SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 4th, 2021

Biden Administration quietly working on vaccine passports
The Biden administration according to reports is working with a private company to create vaccine passports. The administration has remained quiet on the news, but has referred reporters to previous comments by an administration official when asked. The official has said in a briefing the Biden Administration was working on a digital format to protect citizens privacy while verifying they have taken the vaccine. The vaccine passports would be used by citizens as proof of vaccination in various areas. The CDC recently announced domestic travel on Airlines  can resume regularly with passengers presenting their coronavirus vaccination record. Several Cruise ship and airline companies are debating the requirement of vaccination papers in order to travel with their companies. Several governors have expressed their concern and pledge to not require vaccination passports. Florida Governor Ron DeSantos has already passed an executive order banning the requirement of a vaccination passport in order to reopen a business or travel to the state. Added to the controversy is the infringement on citizens rights, and the length of time the vaccine lasts . Critics pointed out the three versions of the vaccine available only last six to nine months months meaning there should be no need for vaccination passports. Other nations around the world have also announced possible requirements for vaccine passports in order to enter their nation.

Controversial Shoes erupts nationwide controversy
The controversial Satan Shoes made national headlines this week. The shoe created by a company called MSCHF (pronounced mischief) was made in collaboration with the rapper Lil Nas X. The artist who is openly gay helped create the shoe for shock value and a direct challenge to the Church. The artist claims that he was told he would go to Hell for being gay and says he decided he would embrace going to hell. The sneakers are designed with Satanic symbols, and is inscribed with the scripture Luke 10:18 which reads, “And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” According to the MSCHF press release the shoes also featured one drop of human blood mixed into the red ink in the shoes.  The song released at the same time as  the shoe’s launch ‘Montero’ is the artist’s first name and depicts what he calls his “inner struggle”. The music video depicts Lil Nas X in various scenes (Including dressed in drag in the a type of Garden of Eden being seduced by a snake like creature) before he is transported on a  strippers pole to Hell. The artist then performs a lap dance on Satan before killing him and taking the crown off the demon’s head as a gesture saying he (Lil Nas X) now rules in Hell. This video again ties into the shoes which are delivered in a box that is inscribed, “I’d rather rule in Hell than be a servant in Heaven.” Nike the company whose product was used to create the Satan Shoes sneaker filed a lawsuit this week. The company had previously released a statement saying they had nothing to do with the release of the shoe, MSCHF, or Lil Nas X. Following the controversy the company filed the suit after people online called for protests of Nike. Attorneys for the company say MSCHF has caused irreparable damage to their brand. A court order has banned the sale or shipping of the shoes due to the lawsuit. MSCHF claims all the shoes have been sold and shipped except one pair which was to be given away in a raffle.  The artist Lil Nas X has remained defiant following the controversy, but admitted that the backlash has caused him stress. MSCHF in a play on advertising created only 666 pairs of the shoes selling for over one thousand dollars a pair; the shoes sold out in one minute. The company MSCHF previously created a Jesus sneaker which featured Holy Water in the soles of the shoes. SNBC News would also like to inform parents that there are a number of young adults in the same age group as Lil Nas X (who is 21) that have gravitated towards the artist and his message against the church and Christianity in general (his rejection of the Christian faith due to the Word of God speaking against homosexuality).

US Military announces transgender soldiers will be admitted to Military
The Pentagon has announced they will allow transgender soldiers to enter the US Military. The ban under the Trump Administration will now be removed according to military officials. The new recognition will allow medical care and assistance with gender transition for soldiers. The new rule will also allow those who enlist to be recognized under the gender of their preference. This will include medical funding for gender transition following enlistment into the military. President Trump had previously banned transgender soldiers and medical care saying in a statement they would not be allowed to serve in any capacity in the US military. Prior to the Trump administration’s ban the US military spent 8 million dollars in just three years towards transgender medical care in various areas. Republican officials quickly criticized the announcement.  US Representative from Texas and Former Navy Seal Dan Crenshaw called the announcement an April Fool’s Joke. Crenshaw went onto criticize the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for soldiers’ gender transitions and says the new head of the Department of Defense has “lost our trust.” 

In our SNBC HEALTH Report: the science and business behind processed foods
According to investigative journalist and author Michael Moss the food industry spends a lot of money and time getting consumers to eat badly. He says the chemicals in processed foods are designed to get consumers addicted to junk food and to eat more of it. The author says these types of processed foods are filled with the bad kinds of sugar, salt and fats. These ingredients cause the brain to get a sensation or a high when these foods are consumed. This causes the brain to go into sleep mode, meaning it does not send signals of being full. This means most people consume more junk food and never get the feeling of being full. Moss says that healthy processed foods are also deceptive advertising. He says that most processed foods deemed healthy are filled with fiber and protein that is not designed to make a person full. Mr. Moss says the best options are to eat whole foods, cook at home whenever possible, and when shopping only get food from the perimeter of the store as most processed foods are in the center aisles of most grocery stores. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 28th, 2021

US NEWS: Minnesota, Maine, Indiana
Attorneys for churches in Minnesota are reporting success after filing a complaint. The governor of Minnesota Tim Walz has lifted an occupancy ban in that state against churches. The governor had previously issued a mandate allowing only 50 percent capacity or 250 people attending church services in the state. Attorneys from Liberty Counsel and Thomas Moore Society filed a complaint on behalf of several churches. The governor announced the ban lift shortly after the complaint. The attorneys for the churches celebrated the win citing recent rulings by the US Supreme Court. Attorneys for Thomas Moore Society say they will continue to work with churches across the nation to eliminate restrictions. 

A church in Maine has filed a lawsuit against the Governor’s mandates. Attorneys for Calvary Church in Bangor, Maine described the governor’s mandates as “Draconian”. Governor Janet Mills has issued strict rules for churches in the state while allowing other organizations more freedoms. Gatherings in church buildings are restricted to 50 people no matter the size of the building. Attorneys with Liberty Counsel say Maine now has one of the strictest mandates against the church in the nation. 

The governor of Indiana has announced he will lift a statewide mask mandate soon. Governor Eric Holcomb announced the mask mandate would end statewide starting April 6th the governor says the mandate will end due to a decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations and death rates. Local officials in that state would still be able to uphold mandate restrictions for their area according to Governor Holcomb.

Father arrested for protesting underage daughter’s gender transition
A father in Canada has been arrested for not supporting his child’s transgender surgery and transition. Members the family have not been named due to privacy restrictions. According to the newspaper, ‘The Post Millennial’ the father was arrested after protesting his daughter’s transition and use of male pronouns. The justice presiding over the case ordered the father not to about the case and only refer to his daughter by male pronouns. The father is protesting the transition saying the child who is in middle school is being manipulated by the school system. The school according to reports reached out to a psychologist that suggested putting the girl on testosterone treatments. The school also allowed the girl to be referred to by a male name in school and listed the name in the school’s yearbook without parental consent. The father was arrested for his speaking out and continued efforts to stop this medical procedure on his daughter. The father says this is a form of state sponsored child abuse adding the medical procedures being done to his under age daughter can never be reversed. 

SNBC NEWS UPDATE: Israel national elections
SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE will continue to monitor the election process in the nation of Israel
The votes are continuing to be counted in the most recent runoff. According to reports the election is expected to be tight and could be decided by a small margin. The election between the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party and the opposing party is still too close to call and may cause a political stalemate according to analysts. Critics say Netanyahu is leading the nation in the wrong direction. Supporters of the prime minister want him to continue his work geared towards Pro-Israel issues including continued peace talks with several Arab nations. 

SNBC HEALTH NEWS: The power of Prayer and its physical effect on the human body
Researchers recently released several studies showing the correlation between prayer and how it affects the human body. The studies found clear evidence of how the body responds when prayer is a consistent part of a person’s life. A 2019 study in Psychology Today focused on the effects of prayer and mental health. The study noted there was a clear and positive effect on the human body in reference to prayer. A 2018 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found young adults who pray daily have higher self esteem, and fewer issues with depression compared to those who don’t pray.   A study in California followed two-thousand adults with 70 percent reporting their mental health was better due to daily prayer and attending church services on a regular basis. The Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Foundation released an article on their website noting that prayer causes the brain to release serotonin which helps reduce stress. The University of Maryland Medical center released a study noting prayer helps reduce anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. Prayer also physically helps improve the immune system and helps the body heal faster after a surgical procedure.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 21st, 2021

SNBC News Update : Pastor James Coates
Pastor James Coates is scheduled to be released from prison. According to the pastor’s attorneys the pastor has been in jail since February 16th. Coates was arrested after refusing to stop in person worship services at his church Grace Life located in Alberta, Canada. The justice presiding over the case claimed his actions were endangering public health and a violation of Alberta’s city council mandates. Attorneys for the pastor say all but one charge has been withdrawn in the case. Pastor Coates is scheduled to appear in court for the charge May 3rd. 

 Leaders/well known figures speak out against Equality Act
Several groups are speaking out urging the US Senate not to pass the Equality Act. The bill would add an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This addition would offer protections to LGBT citizens; critics point out that it would in turn violate the beliefs of others. 57 Black pastors, leaders, and nationally known figures sent a letter to the Senate urging protection for religious freedom. The group urged support for the Fairness for All Act. This proposed bill would protect religious groups in the US and offer some protections to the LGBT community such as employment and housing. The Heritage Foundation, and the Family Research Council has criticized the bill because of its lack of protection for churches, schools, and other institutions based on faith. Several Senators have promised they will vote  against the Equality Act due to public concern and no protection for religious groups. 

SNBC NEWS UPDATE the governor of Arkansas signs Anti-abortion bill
The Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson recently signed the state’s anti-abortion bill making it the most restrictive law against abortion in the nation. The state’s congress introduced an amendment to the bill allowing abortions after 20 weeks to victims of rape and incest. The bill would only allow the abortion after 20 weeks if victims to report the crime to police in that state. Critics say this requirement will further traumatize victims. Supporters including the author of the bill say they want to help victims by prosecuting those accused. The head of the American Civil Liberties Union- Arkansas released a statement following the laws passing. Holly Dickson commented that abortion was still legal in all 50 states including Arkansas and that her organization would see the governor in court.  

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: ultra-processed foods and its effect on the human body
According to researchers a diet consisting of mainly processed foods could be harmful to the bones. This term refers to foods such as fried foods, store bought baked goods, and foods high in bad fats and sodium. Eating these foods on a consistent basis with no balance could be harmful to your body in particular the bones.  A six week study on bone health followed a range of various diets given to lab rats. The study found the more the animals diet was filled with heavily processed foods, the more weakened their bones became. The study also found heavily processed foods limited bone growth in the younger animals. Researchers discovered ultra processed foods inhibit gut health. This type of food reduces the beneficial bacteria in the body. This could affect the body’s ability to fight against issues such as heart disease. Researchers advise limited to no processed foods if possible and a diet rich in natural, whole foods as much as possible. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 21st, 2021

Satanic temple sues for right to abortions in Texas
Satanic temple has filed a disturbing lawsuit in Texas. The Satanic Temple of Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas recently. The organization claims that the state’s abortion laws violate their religious beliefs and practices. According to the temple’s co-founder and spokesperson Lucien Greaves, the laws in that state are a violation to followers’ beliefs. Greaves claims women who are apart of the satanic temple have abortions and then chant affirmations claiming power over their bodies. The lawsuit claims some abortion clinics in Texas are far away and violate followers rights to have an abortion in a timely manner. The satanic temple spokesperson says he is challenging the Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton to defend his beliefs the same as Paxton would defend the belief of Christians in the state. The Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton has not commented on the case. 

Mississippi governor signs competition law to protect female competitors
The state of Mississippi’s governor has signed a law in favor of biological women in state sport competitions. Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill into law this week. The law will allow only biological women to participate in high school and collegiate sports in the state of Mississippi. The bill was passed in response to President Biden’s executive order opening women’s sports up to transgender athletes. These biological men who identify as women have a natural advantage according to medical doctors and scientists. Supporters say competing against biological women and access to locker rooms and other facilities designated for women would be dangerous and unfair. Allowing transgender athletes competing against biological women has also been protested by female professional athletes who voiced the same opinion as medical professionals. Several other states are expected to follow Mississippi. Tennessee, and South Dakota are expected pass similar laws soon. Critics call the bill anti-transgender and prejudice. In protest of these state laws 500 student athletes sent a letter to the NCAA asking the organization not to hold championships in states that pass bans on transgender athletes in sports. 

Malaysian court rules in favor of Christians use of the word Allah
The Malaysian supreme court has announced a decision in a case that has spanned over ten years. The court in that nation has ruled that the word Allah can be used in Christian publications, songs, and the Bible. The ruling will end a 35 year ban on the use of the word by Christians. Most citizens in that nation speak more than one language, but in the Malay language Allah is the only word for God. The case started in 2008 after a woman’s Christian materials were confiscated for having the name Allah in them. Christians in the nation previously were victims of attacks by Muslim Extremists who wanted Allah designated exclusively for the Islamic religion. The decision was celebrated by advocates who say the court’s ruling is a reflection of rights for all citizens in Malaysia. Malaysia’s population is 10 percent Christian.

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: face masks and their effect on children
Doctors and researchers are releasing the effects of wearing a face masks on young children. Researchers in Germany launched an online survey encouraging parents to report the effects of lockdowns and mask wearing on their children. Parents reported a range of issues to researchers. Parents reported issues such as irritability, breathing issues, anxiety over attending school, loss of concentration, and fatigue. The numbers for each of these conditions was over 20 percent ; in some cases as high as 60 percent of children experienced issues.  The CDC also reported a rise in psychological issues in children. The rise was in direct correlation with their parents who were experiencing stress and psychological issues in 2020.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology reported a rise in parents choosing to medicate children last year as a way for the them to cope with stress. These issues have affected education in the U.S. Teachers have reported a drop in children attending online classes or comprehending the curriculum compared to in person learning. Researchers point to the nation of Sweden for a better response to the coronavirus. That nation did not order lockdowns, mask mandates, or schools to be closed. The Swedish government instead asked citizens to use common sense, social distance where needed and encouraged citizens with health issues to stay home. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 7th, 2021

States announce lifting of mask mandate
Five states have announced mask mandates will be lifted immediately or relaxed starting in just a few weeks. The five states include Texas, Mississippi, Iowa, Montana and North Dakota. The state of Alabama is also expected to possibly lift their mask mandate soon. This will now up the number of states with no mask requirement to 16. This number includes South Carolina which never required a mask mandate statewide. The state governments of Texas and Mississippi have also announced businesses will be at full capacity with no restrictions. Critics voiced their opposition to the mandate changes claiming the coronavirus is at risk for a possible resurgence. State governments that announced a change in policy cited a change in the reported amount of cases in their states as the reason for relaxing restrictions. President Biden commented on the reopening saying, ”I think it's a terrible mistake...the last thing we need is neanderthal thinking that everything is fine.” He further commented saying state governments should follow the science. 

US and World News: Michigan, California, Tennessee

Christian adoption agency will allow LGBT clients
A Michigan based adoption agency has announced it will allow LGBT clients. Bethany Christian Services made the announced recently. The decision follows a lawsuit in 2019. The adoption and foster agency is one of the largest in the nation. The agency said in a statement Faith in Jesus is still at the core of their mission, but providing a good home for children is the top priority.

California : US Supreme Court rules in favor of churches
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of churches once again in California. The court ruled that churches in Santa Clara County will be allowed to return to indoor worship services. The court ruled 6-3 in favor of the churches who appealed to the court. Attorneys for the five churches involved say their clients are grateful to return to services after almost a year of being prohibited and called California’s mandates and overreach of government officials.

Tennessee authorities announce rescue of in human trafficking cases
Law enforcement in Tennessee are reporting great news. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported the recovery of 150 children. The operation was in cooperation with the US Marshal Service and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Operation Volunteer Strong was launched in January of this year.

SNBC NEWS: Persecution of church in Canada
Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo Canada has been fined 83-thousand dollars for holding an in person service. The church was fined by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice after holding a service with more than 10 people. The fines include penalties against the church, the pastor, each of the church’s elders and an additional 45-thousand dollars in legal fees to cover the court costs of the region’s attorney general. The church’s pastor took the opportunity to glorify God saying several people at the service were baptized and requested to be baptized. A Gofundme has been setup to help pay the churches fees.

UPDATE: Pastor James Coates (Canada)
Protests continue for the release of Pastor James Coates. The pastor was arrested in Alberta Canada for violating pandemic restrictions. The city’s health department claims the church violated restrictions by holding in person services over 15 percent capacity and not requiring masks on campus. Pastor Coates was offered release if he agreed to the city’s terms for in person worship services. He refused citing his calling to the ministry as priority. Because of the refusal the pastor will remain in jail until a hearing in May according to a judge presiding over the case. 

  In our SNBC HEALTH REPORT: exercise and its benefit to our bones. According to a recent study exercise helps improve the health of your bones. According to researchers at two different labs, exercise assists in the development of new bone forming cells. Exercise in particular walking and running helps the blood vessels in bone marrow, increasing bone forming cell production. Exercise helps to increase immunity cells in the body. Researchers with Harvard Medical Center say all forms of exercise help with bone density. A 2019 report in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that exercise improves your immune system by lowering illness risk and inflammation. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Good nutrition, and getting enough Vitamin D and calcium are also recommended to promote bone health.