SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th, 2020

NC expands opportunity scholarship fund
The North Carolina State Legislature has passed a law to expand the opportunity scholarships for students in the state. The opportunity scholarships gives parents $4,200 towards attending private and chartered schools. The law will expand the earning eligibility for families who want to apply for the scholarship to $72,000. The bill will also end the cap on the number of kindergartners and first grade students that can qualify for the opportunity scholarship. Lawmakers added the expansion to bill determining how to spend a coronavirus federal aid fund awarded to the state from the federal government. Governor Roy Cooper says he is not happy with the bill, but will sign it into law. Opponents of the scholarship fund say public schools are suffering and taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund private school education. Supporters say parents should be given the right to get the best education for their child even if their choice is a private school.The bill will also allow public schools protection from budget cuts if enrollment drops and more financial assistance for special needs students. The president of Parents for Educational Freedom Mike Long called the decision a great week for North Carolina families, students and parents. Long added that North Carolina remains at the forefront of parental school choice. The Wall Street Journal also praised North Carolina’s officials for the decision in an editorial piece calling it an exposure of union-first,
students- last priorities in traditional public schools. 

Schools in England now required to teach LGBT curriculum
All schools in England are now mandated to teach an LGBT inclusive curriculum starting this school year. Students of all ages in that nation will be required according to the curriculum  to learn about sexual orientation, gender identity, and healthy relationships. Students in primary schools will be taught about different families including LGBT families. The curriculum according to supporters will allow students be mentally well and be safe and healthy. The leader of one organization says the lessons will teach children at a young age  to be more inclusive and more tolerant of different families. Opponents call the new requirements sexualizing children and a violation of religious beliefs. Due to protests from parents students can be excluded from the majority of lessons; students can not be exempt from the Relationship and Health education classes that are part of the lessons. 

Arab League declines to condemn Israel- UAE Treaty

Palestinian leaders have voiced their frustration over a failed resolution attempt. The Arab League voted down a resolution presented by Palestinians. The resolution would have condemned the recent peace agreement between Israel and the UAE. The Palestinian Authority leader voiced his anger in a statement saying the measure was defeated after a three hour debate. The defeat included a dismissal of discussing the agreement between the two nations and the U.S. Representatives with the Arab League say they still support the Palestinian cause and want to “end Israeli occupation and have East Jerusalem as a potential Palestinian capital.” The statement however contradicts support from powerful members of the Arab League. Egypt, which is already in a peace deal with Israel expressed support for the deal along with Saudi Arabia. The nation of Bahrain responded to the peace treaty by working to establish a diplomatic relationship with Israel. 

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of the pomegranate
According to research from around the world the popular fruit has several special nutritional advantages over other fruit. Pomegranates are antioxidant, anti fungal, and boost memory. The fruit is known to fight inflammation and is currently being used as a natural response by some doctors to help patients dealing with this issue.  Researchers in Israel released a study in 2013 noting pomegranates improve heart health. The researchers also reported the fruit helped with blood pressure, and cholesterol issues in patients. It has three kinds of antioxidants and has been tested in the prevention of colon cancer. The fruit is also known to aid in digestion, and the prevention of diabetes. Researchers advised consuming organic pomegranate if possible to acquire the full benefits of the fruit. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6th, 2020

California passes controversial law
A state congressman in California is at the center of a controversial bill recently passed in the state. State Senator Scott Wiener has authored a bill that will allow judges to rule according to their discretion in cases of child molestation. The bill approved in both state chambers means a judge can decide if an adult accused of a molesting a child within ten years of the victims age may not be charged with a crime. Senator Wiener claims a justice should be able to dismiss charges or order a more lenient sentence in these cases. Weiner who is openly gay says the previous laws are out of date and are often used to victimize the LGBT community. The vote for the law was 41-18 in the California State Assembly and 23-10 in the State Senate. The vote is believed to have been mostly along party lines; the state assembly and the state senate are both majority Democratic. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsome. The new law has caused a rift in Senator Wiener’s own party. California Congresswoman Lorena Gonzalez who is part of the Democratic party with Wiener said in a statement, “I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual, how it could ever not be a registrable offense.” 

School alters gift from local church 
A Church’s donation to a school here in North Carolina is making news due to the school district’s controversial decision.  Sulphur Springs Baptist Church donated several planners to students at East Alexander Middle School in Alexander County as part of a back-to-school donation drive for students. The church later found out according to parents the planners were altered. Students received the planners with the backs of the notebooks cut off. According to the church’s representative Bible scriptures from the Book Jeremiah and Philippians were removed before the planners given to students. A parent interviewed says the school’s altering of the planner was hurtful. The school district released a statement saying student’s individual rights would have been violated if the planner was presented with the scriptures. The school district went on to say in their statement public school’s role is not to indoctrinate students with religious teachings. The church donated over 600-day planners to the school; only a portion of the altered planners were distributed. SNBC NEWS reached out to Sulphur Springs Baptist Church about the story but did not get a response at our deadline. 

US NEWS : Washington, D.C., Mississippi, Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan 
The mayor of Washington DC announced a special committee wants several national monuments removed in order to appease protestors. According the mayor the committee has come up with a list of statues and monuments they want removed from the nation’s capital. Among the list recommended for removal: The Jefferson Monument, a statue of Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin and the Washington Monument. Several politicians criticized the mayor saying the monuments and statues belong to the American people and cannot be torn down. The committee used five rules to decide on what statues and monuments should be removed. Among those rules: was the person involved in systematic racism, do they violate current human rights laws or support oppression.  

Mississippi: The state is now one step closer to  selecting a new state flag. The selection is making news because of the bold design. The flag features the state flower a magnolia and the words “In God We Trust”. The design will be voted on for approval by residents of the state in November.  State representatives chose to replace the old state flag which featured the Confederate flag after being urged by several groups in that state.The designer of the new flag says she wanted a state flag that represented all residents of Mississippi. 

Various states: US Marshals Service announce rescue of sex trafficking victims
The US Marshals Service has announced the arrests of several members of various human trafficking rings. The Marshals reported major busts in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia. A total of 81 victims were rescued across the three states. The operations rescued victims some as young as 13 years old who were currently victims of sex trafficking rings. The authorities say they still have a long way to go to find other children missing, but are calling the operations a major success. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates one in six of the over 23-thousand missing children in the U.S. last year are suspected victims of sex trafficking rings. 

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of sage
This herb is considered medicinal and has been used in this manner since the times of Ancient Greece and Egypt. The herb which is apart of the mint family is also popular in various recipes. Sage however is more than a great accent for a recipe, it also has several health benefits. The herb is noted by researchers for its high antioxidant properties. According to research from a 2017 study sage was used to help relieve Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers noted the herb’s ability to enhance cognitive activity and protect patients against the disease. Sage helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels according to a 2013 study. It also helps with symptoms related to the common cold. Sage oil is also considered to have health benefits according to researchers. Doctors do advise to know the difference between sage oil and clary sage oil. Clary sage oil is produced from the flowering top of the plant and is considered different from sage oil. Make sure to use instructions when applying essential oils and stop using if it causes an allergic reaction. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 30th, 2020

Abortion Rights Group erects Billboards across East Texas
Residents and conservative groups in East Texas are responding to a recent billboard erected across the region. The abortion right advocacy group Lilith Fund has sponsored four billboards across East Texas in four towns. The billboards read “Abortion is a Blessing. My decision to have an abortion was guided by my faith and my love for my family.” The statement on the billboard is accompanied by a website for those in need of an abortion to contact the organization or “faith centered abortion rights groups” according to their representatives. The billboard company Lamar Communications says they do not prohibit freedom of speech regardless of the message. Lamar Communications and Lilith Fund are being criticized for the billboards. Several groups are planning demonstrations and billboards to counter the ads. Two billboards were vandalized according to the company that erected the signs; police are investigating. 

Mural honoring aborted and endangered unborn children appears in Charlotte
A similar effort by pro-life activists in Charlotte is gaining national and statewide attention. Pro-life activists recently painted a mural in front of a Planned Parenthood neighborhood. The mural reads “Baby Live Matter”; written in pink and blue letters. Neighbors say the mural appeared overnight. The mural is part of a GoFund Me campaign. The fund is being used to finance artists painting these murals across the country. The first mural appears in Salt Lake City, Utah. The GoFund Me campaign has raised over 17-thousand dollars. The Charlotte Mecklenburg police department says the mural has been reported to them as an act of vandalism. CMPD says the incident is being investigated.  

Police officer awards good deeds in local community
A police officer in Indianapolis is reaching praise for her efforts to recognize those in the community for acts of kindness. Officer Molly Groce is receiving national attention for her pay it forward campaign. The officer raises money to reward citizens in the city for acts of kindness. Officer Groce’s latest recipient is a young grocery store worker. According to the officer the young man, Caleb Harris sent over 45 minutes assisting an elderly customer who was legally blind. The young man helped shop for items, called the man’s wife to clarify some shopping requests and loaded his car at the end of the customer’s visit to the store. Officer Groce raised the funds on her own social media site. The officer later presented the grocery store worker with over four thousand dollars in donations. Caleb Harris says he was grateful for the donations and surprised by the award. Harris says he plans on giving to his church, savings, and paying it forward to others. Officer Groce recently awarded a waitress in Indianapolis with almost two thousand dollars following a separate pay if forward campaign.

SNBC HEALTH: TV and mindless eating
According to researchers at the University of Sussex  the more engaged you are with a task while eating affects the body’s sense of feeling full. Doctors in the research study gave each group a simple or more complex tasks while eating a snack. The group with the simple task were more likely to realize when they were full compared to those with the more complex tasks. Reachers believe the body’s natural signals to the brain that you are full become dampened as a result of basically a kind of complex distraction. It takes longer to know you're full due to the attention on the task. This according to the research is what makes eating and watching television a problem. Researchers say if you are practicing portion control or want to lose weight it maybe best to completely eliminate TV time when eating to prevent overeating. Previous research by other study groups promotes eating together as a family or without entertainment to prevent overeating. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 23rd, 2020

Church wins temporary injunction to stay open in California
SNBC News has an update on a recent story. One church in California has won its case to remain open during the COVID-19 shutdown. Pastor John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church has won a ruling to allow members back into the building for worship services against Los Angeles County. Pastor MacArthur was served with contempt of court papers on last week after he and several other pastors in the state held services. The church leaders across the state of California say they have been patient with the state’s governor and have had enough. The governor and health officials backing Governor Newsome claim the closings are to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Attorneys for Pastor MacArthur and Grace Community say government leaders showed a double standard by allowing Black Lives Matter protests and gatherings with no citations or arrests for violating social distancing laws. The church will be able to meet for services according to the judge’s ruling until a full hearing on September 4th; SNBC News will update you on the decision in a later broadcast. 

Revival continues to grow across the nation
CBN News is reporting several testimonies of growing revival across the nation. Pastors, community outreach groups and worship leaders reported revival is literally breaking out in the streets of several cities currently still under forms of duress following protests and shutdowns. In Portland leaders launched an event called “Riots to Revival” . The event was held following violent protests against the city’s police force. Church leaders in the city of Seattle reported they were able to minister to those protesting the dismantling of the former CHAZ or CHOP autonomous zone including ministering to several Satanists. The city of Chicago is experiencing tent revivals and street evangelism is being spearheaded by a ministry called Last Reformation following a rise in the city’s already high crime rate. One thousand churches prayed for revival in the city of Tennessee this year. Pastors in the state are reporting a record number of salvations, and mass miracles. In California churches have taken to the streets and the state’s beaches after being forced closed by the state government. Organizers of these events say they are praying for revival to continue spreading in their states, cities and across the nation. 

Pastor in Lebanon saves congregation through the power of God 
Pastor Said Deeb is giving God praise for protecting his church staff and members from a recent deadly blast in Lebanon. Pastor Deeb says the day of the explosion he began to feel a feeling of anxiety that would not go away. Following prayer with his staff at the church the pastor says the anxiety began to grow until he felt compelled to make the staff leave the church building. Deeb says he followed up dismissing his staff by cancelling all children’s church services for that day. The pastor says that he ordered everyone to leave and not return until that Sunday. Hours later the explosion in Beruit occurred; the church is just a mile from the epicenter of the blast. Pastor Deeb reports the blast blew out the church’s windows and doors, but no one was hurt. Life Center Church Beruit is now helping with the recovery in the city helping with restoration in the area and feeding those in need. The explosion in Beruit is being blamed on a chemical that was not properly stored in a warehouse in the city near the blast site. Two hundred people were killed in the explosion and thousands are reported injured and homeless as a result of the explosion. 

SNBC Health report; the health benefits of vegetables with chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is literally what causes certain vegetables to have a distinctive green color.  Food that is rich in this nutrient according to researchers have an extensive list of health benefits. Nutrition researchers report the nutrient may help with cancer prevention and protect or manage arthritis. Chlorophyll helps promote longevity and manage weight issues, along with being a good source of fiber, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Researchers encourage consumers to eat more greens to obtain the essential nutrients found in them. Methods such as juicing, blending into smoothing along with traditional cooking methods can be used to still receive these nutrients. Foods rich in chlorophyll include: Spinach, asparagus, green bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, green cabbage, cucumbers, collard greens, and kale. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 16th, 2020

Seattle police chief retires after vote to defund department
The Seattle chief of police has retired in response to the city council’s vote to defund the police force. Chief Carmen Best announced she will retire following the city council vote. The Seattle City Council voted to defund the police department budget by four million dollars and reduce the force by 100 officers. Supporters of police departments say the defunding across the nation will lead to mob rule and a rise in crime. The Seattle city council claims the money will be used towards Black, Latino and other minority communities in the city. Carmen Best was the first Black police chief in Seattle. Prior to the vote Chief Best wrote an open letter to the city council asking them not to defund the police department. Best says her retirement is due to a lack of respect by the City Council. Several city councils around the U.S. have voted to defund police departments claiming the act is to protect African American communities. According to a recent survey over 80 percent of African Americans say they do not want police defunded. 

Churches defy California Governor’s order hold open service to congregations
Several churches in California are defying the state governor’s executive order to remain closed. Several pastors and church leaders say they have been patient enough after months of being closed. Governor Gavin Newsom closed churches for a second time citing COVID-19 concerns. A Ventura County Superior Court Judge further supported the ban by the governor. Justice Matthew Guasco ordered the executive order to remain in effect until August 21st. The pastors holding services say the church is essential and the governor is violating religious freedoms. Pastors in defiance so far have reported no officers have shown up at services to enforce the governor’s executive order. 

Israel/ UAE sign historic peace treaty
President Trump announced a major peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The peace treaty was announced just this week by U.S. and Israeli officials. The UAE is only the third Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel since Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994. President Trump called the announcement a huge breakthrough and historic. President Trump’s comments were re-tweeted by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The president says more peace treaties are expected between Israel and other Arab countries soon. Palestinian officials protested the treaty.  The leaders are still in opposition to Israel’s annexation of the West Bank. The annexation was temporarily halted due to the peace treaty. Israeli officials say they still plan to annex the West Bank but temporarily stopped plans at the request of the U.S. 

SNBC HEALTH report : health benefits of red bell peppers
Researchers are recommending a fruit that has more Vitamin C than an orange. The fruit; the red bell pepper. According to researchers even though red bell peppers are cooked as a vegetable they are actually a fruit according to scientists. The sweeter tasting bell pepper is a natural source of Vitamin C containing 117 milligrams of the nutrient. Red bell peppers contain 30 different antioxidants making it one of the most nutrient rich fruits. The nutrients found in the red bell pepper contribute to fighting inflammation, heart disease, improves eye health, memory function, and cognitive skills. Researchers advise buying red bell peppers organic to obtain the full amount of nutrients in the fruit. Supplements to obtain your daily recommended dose of Vitamin C is considered an option, but doctors in the study say they prefer people to consume fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet to receive the necessary nutrients.