NY Judge rules in favor of NYC employees
A major case was decided on by a justice in New York state recently. Justice Ralph Porzio ruled in favor of a group of former New York City employees who sued following their termination for refusing to take the COVID shot. Those employed by the city of New York were given a deadline to receive the COVID shot or be terminated. Thousands of police officers, teachers, sanitation workers, and those in the medical field lost their jobs following their protest of the mandate. The mayor of New York later passed an executive order allowing exemptions from the shot for professional athletes, actors, and other performers in the city. The justice ruled that this act was clear discrimination against other workers in the city. Justice Porzio has ordered the city to rehire all workers fired over the mandate and compensate them for back pay from the time they were dismissed to the present day. The justice noted in his decision that the New York City department that issued the mandate did not have the legal authority to do so and city employees were deprived of their legal rights. The mayor of New York City Eric Adams says the exemptions for athletes and performers was due to economic reasons and not biased. The city of New York has announced it would lift mandates for all employees in the private sector effective November 1st.
Governor of California announces end to COVID restrictions after three years
The Governor of California has recently announced his state will lift its COVID state of emergency mandates after nearly three years of restrictions in that state. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has announced covid emergency mandates for the state will end in February of 2023. The state of California has been one of the most restrictive state governments in the US for the past two almost three years. Citizens in that state were restricted from various activities including church services and visiting restaurants, or gyms if they refused to take the COVID shot. Several churches in that state filed lawsuits citing discrimination after state officials made threats to close their facilities and even place pastors in jail for defying the state government. Several of the cases were won by these churches; some are currently still in litigation. Churches involved in these cases are asking courts in California to dismiss financial penalties they acquired during the lockdowns. The governor’s office of California has remained defiant about the treatment of citizens and churches in that state claiming the restrictions protected thousands of California citizens from potential death.
Former Prime Minister wins big in Israel
The nation of Israel’s citizens have cast their votes for that nation’s prime minister. The election marks the fifth time in four years Israelis have voted for Prime Minister. Reports from the region with 100 percent of voting facilities accounted for are declaring former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the winner along with his political party, the Likud party. Netanyahu spoke to supporters this week saying, “our way, the way of the Likud, has proven itself.” The current caretaker Prime Minster Yair Lapid claims the election is not over and he will not concede until the final vote is counted. Netanyahu is still popular in Israel and is known for his pro- Israel and conservative government. Netanyahu’s stance on Israel first made him a strong ally for more conservative governments around the world including the US, under the Trump Administration at the time. The US and Israel became closer allies during that time leading to the historic Abraham Accords, a peace treaty signed with several Arab nations. US/ Israel relations are currently strained under the Biden Administration. The current US administration wants Israel to give the West Bank to Palestinians. The Biden Administration has also revised the controversial Iran treaty; Israeli officials have said they are strongly opposed to that deal.
SNBC HEALTH Report: the health benefits of lemongrass
According to health reports, lemongrass has gained in popularity here in the US, especially due to its natural nutritional benefits as an alternative to medications. The plant is native to India and Asia and is popular in those regions. Known as fever grass in some areas, it was given the nickname because of its ability to help reduce fevers. It is used to treat stomach issues including ulcers and promotes digestion. Lemongrass boosts immunity, fights infections, and helps reduce blood pressure. It helps fight against bacterial and fungal infections including drug resistant infections. According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, lemongrass helps with pain reduction in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Lemongrass can be used in a variety of ways from food to teas and is a popular essential oil. A 2015 study in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine suggests lemongrass oil when smelled can help relieve stress.