SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 20th, 2020

Supporters of President participate in Jericho March in Washington, DC
Conservatives, pro-Trump supporters, and people of faith gathered in Washington recently as part of a March in support of the president. The Jericho March was held December 12th drawing large crowds to the rally. The speakers and supporters involved encouraged those at the rally and watching on live stream to continue fighting and praying for the truth to be heard. There has been evidence of voter fraud released through video, and by first account testimonies from election workers who witnessed questionable acts at election day facilities. Those speaking at the rally and showing support say they just want the truth to be revealed and the election to be fair. Critics in articles following the rally called Trump supporters attending the Jericho March delusional, and conspiracy theorists who refuse to accept the election loss. One critic continued calling the belief in election fraud and use of faith to back these claims up as , “a dangerous precedent”. Supporters attending the rally say there is clear evidence of fraud and there must be investigations into evidence presented regardless of what political party a person may support. The event according to reports estimated crowds in the thousands no exact figure was officially given by organizers.

US Supreme Court rules in favor of Colorado churches
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Colorado churches. The supreme court ruled the Colorado state government and health department could not restrict the number of people attending religious gatherings. According to Supreme Court justices who authored the dissent to the ruling, Colorado state officials did relax restrictions following the court’s ruling on churches in New York and there was not need for this ruling. The lawsuit was filed originally by High Plains Harvest Church in Ault, Colorado. Churches in that state have been restricted to 50 people since earlier this year.  Eric Dreibrand one of the church’s attorneys says Colorado officials have no good reason not to trust congregants to use care in the same way they trust restaurant owners, accountants, or realtors. The ruling is also good news for Andrew Wommack ministries. The ministry was being sued by the health department in Colorado. The health department claimed Wommack violated Covid-19 restrictions by not obeying capacity limits, social distancing and the state’s indoor mask mandate. Richard Harris attorney for Andrew Wommack ministries said, “The governor finally realized that his actions were unconstitutional and rescinded those restrictions on our fundamental liberties”. The governor relaxed the restrictions on December 7th, but the state is still recommending that churches limited attendance, social distance and require masks when possible. 

Cartoon Network debuts controversial ads on social media
Cartoon network is receiving criticism for its advertisements targeting children. The most recent campaign on the network’s social media account features dialogue telling children how to address different gender identities. Featured on the company’s Twitter page, the captions on the pictures show several of their popular cartoon characters asking to be addressed by their preferred pronouns. Some characters say they prefer she or her, him or he, them or they, and ze or zir (for those who are not familiar with ze or zir it is A non-gender specific pronoun used instead of “she” and “he.”) Cartoon Network released a caption with the pictures: “Here’s to not only normalizing gender pronouns, but respecting them, too. Whether you use he/she/them or something else, we acknowledge and LOVE you!” Cartoon Network also features in the caption of the artwork: “We can’t tell someone’s gender just by looking at them and shouldn’t assume we know. There are many gender identities, beyond girl or boy. Some people don’t identify as any gender.” This campaign was created in cooperation with the National Black Justice Coalition a Pro-LGBT organization. Critics say this type of advertisement towards children is indoctrination and inappropriate for young impressionable children. Most say these subjects should be reserved for parents to discuss with children due to people’s personal and religious beliefs. This is not the first time Cartoon Network has used its platform to influence children. The characters featured in the ad are from a show called Steven Universe which is known for its LGBT characters and themes. Cartoon Network has commented on the controversy. 

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: the health benefits of bay leaves
 According to researchers the bay leaf is not just for cooking. It is also full of nutrients that benefit the body in various ways. There are several types of bay leaves and each one has specific properties benefits. This list of benefits will highlight bay leaves in general. The herb is used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.Bay leaves were found to lower  the risk of gout and diabetes in patients according to one study. Researchers reported in another study bay leaves helped lower blood pressure in pregnant women. The herb is also used to help heal wounds, and is anti-inflammatory. Bay leaves reduces stress, promote heart health, and help with respiratory issues. They can also be brewed as a tea and produce the same health benefits to the human body. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 13th, 2020

Texas attorney general files lawsuit against states over election controversy
The Texas State Attorney General officially filed a lawsuit against four states. Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit against Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. The four states had controversial results during the election showing the President winning in each state, and later showing former Vice President Biden taking a large lead with no additional votes going towards President Trump. The Attorney General of Texas was later joined in the lawsuit by 17 other state attorney generals and the President’s legal council. Paxton said the irregularities due to claims of new pandemic protocol put the integrity of the election in question. Critics responded by calling Paxton’s efforts stupid, ludicrous, a publicity stunt and a national embarrassment. Some even went as far as accusing Republicans of attempting to steal the election. Supporters say evidence of voter fraud should be enough to take this legal claim and others seriously. Critics still deny or question the evidence that has been discovered. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. There is still the final approval of the Electoral College certifications by Congress on January 6th. If one Senator and one Congressman each object to a state’s voter certification the issue will then be taken to the Congress for further vote and consideration. 

State AG claims offense after Christmas greeting in store
Another state attorney general is being criticized for her claims of a painful experience recently. Michigan state attorney general Dana Nessel claims her and her son were deeply hurt by an interaction with a store clerk. The clerk’s hurtful deed; wishing Nessel and her son a Merry Christmas. Nessel who does not celebrate Christmas says her and her son were, “devastated” after the clerk’s remark. The backlash against Nessel was swift on social media. Followers of all faiths criticized Nessel, who quickly deleted the tweet. The attorney general later responded saying Happy Holidays was now the universally accepted term in the U.S. Nessel claims this greeting respects diversity in America. Hundreds of Nessel’s Twitter followers responded to her comments by saying Merry Christmas.
One follower remarked that the phrase Merry Christmas is meant to be kind with good intentions and is a phrase of goodwill. The follower continued saying  if Nessel was offended at the phrase being said to celebrate a Christian holiday during the Christmas season that it was Nessel’s own personal choice to be offended. 
Side Note on this story: (AG Nessel is openly gay and has a history of hostility towards churches in the state of Michigan. Her disdain towards the phrase Merry Christmas, since it is a Christian holiday, maybe connected to her personal lifestyle choice and her hostile relationship with churches in Michigan).

Israel announces normalization of ties with Morocco
Two more nations have announced normalizing ties with Israel. The Nation of Morocco was the first to be announced. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the announcement a historic day. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his efforts to expand peace. Morocco’s first act to restore its diplomatic relationship with Israel will be to reopen its embassy in Tel Aviv. 

Israel announces normalization of ties with Bhutan
Israeli officials also announced full diplomatic ties with the nation of Bhutan. Prime Minster Netanyahu called ties with that nation a welcome addition to growing peace agreements. The nation of Bhutan and Israel’s lack of relationships was due to Bhutan’s isolationist policies. Israel and several majority Muslim countries have agreed to diplomatic ties. The Abraham Accords between Bahrain, the UAE, the US ,and Israel was signed earlier this year leading the way for several countries to be more open with their efforts to pursue diplomatic ties with Israel. 

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of astaxanthin
This nutrient according to research is beneficial to brain health. The nutrient was studied by doctors during an Alzheimer’s study and is known to improve brain function and cognitive skills. Study participants were found to have improved brain and cognitive skills when the nutrient was added to a subject’s diet. This nutrient is called by some researchers the king of nutrients. It is considered an antioxidant and is more beneficial than lycopene, and vitamins A and E. Astaxanthin has other nutritional benefits noted by researchers. A 2015 study by NASA found the nutrient protected astronauts from radiation exposure. It provides protections to the skin preventing damage, and helps reduce the effects of stress on the body. This nutrient can be found naturally in seafood, cranberries, and blueberries. Side note about this story: one easy way to tell if this nutrient is in seafood is by looking at the item in question’s flesh; astaxanthin is literally what makes some the flesh pink in some seafood.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th, 2020

Supreme Court overturns lower court decision in California
The US Supreme Court’s recent ruling in favor of churches in New York is helping with church shutdowns in California. The Supreme Court threw out a lower court’s decision to deny California churches the opportunity to plead their case before the nation’s highest court. According to attorneys with Liberty Counsel who are representing churches in California the ruling is a great relief to their clients. According to the organization Governor Gavin Newsom has banned in person services for 99. 1 percent of Californians in the state. Added to the situation several churches are now facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and jail time for church leaders. Attorneys say in contrast the governor has not limited or ordered restrictions on warehouses, big-box centers, shopping malls, liquor stores, fitness centers, and museums.The state of California has recently imposed another lock down on citizens in that state. Resistance to this lock down is increasing including the Sheriff of Orange Country Don Barnes. In a statement the sheriff announced he has instructed his deputies not to respond to calls concerning stay at home orders, mask mandates or group gathering violations.  

Canadian police blockade church members from attending drive in service
According to the pastor of Church of God Steinbach, Canada, police formed a blockade to prevent members from coming to a drive in service in the church’s parking lot. The pastor says the officers were ordered to block members arriving to the church’s morning drive in service. According to city officials the church was in violations of in person worship service restrictions. The pastor Henry Hildebrandt says the church has a God given right to worship together and the restrictions are unreasonable. The pastor pointed out that restrictions in Manitoba do not include the sale of alcohol, cannabis or fast food. Steinbach city officials claim they are ordering restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The church has been charged five-thousand dollars for holding in person services prior to the drive-in service. Pastor Hildebrandt says they are living in a different Canada and called it heartbreaking. 

CDC reports decrease in abortion rate in the US
Good news tonight the CDC is reporting a drop in abortions nation wide. The rate according to the report abortions have dropped to over 619 thousand in 2018 which is the lowest since abortions were legalized. The Center for Disease Control says the numbers are not exactly accurate due to reporting from each region in the U.S. is volunteered not mandatory. They do acknowledge there has been a drop in the number of abortions. The 31 regions that participated in the study also reported the numbers according to race. White and African Americans still top the number of women receiving abortions almost double the rate over Latino women and other ethnicities.  Several pro-life organizations praised the report. Supporters encouraged pro-life activists to continue efforts to educate and get legislation passed in the fight to protect the lives of unborn children. 

SNBC HEALTH report : reducing inflammation in the body through food
A recent study released by the Journal of the American college of Cardiology finds eating more whole foods helps reduce inflammation in the body. Reducing inflammation helps with the prevention of heart disease and chronic inflammation. According to the study, subjects that ate more red meat and processed foods had a higher risk of stroke or heart disease risks. The study followed over 200 thousand subject for 30 years in some cases. Researchers say they did not study specific food groups the combination of these groups over the years. The study group also compared foods that are known to help lower inflammation in the body. The study found long term benefits associated with subjects that ate a diet rich in vegetable, fruit, whole grains, coffee and tea. Doctors in the research study say Americans especially do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and fiber linked to potential health benefits.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29th, 2020

Supreme Court rules in favor of NY churches/synagogues
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of churches in New York.  The court ruled 5-4 in favor of churches in that state being allowed to reopen. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had previously restricted religious gatherings down to between 10-25 percent capacity. The governor accused the Supreme Court justices of partisanship concerning the ruling. Cuomo in his response said the ruling is a reflection of the three conservative judges nominated by President Trump. Cuomo said of the ruling , “You have a different court and I think that was a statement that the court was making…we know who he (President Trump) appointed to the court…we know their ideology.” Legal experts believe the ruling will be used to challenge restrictions against churches and other religious institutions in other states. President Trump responded to the ruling by retweeting the Supreme Court’s decision announcement and added Happy Thanksgiving. The churches and synagogues involved in the lawsuit said they are grateful to the court for the decision. 

 Persecution of Christians in China intensifies
Christian groups are reporting continued restrictions against The Church in China. The magazine Bitter Winter reports churches in China are now required to have Civilization Practice Stations in their church buildings. The practice stations must feature displays of over 100 Chinese leaders from the past, present, and Chinese flag. Pastors are also now forced to include stories in sermons about Mao Zedong (founder of the Communist party in China). One anonymous source says if the churches oppose the government they could be banned from meeting or loose their church building. Christians in China have seen an increase of persecution in the past few years. Previous raids on the churches included prison time for church leaders, removal of crosses from church buildings, and the destruction of church buildings based on fake building violations from government officials according to Christians in that nation.

Israel continues to build relationship with Bahrain
The relationship between Israel and Arab nations continues to develop. Bahrain’s foreign minister recently arrived in Jerusalem to continue diplomatic ties with Israel. The visit is the first time an official from Bahrain has made a government sponsored trip to Israel. The meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister included US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The announcement of the official visit was announced around the same time as news concerning Israel and Saudi Arabia. According to several Israeli news sources the Prime Minister flew to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince of that nation. The meeting also reportedly was attended by Secretary of State Pompeo. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to confirm or deny the meeting.The Prime Minister would only say he is optimistic about continued negotiation with Israel’s neighbors. Secretary Pompeo has denied Israel was apart of that meeting with Saudi Arabia. 

SNBC HEALTH report : face masks study released contradicting mainstream reports
More unbiased reports on face masks are now being released. According to mercola.com there are finally more studies being released on the effects of wearing face masks. Most wellness experts have been critical of local and state governments mandating the wearing of face masks in public and for extended periods of time. A study released in the Annals of Internal Medicine find 50 percent of those wearing face masks did not reduce their infection rate. The study conducted in Denmark followed over four thousand Danish citizens in the spring and summer of this year. Dr. Tom Frieden former director of the CDC quickly criticized the study in his statement which was featured in the same medical journal. Frieden says the study had limitations and did not instruct participants how to wear their masks correctly. He also claimed the compliance rate was better in the study than in regular society. Frieden added the study was done in a nation where the population has low Covid-19 outbreaks. The lead doctor in the study, possibly due to peer pressure from colleagues, acknowledged the criticism. The doctor was later quoted as saying if masks could prevent risks even in a small amount, it would be worth continuing to wear masks in public. Dr. Vinay Prasad, a doctor and associate professor at UC San Francisco says this study was ignored by most medical communities. Dr. Prasad says the idea of wearing masks has been sold to people around the world. He continued saying this study by Danish doctors shows there is no sufficient evidence to suggest wearing a mask protects you from infection. Dr. Prasad says the emotions attached to this current situation have gotten in the way of true science as the topic of wearing masks has become political.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22nd, 2020

CA Health Department rescinds accusations against church
A church in California has been cleared of charges from a case this summer. Grace Community Church and the church’s Pastor John MacArthur have been cleared of claims by the health department in Los Angeles County that the church was the epicenter of a super spreader outbreak. The health department claimed closing churches would stop the spread of COVID-19. The state government later followed with restrictions including banning indoor services and banning singing. Grace Community resumed services this summer defying the state’s shutdown ordinance. The church was then targeted by the county after 3 members tested positive for the illness. According to the church’s attorney the cases were mild, and the only ones reported out of the church’s seven thousand members. The cases were later used the newspaper the LA Times to spread false accusations about the church being a super spreader in the county. The church and the pastor still face litigation stemming from an injunction that was issued in September. That part of the case will be reviewed in January of next year. 

UK pastors sue for right to continue indoor services
Church pastors and leaders are taking legal action in Great Britain after a second shutdown by the government. British churches are now facing a second shutdown by the government after a spike in coronavirus cases according to that nation’s officials. The pastor leading the push for the lawsuit says they have no other choice but to seek legal action against the government. The church leaders pointed out that in some areas churches are being shutdown for indoor services, but their buildings are still being used for secular activities. Attorneys representing the churches say their clients have followed all requested guidelines by the government and should be allowed to continue services.  A former Bishop in the Anglican Church commented on the situation saying, "Church leaders see collective worship not as an optional extra but as vital to the mental and spiritual health of believers, especially for the lonely and vulnerable." 

Men arrested for voter fraud in California
The mainstream media continues to insist that there is no major evidence of fraud in the recent national elections. Despite these claims more and more accusations and stories are coming out that has some taking a second look at these claims. The latest news from LA county in California is shedding more light on this issue. The District Attorney announced recently the arrest of two men who attempted to file fraudulent applications to vote for several homeless people in LA County. According to police the sting revealed the men submitted eight thousand fraudulent  voter registration applications in an attempt to get one of the men on the election ballot for the office of mayor in Hawthorne, California. The two suspects have been arrested and face from seven to 15 years in prison for the charges. These men are not suspected of fraud related to the national election, but the case shines a light on the issue that fraudulent cases can occur more often than some critics are willing to acknowledge. LA County’s District Attorney’s office released a statement on the arrest, but has not commented further on the case.  

SNBC HEALTH News: doctors report certain fruits may help to lower blood pressure
According to health experts the nutrient known as flavanol is found in certain fruits and tea. The nutrient is known to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. According to researchers in Great Britain, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of diabetes can be achieved through food. Most doctors advise against excessive sugar and processed foods when trying to achieve these particular health goals. Medical professionals participating in this study believe healing through food is the best option for maintaining wellness. Researchers used mice in this particular study and found the animals’ systems responded well to several fruits when eaten in moderation. Avocados, berries, kiwi, and citrus fruits are considered beneficial to lowering blood pressure. These fruits were suggested because they are lower in natural sugars.  In addition to reducing diabetes and lowering blood pressure researchers reiterated that most fruits have several nutritional benefits in addition to the nutrients focused on for this study.