SNBC News Update : Pastor James Coates
Pastor James Coates is scheduled to be released from prison. According to the pastor’s attorneys the pastor has been in jail since February 16th. Coates was arrested after refusing to stop in person worship services at his church Grace Life located in Alberta, Canada. The justice presiding over the case claimed his actions were endangering public health and a violation of Alberta’s city council mandates. Attorneys for the pastor say all but one charge has been withdrawn in the case. Pastor Coates is scheduled to appear in court for the charge May 3rd.
Leaders/well known figures speak out against Equality Act
Several groups are speaking out urging the US Senate not to pass the Equality Act. The bill would add an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This addition would offer protections to LGBT citizens; critics point out that it would in turn violate the beliefs of others. 57 Black pastors, leaders, and nationally known figures sent a letter to the Senate urging protection for religious freedom. The group urged support for the Fairness for All Act. This proposed bill would protect religious groups in the US and offer some protections to the LGBT community such as employment and housing. The Heritage Foundation, and the Family Research Council has criticized the bill because of its lack of protection for churches, schools, and other institutions based on faith. Several Senators have promised they will vote against the Equality Act due to public concern and no protection for religious groups.
SNBC NEWS UPDATE the governor of Arkansas signs Anti-abortion bill
The Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson recently signed the state’s anti-abortion bill making it the most restrictive law against abortion in the nation. The state’s congress introduced an amendment to the bill allowing abortions after 20 weeks to victims of rape and incest. The bill would only allow the abortion after 20 weeks if victims to report the crime to police in that state. Critics say this requirement will further traumatize victims. Supporters including the author of the bill say they want to help victims by prosecuting those accused. The head of the American Civil Liberties Union- Arkansas released a statement following the laws passing. Holly Dickson commented that abortion was still legal in all 50 states including Arkansas and that her organization would see the governor in court.
SNBC HEALTH REPORT: ultra-processed foods and its effect on the human body
According to researchers a diet consisting of mainly processed foods could be harmful to the bones. This term refers to foods such as fried foods, store bought baked goods, and foods high in bad fats and sodium. Eating these foods on a consistent basis with no balance could be harmful to your body in particular the bones. A six week study on bone health followed a range of various diets given to lab rats. The study found the more the animals diet was filled with heavily processed foods, the more weakened their bones became. The study also found heavily processed foods limited bone growth in the younger animals. Researchers discovered ultra processed foods inhibit gut health. This type of food reduces the beneficial bacteria in the body. This could affect the body’s ability to fight against issues such as heart disease. Researchers advise limited to no processed foods if possible and a diet rich in natural, whole foods as much as possible.