US House of Representatives passes funding for Israel
The US House of Representatives has approved of funding for Israel’s Iron Dome. The one-billion-dollar funding was previously pulled as part of the government spending bill. The pressure to pull the funding is blamed on mainly eight progressive Democrats nicknamed the squad. The group of politicians, in particular Illhan Oman, Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez are liberals and fierce opponents of Israel. The representatives claim Israel is occupying Palestine and have encouraged boycotting the nation. The bill called the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act passed 420-9. All eight members of the group nicknamed the squad voted against it or abstained from voting. One Republican, Tom Massie also voted against the bill. It is now expected to go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass. The Iron Dome is Israel’s form of defense that launches missiles to intercept and stop missile attacks from the nation’s enemies such as Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The nation of Israel is the only Democracy in the Middle East. Israeli officials applauded the bill’s passing.
Satanic Temples sues for religious exemption for abortions in Texas
The Satanic Temple has filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas. The lawsuit was filed recently on behalf of a member the organization referred to as Ann Doe. In their statement the organization says the state’s new ban on abortion after six weeks is a violation of the woman’s religion. According to the Satanic Temple’s website the ban violates what they call a religious abortion ritual. The ritual is allegedly apart of a ceremonial affirmation of self-worth and body autonomy. According to the group abortion is a part of this ritual and has been compromised due to the new restrictions in Texas. Representatives of the Satanic Temple claim because abortions are a part of their religious beliefs that the state attorney general Ken Paxton should also work to allow exemptions for this ritual the same way Native Americans are allowed to use peyote, which is a hallucinogenic drug used for their religious ceremonies. The state of Texas recently passed Senate bill 8 also nicknamed the heartbeat bill. The law bans abortions in the state after a heartbeat is detected, usually when a woman is around six weeks pregnant.
SNBC Covid watch: North Carolina, Australia, Nebraska
In North Carolina,hundreds of Novant Health employees have been suspended for refusing to receive the covid shot. According to reports 375 workers across 15 hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities were suspended. Representatives for the hospital system say 98 percent of their employees have taken at least one shot, or were granted a religious or medical exemption. Employees who received the shot now have until October 15th to receive the second dose. Employees who received exemptions must now wear hospital approved masks, protective gear, and submit to weekly tests.
In Australia violence broke out during anti-shot protests. This time that nation’s construction workers are protesting mandatory covid shots. Thousands protested after construction sites were shut down for two weeks due to protests and a rise in covid-19 cases. Some workers clashed with police in Melbourne after the mandate was announced. Union representatives blamed the violence on right wing extremists. The construction workers have until October 5th to receive at least one dose of the covid shot. Melbourne according to the area’s governor will be on lockdown until at least 70 percent of eligible residents have received the shot.
In Nebraska four college students have filed a lawsuit against a university. The students’ filed a lawsuit against Creighton University for refusing religious exemptions concerning the covid shot. The refusal was a surprise since the university was founded by the Catholic Church. The university had previously allowed medical exemptions, but has not granted religious exemptions. Attorneys for the students say they have religious objections because of the process used to develop the shots, (which were developed or tested on abortion derived fetal cell lines) and a Catholic university should not place students in a position to violate the church’s teachings. Representatives for the university say they are currently reviewing the lawsuit. Also, here in Charlotte the city council recently passed an indoor mask mandate. We will have a full story on the mandate next week.
SNBC HEALTH REPORT: the health benefits of pumpkins
For those who don’t know or not a part of the PSL or pumpkin spice latte fan group, there is a lot more to the pumpkin than just a popular drink, a pie, or a decoration at Thanksgiving. First, it’s a fruit, not a vegetable, but it is a part of the winter squash family. This fruit is known for its high nutritional value and is rich in vitamins A, C, B2, and E. It also has at least 10 percent of three other daily recommended nutrients: potassium, copper, and manganese. Pumpkins are low in calories and help boost immunity. It’s high antioxidant content help fight against chronic illnesses including heart disease, helps lower the risk of eye disease and protects the body’s cells against damage from free radicals. Nutrients found in pumpkins help promote healthier skin, and pumpkin seeds are also beneficial to bladder and hearth health. This fruit is very versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways; researchers advise avoiding this fruit if you have an allergy and please keep in mind that most pumpkin based foods are loaded with sugar and you will not receive the same benefits. (So, there’s probably no nutrients in your pumpkin spiced latte, but you can still enjoy it in moderation.)