SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 17th, 2022

Happy Resurrection Sunday Everyone from the SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE MINISTRY OF HELPS TEAM!
HE IS RISEN!

Biden Administration issues executive orders in response to state bans on transgender athletes
The Biden Administration is taking action in response to state legislation banning transgender athletes. The administration recently announced it would launch new federal orders that are pro-transgender according reports. Biden has ordered the gender marker X added to passport applications and making transportation security administration scanners gender neutral. Visitors to the White House will also be allowed to use a gender marker of X instead of male or female. Biden said of the new changes, Transgender Americans continue to face discrimination, harassment, and barriers to opportunity. He also condemned what Biden called anti-transgender bills across America in the statement. Several states and organizations are currently filing lawsuits against the Biden Administration for these changes. Among them the Christian Employers Alliance who filed a suit after the administration mandated that religious organizations may have to pay for gender transition surgeries, and procedures including treatments following the surgery. A Christian athlete organization is suing after federal mandates allowed biological men who identify as women to compete on female teams and use female locker rooms and bathrooms. Two groups in Tennessee and in Texas are suing the Biden Administration for attempting to force doctors to perform gender altering procedures despite their religious beliefs.

SNBC NEWS Update: controversial bill in Maryland has stalled
The bill, senate bill 669 included unclear wording that would possibly allow the legal death of children outside the womb. Critics condemned the bill saying it would allow the potential death of a newborn. The bill along with another abortion bill, House Bill 1171 failed to advance to the Senate.  The State of Maryland’s Assembly recently passed a bill that would allow any medical professional to perform an abortion. The bill also mandates insurance plans cover the procedure at no cost. The new law if signed by the governor of the state would allow nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physicians assistants to perform abortions and offer 3.5 million dollars in state funding annually to train medical professionals. Critics say the bill has gone to far by using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. Planned Parenthood of Maryland praised the bill saying it allows abortion access to all. The bill will go before Governor Larry Hogan soon; the governor has not commented on whether he will support the bill.

Israeli officials report thwarted attack
Israeli officials have announced a major terror attack was prevented in that nation. That nation’s prime minister announced earlier this month that Israeli police in the counter terrorism unit killed three suspects during a terror cell raid. The raid conducted in the West Bank was part of information received by the unit concerning an imminent attack according to officials. Israeli officials have heightened security in the West Bank following a series of attacks across Israel that killed 11 citizens. Authorities believe some terrorist cells use the Islam holiday of Ramadan which occurs in April as a time to escalate violence against the Jewish nation. Israeli officials say they want to prevent similar attacks like a previous one that occurred following the holiday in May of last year.

SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of Vitamin C and the human body
According to reports there are important components to a healthy lifestyle that allow the body to function at its best. One of the best vitamins that can assist the body is Vitamin C. Most people think of Vitamin C during what it dubbed cold and flu season. This essential vitamin should be considered an important nutrient to acquire year-round. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient meaning it does not stay in the body long term compared to fat soluble nutrients; so more of this vitamin is needed for it to absorb into the body. Vitamin C supports the immune system as an antioxidant and assists white blood cells. It helps fight off infections, improves iron absorption, and promotes skin cell growth. It also promotes wound healing and assists in the health of teeth and bones. In addition to citrus fruits, Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 10th, 2022

NYC Mayor invites LGBT community in FL to move to NYC 
The new mayor of New York City is weighing in on a new law in the State of Florida. Eric Adams announced he is inviting members of the LGBT community in Florida to move to New York. The mayor says the city has launched a digital Billboard campaign across the state of Florida. In the statement Adams said, “Come to New York City and be whoever you want.” The announcement is in response to the new Florida Parental Rights law. The law prohibits teachers in that state from talking about gender and sexuality to children ages kindergarten to third grade. Critics and the mainstream media have dubbed the bill the “Don’t say Gay Bill” claiming it promotes discrimination. Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the law saying it puts the power of these conversations back into the hands of parents. The governor of Florida had previously invited police officers and medical workers from the states of New Jersey and New York to move to Florida following restrictions in those states. The invitation for police from the governor included a large bonus for those that relocated.

Watchdog group reports issues with NC voting system
A watchdog group is warning North Carolina officials of some serious errors in their voter registration. According to the group Public Interest Legal foundation, thousands of people are still registered to vote in North Carolina that do not qualify to vote. Among those the group reports almost eight thousand people are registered to vote who have died. Some died according to the report over 20 years ago and are still listed as eligible to vote in North Carolina. Another 42 thousand are listed as current residents, but no longer live in the state and are registered to vote in other states. The group reported that 13 thousand voters are registered twice under different variations of their names.  The organization says time is running out and these types of errors can be a serious issue in the upcoming election. This report may help validate the claims of some critics who reported widespread voter fraud during the 2020 elections; an accusation that multiple state officials in the US, including here in North Carolina have denied. The Board of Elections for North Carolina has not commented on this report.

Anti-abortion group reports shocking discovery; leader arrested
This next story maybe disturbing to viewers and young children so please be advised. A Pro-life activist group is shedding light a disturbing discovery. The group Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising notified police to the home of its director Lauren Handy. There authorities found the bodies for five aborted babies in the home. The group says the bodies were given to them by a whistleblower within an abortion clinic. According to the group the whistleblower claims the babies’ sustained injuries that match with infanticide after an attempted abortion. This means the children survived and were possibly killed following the botched abortions. The federal authorities so far are only charging Ms. Handy with a crime. According to authorities Lauren Handy has been arrested for possessing “potential bio-hazard material”. The US Department of Justice claims the bodies of the infants were stolen from the abortion clinic by Handy’s group following a break-in at the facility. The DC Medical Examiner has so far declined to do an examination on the bodies of the babies to prove the group’s claims of infanticide. If convicted of the charges Lauren Handy could face 11 years in prison and a 350-thousand dollar fine.

SNBC HEALTH report: Researchers find blueberries have healing properties
 According to researchers this little fruit has some powerful benefits to the human body. It was the first fruit to be labeled as a superfruit because it is high is nutrients including antioxidants. Blueberries are beneficial to heart health and regulating blood sugar levels. Researchers found phenols in the fruit help in the process of healing open wounds. The nutrients in blueberries were found beneficial in healing certain wounds for patients that were related to illness. Researchers observed the fruit’s healing qualities in patients with burns, diabetic sores, and ulcers. The research that monitored the study found a 12 percent improvement in wound healing when blueberry phenols were introduced. The study is expected to be presented this year at an annual meeting. Blueberries also assist in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and cognitive function. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 3rd, 2022

State Congress passes trans ban in women’s sports
The Arizona State Congress has become the latest state to pass a ban on transgender athletes. The ban would prohibit biological males that want to  legally identify as women from participating in women’s sports. The bill has to be signed by the state’s governor, Doug Ducey, who has not commented on whether he will support the bill becoming a law. The bill in Arizona will also ban what is referred to as gender-altering surgeries on young children. Politicians in the state noted this kind of surgery is not reversible and could have a devastating effect on a young person as they age if they chose to de- transition. The bill is the latest in a  series of bills passed by several states concerning the topic. The subject has become highlighted following the controversy surrounding a University of Penn swimmer. The swimmer who is a biological male, announced in 2019 he wanted to be legally recognized as a woman and would swim for the women’s collegiate team at the university. The swimmer began dominating women’s races going from number 462 in the men’s division to number 1 in the women’s division. Several governors have said these new laws are to protect young women and the hard work these athletes have put in since their youth to achieve their athletic goals. Critics claim the bans are clear discrimination against the transgender community.

Canadian pastor has been arrested for a fifth time
Pastor Artur Pawlowski was arrested again for a fifth time in early February and charged with mischief and interrupting the operation of essential infrastructure. The arrest stems from the pastor’s appearance in support of the Truck Convoy protests in Canada. Truck Drivers in that nation organized a convoy protest to the Canadian capital of Ottawa. The truck drivers were protesting continued restrictions and required Covid shots for medical workers in Canada. During the rally Pastor Pawlowski told protestors to “hold the line” a popular phrase among the convoy participants. According to police this phrase was an endorsement of violence. The pastor’s attorney reported that Pawlowski was being held in solitary confinement 23 hours a day and authorities had refused to release him. The justice presiding over the case kept him in jail claiming he “would not follow court orders”. The order was just overturned on March 30th. A second justice overturned the order and released Pastor Pawlowski with several continued restrictions to his freedom until trial. The pastor is ordered to pays thousands of dollars in fines and will be on a curfew from 7pm to 7am except for church services and is banned from attending any protests. Pastor Artur Pawlowski gained international attention after he threw health officials and police officers out of his church. Authorities claimed he had violated several COVID restriction orders banning church services in Alberta, Canada. Supporters of the pastor and other pastors who have been arrested in Canada have called the Canadian government authoritarian and abusing their authority. Officials claim the ordinances are in place to stop the spread of COVID.

 UN official accuses Israel of apartheid
The nation of Israel is defending against accusations from a UN official. Michael Lynk wrote the report and submitted it to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva recently. Lynk claims Israel’s treatment of Palestinians since 1967 “satisfies the prevailing standard for the existence of apartheid." The study claims since this land was won and annexed by the modern-day nation of Israel, residents in the area have been treated as second class citizens. Lynk commented on the heavy military presence in the area, walls that surround the region, and that the area Is majority Palestinian as his reasons for making these accusations against Israel. Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the report biased. Officials pointed out the report did not account for or consider various factors for heavy security in the area. The Ministry cited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, threats from terrorist group Hamas, and continued daily attacks on Israeli citizens for such heavy protective measures. The officials continued saying all Israeli citizens are given the same rights regardless of race, religion, or gender. The report is the latest in a growing number of human rights organizations claiming Israel’s apartheid towards Palestinians. Israeli and US officials have officially condemned the report.

SNBC HEALTH report: Researchers find avocados, a fruit rich in healthy fat protect the heart.
The study was released this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study followed 68-thousand women and 41-thousand men concerning long term health benefits. Researchers monitored subjects who ate a healthy lifestyle and consumed avocados as part of their diet on a regular basis. The study found a 21 percent drop of heart attack risk among those subjects. The researchers believe it was due to subjects who switched to a healthier eating plan limiting processed foods and sticking with a more whole food eating plan. The study included subjects consuming about a ¼ of a cup of avocados each day. The study did not find a difference when the avocado was switched with other healthy fats such as olive and other plant-based oils, walnuts, or almonds. Most researchers agree limiting processed foods, daily exercise, and limiting stress are all beneficial to heart health. Other fruits that are beneficial to the heart include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and apples.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 27th, 2022

SNBC NEWS update: NCAA Swimmer speaks out after controversial meet
A student who swam in the race against a controversial swimmer has released a statement. Virginia Tech student Reka Gyorgy missed the top 16 of the NCAA women’s 500 freestyle championship. One of the spots was occupied by a swimmer who goes by the name Lia Thomas. Thomas is a biological man who announced in 2019 he wanted to live and identify as a woman. Gyorgy in her letter to the NCAA describes the hurt of not qualifying. The young woman says she respects Thomas’ decision however, she says the rule change with the NCAA means spaces are being taken away from biological women. She points out in the letter the unfair advantage Thomas has biologically. Gyorgy blamed the NCAA for failing to protect biological women in swimming, saying they were aware of what their lack of interest in the subject would do to female swimmers. She ends the letter by asking the organization to try and understand how the competitors feel in this situation. Critics and supporters praised the young woman for her letter and eloquent response to the controversy. Reka Gyorgy is a gifted swimmer in her own right. She is a 2016 Olympian and during her five years at Virginia Tech, was a two-time ACC Champion, two time All- American, and three-time Honorable mention All American. Gyorgy was suspended from Twitter for her comments following the letter release on her private Twitter page.

Two Christians in Finland face jail time for expressing Biblical beliefs against Homosexuality
Two Finnish citizens may get time in prison for expressing their Biblical beliefs.  Bishop Juhana Pohjola and politician Paivi Rasanen are on trial for speaking out against the LGBT community. Rasanen, a politician in Finland, has been under investigation since 2019. She is charged with 3 counts of hate speech for tweeting
Romans 1:24-27 on her private twitter account, which condemns homosexuality. Bishop Pohjola was charged for speaking out against homosexuality and for publishing Ms. Rasanen’s book in 2004. The Finnish Government says the bishop is liable for publishing the book, through his publishing company and therefore must stand trial for his part. Both parties are currently on trial together for these charges. A verdict is expected March 30th. US Congressman Chip Roy called this trial a result of radical secularism in Western countries.

ACLJ warns of two bills up for vote in Maryland
The American Center for Law and Justice is warning that a potential bill in Maryland could set a dangerous precedent. There are two bills being considered in the state of Maryland that pro-life supporters are concerned about. The first is a House Bill 1171, which grants “Reproductive Liberty” to state residents. If passed the bill would grant residents the freedom to pursue an abortion without restrictions. The language in the bill is broad so there is no clear definition of what no restrictions means at this time. The second bill, Senate Bill 669, would allow the death of an infant up to 28 days after birth. The bill mainly centers around failed abortions. If an abortion is performed, but fails this law allows the right for doctors to leave the baby without care. This includes allowing the child to starve to death, die due to exposure to cold or heat, without any form of medical aid. The bill would also prevent investigations by police for an extended period of time which could cause evidence in these cases to be lost. The mother could also sue police if their investigation leads to the arrest of the mother and medical staff involved in the procedure. The ACLJ warns this potential law is allowing fetal murder and manslaughter and could hinder the investigations in the deaths of infants that were not victims of failed abortions. The ACLJ is encouraging residents of Maryland to call their state senator concerning Senate Bill 669.

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of dates
Most consumers of this sweet fruit look at it as a natural sweet treat or as part of a dish. Dates are more than just a natural way to add sweetness to a dish. It has lots of nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. Dates are a natural source of fiber and rich in other nutrients. It is loaded with vitamins such as iron, magnesium, and copper. Dates contain polyphenols, which assist in fighting against illness. It helps promote heart health assisting the cardiovascular system, helps with blood pressure and reduces inflammation. Dates are also beneficial to brain health and have anti-bacterial properties. Researchers advise not to over consume dates due to its amount of carbs and fiber so enjoy in moderation.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 20th, 2022

Teacher sues Kansas school board over transgender pronouns demand
A teacher in Kansas has filed a lawsuit after she was disciplined by her school district. Pamela Ricard has filed a lawsuit against the Geary County school board citing religious discrimination. Ricard filed the suit after she refused to use students’ preferred gender pronouns. The teacher refused to address a student as anything other than their actual gender. Ricard says she refused due to her Christian faith. Officials disciplined Ms. Ricard claiming she violated bullying, diversity, and inclusion policies for the county. Attorneys for the teacher noted that there were no guidelines in the district until after Ms. Ricard refused to obey their requests. The attorneys for the teacher are seeking compensation for damages and removing these claims from her disciplinary record. 

Transgender wins NCAA women’s swimming championship
More controversy with the NCAA as a transgender swimmer has won the women’s NCAA championship. A competitive swimmer who goes by the name Lia Thomas won the 500-yard freestyle. The swimmer was born male and announced he would identify as a female staring in 2019. The swimmer has since dominated women’s competitive swimming in collegiate sports. Students and parents alike have complained about Thomas being allowed to swim against biological women. The NCAA rule change has sparked outrage including the resignation of a NCAA swimming official who had previously worked with the organization for 30 years. Complaints are now being filed in court to stop the inclusion of transgender athletes competing against biological female athletes. The groups have gotten support from an unexpected source: former Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner who now goes by Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner who now wants to be recognized as a woman says the biological advantage of a man is unfair. Jenner says, “biological boys should not compete in women’s sports, we have to protect women’s sports…that’s the bottom line.” 

Texas Supreme Court upholds abortion law
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against a legal challenge of a state abortion law. The court ruled against the Center for Reproductive Rights during their appeal. The group was attempting to overturn Texas state law Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act. 
The law bans abortions after six weeks in that state. State officials in support of the law say the ruling is a big victory for pro-life groups. Supporters of the law report a 50-60 percent drop in abortions in the state since the law passed. Several state governments including Florida, and Mississippi have passed abortion laws protecting the lives of unborn children. Some of the cases are expected to be appealed to the US Supreme Court which has ruled more conservative in recent cases. 

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of strength training
Exercise is beneficial to the human body; according to health experts strength training activities are beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Research finds just 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week shows an improvement in the human body. Training with weights improves bone health, heart health and helps increase energy. It helps with weight loss, improves mood, and helps lower risk of injury. It also helps to manage blood sugar and enhances cognitive health. For those interested in strength training remember lifting weights does not cause people to bulk up especially women. Strength training burns fat so most who lift weights become lean. When starting a health routine especially when starting strength always consult with a trainer, or a trusted health specialist.