WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seemed likely Wednesday to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices' decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which restrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender health care for minors. Supporters of transgender rights rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court in Washington. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism over arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. People are also reading... Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights, questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should weigh in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. "The Constitution leaves that question to the people's representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor," Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The court's three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers, but it's not clear that any conservatives will go along. People attend a rally March 31, 2023, as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility, near the Capitol in Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. "Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn't protect them. It didn't protect women for whole centuries," Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from that decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that "the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature." ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, left, and plaintiff Joaquin Carcano address reporters after a June 25, 2018, hearing in Winston-Salem, N.C., on their lawsuit challenging the law that replaced North Carolina's "bathroom bill." Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that's susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito's questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. "So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?" Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court's marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like "Champion God's Design" and "Kids Health Matters," while the other side proclaimed "Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights" and "Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that "sex plays an unmistakable role" in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Demonstrators against transgender rights protest Wednesday during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state "decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors." She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.When it comes to enhancing your curves, many people think surgery is the only option. However, the non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is gaining popularity for its ability to provide subtle volume and lift without the need for invasive procedures. Here’s a complete guide to understanding this innovative approach to buttock augmentation. Photo Credit: Aesthetic Island NYC What is a Non-Surgical BBL? A non-surgical BBL is a minimally invasive treatment designed to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks without the risks and downtime associated with surgery. Unlike a traditional BBL, which requires fat transfer through liposuction, this procedure uses injectable products such as dermal fillers or biostimulators to create a fuller, lifted appearance. 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A non-surgical BBL is a game-changer for those seeking a subtle, effective way to enhance their curves without the challenges of surgery. With customizable options, minimal downtime, and long-lasting results, it’s easy to see why this treatment is becoming a go-to solution for buttock augmentation. Aesthetic Island NYC offers expert non-surgical BBL treatments, providing a safe and tailored experience for every client. Always consult with a skilled professional to ensure a safe and successful experience. For more information, visit Aesthetic Island NYC's social media:

Pride, bragging rights and more than $115M at stake when final college playoff rankings come outIn recent news, another peculiar incident has arisen, reminiscent of the infamous light bulb debacle from years past. This time, the culprit is not a light bulb, but rather wristwatches being directly affixed to the high-speed train windows, causing a wave of concern and confusion among both passengers and authorities.In the world of football, talented players often find themselves in the spotlight for various reasons. Son Heung-Min, a seasoned player for both Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, is undoubtedly one such player. Recently, amidst discussions about his form and future, former South Korean footballer and coach Hong Myung-Bo stepped up to voice his unwavering support for Son, highlighting the importance of the player for both club and country.

Inspiring mindsIn response to Trump's claim, President Zelensky reiterated that the actual number of Ukrainian military personnel killed in the conflict was 43,000, a figure that has been verified by Ukrainian authorities. Zelensky's statement underscores the importance of accurate and verified data in assessing the human cost of war, particularly in a conflict as complex and protracted as the one between Russia and Ukraine.‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Revival Ordered with Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek

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In response to the growing criticism, Zhang Ruoyun pledged to take immediate action to rectify his mistake. He announced that he would participate in a local cleanup initiative and work to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.Real Madrid, despite boasting a talented squad, has also faltered in the group stage, with their lackluster performances raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Juventus, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, has also found it tough going, with the Italian champions struggling to find consistency in their performances.Capital project: plugging in profits from a big battery

In the end, the bar owner emerged from this harrowing ordeal scarred but unbowed. The incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of diligence and attention to detail, even in the most chaotic and high-pressure situations.German auto supplier Bosch to cut 5,500 jobs in further sign of auto industry woes

The process of naturalizing foreign-born players has become a prevalent strategy for many national football teams seeking to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. By assimilating talented players with dual nationality into their squads, countries aim to bolster their roster with a diverse array of skills and experiences.In conclusion, while the fire at the Alibaba Cloud Computing data center was a cause for concern, the prompt response and clear communication from the company's officials have helped to reassure stakeholders and maintain confidence in the resilience of Alibaba's cloud services. As the incident is investigated further, lessons learned will undoubtedly lead to further improvements in safety protocols and emergency management practices, ensuring the continued reliability and security of Alibaba's cloud infrastructure.

NFLPA , NFL reach agreement on relaxed rules regarding substance abuse, performance enhancing substances

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. stock rises Friday, outperforms marketTitle: Ma Yun's Speech at Ant's 20th Anniversary: Looking Ahead to the AI Era TransformationThis victory marks a significant turning point for the Shanxi team, as they now find themselves in the third spot in the league standings. Their impressive performance against Beijing showcased their potential as a formidable contender in the league. The players' hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off, and they have proven that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

On January 1st, the annual military service registration process will commence for all males who are turning 18 years old. This mandatory registration is a key step in maintaining the readiness and strength of our nation's defense forces. It serves as a foundational requirement for all eligible males to fulfill their civic duty and contribute to the security of our country.Moreover, genetic factors also play a role in stomach cancer development. Mutations in genes such as CDH1, which is involved in cell adhesion, and TP53, a tumor suppressor gene, can increase the likelihood of stomach cancer. Family history of stomach cancer and certain inherited conditions, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, further elevate the risk.