SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th, 2022

National grocery store chain Kroger settles with two former employees in discrimination case
A grocery store chain has settled a case involving religious discrimination. National grocery store chain Kroger has agreed on a settlement involving two former employees. The grocery store chain introduced employee aprons with an LGBT pride flag logo as part of a campaign in support of the LGBT community. The two employees, Trudy Rickerd, and Brenda Lawson each refused to wear the apron citing their Christian beliefs. One of the women even offered to buy a new apron on her own to prevent the company from spending more money according to court documents. Both women, who worked at a Kroger near Little Rock, Arkansas were fired from the company in 2019 following the incident.  The case was eventually taken to court by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Kroger claims the incident was not religious discrimination because the rainbow logo did not possess all the LGBT pride flag colors. A judge ruled in favor of the women awarding them 180-thousand dollars, which the company has agreed to pay. Kroger will also create a religious accommodation policy for employees and religious discrimination training for its store managers.

 SNBC NEWS UPDATE: Allen family sues after daughter suspended over trans student in locker room
The family of a student in Vermont has now sued school officials following an incident that made national headlines. The family of Blake Allen has sued after the student and her father were suspended for objecting to a male student  being allowed in the girl’s locker room. The student who has not been identified, is a biological male that identifies as female, according to school officials. The student was allowed to participate on the girls’ volleyball team at Randolph Union High School and use the girl’s locker room. Students including Blake Allen complained saying the male student was watching the girls undress and making inappropriate comments. Allen led the attempts to have the student removed, later complaining to the school officials. Following an investigation Blake Allen was suspended and required to take part in pro-LGBT training to accommodate the student’s identity according to school officials. Allen’s father who is a soccer middle school coach was later suspended for the rest of the season without pay for making comments online about the incident and referring to the student in question as a male. The Allen family is being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. A senior counsel member for the organization called the suspensions a violation of the Blake and Travis Allen’s free speech rights. Since the lawsuit was filed, Blake Allen has been allowed to return to school with no disciplinary requirements, her father Coach Travis Allen is still suspended. SNBC NEWS will continue to update you on this story as it develops.

Charges against pastor in Canada
A pastor in Canada has been acquitted of all charges related to COVID mandate violations. Pastor Tim Stephens was arrested twice for violating covid mandate restrictions in Alberta, Canada in 2021. Officials claim Stephens violated public health orders and even went as far as tracking down the pastor with a police helicopter to locate where he was holding outdoor services. Officials later arrested and charged Stephens with civil disobedience. The Provincial Court of Alberta announced the last two charges against the pastor would be erased and Alberta’s top official says she will issue pardons to Stephens and other citizens in the area that were punished or arrested for covid mandate violations. Several pastors in Canada, including Pastor Tim Stephens were arrested and had their churches closed for violating covid mandate restrictions. The Canadian government has continued to defend the arrests claiming the pastors were in violation of emergency laws designed to protect Canadian citizens.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the health benefits of quercetin
This nutrient is a pigment that adds color to fruits and vegetables. It can be found in various foods and provides health benefits to the body in several ways. It is described by nutritionists as an antioxidant flavanol and is found in several foods naturally.  This nutrient fights against inflammation and is considered a natural antihistamine. It is known to treat cold and flu symptoms and helps fight against heart disease. Quercetin is an antiviral and helps prevent viruses from infecting cells and boosts immunity.
It promotes brain health, and fights against cancer. This nutrient can be found in kale, cherry tomatoes, onions, broccoli, blueberries, and apples.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6th, 2022

NY Judge rules in favor of NYC employees
A major case was decided on by a justice in New York state recently. Justice Ralph Porzio ruled in favor of a group of former New York City employees who sued following their termination for refusing to take the COVID shot. Those employed by the city of New York were given a deadline to receive the COVID shot or be terminated. Thousands of police officers, teachers, sanitation workers, and those in the medical field lost their jobs following their protest of the mandate. The mayor of New York later passed an executive order allowing exemptions from the shot for professional athletes, actors, and other performers in the city.  The justice ruled that this act was clear discrimination against other workers in the city. Justice Porzio has ordered the city to rehire all workers fired over the mandate and compensate them for back pay from the time they were dismissed to the present day. The justice noted in his decision that the New York City department that issued the mandate did not have the legal authority to do so and city employees were deprived of their legal rights. The mayor of New York City Eric Adams says the exemptions for athletes and performers was due to economic reasons and not biased. The city of New York has announced it would lift mandates for all employees in the private sector effective November 1st.

Governor of California announces end to COVID restrictions after three years
The Governor of California has recently announced his state will lift its COVID state of emergency mandates after nearly three years of restrictions in that state. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has announced covid emergency mandates for the state will end in February of 2023. The state of California has been one of the most restrictive state governments in the US for the past two almost three years. Citizens in that state were restricted from various activities including church services and visiting restaurants, or gyms if they refused to take the COVID shot. Several churches in that state filed lawsuits citing discrimination after state officials made threats to close their facilities and even place pastors in jail for defying the state government. Several of the cases were won by these churches; some are currently still in litigation. Churches involved in these cases are asking courts in California to dismiss financial penalties they acquired during the lockdowns. The governor’s office of California has remained defiant about the treatment of citizens and churches in that state claiming the restrictions protected thousands of California citizens from potential death.

Former Prime Minister wins big in Israel
The nation of Israel’s citizens have cast their votes for that nation’s prime minister. The election marks the fifth time in four years Israelis have voted for Prime Minister. Reports from the region with 100 percent of voting facilities accounted for are declaring former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the winner along with his political party, the Likud party. Netanyahu spoke to supporters this week saying, “our way, the way of the Likud, has proven itself.”  The current caretaker Prime Minster Yair Lapid claims the election is not over and he will not concede until the final vote is counted. Netanyahu is still popular in Israel and is known for his pro- Israel and conservative government. Netanyahu’s stance on Israel first made him a strong ally for more conservative governments around the world including the US, under the Trump Administration at the time. The US and Israel became closer allies during that time leading to the historic Abraham Accords, a peace treaty signed with several Arab nations. US/ Israel relations are currently strained under the Biden Administration. The current US administration wants Israel to give the West Bank to Palestinians. The Biden Administration has also revised the controversial Iran treaty; Israeli officials have said they are strongly opposed to that deal.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the health benefits of lemongrass
According to health reports, lemongrass has gained in popularity here in the US, especially due to its natural nutritional benefits as an alternative to medications. The plant is native to India and Asia and is popular in those regions. Known as fever grass in some areas, it was given the nickname because of its ability to help reduce fevers. It is used to treat stomach issues including ulcers and promotes digestion. Lemongrass boosts immunity, fights infections, and helps reduce blood pressure. It helps fight against bacterial and fungal infections including drug resistant infections. According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, lemongrass helps with pain reduction in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Lemongrass can be used in a variety of ways from food to teas and is a popular essential oil. A 2015 study in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine suggests lemongrass oil when smelled can help relieve stress.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 30th, 2022

Teacher fired for refusing to read LGBT material to students
A teacher in California is suing her former employer. Nelli Parisenkova has filed a lawsuit after being fired from Bright Horizons Children’s Center in Studio City, California.  Parisenkova says she was fired for refusing to read to the children about same-sex relationships and marriage. She said teaching the children this subject matter, who are ages five and under, would violate her religious beliefs and would be contrary to the teachings of her faith. Parisenkova says she asked her direct supervisor for an informal accommodation that would give her an exemption. The request was granted, but the director of the company later fired her, claiming she violated company policy. The director told Parisenkova that if she would not celebrate diversity and inclusion, she needed to find another place of employment. Parisenkova claims that once they received her religious exemption request, the company was determined to make her work environment hostile. She is being represented by the Thomas More Society. Attorneys for Ms. Parisenkova called the termination an outrageous example of religious discrimination and accused Bright Horizons of promoting the indoctrination of young children. 

Parents in UK urge Church of England to drop pro-LGBT agenda
Two parents in the United Kingdom are asking the Church of England to change its pro-LGBT agenda. Parents Nigel and Sally Rowe sent an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, asking him to revise its Valuing God’s Children Policy. The policy allows children as young as five years old to be identified by the gender they wish to identify with. The Church of England has over 4,000 primary schools in the UK. The couple wrote the letter following an incident where they and their son were labeled transphobic because of the son's response to his friends at school, who asked to be referred to by opposite gender pronouns. The parents removed their child from the school following the incident, and after taking legal action were awarded more than $23,000, along with a promise from the government to reform these policies. They are now asking the Church of England to change its policy as well. Attorneys for the Christian Legal Centre in the UK called the Church of England’s pro- LGBT policies in school harmful.

 Student barred from degree and professional practice after “controversial” commencement speech
A student in Mexico has won his complaint against his alma mater. Christian Cortez Perez was denied his degree and a license to practice psychology from the Autonomous University of Baja California in Mexico following his graduation in June. Perez was denied his accreditations because his graduation speech angered school staff and some students. Perez, who is a Christian, voiced his opinion about current issues during his valedictory speech. In his speech, he noted that human beings are trying to redefine what a human is through methods that undermine dignity and freedom. The complainers protested vocally and walked out, calling Perez’s address hate speech, but he continued and delivered his graduation address in full. They later published articles demanding Perez be denied his professional license to practice psychology. Perez was represented by Alliance Defending Freedom International in this case. Following a formal complaint made through his attorneys, the student was awarded his degree and the right to practice in Mexico. Perez says he is overjoyed by the decision and his comments during commencement were an exercise in free speech. Attorneys for Perez echoed his sentiments, calling free speech fundamental for intellectual life both in and beyond school.

 SNBC HEALTH Report: the importance of increasing your daily step count

Walking every day is one of the best ways to get exercise and receive health benefits. Researchers recently released a study of 6,000 middle-aged and older adults and found health benefits according to the number of steps taken per day. Adults who took at least 8,000-9,000 steps daily were found to have a lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and other issues. The study revealed that the more steps taken per day, the more it assists the body in fighting health issues. Dr. Chip Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans says fitness is one of the strongest protectors against most health problems. The study was published in Nature Medicine this month and followed adults ages 41-67. The subjects of this study monitored their steps by using a fitness tracker and ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Researchers advise not to be fixated on the number of steps, but to note that the more steps you take each day, the more beneficial it is to the body.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2022

SNBC NEWS was cancelled due to a special praise service at VCC; please enjoy these web exclusives and stay tuned for our next broadcast !

Baker cleared of discrimination charge in California
A baker in California has won her case after being accused of discrimination. Cathy Miller, owner of Tastries bakery was charged with discrimination for refusing service. Miller declined to bake a cake for a same-sex couple, who later complained to the department of fair housing and employment in California. The department formerly accused Miller of discrimination. The justice presiding over the case pointed out that Miller had the right to refuse based on her religious beliefs. Ms. Miller has a history of refusing service for various requests including divorce celebration cakes, sexually explicit cakes, and same-sex marriage cakes based on her Christian beliefs as pointed out by her attorney. She went further and even recommended a bakery to the same-sex couple after she refused service, which was not required. Attorney for Ms. Miller say they are pleased with the verdict.  

SNBC HEALTH REPORT (PARENT ALERT) CDC adds COVID shot to child immunization schedule list
The CDC has recommended the COVID shot be added to the child immunization schedule list for 2023. The recommendation is for children ages six months and up. The recommendation also extends to adults with the CDC recommending everyone ages six months and up get the COVID shot, and any boosters required. The COVID shot is still under emergency approval and has yet to be officially recognized by the FDA as an approved immunization substance. This means there is no real requirement for the shot to be taken in order for a child to attend school in 2023. Experts says the shot will never be mandatory but requiring it to attend school will fall to each individual state. The state of California’s government has already mandated the COVID shot for children to attend public schools.  Parents please be advised ask questions when speaking with your child’s pediatrician and school concerning COVID shot mandate requirements for each state for school attendance. (Parents as always have the legal right to refuse a medical shot for their child based on religious beliefs or excuse issued by doctors, etc.)

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 16th, 2022

NY Judge claims the time has come to legalize polyamorous relationships
A judge in New York State has ruled in a case that critics believe could lead to legalizing polyamorous relationships. According to the report Justice Karen May Bacdayan ruled in a favor of a man that says he was involved in a relationship with two other men. The plaintiff was evicted from his apartment following the death of the other occupant, because they were not related. The man then revealed he was dating the other tenant who was in a relationship with another man and was legally recognized as married to in the state of New York. The plaintiff argued that he was in a non-traditional family with the other two men.  Justice Karen May Bacdayan ruled in favor of the plaintiff writing in her opinion, "the time has arrived for polyamorous relationships to have legal rights”. She added that rulings in favor of same sex marriage did not go far enough because they only recognized two person relationships.  Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council called the case a dangerous slope and that Democrats push for tolerance is dangerous for society. Perkins said in his statement quote, “The LGBT's fight was never about marriage—it was about every social norm," Perkins also quoted the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who in 2003 warned of cases like this in the US.

Justice wins case against atheist group over prayer in courtroom
Justice in Texas has won his case. The justice Wayne Mack was targeted by atheist group Freedom from Religion for daily opening his court with prayer. The justice invited leaders from the faith community to pray before court proceedings without any complaints prior to the Freedom from Religion complaint. The organization claims the prayers were unconstitutional. Justices in the case ruled 2-1 in favor of Mack and called Freedom from religions complaint unreasonable. The president of Freedom from Religion in a statement claims the justice’s act is a form of coercion and the bench is not a pulpit.  Justice Mack released a statement saying he was eternally grateful to the court for their decision and looks forward to continuing his service to the people of his district. Mack’s attorneys also released a statement calling saying his actions agreed with his rights under the US Constitution.

Colorado cake baker in court again over refusal to serve claims
A Colorado baker is once again in court fighting for his legal right to religious freedom. Jack Phillips was sued for refusing to bake a cake for a same sex wedding in 2012. The US Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of Mr. Phillips in 2018, that he had the right to refuse service for religious beliefs. The baker is now involved in another case due to his refusal to make a cake for another client. According to reports a potential client asked for a cake to be made by the bakery celebrating a gender transition according to the client. Phillips refused service, citing his Christian beliefs; he stated in court previously that he believes a person cannot switch genders. The person later sued citing prejudice according to Colorado state laws. Phillips is being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. Mr. Phillips said following court proceedings that he was fighting for the rights of all Americans to live to live according to their consciences without fearing punishment from the government.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the health benefits of avocado oil
Avocado oil is considered a healthy alternative when selecting oils to fry or cook foods. It has a high smoke point for cooking at 520 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it keeps its nutritional value it not heated past this point. In addition to its high smoke point this oil has several health benefits. It is produced by pressing the flesh of an avocado which means it contains the same nutritional benefits. Avocado oil is beneficial to hair, teeth and gums. It has properties that are beneficial to the skin. It contains lutein, which is beneficial to eye health, and rich in omega-9 fatty acids which are beneficial to heart health. Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants, and according to studies assists in joint health in particular studies focused on arthritis. This oil can be consumed in a number of ways including added to homemade salad dressing, smoothies, to cook meat and other dishes.