SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1st, 2020

Girl Scouts apologizes for tweet congratulating Justice Coney-Barrett
Representatives for the Girl Scouts have apologized for what critics called an error in judgment. The Girl Scouts were ridiculed on social media for releasing a congratulatory tweet to Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The organization posted a photo on Twitter in honor of Coney-Barrett. The tweet congratulated the justice for being just the fifth woman in US history to be appointed to the Supreme Court since its inception in 1789. Critics’ online included celebrities who threatened to boycott the organization. Many critics claim Coney-Barrett’s record does not support women. Coney-Barrett is considered a bad choice by liberals and critics due to her more conservative stance. The Girl Scouts released a statement over the controversy. In the statement they said, “The Girl Scouts of the USA is a nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization, we are neither red nor blue, but Girl Scout Green. We are here to up lift girls and women.”

QC/ National Media focus on church’s forced closing
The local media’s focus on a church here in Charlotte has gained national attention. The United House of Prayer Charlotte locations were forcibly closed after what health officials and the media called a large COVID-19 outbreak. The House of Prayer hosted convocation with up to one thousand participants from Charlotte and from other states in early October. This event was later blamed for 181 infections, 10 hospitalizations, and six deaths. Charlotte city health official Gibbie Harris says she had no choice but to invoke authority closing all Charlotte United House of Prayer facilities in the city for 14 days. Rev. Kenneth Robinson part of the Concerned Clergy of Charlotte group said of the closing, “When one church is affected, we’re all affected.” Robinson went onto say it was heartbreaking to see the House of Prayer facilities forcibly closed. The city’s health department did announce the facilities would be allowed to reopen November 2nd. Just a note on this story: The term outbreak is not in reference to hospitalizations, but recording those primarily testing positive. SNBC NEWS is committed to bringing you news reports researched as thorough as possible so we did some research concerning this outbreak being reported. The United House of Prayer case is being described by other members of the Charlotte media as a large outbreak. However there have been reports of a cluster outbreak at UNC-Charlotte’s campus. This incident has gotten limited or no major coverage compared to the church outbreak. UNCC Campus officials are reporting that the situation is under control; compared to the House of Prayer incident which hosted one thousand participants throughout the week, UNCC has a campus dorm population of just over three thousand with a student enrollment of 27 to 30 thousand. Only a small amount of students elected to stay home this semester. UNCC is the second largest UNC campus in the state.

DC City council approves of vaccines for children without parental consent
The Washington D.C. city council has approved of a controversial bill that has parents in the nation’s capital voicing their concern. The DC City council has approved a bill allowing children to receive a vaccine without parental consent. The bill if passed would allow children as young as 11 years old to receive a vaccine without parental consent or the parent’s knowledge. The bill would also allow contact between insurance companies and schools to side step parental involvement. City councilman Vincent Gray says the bill is necessary as a result of everything that politicians have learned from the Coronavirus pandemic. Gray says politicians and lawmakers need to make science driven decisions concerning public health. City Councilman Trayon White opposed the bill saying that parents have fundamental rights concerning the upbringing, education, and care of their children. There are other states and cities in the US that allow underage children to vaccinate without parental knowledge including
South Carolina, but most vaccinations without parental consent are limited to ages 16 and up. The bill still has to go through a second round of votes before being signed into law by DC’s mayor.

SNBC Health News: Zinc deficiency and Zinc health benefits to the human body
This nutrient according to a 2010 study was shown to be one of the body’s first lines of defense. Zinc according to research is just as important to the body’s immunity function as vitamin D. Zinc deficiency is linked to issues with a patient’s body being able to fight against an illness. The nutrient prevents viruses from replicating in the body. This key fact is why when patients have a zinc deficiency they tend to deal with an illness longer. Green tea according to researchers helps zinc absorb better.  Zinc is found in various foods naturally: Meat, seeds, dairy, eggs, whole grains and potatoes are all natural sources of zinc.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th, 2020

Pope reveals support for same-sex unions in documentary
Pope Francis has expressed his support of same-sex civil unions. The Pope’s beliefs on the topic were revealed during a documentary entitled ‘Francesco’. The documentary, which follows the Pope, debuted this week in Rome. The response has been a mix of support and criticism. Hollywood celebrities and activists have praised the remarks commenting with overall approval for the Pope’s comments. Critics and conservatives within the Catholic Church expressed disapproval and confusion over the remarks. In 2003 according to Vatican documents and news reports, the Pope had previously supported efforts to stop the recognition of same-sex unions in Argentina. During his campaign then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the future Pope referred to same-sex unions or marriage as a war on God. Critics now point out that the Pope has changed his views since 2010 and is rumored to have a same-sex couple in his inner circle. Pope Francis is the first pope in the Catholic Church’s history to openly support same-sex unions of any kind. Pope Francis was elected to the office of Pope in 2013. The Catholic Church is expected eventually to split between conservatives and the more liberal followers after the comments from the Pope.

Senate Committee approves Justice Coney-Barrett
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to approve Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The committee has continued to have controversy among its members; Democrats on the committee refused to attend the final vote in protest. Committee members that protested say Republicans are trying to pack the court with conservative judges. Those protesting the hearings say the Supreme Court vacancy should remain open until after the elections. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham says Justice Coney-Barrett deserves an answer yes or no from the committee after going through the Senate hearings. An official vote to approve or deny the justice is expected tomorrow.

US& Israeli officials hint at upcoming normalization deal with Sudan
U.S. and Israeli officials say they are closer to deal with Sudan. According to officials on both sides they are currently in talks to normalize relations between Israel and Sudan. The Trump Administration announced that they are working to remove Sudan from the terror blacklist. Sudanese officials in return agreed pay over 300 million dollars to the families of American victims and survivors of the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in that country. An Israeli official says they expect relations between the two nations to normalize before the U.S. national elections. Sudan is a part of a growing number of Muslim countries looking to build a relationship with Israel. Including Sudan about six countries have announced talks or a peace deal with Israel more countries are expected to follow soon.

SNBC Health News: the health benefits of flavanols
According to research in the United Kingdom doctors found benefits to the body from the nutrient flavanol. Found in several foods, this nutrient is believed to help lower blood pressure. Researchers studied subjects who had a diet rich in tea (mainly black and green teas), berries and apples. The researchers then ran tests and discovered the subjects had lower blood pressure compared to those without a flavanol rich diet. Dark chocolate also contains flavanol, but it is only found in chocolate that is not heavily processed. A research study conducted by the Mars candy company found the process to make chocolate candy destroys flavanols found in chocolate. Researchers say U.K. consumers get their flavanol nutrient mainly from tea while Americans get more flavanol from berries and apples.    

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th, 2020

HUD investigates complaint at senior apartment complex
Dr. Ben Carson has announced an investigation by HUD concerning a case in Oklahoma. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development head, the case focuses on Wilhoit Properties Inc. Dr. Carson says according to a letter received by the department a resident is claiming religious discrimination. The source reported to HUD senior apartment complex, Carriage Crossing had Bibles and religious symbols removed from a community Christmas tree last year. Dr. Carson said of the case, “Religious liberty is at the core of our Nation’s identity and will be upheld under the Fair Housing Act.”  A similar case was investigated also last year in California. An 85 year old woman was evicted for witnessing the Gospel and praying with residents in her complex. The apartment’s owner was investigated in that case as well.

Organization sues NY Governor over churches/ religious schools
The Thomas More Society has filed an Emergency amended complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order against the Governor of New York. The filing is in response to Governor Cuomo’s warning to churches and religious schools in New York State October 5th. The governor threatened he would shutdown all gatherings if guidelines were not enforced. The governor claims the restrictions are not being obeyed (citing large numbers during gatherings instead of the required 25 percent capacity). Governor Cuomo says the strict guidelines are a safety precaution due to COVID-19 hot spots in New York. Cuomo did admit the restrictions do target houses of worship and religious schools in the state. The governor has also been quoted referring to religious gatherings as super spreader events despite allowing unrestricted protests this summer across the state with thousands gathering to protest in larger cities in New York State.

SNBC NEWS has an update: Capitol Hill Baptist wins case
Capitol Hill Baptist Church has won its case in court to hold outdoor services. As reported last week, the historic church located in the Nation’s capital was not allowed to hold indoor or outdoor services; both permits were denied by the mayor of DC Muriel Bowser and the city council. The acting US attorney for the District of Columbia says he is gratified the court upheld the right of worshipers to exercise their First Freedom.

Saudi official criticizes Palestinian leaders over  Israeli deal failure
A Saudi official’s comments are indicating Saudi Arabia maybe one step closer to a peace deal with Israel. The former Saudi Intel chief and current US Ambassador Bandar bin Sultan had harsh criticism for Palestinian leaders. Bin Sultan says Palestinians criticizing Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates for signing the peace treaty with Israel is unacceptable. He continued referring to Palestinians failure to reach a peace deal as 70 to 75 years of failures. The comments were made during an interview on a national Saudi television station. Analysts believe the comments are part of growing frustration from Saudi leaders towards Palestinians. The country had previously vowed to reach a peace deal only after Palestinians had a peace deal with Israel. Saudi officials in recent months have praised the peace deals with Israel and declined to denounce the Abraham Accords in an Arab Union meeting. Saudi Officials have criticized Palestinian officials for their ties to Iran, Turkey and Qatar all considered enemies of Saudi Arabia by its nation’s officials.

SNBC Health News: multivitamins and preventive care
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, multivitamins since becoming mainstream have positively affected people as they age.  The council commissioned research by Oregon State University on the subject. The university studied 42 healthy subjects from ages 55 to 75. Researchers’ found subjects who took a multivitamin felt better and recovered faster if ill, compared to subjects who did not take a multivitamin. The group reported nutrient deficiencies can also be a factor in health issues. A multivitamin may contribute to heart health in women.  Researchers’ do note multivitamins are more effective with a healthy lifestyle and cannot replace eating well.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 11th, 2020

Tension between two nations becomes international conflict between allies
Two nations currently part of a tense ceasefire are causing an international conflict among members of NATO. The nation of Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently in tentative peace deal following a conflict over disputed land. Each side claiming the land is their own, the fighting lasted about two weeks old but caused larger issues among the international community. According to report Turkey has taken the side of Azerbaijan. 
The president of France and other leaders have condemned the conflict, accusing Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan of sending jihadists to help aid in the conflict. Activists and international community leaders say the conflict is more than a border dispute, it is a war between two faiths: Christian and Islamic. The tension between the two nations is now causing NATO members to threaten sanctions against the nation of Turkey. The nation of Armenia has a long fractured history with Turkey. The nation yearly marks the Armenian genocide which killed 1.5 million Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey); an incident Turkish officials have long denied and refuse to acknowledge. Turkey’s president has made headlines in the past few months for his claims that Christians in that nation are the cause of COVID-19, his declaration that Jerusalem still belongs to Turkey, and his growing loyalty to countries known to support terrorist activity. According to French website France 24 a tentative peace deal was reached between the two nations October 10th. 

US Department of Justice supports church in lawsuit against District of Columbia
The US Department of Justice has announced a decision on a lawsuit involving a historic church in the nation’s capital. According to reports Capital Hill Baptist church has filed a lawsuit against DC’s mayor and the city for prohibiting its worship services. Representatives for the church say they have been prohibited from having more than 100 people in service since March 11th of this year. The city and mayor Muriel Bowser claim the restriction is due to COVID-19 precautions. In a statement released by the church leadership they note that the mayor and the city have not restricted peaceful protests that have occurred in the city in the past few months. The city has continued to deny the church indoor and outdoor permit requests for their entire congregation to gather for service. Leaders say the church does not have a social media presence meaning the majority of their 850 member congregation has not been in service for over six months. The US Department of Justice released a statement on the lawsuit saying, “The Justice Department is committed to defending both of these fundamental freedoms and in supporting all Americans' rights to worship as they choose.” The statement further supported the church noting how DC’s city authorities and mayor ignored the fundamental rights of the church. The mayor and city officials have not commented on the decision. 

NY Governor continues to defend closing of State’s churches & synagogues 
The state of New York is also in the midst of legal battles with churches due to its continued restrictions on religious gatherings. Governor Andrew Cuomo says the continued ban on mass gatherings is due to COVID-19 hot spots in the state. Churches, synagogues and other houses of worship are restricted to gatherings of less than 25 percent according to COVID-19 mandates in New York state. The state recently held emergency sessions after being sued by Jewish leaders who want to gather for upcoming celebrations and holidays. Several leaders and organizations have accused Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio of unfairly targeting the Jewish communities in New York City and New York State. The governor recently held a press conference claiming the Jewish community had gathered without permission and without masks citing a photo he showed to the press. Cuomo used it to justify his restrictions; the photo was later found to be taken in 2006. Lawsuits from religious organizations against the Governor and the state are still pending, but the state’s attorney general says he does not see a violation of any amendment rights.

SNBC HEALTH report :the health benefits of Oregano oil
According to research the herb is not just useful for flavoring foods. Oregano oil is found to be effective against norovirus. Doctors doing research on the oil found it was effective against certain forms of norovirus because of nutrients naturally found in the oil. Oregano oil is used as a pain reliever and antibacterial agent. The oil was also found to help consumers relax according to researchers. Oregano oil can also be used to relieve allergies, sinus issues, and coughs. When purchasing oregano oil one expert advises buying from a trusted manufacturer to make sure the oil is 100 percent pure. The same expert also advised diluting the oil with water or using a carrier oil such as olive, coconut or jojoba oil for topical use. You can test the oil by using it on a small part of the skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 4th, 2020

Photo Courtesy of Wendy Chaplin (SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE-Victory Christian Center- Charlotte)

Lift Up Charlotte Prayer Event
Residents of the Charlotte Metro area gathered in Uptown for an event called Lift Up Charlotte. The event sponsored by CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings, City Commissioner Vilma Leake, and The City’s Clergy Work group invited residents of the city and surrounding areas to pray for the city, police, and residents. Those invited to pray enjoyed worship music, and fellowship with those in the community and representing several churches. Mrs. Marilyn Gool prayed for the city during the community event. Lift Up Charlotte closed with praise and worship and a heartfelt thank you from organizers to those who participated.  Participants at the event commented on their excitement to be apart of the prayer event, and how at this critical time in America and in the City of Charlotte it is important to be in prayer.

 Coney- Barrett confirmation hearing move forward after criticism from opposition
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has made it through the latest rounds of media scrutiny since her candidacy announcement. Coney-Barrett recently tested negative for COVID-19. The announcement comes just days after the president and first lady announced they had tested positive for the illness. The president and first lady are doing well according to White House officials saying both are experiencing mild symptoms. Republicans in the Senate have announced hearings Coney-Barrett’s nomination will start on October 12th. The nomination is expected to be confirmed by the Senate majority. Coney-Barrett has been under scrutiny for her faith and her personal life including being an adoptive mother to two children from Haiti and a child with special needs. Critics in addition to attacks on her personal life claim the President has no right to nominate a justice to the Supreme Court during his “lame duck phase”. Democratic nominee former Vice President Joe Biden along with his supporters believe the nomination to replace the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should occur after the National Elections.

Christian groups sue state of Virginia over new laws
Several Christian business owners, schools, and organizations have filed a lawsuit against the state of Virginia after two laws that they believe violates their rights. The first law (S.B. 868) or the Virginia Values Act now requires employers in the state to hire employees regardless of whether they share the same beliefs. The second law (H.B. 1429) would require ministries to cover controversial procedures under their healthcare plans for employees such as a transgender surgery.  Supporters of the new laws say it also protects people based on race, disability, and military veterans. Critics including those in the lawsuits say these laws are a violation of their rights and may force them to offer services or hire employees contrary to their Christian faith. Virginia State Senator Adam P. Ebbin said of the lawsuit against the new laws  "People have a right to be free from discrimination… And there are a few people who want to hold onto the past, unfortunately." The new laws will go into effect on July 1st of next year if they are not overturned.

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of Beets
Researchers are reporting benefits from beets that some consumers may find interesting. According to researchers at the University of Florida nitrates found naturally in food may help improve lung function in humans. The researchers used two study groups involving mice to conduct the study. According to the results the mice given nitrates in their drinking water were found to have improved lung function. Beets are naturally found to be high in nitrates. It is considered one on the vegetables with the highest nitrates containing 250 milligrams of the nutrient. In addition to nitrates beets are high in phosphorus, zinc, fiber, vitamins C, A, B6, calcium and iron. Beets are also a good source of energy, help fight inflammation and assist in detoxification. The vegetable can be consumed in various forms, but it is advised not to overcook the vegetable or it could diminish its nutritional value. Researchers do note that beets are naturally high in sugar, but believe eating the vegetable or drinking beet juice a few times a week will not affect blood sugar levels. They do advise to consume in moderation.