SNBC NEWS Update: Department of Defense ends COVID Shot mandates
The Department of Defense has ended COVID shot mandates for all members of the US Armed Forces. This announcement was made following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act into law. For the past year, the Biden Administration has refused to end this controversial mandate, sparking much criticism, including from members of Congress. Recruitment for every branch of the military was reported at an all-time low over the past year. This is believed to be due, in part, to the Covid shot mandate. The Department of Defense has also been also plagued with lawsuits after thousands of servicemen and women were either denied religious exemptions or forced out of the military for refusing the shot. Liberty Counsel, who defended several servicemen who filed lawsuits, released a statement saying in part, "While we are pleased that Joe Biden's unlawful and abusive Covid shot mandate will be rescinded, this begrudging reversal under pressure by Congress is not enough." Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver continued, criticizing the Biden Administration for allowing retaliation against servicemen who requested religious exemptions from the Covid shot.
Libraries reverse ban against actor after public outcry
Actor Kirk Cameron is reporting two libraries have now approved story hours to promote his book. Libraries in both Indianapolis and Scarsdale, New York reversed the rejection following public criticism. The publisher of Cameron’s book requested story hour events at 50 libraries across the US to promote the book ‘As we Grow’. The request was denied by all the libraries, with some citing they were LGBT friendly. Cameron and Brave Books Publishing representatives called the rejection discrimination. Several of the libraries that rejected Cameron’s request had previously approved and promoted drag queen story hour events to parents of children as young as 18 months old. Representatives for the Scarsdale library claim Cameron and Brave Books never requested a story hour but only to use a meeting room. The events were held on December 29th and 30th.
Israeli Prime Minister blasts latest UN “attack”
Newly installed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking a stand against more persecution from the United Nations. Netanyahu took aim at the UN for approving a recent vote to present litigation against the nation of Israel concerning “how to deal with the occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory.” The request to the International Court of Justice at the Hague is the culmination of two months of various UN policies against Israel. Critics believe these efforts are an attempt to force Israel to give land to Palestine for its own Sovereign nation. Netanyahu quoted Psalm 121, 'The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps' in his response. He went onto say the land in dispute is not occupied land but was fairly won in modern times during the Six Day war in 1967. Twenty-six nations, including the United States, voted against this recent resolution; 53 nations abstained. Palestinian leaders applauded the decision, calling it a historic achievement and a diplomatic victory.
SNBC Health report -- the importance of sleep and heart health
According to a recent report from the American Heart Association, sleep is beneficial to every area of the human body, especially the heart. The average adult needs at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Doctors believe at least six of these hours should come with minimum to limited interruptions, if at all possible. Doctors commenting on the study further added limiting stress throughout the day and at bedtime are also key factors in getting rest. Exercise is also recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle and will help promote a good night’s sleep. Researchers also suggest creating an environment that promotes sleep in your bedroom, limiting screen time prior to sleep and limiting processed and fried foods all as a part of promoting heart health.