SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11th, 2022

Teacher wins settlement in religious discrimination case
A teacher in Kansas has won her case after being fired. According to a recent report the teacher, Pam Ricard was fired for refusing to use a student’s preferred gender pronouns. Ricard was an employee of Fort Riley Middle School located in Geary County, Kansas. The teacher was fired after refusing to refer to a student, who was a female by male pronouns. Ricard was suspended for three days in 2021 for the refusal. She refused citing her religious beliefs. The teacher was later warned for referring to the student as “Miss”. Ricard says she was also forced to conceal the student’s preferred pronouns from the child’s parents. The teacher later sued the district for religious discrimination. Ms. Ricard was awarded 95-thousand dollars in the case and will retire early as part of the settlement. Attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom represented Ms. Ricard. Attorney Joshua Ney, part of Ricard’s defense team, called the school’s attempt to force the teacher to compromise her beliefs and convince her to lie to the student’s parents, “absurdity and deceptive”. He added this ruling will show other school boards that they will pay financially if they attempt to force teachers to be deceptive to their students’ parents.  Another teacher in Ireland was recently suspended for refusing to use a child’s preferred gender pronouns. He was later arrested for attempting to return to work according to reports. Here in the US the Washington Post is reporting 160 teachers have lost their jobs for refusing to teach subjects such as critical race theory or refusing to adhere to liberal and LGBT curriculums mandated by school boards.

 ADF labeled hate group by official at US Justice Department
Alliance Defending Freedom made headlines for different reason this week. The law organization was criticized by a member of the Justice Department. The comments are controversial because according to the US Justice Department’s own conduct clause, employees are not allowed to give their personal opinions on political or cultural issues. Eric P. Bruskin, assistant director of the commercial litigation branch in the Justice Department's Civil Division, commented on the ADF after a fellow colleague posted about the group on social media. In the post, Jason Weida commented on speaking at an event hosted by Alliance Defending Freedom. Bruskin in response referred to the ADF as a hate group and threatened to end his association with Weida. Eric Bruskin has previously worked for the ACLU. The organization along with groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center have labeled conservative groups hate groups for their religious and conservative beliefs. The Justice Department has not commented on Bruskin’s remarks on social media.

South Carolina continues move towards ban of abortions after six weeks
The state of South Carolina is now one step closer to banning all abortions after six weeks in that state. These revisions to the bill when it passed in the South Carolina State House would allow abortions only in cases of medical emergencies, rape, incest, and if the mother’s life is in danger. The bill would allow abortions up to 12 weeks for victims of rape.  The bill passed the State House by a vote of 67-38. The State Senate is expected to pass the bill, but the medical exemptions have so far been removed according to updates from politicians just this week. This move may cause the bill to be defeated, but negotiations are still reportedly in progress among members of South Carolina’s State Senate. About 100 protesters were present at the South Carolina House of Representatives to protest the bill. The current ban for abortions in South Carolina is at 20 weeks of pregnancy, if this bill does not pass. SNBC NEWS will update on this story as it continues. 

SNBC HEALTH Report; the benefits of a good night’s sleep for your heart
According to reports eating right and exercising are a benefit to heart health but getting a good night’s sleep is also one of the essential needs to achieve long term heart health. The American Heart Association is encouraging Americans to get more rest daily to benefit their bodies long-term. According to the organization sleeping at least seven to nine hours a night helps the body repair. The body’s blood pressure drops during deep sleep allowing the heart to decrease its workload compared to daily activities. It also allows the brain to release growth hormones helping the heart to recover from the demands of the day, according to researchers. Cardiologist Dr. Deepak Talerja advises winding down before going to bed which includes turning off electronics. He also advises limiting processed foods, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and daily exercise.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4th, 2022

CDC removes guidelines concerning COVID shot
The CDC has finally admitted their COVID guidelines were incorrect. According to reports the CDC quietly changed their guidelines to reflect what several doctors were once villainized for during pandemic lockdowns. The new guidelines are now more focused on those at risk for severe illness such as the elderly and those with previous underlying health issues. The guidelines include an admission by the CDC that those who have natural immunity from COVID-19 have “some degree of protection against severe illness from their previous infection.” This statement basically agrees with previous reports by several immunologists who criticized the Biden administration. Most were angered that the administration did not acknowledge natural immunity and pushed for people to take the shot as the only way to fight against COVID-19. Discrimination lawsuits are expected to increase following the change in CDC guidelines; thousands around the U.S. lost their jobs for refusing to take the shot.  States including New York and California even went as far as banning people from public areas such as gyms, restaurants, and medical facilities if they had not taken the shot. The head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, admitted the organization failed in their role sharing COVID- 19 information which critics believe directly led to restrictive mandates nationwide.

Federal judge sides with Marine Corps troops in lawsuit
A federal judge has ruled in favor of members of the US military over recent military shot mandates. A federal judge has granted a temporary injunction against the Department of Defense concerning the COVID shot. The injunction will suspend the mandate for all members of the US Marine Corps reservists and active duty from having to take the shot. Members of the Marine Corps who filed the lawsuit are being represented by the Liberty Counsel. The justice in the case commented on the Corps’ lack of granting religious exemptions to soldiers who refused the shot. Justice Steven Merryday called the choice of choosing between religious beliefs and the ability to serve in the military as a systemic failure by the Marine Corps. Only 11 religious exemptions were granted out of the 37-hundred Marines that applied for this request. Merryday continued saying those who refused the shot would still be physically able to fulfill their obligations and this refusal did not affect their ability to serve.

Evangelist remains in US detention facility
A Danish evangelist seeking asylum here in the US is currently sitting in a detention center. According to CBN News Torben Søndergaard has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the past two months. The evangelist fled his home country of Denmark following religious persecution and false accusations of criminal activity from the Danish government and media. He was later cleared of those accusations in his home country.  Søndergaard instead of returning to Denmark, traveled to the US, with his family, seeking religious and political asylum, prompting his meeting with Homeland Security officials. He says the meeting instead was an ambush by officials who accused him of smuggling weapons into the US from Mexico. The evangelist was then arrested and continues to be held in an ICE facility. Søndergaard and his family are asking for prayer from the Body of Christ for his release and to continue his evangelism endeavors. Officials when questioned about the case say they will not comment on an ongoing investigation. We will update you on this story at is continues.

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: the health benefits of pomegranates
This week’s SNBC Health Report focuses on the health benefits of pomegranates. Doctors are continuing to find new benefits from this fruit. Pomegranates are known for their antioxidant properties; this fruit has several other benefits that are continuing to be discovered. Pomegranates are considered an excellent source of Vitamin C and is believed to help the body fight against cellular damage. Scientists believe this fruit helps with protection from pollutants in the environment. It is believed to have antiaging properties and may help protect the body against cancer. Pomegranates help with inflammation and promote heart health. Nutritionists believe the nutrients from the pomegranate can be obtained through the fruit and its protective covering. It also maintains all its nutritional value if you consume just the flesh or juice the fruit.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 28th, 2022

Church wins dismissal of fines in COVID mandate case
A church in California has won its case in that state’s appellate court. Calvary Chapel was fined almost 200-thousand dollars in fines for not closing its doors during the COVID 19 lockdowns in California. The church’s pastor Mike McClure says the decision by the court was a win for religious freedom. The court announced it had elected to drop the charges. The justice presiding over the case referenced the US Supreme Court already establishing a legal precedent concerning this issue. The justice in the case also commented on the fact that state officials allowed other businesses deemed essential to stay open, but not the church. The church still has another case left concerning fines accumulated during the lockdowns. The county where Calvary Chapel is located is still attempting to fine the church 2.8 million dollars for violations during statewide lockdown mandates. Attorneys for the church say they expect a victory in this case as well.

US Episcopal Church organization passes controversial resolutions at National convention
The national US Episcopal Church passed two controversial resolutions at their annual convention. The first resolution will approve of transgender surgeries for adults and children that are a part of the Episcopal Church. Resolution D066 endorses what the governing body of the church calls, “gender-affirming care”. The resolution calls these types of surgeries a matter of religious liberty for all ages. The statement continues condemning those that oppose trans-surgery for adults or children. The second resolution confirmed the church’s approval of unrestricted access to abortion services.  Critics within the Episcopal Church and online expressed harsh criticism for the organization’s resolutions. The US Episcopal church split from churches in the US and around the world for their liberal views. Most critics of the Episcopal Church say the church has strayed from the Word of God and is embracing more liberal views to appease parishioners.

SNBC NEWS update: Justice rules in Ben & Jerry’s case
Ben & Jerry’s has lost a legal case to end sales of its ice cream in Israel. A justice blocked a legal effort to stop Ben & Jerry’s parent company Unilever, from sales of the ice cream in the West Bank. The founders of Ben & Jerry’s are supporters of the BDS Movement. The movement is a part of a liberal campaign that encourages economic boycotts of Israel. The boycotts are an attempt to force Israel to give up land in the region for a potential Palestinian nation. Israel claims the land as part of their nation since Biblical times and acquired the land during the Six Day War in modern times. The company claims their product being sold in the West Bank violates their core values.  A justice ruled Ben & Jerry’s had no legitimate claims to contest or pull out of the West Bank; a move the parent company did not condone. Israeli officials have praised the ruling by the court.

SNBC HEALTH report: Hydrogen Water
SNBC Health is taking a look at hydrogen water. This product is a form of water that is believed to be beneficial to the human body because of the process used to create it. According to reports hydrogen water is created through a process that adds extra hydrogen to water.  Water already includes hydrogen (H2O is water’s chemical compound name), but this process adds more to the water for the benefit of the body in various ways. According to nutrition reports hydrogen water helps with fatigue, promotes cardiovascular health, improves diabetes, and improves cognitive health. Hydrogen water can be considered a bit pricey; products online including bottled hydrogen water, machines, and hydrogen dietary tablets range from 19 dollars to over 200 dollars. There are several hydrogen water products currently on the market including:  Dr. Perricone’s hydrogen water, H factor Flavored Hydrogen water, a hydrogen ionizer machine, and Dr. Mercola H2 Molecular Hydrogen supplements. Most of these items are sold online; always remember to consult with a trusted healthcare professional when you are thinking about adding items to your healthcare regimen.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 21st, 2022

Israel and Turkey announce full diplomatic ties restored after 10 years of tension
The nations of Israel and Turkey have announced the restoration of full diplomatic ties with one another. The announcement was made recently by Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Turkey’s president in a joint press conference. The two nations once close allies have had a strained relationship for 10 years. The main issues between the two nations involved Turkish leaders support of terrorist groups, which Israeli leaders repeatedly condemned them for supporting. Turkish leaders also criticized Israel for its conflict with Palestinians.  The historic Abraham Accords orchestrated by the US in 2020 helped ease tensions and begin the process of talks again between Turkey and Israel. Both nations say they are committed to deepening their ties and strengthening regional stability in the region.

Hospital releases video explaining “gender affirming” hysterectomies on young teens/women
A children’s hospital in Boston received heavy criticism for what critics called a shocking video. According to reports the video featured a doctor, Frances Grimstad, talking about performing hysterectomies on girls. The video was a part of what a series of videos released by Boston Children’s Hospital concerning what they called gender-affirming series. These procedures are surgeries described as transgender or gender affirming surgeries. The doctor in the video described the hysterectomies as part of what is done to a biological girl seeking these kinds of treatments. Dr. Grimstad, according to reports describes herself on social media as “queer” and a “trans reproductive health advocate”. The video uploaded on YouTube was immediately removed after intense backlash against the hospital. The hospital’s website says they have performed over 300 gender surgeries on both male and female patients. The hospital claims all candidates for these surgeries are over the age of 18. Boston Children’s Hospital serves patients from birth to age 21.    

UK parents protest Drag Queen Story Hour events
Parents in the United Kingdom are pushing for boycotts and protests of upcoming drag queens story hours in that nation. The controversial practice has received staunch protest from parents here in the US. Now parents in the United Kingdom are urging petitions and protests to keep events from occurring across different regions. Critics call these drag queen events a form of grooming and child abuse. The organization sponsoring the Drag Queen Story Hour UK claim the group does extensive background checks. They also claim the purpose of these events is to promote reading and inclusivity. Some performers that participated in Drag Queen Story hours here in the US were discovered to have criminal records that included child abuse and prostitution charges.

SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of almonds
Almonds are considered a healthy and versatile food. Part of the protein food group almonds and other nuts are considered heart healthy snacks and have a lot of benefits for the human body. According to research, almonds are considered a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Almonds are beneficial to immunity health and reducing inflammation in the body. They have also become very popular due to being used as an alternative milk source. Another alternative almond butter is considered a good source of healthy fats for those who cannot consume peanuts. Nutritionists encourage consuming almonds throughout the day as a snack or include them as part of a meal.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 14th, 2022

NC Attorney General’s office pushes for a continued ban on time frame for abortions in state
North Carolina’s attorney general is asking the court not to reinstate a 20 week ban on abortion.
The request to allow abortions after 20 weeks stems from a 2019 case. The previous case resulted in an injunction banning North Carolina from restricting abortions after 20 weeks. The justice in the case has asked both sides to submit arguments supporting why the case should continue. The justice, William Osteen remarked the recent repeal by the US Supreme Court now shows no strong legal argument to lift the injunction. Supporters of the ban on abortion after 20 weeks in this state say a ruling by the justice would end the political posturing of this case by its plaintiffs and the attorney general’s office.  According to reports, the state attorney general Josh Stein has recused himself from the case referencing his support of abortion rights. Leaders in this state say his political beliefs are interfering with Stein’s job as the state’s top attorney. Both parties according to a recent article do not want further action in this case. (Supporters want a final ruling only to end the support of litigation from the justice not a full trial hearing, etc. on the matter.)

Florida Christian school sues for right to pray in public arenas
A Christian school has sued for the right to pray before public sports events. Attorneys for Cambridge Christian School have filed a lawsuit following a ban by Florida High School Athletic Association. The organization (FHSA) claims the stadium in Florida where the school’s championship football game was played (the Citrus Bowl stadium) was owned by the city and praying would be a violation of the Constitution. The game, which was between two private Christian schools occurred in 2015. Seven years later several cases including a recent victory for a football coach fired for praying after football games is helping the private schools’ case. Attorneys for the school say the US Supreme Court has continued in recent years to affirm discrimination based on religious beliefs is unconstitutional. Jesse Panuccio, part of the school’s legal counsel says attorneys for the school believe after seven years the courts will finally vindicate Cambridge Christian and that the Constitution will prevail.

Israeli forces report killing of terrorist leader following truce
News from Israel tonight. The nation has continued into its sixth  day of a truce with Islamic Jihad. The Palestinian terrorist group retaliated following an Israeli strike against the terrorist group. The targeted strike killed the leader of the Islamic Jihad group. The offensive strike was followed counter attacks from Islamic Jihad. This resulted in three days of fighting from both sides, until Israel’s Prime Minister called for an end to the operation, named “breaking dawn”. The offensive was seen as a message to Iran, whom Israeli officials say are funding the terrorist group in Gaza. IDF officials also reported the death of a wanted terrorist suspect and two other people. The suspected was killed during a shoot-out the Israeli Defense Forces. Palestinians in the area began to riot in retaliation for the attacks; 40 people were wounded in that riot. The IDF reports the Iron Dome had a 97 percent success rate during the conflict and no soldiers were reported injured during riots days later.

SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of drinking lemon water
Lemon water is a popular beverage choice used in most restaurants here in the US. This drink, though considered simple still has several health benefits. Drinking water with lemon helps promote hydration. It provides vitamin C to the body and helps promote weight loss. It helps as a boost of flavor for water and some use it as an alternative to sodas and sugar filled juice drinks. The citric acid in lemons is known to help with kidney stones and may assist in the limiting issues with acid reflux. Nutritionists advise if consuming lemon water on a regular basis for acid reflux or other issues, make sure it is diluted well to prevent stomach irritation.