SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th, 2022

Greek man sentenced for commenting on pro-transgender legislation
A man in Greece has been sentenced to prison for a comment he made five years ago on social media. According to reports, Vasilis Tsiartas a former soccer player commented online his frustration over a law allowing gender identity to be recognized in Greece in 2017. Among his comments Tsiartas wrote online that God created Adam and Eve. Five years later he is now the first person in Greece to be convicted under a new law that makes it illegal to incite violence or hatred based on gender identity. A pro transgender support group called the conviction of Tsiartas  “particularly important for the transgender community”. The former soccer player, who is considered a national hero in Greece says he will appeal the court’s sentence. If Vasilis Tsiartas  loses his appeal, he will serve up to 10 months in prison.

Israeli officials condemn resolution approved by UN officials
Israeli officials are condemning a new resolution passed by the UN. The United Nations General assembly voted recently in support of a presiding board to oversee issues concerning the “occupation of the West Bank”. The General Assembly is asking the International Court of Justice to advise the UN on the ongoing conflict over the West Bank. The resolution passed with the US, Australia, Canada, and Israel voting no; 52 other nations refrained from voting. The measure is expected to be officially ratified next month. Israel’s caretaker prime minister Yair Lapid says support for this measure will strengthen terrorists’ belief in their campaign against Israel. The West Bank which includes Israel’s capital city Jerusalem was acquired by Israel in modern times during the six-day war in 1967. Palestinians want the land to create their own sovereign nation. Israeli officials have refused saying they will not negotiate giving any land to Palestine, especially the city of Jerusalem or parts of the West Bank.

SoCal Harvest reports large numbers receive Christ at latest event
A large evangelism event is reporting a great success in California. Pastor Greg Laurie recently held the SoCal Harvest outreach in California. The event entitled Jesus Revolution was used to witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands in attendance. Held at The Angel Stadium in Anaheim California, over 200-thousand people attended the event with over 50 thousand at the stadium and over 100 thousand more attending online. The night featured music ministry from various artists and the Word of God. Organizers are reporting over eight thousand people gave their life to Christ during the alter call. According to the organization over eight million people have attended the SoCal Harvest event in person, and over 700 thousand have professed Christ as their Savior through the organization’s outreaches.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the health benefits of apple cider
This popular drink is just as common to find in the US as anything pumpkin flavored during the fall season. The best part about drinking apple cider is the health benefits. According to health reports, the process of creating apple cider adds to the nutritional benefits. The drink is created from cold pressed apples and then fermented. This process assists in the fruit maintaining more antioxidants and has more polyphenols than apple juice according to a 2015 study. Apple cider is good for your heart, contains good bacteria from the fermenting process, and may help with lowering cholesterol. Polyphenols found in apples are linked to lowering blood pressure and inflammation. It also contains probiotics and flavanols which are good for the body. Because apple cider is naturally high in sugar researchers advise monitoring the amount you consume.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20th, 2022

Group wins lawsuit over Christian Flag dispute
A five-year battle over the Christian flag has been decided in court. According to reports, the city of Boston denied a group requesting to display the Christian flag in front of Boston’s City Hall in 2017. The flag was to be displayed as apart of Constitution Day. According to the group, the city had previously accepted 300 applications from various groups to display their flag in front of City Hall. The only application denied was to display the Christian flag. The group later sued and were represented by Liberty Counsel. The case was later repealed to the US Supreme Court, who ruled unanimously in favor of the group. The city of Boston has agreed to pay 2.1 million dollars in damages and legal fees. Attorneys for the city of Boston claim the flag was denied due to officials’ belief that allowing a religious flag was unconstitutional. Justices with the Supreme Court commented in their ruling that rejecting the flag based on it being a religious symbol was discrimination. Attorneys for Liberty Counsel released a statement saying in part, “Never give up, there are things worth fighting for and victory over religious discrimination is one of them.”

Cadets at West Point given deadline to take COVID shot
Cadets at a US Military Academy were given an ultimatum on Veteran’s Day. Cadets at the prestigious West Point Academy were informed by military officials to take the COVID shot within 12 hours. The cadets and other service members had filed a motion in court to have the requirement dismissed. The case was denied on November 2nd, but they were not informed until Veteran’s Day. Cadets were then informed they had 12 hours to make the choice to take the shot or not. The information also included statements that claimed their military career would be harder to navigate if they refused, and discharge would make it difficult to secure a job in the civilian world. The US Military remains one of the areas in the federal government that still requires the COVID shot. Thousands of members of the US armed forces have filed lawsuits to receive religious exemptions. Thousands more have left the military in protest. Experts believe this refusal to remove COVID shot mandates will cause a depletion of US military forces over time. The Pentagon has reported an all-time low in recruitment for the US military; the shot requirement is believed to be a part of the resistance by new recruits to enlist.

Teacher in California uses controversial “gender unicorn” for small children
A teacher in California is being criticized for her lecture on young children and gender identity. According to Fox News Digital, the website has obtained a video featuring Danita McCray.
Ms. McCray was lecturing as part of the 2021 California Teachers Association conference and instructing teachers concerning gender identity. In the lecture McCray encouraged the teachers to use the controversial “gender unicorn”. This tool is used by some school districts to introduce gender identity and sexuality to children as young as toddler age. During the conference Ms. McCray claimed the tool is a part of positive strategies to support transgender and gender non-conforming children. When asked by members of the audience if this subject was too mature for young children McCrary commented that it was not and claims, referencing her doctorate degree, that she had done her research. She also claimed her teaching methods were appropriate for children as young as three years old. McCrary made further comments that if parents did not like her methods, they can move their child out of her class. The teacher is employed by the Sacramento City Unified District in California. The California Teachers association is affiliated with the National Education Association. When questioned about the comments, representatives from the school district said they were looking into the comments made by Ms. McCrary, but they strongly supported the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming students to ensure a safe and civil environment.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the effects of prayer and faith on teens and young adults
 Researchers with Springtide Research Institute followed teenagers and young adults between the ages of 13 to 25 for the study. Dr. Josh Packard says the study found this age group flourishes more than peers when they are people of faith and have a connection with those beliefs. Those who pray more tend to flourish especially in areas of mental health according to research. The data also pointed out increased wellness in other areas. Social interaction including church, also showed signs of strengthening mental health according to the report. 42 percent who attend weekly church services reported better mental health and well-being. 92 percent reported having a more satisfied contentment in their life compared to adults who attend church services less.  In addition to the study research from the Barna Group reports 61 percent of adults who actively practice their faith and attend church have better relationships with others from friendships to work compared to other US adults.

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.