individual contributions to PACs, and long-established case law supports the notion that states can limit individual contributions to PACs despite a decision to the contrary by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Lessig, whose Equal Citizens nonprofit backed the Maine referendum, previously said the cap on donations imposed by the referendum "is not asking the Supreme Court to change its jurisprudence, not asking them to overturn Citizens United.”

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Social Security expansion has bipartisan support despite fiscal hawks’ concernsNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Today, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CII) (the "Fund") approved changing the name of the Fund to “BlackRock Enhanced Large Cap Core Fund, Inc.” In connection with the name change, the Board has approved the adoption of a non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in large cap equity securities and derivatives that provide investment exposure to such securities or to one or more market risk factors associated with such securities (the “80% Policy”). For purposes of the 80% Policy, large cap equity securities are equity securities that at the time of purchase have a market capitalization within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Index. The name change and adoption of the 80% Policy are expected to be effective as of December 31, 2024. After careful review of the Fund’s current investment strategies and portfolio holdings, the Fund’s investment adviser, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”), recommended that the Board approve the name change and adoption of the 80% Policy in order to comply with recent amendments to Rule 35d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (often referred to as the “Names Rule”) that will go into effect in 2025 and expand the scope of the Names Rule. There will be no changes to the Fund’s investment objective, NYSE ticker symbol or CUSIP as a result of the name change or adoption of the 80% Policy. About BlackRock BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate Availability of Fund Updates BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Fund on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Fund. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Fund and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or the Fund may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Fund’s or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Fund, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Fund or in the Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Fund or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com , and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Fund. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122388285/en/ 1-800-882-0052 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: BlackRock Closed-End Funds Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122388285/en

Hunter’s pardon shows Trump was right all along – nobody’s above the law, unless your surname is Biden

DUP MP apologises for failing to declare paid-for tripAt US$765 million over 15 years, Juan Soto owns the richest contract in professional sport history. It’s a work of art that accelerates from $51 million to $55 million per year, and $805 million overall if the club wants to avoid his opt-out in 2029. He will earn an otherworldly $6,000 per hour over the contract’s 15-year term. Yet as much as the exquisite hitter and newest New York Met is the biggest winner this week in the business of sport, he has plenty of company on the power wagon. The other big winners are the Mets’ brand, owner Steve Cohen, a Mets fan base that has almost always lived in the shadow of the New York Yankees, and super agent Scott Boras. It was also yet another good week for Caitlin Clark, who was named Time magazine’s athlete of the year after more than successfully making the transition from the Iowa Hawkeyes and NCAA women’s basketball to the Indiana Fever and the WNBA. She has re-engineered the financial upside of women’s sport, making more than $10 million in her rookie year. In this era of polarized politics south of the border, she has also inadvertently become the poster child for white privilege. Meanwhile, the NFL will have itself a big Week 15. Two of the best matchups will be played at the same time on Sunday when the 12-1 Detroit Lions meet the 10-3 Buffalo Bills, while the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles take on the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. It marks the first time in 40 years that the NFL has staged two games that each featured two teams with 10 or more wins going into Week 15. Also sharing the spotlight in the winner’s circle this week is Saudi Arabia, which was named host of the FIFA 2034 World Cup. That World Cup will be the third in four cycles that are hosted at least in part by Arabic countries, with Qatar 2022 ushering in Spain-Portugal-Morocco in 2030 and Saudi Arabia four years later (with the U.S., Mexico and Canada co-hosting in 2026). The trajectory that FIFA is charting is paired with the rise of Emirates Airlines as one of the most prominent corporate sponsors in sport, with holdings in tennis and basketball. That doesn’t include the massive amounts of money invested in LIV golf by the Saudi Sovereign Fund. If the New York Stock Exchange traded exclusively in football, it would reflect a dreary economic recession — if not outright depression — for fans of the 2-11 New York Football Giants of the NFC and the 3-10 New York Jets of the AFC. The two teams have lost 21 of the 26 games they’ve played this season, causing considerable angst among New York fans and sport commentators. It’s yet another reminder that big market size doesn’t always buy you a winning team. The Jets this week became the first NFL team to be eliminated from this year’s playoffs. What’s more? They have struggled through nine consecutive losing seasons and 14 years out of the playoffs — the longest active drought in the big four North American men’s sports leagues. Take a bite out of that Big Apple. Tom Mayenknecht is the host of The Sport Market on Sportsnet 650 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Vancouver-based sport business commentator and principal in Emblematica Brand Builders provides a behind-the-scenes look at the sport business stories that matter most to fans. Follow Mayenknecht at: x.com/TheSportMarket .

The day we've all been waiting for is HERE. Walmart's Black Friday deals are finally live, and if you're a parent, now's your time to stock up on things to make your life easier — from baby gear to toys to little treats for yourself. We're all about improved quality of life here. We know you don't have a lot of time so let's get straight to it: 1. A convertible car seat that'll grow with your little one and save you even more money down the line by not having to buy yet ANOTHER seat. This seat can be rear-facing or front-facing and can convert into a belt-positioned booster. It even includes a footrest/stool both for comfort and to protect your seats. Promising review: "I love this car seat. Love the footrest feature and that it has multiple cup holders. I have four kids — so far my favorite car seat, yet so cozy for the little one." — Miranda Price: $98 (originally $199.99; available in five colors) 2. A large, portable play yard with a safety barrier for when you need a safe place to put your rolling baby while you reheat your coffee again. And once playtime is finished, it folds up easily for storage. This waterproof play yard also comes with 14 teether blocks! Promising review: "Easy to store and clean. It can be moved from room to room. Good cushioning for babies that are starting to move." — Yaritza Price: $24.98 (originally $44.98) 3. A learning table — my favorite toy for the pulling to stand and early walking crew. While they get stronger standing to play, it's so fun to watch them bang on buttons with gusto. This one can also be used without the legs, making it a great activity for sitters, too. Promising review: "I like that it can be used at different stages of a child's needs. Very helpful that legs detach for small kids who can't yet fully stand without support." — Loida Price: $19.98 (originally $39.98) 4. A set of magnetic tiles that store easily and are extremely versatile. Kids love these pretty universally, and while building castles and towers is awesome, the magnets mean they can be played with in more places. Refrigerator space? Magnetic tiles. A metal garage door? Magnetic tiles. Really, anything metal? You guessed it — tiles. Promising review: "I was a little hesitant to purchase as I was only familiar with the main MagnaTile brand. These are really good for about a third of the cost! I have a 2.5- and almost 6-year-old who love constructing with these. They hold up well to being tossed and accidentally stepped on. The magnets are the right strength to hold builds together without being 'too' strong for little hands to remove and attach pieces." — Katherine Price: $27.99 for a 101-piece set (originally $39.99) 5. A kid-friendly chair and lounger that'll give your kiddo their own place to sit and lie down. Kids love having furniture their size, and it's nice as a parent to not have to worry about chairs that are significantly more expensive to replace. Promising review: "Bought this for my son for Christmas, and he loves it! He takes naps in it, sits in it while he watches TV or his tablet, or just anytime. It's 100% worth the purchase!" — Taylor Price: $34.99 (originally $49.99; available in six patterns) 6. A digital photo frame so you can see your favorite photos without pulling out your phone. Family and friends can even connect to the frame and add to it — no matter where they live — making this a perfect gift for grandparents, too. Promising review: "I loved the frame when I saw it, and let me tell you, it's very pretty. The frame itself is thick, unlike those thin photo frames. It looks nice on a bedside table." — Jal Price: $119 (originally $299; available in two colors) 7. A kids' tablet because there's no time like the present for a technology-literate kid. This tablet comes chock-full of features, including 80 pre-installed Disney E-books, over 20 educational apps, parental control settings, and a screen that protects against the reckless abandon with which toddlers live their lives. Promising review: "I bought two tablets for my twins, and they are the best. As 3-year-olds, I wanted them to expand on their vocabulary, and the pre-download games are amazing. My girls used to watch cartoons all day, every day, but since they got these tablets, they have not once asked to watch any cartoons — there is so much for them to do." — Shiene Price: $44.95 (originally $80.99; available in seven colors) 8. A set of four cereal storage containers because no one in the family likes the same cereal at the same time. These keep things looking neat and organized in your pantry while allowing your family to have their breakfast of choice. Promising review: "HA HA, I WON the battle with the ants this summer by purchasing these canisters. I can't tell you how many kinds of canisters I have tried to outsmart the ants — and I bought the most enticing things for them and their raiding parties couldn't get in: Froot Loops, Honey Nut Cheerios, and Frosted Flakes to tempt the little buggers. And nothing — they came, they tried to conquer and couldn't get in, so they have just gone away. I love it." — Darla Price: $12.99+ for a four-pack (originally $30.99+; available in three sizes) 9. An instant camera to catch adorable photos of your little love and actually have something physical to hold onto. Instant cameras provide awesome opportunities for little crafts and opportunities to relive memories when they're older. This camera set comes with a 10-pack of film, a camera case, a photo album, and stickers. You can also stock up on additional film ! Promising review: "Great value. You've got everything you need to start snapping and saving photos right out of the box. I love being able to capture the memories in real time to save them." — Miranda Price: $55 (originally $78; available in three colors) 10. A basic swing set that'll get their energy out without breaking the bank. With two swings, a saucer swing, and a slide, what more do you need for a little outside break from the chaos? Promising review: "This is a really great swing set. I got this on a flash deal for my kiddos, and we just got it set up. Let me just say this was a great buy. It's sturdy. It has foam for the legs of the set and covers for the chains. It also covers the bolts. Super pleased will definitely recommend this to my friends." — Naomi Price: $99 (originally $249.99) 11. A machine washable rug so you don't have to worry about seasonal allergies hibernating for the winter in your rug . Washable rugs are the technology we have been waiting years for and now's the time to finally treat yourself. Promising review: "I absolutely love this rug. I am using it in the living room, and it is partially covered by our large sectional, so I haven't washed it yet. I like that it is thin and not bulky. It is soft, and the print is exactly like the photo. I have four boys, so we did have a spill. I was able to use the portable Boswell machine, and it came right up. The price for the size is the best part. Can't beat the value." — Leelee Price: $15.99+ (originally $64.99+; available in 10 sizes and two colors) 12. A self-emptying robot vacuum and mop combo that allows you to finally stop wiping one foot and then the other on your pant leg as you walk through your kitchen. Just set a schedule, and you don't ever have to think, "Ughhhhh, I need to vacuum this place" again. Promising review: "I've never had enough extra to splurge on a Roomba, but have always wanted one. This little guy is the best thing I've purchased all year. It does a great job and was way less. You can program him to go off as many times as you want. It's easy to clean and hardly gets stuck on anything." — Jayne Price: $88.99 (originally $369.99) 13. A 24-pack of batteries because 'tis the season for batteries in EVERYTHING. Don't make the mistake of realizing on Christmas morning that you're all out of your trusty AAs — now's the time to be prepared. And don't forget the AAAs ! Promising review: "Over the years, I think I have purchased every brand of battery out there. Energizer is the only one that truly lasts the longest. I use both the regular Energizer and the rechargeable ones. The rechargeable ones have lasted for years! Energizer is the only brand I buy — period. Recommend." — Jordan Price: $14.79 (originally $24.99) 14. A set of shower storage shelves to help keep your shower organized, even when each person has a different shampoo, conditioner, and soap preference. These shelves also use adhesive, so there's no need to get out a drill just to have some organization. Promising review: "I was worried that the adhesive wouldn't stick well to the wall, but to my surprise, it was super easy to install and looks great! The shelves are sturdy and can hold a lot of weight without damaging the wall. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a simple and hassle-free solution." — Monica Price: $12.99 for a two-pack (originally $59.99; available in packs of two and three and in four colors) 15. An inflatable hot tub to give you a place to relax after a long day of doing all the things to keep the humans functioning. You deserve a little relaxation for once. Some people even turn the heat off and use this as a pool in the summer for their kids. Everyone wins! Price: $499.99 (originally $749.99) 16. A candle warmer with an automatic shutoff timer so you can enjoy your candle obsession without having to worry about an open flame with little hands or forgetful minds. I got one of these a few months ago and LOVE that there's no fire or soot, so I burn my candles more than I used to! Promising review: "I have several half-used candle jars that I loved the smell so much I didn't want to throw away. Now I can enjoy them again! I love the dimmer, adjustable height, and timer options. Also, I like the fact that it plugs into the wall and does not require batteries" — Patricia Price: $18.99 (originally $29.99; available in two colors) 17. A charging station because you're burning major battery with all of those pictures and videos you're taking now. You can place this anywhere and charge up without missing those first steps or that adorable impromptu concert because your phone's charging. Promising review: "This is perfect to have next to my chair in my living room, or it would also be perfect to have next to your bed on your nightstand. I can charge both my cell phone and my Apple Watch doesn’t take up much space and is so practical." — Jeannie Price: $14.59 (originally $59.99; available in six colors) 18. A very practical emergency food supply — a little insurance in case disaster strikes. With a sturdy bucket and up to 25 years of shelf life, this will just make you feel better by erasing that ever-nagging "I need to get an emergency kit together" out of your mind. This kit includes 12 Servings of chocolate dairy delight, 16 servings of orange drink mix, 16 servings of brown sugar and maple multi-grain cereal, four servings of cheesy macaroni, four Servings of hearty tortilla soup, four servings of chili macaroni, eight servings of Southwest rice and beans, eight servings gluten-free tomato basil soup with pasta, four servings savory stroganoff, 12 servings chicken flavored noodle soup, and 12 servings apple cinnamon cereal Promising review: "Long term food storage is always a difficult thing to review as it's very much like insurance. You pay for a product that you actually hope you won't need to use. I won't be opening this to try it unless its shelf life is close by, so your guess is as good as mine. However, the food comes in a well made, stackable plastic container which makes it pretty easy to store, and the price is very reasonable, especially in these inflated times." — James Price: $64.99 (originally $84.99) 19. A fast-working countertop ice maker that'll take care of the ice maker in the freezer running out of ice before you can get to it. It can make a glass of ice in 10–15 minutes so you never have to have lukewarm-instead-of-iced coffee again! Promising review: "We LOVE our ice machine! We used to spend a ton of money and time to stock up on Sonic-style ice. Now, we can make our own great-tasting, chewable Sonic ice without having to run across town and pay $3 a bag for it. Thank you!" — Chuck Price: $129.99 (originally $299; available in two finishes) 20. A gorgeous full-length light-up mirror because houses these days are ridiculously lacking in full-length mirrors. Now, your entire family can actually see for themselves if those pants match that shirt instead of depending on you. Promising review: "It's beautiful. I have been watching this mirror for a while, waiting for the price to go down, and when it finally got to a price I felt I could live with, I purchased it. FedEx delivered it in perfect condition, and it is absolutely beautiful! I'm so glad I finally bought it. The lighting is perfect, and the stand is really sturdy, so I do not have to hang it if I do not want to!" — Funckybear Price: $74.99+ (originally $199; available in two sizes and three shapes) You with everything you need thanks to the Walmart's Black Friday deals, ready to make parenting look easy. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity. Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart’s grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door.

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UN Sounds Alarm on Central Asia's Looming Farmland CrisisTopline California’s plan to offer electric car tax credits if President-elect Donald Trump cuts off federal incentives has a catch: It may not include rebates for customers of Tesla, the most popular EV brand, eliciting a strongly worded response from the company’s Trump-friendly CEO Elon Musk. Key Facts What Does Trump’s Ev Credit Saga Mean For Tesla? Much has been made in recent months about Trump’s potential repeal of the federal EV tax credit and the potential drag it would be on sales for Tesla, considering the rebates dangle a hefty effective discount to prospective car buyers. Though Wall Street analysts have largely agreed the end of the federal program would hurt other EV makers more than they would Tesla given the Musk-led company’s dominant market share, the potential for new roadblocks in the crucial California market may provide a new challenge for the company. “If credits go away, further pricing actions may be needed,” UBS analyst Joseph Spak wrote in a Monday note to clients, teasing the potential for more price cuts from Tesla, which would eat into the firm’s wobbling profit margins. Big Number 35%. That’s the percentage of all U.S.-registered electric-only vehicles from California, according to the Department of Energy. California’s 1.26 million EVs are nearly five times greater than the amount registered in the next closest state, Florida. News Peg Shares of Tesla declined 4% in Monday trading but remain up more than 30% since Election Day, a surge tied to investors’ optimism regarding Musk’s close relationship with Trump would help create more favorable oversight of the automaker. “The rise in Tesla stock is mostly driven by animal spirits” rather than fundamental changes to its business outlook, according to Spak, who has a sell rating for the stock. It’s unclear whether Monday’s decline for Tesla was tied to the California EV credit news, though its share price was down more than 6% from its morning peak by market close. Key Background Musk has feuded with the state of California and Newsom for years, moving Tesla’s corporate headquarters from Silicon Valley to Texas in 2021, coinciding with the start of his shift toward right-wing politics. The richest person ever calculated by Forbes, Musk donated more than $100 million toward Trump’s election efforts and is Trump’s self-described “first buddy,” advising the president-elect on various policy issues. Forbes Valuation We estimate Musk’s net worth at $330.7 billion, making him the wealthiest person on Earth by a wide margin. Further ReadingA Missouri circuit court judge on Monday declined to restore access to gender-affirming care for minors in the state, ruling in a 74-page judgment that a law banning children from accessing medical care is constitutional. The Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act, which bars medical professionals from providing hormone therapy and puberty blockers to anyone younger than 18, was signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike Parson in 2023. It also bans gender transition surgeries for minors (which are exceedingly rare ), bans prisons and jails from providing gender-affirming surgeries, and prohibits Missouri Medicaid from covering similar treatments for adults. Judge Robert Craig Carter of the 44th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri disputed the findings of medical experts in his ruling, citing a “total lack of consensus” on the medical ethics of treating gender dysphoria. “The evidence from trial showed that the medical ethics of gender dysphoria treatment for children and adolescents are entirely unsettled,” he added. Carter also suggested that treating gender dysphoria could be a slippery slope to depriving the Missouri legislature of its ability to regulate drugs. “Any person — including a minor — would be able to obtain anything from meth, to ecstasy to abortion so long as a single medical professional were willing to recommend it,” he warned. Lambda Legal, a national nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ civil rights, together with the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, argued the law is discriminatory on the basis of sex and therefore violates the Missouri Constitution. In a joint statement Monday, the organizations said they were “extremely disappointed” in the ruling and pledged to appeal. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. 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Log in to hide these messages. “The court’s findings signal a troubling acceptance of discrimination, ignore an extensive trial record and the voices of transgender Missourians and those who care for them, and deny transgender adolescents and Medicaid beneficiaries from their right to access to evidence-based, effective, and often life-saving medical care,” the statement said. “This ruling sends a chilling message that, for some, compassion and equal access to health care are still out of reach.” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R), meanwhile, defended the law at trial and cast Carter’s ruling Monday as a victory for “banning child mutilation.” The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the constitutionality of a similar law in Tennessee next Wednesday in United States v. Skrmetti. Related From Our Partner

Kentucky will aim to improve upon its best start in seven seasons when it hosts Western Kentucky on Tuesday night in Lexington, Ky., in the final game of the BBN Invitational. The Wildcats (5-0) are ranked No. 8 in the latest Associated Press poll and are setting impressive offensive milestones even for a program as tradition-rich as Kentucky, which includes eight national championships. The Wildcats have scored 97 or more points in their first four home games for the first time in program history and eclipsed the 100-point mark in three of those games. Their lone trip out of state was a solid 77-72 victory over Duke in a matchup of top-10 teams in Atlanta. Kentucky has also made at least 10 three-pointers in each of its first five games of a season for the first time ever. "I think Kentucky attracts good people," Kentucky coach Mark Pope said after the Wildcats' 108-59 win over Jackson State on Friday. "It's the one place in all college basketball where you represent just a fanbase in a different, unique way." Otega Oweh and Koby Brea have led the Wildcats' early scoring outburst. Oweh, who is averaging 16.2 points per game, had 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting against Jackson State. "He gets us off to unbelievable starts every night," Pope told reporters after that game. "He's probably been our most consistent guy in games." Brea, who scored 22 points against Jackson State and is averaging 16.0 points per game, is leading the nation in 3-point accuracy at 74.1 percent. As a team, the Wildcats are shooting 42.3 percent from beyond the arc. And the few times they miss, Amari Williams has been doing the dirty work on the glass, averaging 10.8 boards in addition to 9.6 points per game. Kentucky faces a different challenge than it's had to contend with so far in the Hilltoppers (3-2), who have won three in a row after losing their first two games to Wichita State and Grand Canyon. Their up-tempo play hasn't exactly resulted in great offensive output, but in the Hilltoppers' 79-62 win over Jackson State on Wednesday, they shot 45.2 percent from 3-point range (14 for 31). "I was happy to see a lot of different guys contribute tonight and, hopefully, get their feet under them a little bit and get some confidence," said Western Kentucky coach Hank Plona, who is in his first season as head coach. "Obviously, Tuesday will be quite a test and challenge for us and we'll need them to be at their absolute best." Western Kentucky has an experienced group, which returned mostly intact from last season. The team is led by Conference USA first-team selection Don McHenry, who is leading the team with 17.2 points and 2.2 steals per game. McHenry is one of four Hilltoppers with scoring averages in double figures. Julius Thedford (11.4 points per game) and Babacar Faye (15.0) are each shooting 40 percent or better from 3-point range. Western Kentucky also figures to challenge the Wildcats on the boards as it enters the game ranked in the top 25 in defensive rebounding (30.4 per game). Faye leads the Hilltoppers in that department, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game and figures to battle Williams inside. "We're not the biggest team in the world, but our depth and our quickness are our strengths," Plona said. --Field Level MediaTitans are their own worst enemy as they fail again to string together wins

Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OCManikbabur Megh —The Cloud and the Man—is a film about a lonely man falling helplessly in love with a cloud. Or the other way around. It boasts of a captivating performance by Chandan Sen, a stage and screen veteran who, despite his staggering talent, continues to be Bengal’s best-kept secret. The film marks the debut of a remarkable directorial voice in the form of Abhinandan Banerjee, who also wrote the screenplay. The central character of Manikbabu is an exceptional role, etched with extreme care and performed with great virtuosity by Sen. Manikbabu revels in his loneliness—his isolation is not imposed but self-inflicted. He loves nothing more than to be left to himself, tending to his dying father and to the plants on his terrace. When his father dies, the distraught but stoic Manikbabu feels a presence, a shade overhead. It seems to follow him wherever he goes. Thus begins one of the most bizarre but moving love stories to be filmed in recent times. Sen’s parents were involved in the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), so theatre flourished in him organically. He has been a part of Bengali theatre ever since the late 70s. Among his teachers was the late great Utpal Dutt. It was in the mid-1980s that Sen started doing television and then graduated to the movies. Whether it was a key “supporting” role or bit parts, Sen managed to leave his mark. But barring one film called Aloy Phera , where he played a member of the Lodha tribe, there have been no significant lead roles coming his way. Until now. From the first scene to the last, Manikbabur Megh sparkles with Sen’s delectable performance. So, how did he approach the role of Manikbabu, a recluse who is supposed to be in a relationship with a wisp gliding through the ether? “I imagined that it was a person I was falling in love with. To me, she was a person, not merely a cloud. I thought it best to look at it that way, at least in the beginning. But gradually, as we progressed, I began seeing it/her as a cloud,” says Sen. Throughout several interviews, Sen has been insisting that the film is, at its core, just a good old love story. But when the script reached his desk, he could immediately see it for what it was. “Fortunately, I have a bad habit of reading the likes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Bibhutibhushan Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore. As a result, I am aware of magic realism, and how rare it is that one encounters it in a screenplay. But when that happens, nothing could be more pleasurable,” he says. The screenplay of Manikbabur Megh had such subtlety and nuance that when he read it, Sen looked at the 23-year-old Banerjee sceptically. “I actually gave him a suspicious look. Had this boy really written THIS script?” For Banerjee, etching out the character of Manikbabu has been a lifelong quest. “The story idea wouldn’t have come to me if it hadn’t been for this character (of Manikbabu). For me, the cloud is a harbinger for the liberation of the character.” Cinema has, for the longest time, examined loneliness in all its hues. Right from Travis Bickle ( Taxi Driver ) and Theodore ( Her ) to Fern ( Nomadland ), there has been a long line of lonely men and women on screen. But it is seen as an undesirable state, with characters finding ways of avoiding it or reeling from the impact of it. It is supposed to invoke pity or empathy. But for Manikbabu, loneliness is celebratory. “This character was brewing in me for a long time, and it was embedded with loneliness, but not how it is normally portrayed. It’s about the acceptance and celebration of loneliness. Very spontaneously and naturally, he likes to avoid crowds. If a lift is crowded, he would gladly take the stairs. On a bench, he would shift a little only to have some space between him and the other people. It’s these choices of the character that will create the resonance where a man can find that kind of connection with a cloud,” explains Banerjee. This is a hypersensitive man, one who is able to perceive things other “normal” people can’t. He takes care to avoid stepping on a flower, picks it up and tucks it beside his father’s old tape-recorder. One outcome of his self-imposed isolation is that he barely speaks, if at all. He is not taciturn; he just doesn’t feel the need to talk. In this respect, Manikbabu’s solitudinarianism brings to mind Hirayama, the central character in Wim Wender’s Perfect Days . Much like Manikbabu, Hirayama likes to keep to himself. Koji Yakusho, while speaking about his performance in Perfect Days , said: “Films are expressed more powerfully in those moments that don’t have the words.” Sen, whose layered performance of Manikbabu predated Yakusho’s work by at least four years ( Perfect Days was shot in Tokyo around 2023, while Manikbabur Megh was filmed in Kolkata in the peak summer of 2019), says what drew him to Banerjee’s script was the scope for “onuchcharito shonglap” , which roughly—and inadequately—translates to “unpronounced dialogue”. What he refers to is the ability to convey the contents of dialogue without uttering a word. “One of the things that attracted me to the script was that I had to speak an infinite number of such unpronounced dialogues. In a 97-minute-long film, I got to do that for 90 minutes. It is the dream of any actor,” Sen says. For Sen, Manikbabu has been, quite literally, the role of a lifetime. “Because of their political affiliations, my parents had to often be underground and leave me to do things on my own. From a very young age, I was able to travel to school by myself or go out on the streets alone,” he says. This experience of being comfortable in his own company equipped Sen with the kind of mindset that prepared him for Manikbabu. It was as if life had been. Besides, it is his belief that the sacred duty of the actor is to observe, and especially observe those who are slightly different in some way. “An actor must see such people with a keen eye and then when the time comes, not imitate them but capture their essence,” he avers. As far as Banerjee is concerned, Manikbabu also harks back to one of Bibhutibhushan’s abiding creations, one that was immortalised on the screen by another “Manik”—little Apu. In a poignant episode from Bibhutibhushan’s Pather Panchali , Apu’s father Harihar scolds the child for staring with his mouth wide open all the time. “A person like that, whose eyes are not merely recording devices, sees more than we ever can,” says Banerjee. “This ability shapes their psyche,” he adds. He sees himself as a smarter version of Manikbabu, he elaborates, the one who could sail through societal norms to make things happen. But why a cloud? The only parallel that comes to mind is Ritwik Ghatak’s Ajantrik , in which a taxi-driver is in a dysfunctional relationship with his Chevrolet jalopy. “The film is an allegory of liberation through the force of nature. That force could very well have been a tree,” explains Banerjee, “but a cloud is a mobile thing. Its shape changes, mood changes, it evolves according to seasons and times of the day.” In the end, Sen reminds us, Manikbabu is a part of us, with some notable exceptions “There’s a bit of Manikbabu in all of us, except politicians and the likes of Elon Musk,” says Sen. Amborish Roychoudhury is A national film award-winning writer, biographer and film historian