SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 1st, 2022

Duke University Divinity School hosts controversial church service with Gay Pride group
A recent controversy surrounding Duke University’s school of Divinity started with a greeting at a church service. (The greeting by student Caroline Camp included a greeting of “Good morning, the holy and queer one be with you. She also mentioned her preferred pronouns. “I use she/they pronouns”. ) The student Caroline Camp who is a second-year student in Duke’s Divinity school master’s program said in her welcome that the service was to affirm everyone to “be who they truly are”. She continued encouraging the congregation to “let the spirit move you today lift your hands and voices, and dance in whatever way is most freeing to you.” During the service students who spoke referred to God as gender fluid, a drag queen, a trans man. The congregation changed the words in popular Christian songs, in one referring to God as “mother god”. The one-hour service was held on March 22nd and was sponsored in part by Duke Divinity School and Duke Divinity Pride. The event was quickly condemned by people online including professors and students from other Theology schools. The two organizations did not respond to requests for interviews or comment on the service.

Teacher create secret closet for trans students in California
There is a growing trend in some public schools and parents are intentionally being left out. According to Epoch Times in California and possibly other schools’ teachers are setting up trans closets. These closets contain clothing and accessories for students who wish to dress different from their biological gender. Students can change clothes at school and change back before returning home. These closets according to the report are kept secret from parents who would object or protest this action from teachers and school administrators. The most recent trans closet in California was started by a teacher at Fremont High School in Oakland. The trans closet project was started by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The group congratulated the teacher on social media for partnering with them. The teacher who started the closet in California is named Thomas Martin-Edwards and is the founder of a group called the queer teacher fellowship. Martin-Edwards and the Oakland Unified School District, where the teacher works, have not commented on this story.

Former Coach appeals case to US Supreme Court
Media outlets are reporting the Supreme Court is leaning in favor of a former football coach. Joseph Kennedy was fired from the Bremerton School district in Washington state after eight years on the job. Coach Kennedy prayed after every football game on the 50-yard line; he did not invite or ask any players or other coaches to participate. Eventually other coaches and students did begin to participate. The team also participated in prayer in the locker room. School board officials claim the coach was fired for various rules violations according to officials. Kennedy’s lawyers believe the alleged violations were an excuse to fire the former assistant coach for praying publicly. The case has been appealed to the US Supreme Court; a ruling is expected soon. Most media outlets are reporting the now more conservative court is leaning towards the coach in their decision. The court’s justices did ask several hypothetical questions concerning the district’s rationale behind the firing. The questions do not seem to reflect a biased as claimed by the media, but more of the justices’ desire to get a clear understanding of the case. SNBC NEWS will update you on this case when a ruling is announced.

SNBC HEALTH report: the benefits of walking outdoors and the human body
A doctor in California is prescribing outdoor walks for his pediatric patients.  Dr. Nooshin Razani at the University of California San Francisco Children’s hospital in Oakland is prescribing nature walks to his young patients. The doctor believes being in a green space helps with several issues especially mental health.  Walking in nature is beneficial to all ages. According to a study in 2018, walking outdoors helps the body burn fat, strengthen muscles, increases energy, and reduces fatigue. Walking outside strengthens the heart and increases circulation, it improves memory, creativity and helps with insomnia. Just a reminder walking in nature also allows the body to take in vitamin D from the sun, and oxygen. If you live in a larger city research walking trails in your local area; most are run by city and state governments, so these paths are usually maintained well, and are clearly marked.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 24th, 2022

Adelia ‘DeDe’ Robertson passes
The wife of CBN founder Pat Robertson has died. Adelia ‘DeDe’ Robertson passed away in her home according to statement on CBN’s website. Adelia Robertson married Pat in 1954. Following the foundation of CBN, Robertson served on the boards of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University, and Operation Blessing. Mrs. Robertson, in addition to her work with CBN and its affiliated entities, worked with various political organizations and authored two books. Adelia ‘DeDe’ Robertson is survived by her husband of over 60 years Pat Robertson, four children, 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren; she was 94 years old.

SNBC NEWS Update: a Finnish politician wins case
Paivi Rasansen has been acquitted of all charges. The politician along with her co-defendant a Lutheran bishop were acquitted of all charges recently. The defendants were on trial in Finland after Rasansen posted a Bible scripture on social media. The scripture was in support of traditional marriage. The post was later deemed hate speech by Finnish officials because it supported traditional marriage. The officials also charged the bishop in the case because his publishing company published the politician’s books. The court ruled in Rasansen’s favor and the prosecution was ordered to pay all her legal fees. The Finnish government has now appealed the case; SNBC NEWS will continue to update the story as it continues.  

NJ transgender inmate impregnates two female inmates in state facility
The Biden Administration recently announced executive orders to further advance the rights of transgender citizens here in the US. One of those rights is to allow a person who is transgender to stay in a jail or prison according to the gender they identify with. A case in New Jersey may change that decision. According to reports two female inmates are pregnant after having a relationship with a transgender inmate. The biological male is allowed to serve in the Edna Mahan facility because he can be housed according to gender identity in New Jersey, not his biological gender. The inmate does not have to have any form of surgery in order to be housed in the women’s facility. The report was release recently but the incident occurred in late last year (2021). The relationships were consensual according to the report, and the inmate in question has even complained to the media claiming the pregnant women are currently in solitary confinement. The inmate and one of the women in the case are both currently serving time for two separate murder convictions. The inmate is one of 27 that identify as transgender currently serving time at a women’s prison facility in New Jersey. Officials for the Department of Corrections in the state of New Jersey officials say they cannot comment on the case at this time.

SNBC HEALTH report: health experts are reporting the health benefits of fruit in general
The benefits of fruit can vary according to each species of fruit, but it can all be beneficial according to research.  All varieties of fruit help fight against inflammation, is beneficial to the immune system and promotes gut health. Nutrients in fruit help protect the heart, fight against diabetes, and lower cancer risk. Most have a high-water content which helps with hydration in the body. They are considered great sources for essential vitamins, minerals, and high in fiber. Fruit also have a wide range of antioxidants. Various fruits have nutrients that are beneficial to skin health. Some fruits are higher in certain nutrients compared to others, and researchers still advise monitoring sugar content even though it is a natural sugar.

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.