PLEASE NOTE THE US SUPREME COURT’S overturn of Roe vs. Wade was not released prior to our SNBC NEWS deadline. SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE will have a full report next week on the what the decision means and the full legal aspect of this decision on us abortion laws.
US Supreme Court rules in favor of school choice
A big win for parents this week in the fight for better education for their children. The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of school choice programs. The court ruled 6-3 against attorneys representing the state of Maine. Parents in that state sued after they were denied state funding for their children to attend private Christian schools. The state of Maine allows parents to enroll children in private schools and offers a monetary stipend to pay for tuition. The program is available to all except those enrolling in religious schools. The parents who filed the lawsuit were seeking the funds to enroll children in two separate Christian schools. Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion wrote that the state could not provide money for tuition and exclude religious schools. Roberts further added the money was volunteered by the state, but not required by law; once this option was offered in Maine excluding a school based on religion is discrimination. Two separate justices on the court wrote opinions against the decision. Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Stephen Breyer both commented that the decision was dismantling the separation of church and state, and the money is being used to essentially teach and practice religion. The decision is expected to affect other states where public funding for children to attend private schools in particular religious schools has been banned.
Israeli officials announce new elections for Prime Minister
The nation of Israel has announced new elections. The nation’s prime minister announced last week that Parliament would be dissolved, and new elections will be held. This is now the fifth election that will be held in recent years. The nation held four elections between 2019 and 2021. Yair Lapid will serve as Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister until the new prime minister and Parliament members are elected. The announcement virtually marks the end of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett time in office. Critics say Bennett has struggled during his time in office and has no real support or majority among Israeli officials. There could be a chance that Benjamin Netanyahu is reelected as prime minister. The former prime minister of Israel lost his bid for re-election following accusations of corruption from rivals. Netanyahu has denied these allegations. The elections will be held in October or November of this year.
International swim organization bans trans-athletes in women’s competition
An international swimming organization is being praised for a new rule protecting women’s competitive swimming. The International Swimming Federation known as FINA has banned transgender athletes from women’s competitive swimming. Athletes who are biological males will not be eligible for women’s swimming competitions in events such as the Olympics, Olympic trials and other events associated with these competitive events. This means the career of the former collegiate swimmer that started the controversy is essentially over. The swimmer who goes by the name Lia Thomas made headlines over the past few months after dominating NCAA women’s swimming competitions. Thomas’ dominance over biological women sparked heated debates concerning the need for bans to protect women’s sports. Doctors reported the swimmer did have an advantage over the other competitors due to natural body composition including lung capacity and bone density because of being born male. Thomas remained defiant previously expressing interest in swimming in the Olympics. FINA’s officials commented on the decision remarking that the rule change was made due to concerns over competitive fairness. The decision was not without one controversial note. Athletes can qualify if they transition before the age of 12 (this could potentially mean a child would have a life altering surgery before they’re bodies have developed or gone through puberty; supporters of the law are confident most state officials will pass laws to protect children from surgeries at this age).
SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of mushrooms
Mushrooms are technically vegetables and apart of the fungus kingdom food group. They are popular among vegans and vegetarians as a substitute for meat but have health benefits that everyday consumers can enjoy. Mushrooms are considered a lean protein. They are a good source of vitamin D due to the amount of sunshine used in farming practices. Mushrooms are considered an excellent source of zinc, potassium, cooper, magnesium, thiamine, and selenium. They are beneficial to the body’s immune system and help lower blood pressure. Mushrooms are beneficial in the production of other foods as well. According to mercola.com organic farmers use mushrooms as a regenerative crop. The vegetable helps to restore the soil, helping to produce other foods. You can grow and harvest your own mushrooms through mushroom growing kits. It is best when shopping to ask questions to find the most beneficial and nutrient rich mushrooms. When adding mushrooms to your health regimen, please remember do not harvest mushrooms in the wild unless properly trained or with the guidance of a trained professional as most mushrooms in the wild are harmful to humans . Also, a fun fact you can harvest mushrooms in some national forests here in the US, but there is a limit to the amount you can acquire, and park officials give guidance on what can be harvested.
