SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 3rd, 2021

Charlotte-Mecklenburg County votes in favor of county wide mask mandate
The Charlotte Mecklenburg County board voted in favor of an indoor mask mandate county wide. The vote was made in mid-August with the rule going into effect on August 31st. There was some confusion about where exactly the indoor mask mandate was required; here is a brief rundown. In Mecklenburg County all schools, private or public, are mandated to wear masks indoors. Children as young as 5 are required to wear masks indoors. Ages 5 and up are also required to wear masks inside all businesses and buildings, public and private. Board members during the meeting said the rule was to help stop the spread or covid 19 and protect the vulnerable in the county. County Health Director Gibbie Harris said during the meeting that the masks protect and the shots work, encouraging county residents to get the covid shot. Churches, wedding events and funerals and residential homes are the only areas exempt from mask mandate requirements. Many board members previously voiced concern that churches in the Charlotte area would sue and win just like churches nationwide. The mandate passed 6-2 with only Pat Cotham and Ella Scarborough voting against it. Cotham in her comments said she wanted other towns in the county to choose for themselves. The mandate is supposed to be lifted if Mecklenburg County stays under 5 percent positive cases and stays under that for 30 days. A month after the mandate the county is at ten percent positive rates. (Critics at the board meeting and by live stream pointed out that the board acted on emotions, not science. Some continued by referencing accredited institutions - ex. Harvard University that conducted studies with proof that masks do not work as well a previously thought. Many commented that masks and rules are now about control and not stopping the spread of the illness).

NY Governor says God wants people to take covid shot
The new governor of New York is pushing the covid shot and using some inspirational words to appeal to skeptics. Governor Kathy Hochul recently spoke with parishioners at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. During the speech the governor encouraged those present to convince others to receive the shot. Governor Hochul said,” I need you to be my apostles. I need you to talk about it and say (to skeptics) we owe it to each other. There are people out there who are not listening to God and what God wants. You know who they are.” She continued claiming because Jesus taught us to love one another people should get the shot to show they care. Hochul also called those who received the shot smart people, and that God sent smart men and women to create this shot to combat the virus. The governor also boasted about a necklace she wears that has the word “Vaxed” on it.  The comments by the governor were made after mandates for healthcare workers became mandatory in New York in September. Several employees have walked off the job in New York making some hospital departments short staffed as a result. The New York Times is reporting thousands of employees did receive the shot ahead of the mandate. New York is one of the strictest states in the nation for employees requiring covid shots. Despite the governor’s claims about her faith, the state government will not be allowing religious exemptions for state and private business employees. The state’s former governor forced all religious institutions closed over the past year claiming the spread was mainly due to churches and synagogues refusing to close. Governor Cuomo later resigned after several sexual harassment claims by several women.

Video streaming service bans Covid “anti-VAX” content
Social media giant YouTube has announced the company will ban all videos that are in opposition to the covid shot. The company says it will ban anti-covid shot advocates. The ban will go into effect immediately. YouTube executives said in their statement that the ban is to help combat “false information and those who are spreading false claims about vaccines in general. The company also said bans will include claims of the covid shot causing cancer, infertility, and other side effects. YouTube will allow videos against the covid shot if the author is talking about a personal experience, but they still must follow the platform’s guidelines. The ban has been widely criticized by critics who call it an infringement on first amendment rights. Dr. Joseph Mercola one of those banned says his channel was immediately taken down without notice and called the ban an override of free speech. Among those banned: The National Vaccine Information center, Mercola.com, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s channel, Children’s Health Defense organization. 

SNBC Health report: Researchers’ find link between Vitamin D and Albumin
 Researchers continue to find more benefits from Vitamin D this time when combined with albumin. Researchers studied the two nutrients concerning building natural immunity against viral illnesses. In their studies it was found that patients who were deficient in Vitamin D were also deficient in albumin. This discovery was important because albumin is found in the liver and helps the body absorb vital nutrients into the bloodstream. The researchers concluded their study verifying that Vitamin D was significant in defense of the body from viral illnesses. Including sunlight Vitamin D can be naturally found in foods such as herring, mackerel, liver, and egg yolks. Albumin is used in the body to help with nutrient absorption and helps replenish the body’s blood supply in addition to its benefits to the vascular system. It can naturally be found in eggs, nuts, and dairy.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26th, 2021

US House of Representatives passes funding for Israel
The US House of Representatives has approved of funding for Israel’s Iron Dome. The one-billion-dollar funding was previously pulled as part of the government spending bill. The pressure to pull the funding is blamed on mainly eight progressive Democrats nicknamed the squad. The group of politicians, in particular Illhan Oman, Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez are liberals and fierce opponents of Israel. The representatives claim Israel is occupying Palestine and have encouraged boycotting the nation. The bill called the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act passed 420-9. All eight members of the group nicknamed the squad voted against it or abstained from voting. One Republican, Tom Massie also voted against the bill. It is now expected to go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass. The Iron Dome is Israel’s form of defense that launches missiles to intercept and stop missile attacks from the nation’s enemies such as Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The nation of Israel is the only Democracy in the Middle East. Israeli officials applauded the bill’s passing. 

Satanic Temples sues for religious exemption for abortions in Texas
The Satanic Temple has filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas. The lawsuit was filed recently on behalf of a member the organization referred to as Ann Doe. In their statement the organization says the state’s new ban on abortion after six weeks is a violation of the woman’s religion. According to the Satanic Temple’s website the ban violates what they call a religious abortion ritual. The ritual is allegedly apart of a ceremonial affirmation of self-worth and body autonomy. According to the group abortion is a part of this ritual and has been compromised due to the new restrictions in Texas. Representatives of the Satanic Temple claim because abortions are a part of their religious beliefs that the state attorney general Ken Paxton should also work to allow exemptions for this ritual the same way Native Americans are allowed to use peyote, which is a hallucinogenic drug used for their religious ceremonies. The state of Texas recently passed Senate bill 8 also nicknamed the heartbeat bill. The law bans abortions in the state after a heartbeat is detected, usually when a woman is around six weeks pregnant. 

SNBC Covid watch: North Carolina, Australia, Nebraska
In North Carolina,hundreds of Novant Health employees have been suspended for refusing to receive the covid shot. According to reports 375 workers across 15 hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities were suspended. Representatives for the hospital system say 98 percent of their employees have taken at least one shot, or were granted a religious or medical exemption. Employees who received the shot now have until October 15th to receive the second dose. Employees who received exemptions must now wear hospital approved masks, protective gear, and submit to weekly tests.  

In Australia violence broke out during anti-shot protests. This time that nation’s construction workers are protesting mandatory covid shots. Thousands protested after construction sites were shut down for two weeks due to protests and a rise in covid-19 cases. Some workers clashed with police in Melbourne after the mandate was announced. Union representatives blamed the violence on right wing extremists. The construction workers have until October 5th to receive at least one dose of the covid shot. Melbourne according to the area’s governor will be on lockdown until at least 70 percent of eligible residents have received the shot. 

In Nebraska four college students have filed a lawsuit against a university. The students’ filed a lawsuit against Creighton University for refusing religious exemptions concerning the covid shot. The refusal was a surprise since the university was founded by the Catholic Church. The university had previously allowed medical exemptions, but has not granted religious exemptions. Attorneys for the students say they have religious objections because of the process used to develop the shots, (which were developed or tested on abortion derived fetal cell lines) and a Catholic university should not place students in a position to violate the church’s teachings. Representatives for the university say they are currently reviewing the lawsuit.  Also, here in Charlotte the city council recently passed an indoor mask mandate. We will have a full story on the mandate next week. 

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: the health benefits of pumpkins
 For those who don’t know or not a part of the PSL or pumpkin spice latte fan group, there is a lot more to the pumpkin than just a popular drink, a pie, or a decoration at Thanksgiving. First, it’s a fruit, not a vegetable, but it is a part of the winter squash family. This fruit is known for its high nutritional value and is rich in vitamins A, C, B2, and E. It also has at least 10 percent of three other daily recommended nutrients: potassium, copper, and manganese. Pumpkins are low in calories and help boost immunity. It’s high antioxidant content help fight against chronic illnesses including heart disease, helps lower the risk of eye disease and protects the body’s cells against damage from free radicals. Nutrients found in pumpkins help promote healthier skin, and pumpkin seeds are also beneficial to bladder and hearth health. This fruit is very versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways; researchers advise avoiding this fruit if you have an allergy and please keep in mind that most pumpkin based foods are loaded with sugar and you will not receive the same benefits. (So, there’s probably no nutrients in your pumpkin spiced latte, but you can still enjoy it in moderation.)

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19th, 2021

Employees quit jobs in protest of covid shot mandates in
US & Australia
Employees are taking a stand against shot mandates. A hospital announced the shutdown of its maternity ward after several employees walked off the job. Six members of the Lewis County General Hospital in New York state, resigned in a sign of solidarity against being forced to take the COVID shot. Hospital representatives say they still have seven other members of the staff in that department that have not decided on whether they will take the shot. The administration announced due to the shortage of staff they will suspend the delivery of babies at the hospital until further notice. Officials say five other departments’ services in the hospital may also be suspended if staff quite due to the mandate. State officials in New York announced mandatory shot mandates for hospital staff and long-term care staff. The deadline for employees is September 27th.  A similar protest occurred in Australia recently. Truck drivers in South Australia threatened to stop driving supplies to the region if they were forced to take the shot. The boycott would have affected all regions of South Australia including the shipment of food to the region. The mandate was quickly ended following the threat of the boycott. 

Mayor issues demands entire School board resign after controversial book
The mayor of Hudson, Ohio has taken a stand against a disturbing curriculum approved by the city’s school board. During a meeting the mayor, Craig Shubert told the school board that he expected each of them to resign or face criminal charges. The demand for the board’s positions is over a controversial book ‘642 things to write about’. The book used by some high school students in the school district asks students to describe various disturbing situations. Sexual activity, including writing about a sex scene to show or not show your parents, graphic violence, and underage drinking. The mayor says he and his staff have apologized for the curriculum. Shubert continued telling the Hudson Board of Education that they would either resign or face prosecution on child pornography charges. The mayor told the crowd and the board that he had consulted with the courts and the charges could be filed against them. Hudson City Schools Superintendent Phil Herman later apologized for the controversy calling the content of the book inappropriate and offensive writing prompts". The books were pulled following the controversy. The principal of the school has also apologized saying none of the inappropriate topics were selected, but they were in the book and could not be unseen. (Additional side notes: students alerted parents to the disturbing content of the book. The book is also listed at online bookstores as for ages 18 and up. This information means it should not have been selected for high school students since the majority are considered underage for the content.) Other examples from the book include questions such as: describe what you would do if you caught your lover cheating…if your uncle’s child died at night describe the night sky. Additional scenarios from the 642 things young writers edition: write about something you love to hate, write about a crush following you home.

 Health Department issues mandate to private school
A private Christian school in Colorado is facing a mandate: comply or be shutdown. The mandate was issued by the local health department in Loveland, Colorado.  Health Department officials says the rise in cases in the school is cause of alarm; they claim Resurrection Christian School has experienced 36 confirmed cases and 12 possible cases since school resumed on August 17th. The health department is also requiring the school to comply with all their covid protocols. The protocols include social distancing, universal mask mandates for staff and students, complete rosters of students, including the vaccination status for all students and staff, and requiring quarantine and contract tracing for all close contacts of students and staff who have not received the covid shot or tested positive in the past 90 days. The school’s superintendent say parents have the right to have their child receive the shot or wear a mask. The school is currently seeking legal counsel concerning their rights in the case. 

SNBC HEALTH REPORT the health benefits of pomegranates
This traditionally fall fruit is beneficial to the brain and the human body in other ways. Just one cup of pomegranate seeds provides seven grams of fiber and three grams of protein. The fruit is considered a great source of vitamins K and C. Pomegranates are high in antioxidants and helps reduce inflammation in the body. It also assists the brain concerning memory function. Researchers believe the nutrients in pomegranates help improve workouts and workout recovery. This fruit can be consumed in supplement form or juice and still contains it benefits. Pomegranates are traditionally harvested between September and December and is considered a good choice to add to your food regimen for the fall season. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12th, 2021

Biden Administration issues shot mandate
The Biden Administration has issued a nationwide mandate for American citizens to take to covid shot. In the speech Biden said our patience for those who have not received the shot has run out. He went on to add that at his request The US department of Labor will require private companies with 100 employees or over to mandate the shot for all employees. The task of enforcing the order is expected to go to OSHA. Fines for businesses that refuse could be up to 14 thousand dollars per violation. Republican governors called the mandate tyrannical, and an overreach of the federal government. Several of these governors are promising to sue the Biden Administration over the mandate. Critics say Mr. Biden is attempting to draw attention away from a series of issues blamed on his administration in just the past eight months; the situation in Afghanistan, the ongoing border crisis, the rise in inflation, and forcing Americans into mandates violating their first amendment rights. Biden’s approval rating has dropped to 39 percent; one of the fastest drops in approval ratings for an administration. 

Celebrities launch tirade against Americans who refuse to take the shot
Mr. Biden’s supporters in Hollywood entertainment seem to be echoing his extreme mandate. Comedian Jimmie Kimmel in his opening monologue suggested patients in the hospital who have not taken the shot should be turned away. Kimmel claimed, “if you have a heart attack and you have the vaccine come on in. An unvaccinated person who gobbled horse goo, rest in peace.” The comment was in reference to the medicine Ivermectin which has been falsely claimed as animal medicine by some critics. Some doctors have used it to help patients fight against covid-19. Critics call Kimmel a hypocrite. The comedian has a young son who had serious health issues, and at the time he pushed for better healthcare in the U.S. for all because of his son’s health issues.

Radio host Howard Stern launched into a profanity laced attack on the same topic. Stern called those who have not taken the shot “imbeciles”, and complained they are keeping him from returning to normal life. Stern continued his rant making disturbing comments about two conservative radio hosts that died from covid. Both men had not taken the shot. Stern also supported refusal of hospital services to those who refuse to take the shot. Several entertainers in Hollywood have pushed the pro-jab conversation claiming to have cut family members and friends off for not taking the shot. Most are themselves not obeying the same rules they want the public follow. Ex. about 600 celebrities, guests and staff were scheduled to participate in a birthday celebration for former President Barak Obama this year. The party was later reduced to about 200 hundred (possibly about 3-400 hundred with staff-the full number at the party was not confirmed.) No masks, social distancing, or shots were required, to attend the party. The story was mostly ignored by the mainstream media (except for their interest in why some people were angry about the party). 

Arizona State officials divest from Ben & Jerry’s 
Arizona state officials announced a state funds will be divested from Ben & Jerry’s. The state treasures Kimberly Yee announced the withdrawal. Yee says Ben & Jerry’s boycott of Israel is a violation of Arizona law. The state is a business partner with Israel. Yee says state taxpayer dollars will not go towards Anti-Semitic discriminatory actions towards Israel. Ben & Jerry’s announced earlier this summer they will no longer sell ice cream in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The company claims the areas are under “occupation by Israel”. The area is disputed by Palestinians who want the land as part of their own nation. Israel in modern times acquired the land in 1967 from Jordan during the 6-day war. The land is also a part of the nation’s four-thousand-year Biblical heritage according to Israeli officials and theologians. The states of Texas and Florida are also weighing a boycott of Ben & Jerry’s.  

SNBC Health report: the benefits of melatonin and niacin
Melatonin in commonly known as a sleep aid. This nutrient is more than just a sleep aid. Melatonin is known to help manage immunity function and blood pressure. It helps with mood disorders promotes eye health, and helps with issue such as heartburn, and nausea. Foods such as almonds, spinach, tomatoes, and bananas are natural sources of Melatonin.

Niacin is also known as B3. This nutrient is naturally found in food and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps regulate mood disorder and helps with boosting metabolism. Foods that naturally contain Niacin include tuna, nutritional yeast, chicken, green peas, avocados. The two nutrients were studied together and were found to have a positive effect on viral illnesses. Researchers suggest not to overindulge in the use of melatonin due to possible side effects from consuming too much. Please consult with a trusted healthcare professional before changes to your supplement intake. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5th, 2021

 The state of Texas wins in case rejected by US Supreme Court
The court declined to hear an appeal against a Texas state law banning abortions after six weeks. The law nicknamed the Heartbeat Act would ban abortions in the state once a heartbeat has been detected. The law also allows private citizens to sue anyone who helps facilitate an illegal abortion. Pro-abortion organizations say the fight is not over and they are committed to helping women in that state find safe and legal alternatives. Pro-life supporters say 150 babies will be saved each day in Texas because of the law. It is estimated three-thousand babies are aborted in the US each day. 

SNBC NEWS Covid Watch
In France that nation’s citizens have taken to the streets in protest of new vax card requirements to enter businesses and forms of transportation. Some people have literally taken to the streets eating in front of empty restaurants in protest. The protests are causing businesses to lose money now prompting France to ease their restrictions. 

In Australia members of a church were fined and arrested for holding church services under strict covid lockdown rules. Pastor Marvin Osaghae and 30 members of his congregation were arrested, loaded into police vans and booked on violation charges. Each member was charged a one thousand dollars fine. The church was fined five thousand dollars for the violation. One politician called the church gathering a blatant contradiction of the rules. 

A judge in Chicago stripped a mother of custody of her child due to the mother’s refusal to take the covid shot. The mother when asked says her doctor advised against it due to her history of adverse reactions to previous shots. The judge awarded full custody to the woman’s ex-husband; it is unclear if the controversy around his decision motivated the justice, but the order has been withdrawn awarding the mother joint custody.

Also, in Chicago a man was shot after an altercation over his refusal to wear a mask. The argument started outside a store when the security guard refused entry for the man for not wearing a mask. An argument ensued resulting in the victim being shot three times. Following the incident and arrest police discovered security guard, Chester Holmes was a four-time convicted felon, and a registered child sex offender. Holmes is not legally allowed to carry a weapon in the state of Illinois. Mr. Holmes is currently in jail, being held without bail. Attorneys for the security guard called the man “kindhearted”.   

Organization sues over controversial curriculum in California
In California the state’s school department has issued another controversial option for school curriculum. According to reports the California State Department of Education will allow children and teachers to pray to Aztec gods as part of an ethnic studies course. The information was discovered after a conservative organization, The Thomas Moore Society filed a lawsuit concerning the curriculum. The lawsuit was filed after requests to remove this part of the lessons was ignored. The curriculum instructs teachers to lead children in several self-affirmation chants one option featuring prayer chants to Aztec gods. According to the lawsuit the curriculum includes calling these deities by name and recognizing them as a source of power, knowledge, and asking them for assistance. The Aztec culture practiced human sacrifice to their gods. The sacrifices were so gruesome that European explorers commented on the practice in their writings during their exploration of the Americas. The lesson plans also include the Ashe Prayer from the Yoruba religion. The Yoruba religion is considered the root foundation of beliefs like Santeria, and Voodoo. Critics claim the schools would have been sued if these chants were based on the Christian faith and should not be used for impressionable students. According to snopes.com the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum is voluntary and is a form of community chant that includes names of broad indigenous concepts that teach students self-reflection and action.  According to UN.org indigenous concepts are practices by Indigenous people who are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. 
(In other words, these concepts are practices of certain beliefs passed on from generation to generation including their religious beliefs.)

SNBC Health report: the benefits of using an air purifier
 Several research journals conducted studies measuring how far viral droplets spread from patients with the flu, cold, and other viral illnesses. A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology in June 2020 suggests air purifiers may work as a protective measure in medical and dental offices. The environmental protection agency also noted air purifiers may help with the reduction of viral illness spread. The organization added the device helps with the reduction of forms of air pollution indoors. Because people spend a lot of time indoors air purifiers help to remove any toxics located inside the home and remove them safely, especially in colder climates or seasons. Researchers believe this may help reduce illness in winter months and improve air quality in homes. Certain plants can also be used to purify indoor spaces. Snake plants, Peace Lily’s, Bamboo Palm, Aloe Vera, and Boston Ferns are just a few plants that can be used as natural air purifiers.