North and South Carolina governors relax mask mandates
The governors of North and South Carolina have officially relaxed and lifted mask mandates across both states. Governor Henry McMaster announced this week he was lifting the executive order for masks. The governor also announced parents will have the option to have their children wear masks or not in school. Governor McMaster said in his statement we must move past the time of governments dictating when and where South Carolinians are required to wear a mask. Governor Roy Cooper announced this week he will lift all mandates for mandatory capacity, gathering and social distancing requirements. The Governor is still strongly urging masks for those who are unvaccinated. Cooper says the recommendation is at the urging of the CDC who is also encouraging masks for those who have not received the COVID-19 shot. Critics say this mandate is another attempt to manipulate people into taking the shot especially those who chosen not to get it for various reasons. President Biden stirred controversy recently by tweeting: “The rule is not simple get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do”. Critics called the tweet tyrannical.
SNBC NEWS (Developing stories)
Several colleges in North Carolina will now require students to receive the COVID-19 shot before returning back to campus. Johnson and Wales University recently announced students returning to campus this fall must receive the shot prior to arrival. The school says the announcement comes after careful consideration with government and health officials. Five other colleges in North Carolina: Brevard College, Duke University, Livingstone College, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte, and Wake Forest University are also requiring students to receive the COVID-19 shot. Wofford College is the only university in South Carolina requiring the shot.
In Canada another pastor has been arrested for violating policies concerning COVID-19 restrictions. Police in Alberta, Calgary arrested Pastor Artur Pawlowski and his brother claiming they were in violation of Alberta Health service mandates. The men were charged with illegal in person gathering, including requesting, inciting or inviting others to attend an illegal public gathering. Officials claims the pastor chose to ignore requirements by continuing to hold church services. Pastor Pawlowski went viral after forcing police and health officials out of his church on Resurrection Sunday. The police later returned with a warrant but were turned away again by the pastor. We will update you on these stories as they continue to develop.
Pro-Palestine protests sweep the U.S.
Protests were held around the US including in Charlotte in support of Palestine. Most of the protests were met with counter protests in support of Israel. The counter demonstrations here in Charlotte were tense at some points between the two sides, but remained peaceful. Terrorist group Hamas recently attacked Israel sending rockets into Israeli territory. Seven people have been reported killed by Hamas rockets in Israel; 188 people are reported killed in Gaza. Israel’s actions have been in defense of its borders in response to Hamas firing rockets into the county. The Israel Defense Forces have reportedly destroyed several terrorist strongholds and tunnels in response. Hamas is known for using civilians as human shields, even using spaces in civilian buildings to fire rockets at Israel. Critics attacked Israel in the press for firing on a Palestinian news building. What most did not report is the building was shared with Hamas and the terrorist group fired a rocket from the building, prompting Israeli forces to retaliate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue to defend it borders and citizens from attacks. According to today’s most recent updates Hamas is still attacking Israel firing over 100 rockets into that nation.
SNBC Health report: exercise and its affect on overall health
According to research exercise has positive affects on every area of life. A recent study finds exercising on a regular basis helps with improvement in day to day physical activities. Exercise offers a boost to mental, physical and emotional health overall. According to researchers participants in the study conducted at Harvard University reported feeling more engaged in their daily lives and motivated to achieve goals. The study included over 14-thousand participants ages 50 and older. Researchers said the study especially found a significant difference in subjects closer to retirement age and saw these subjects participate in a more active lifestyle when daily exercise was included. Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day and least 75 minutes to 150 minutes of exercise per week.