SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 25, 2022

Former students lose case against state
Four former high school students have lost their appeal against the state of Connecticut. The former female athletes sued after they say they were forced to run in track events against biological males. The male athletes identified as transgender and were allowed to race against females in the state of Connecticut. State officials claimed the two transgender students were protected under state and federal laws to participate in those races. During the athletes’ time racing against biological females, they broke 17 state records and won 15 state titles in the women’s categories. One female student that raced against the two athletes came in third repeatedly; that student, Chelsea Miller, wrote in an article for USA TODAY how the experience negatively affected her mentally and emotionally. The female students were represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer released a statement saying in part, “Every Woman deserves the respect and dignity that comes with having an equal opportunity to excel and win in athletics, and ADF remains committed to protecting the future of women’s sports.” 18 states in the US have passed laws banning any athlete that is not a biological female from participating in women’s sports.

Actor threatens lawsuit over library ban
Actor Kirk Cameron says he will “assert his constitutional rights” following what he calls discrimination. Cameron, who is a Christian and outspoken about his faith, was denied the opportunity to host story hour events at public libraries across the US. The story hour events were to promote an upcoming book entitled ‘As We Grow’. Cameron says most of the library officials that rejected the tour claimed they and Cameron’s beliefs did not align, or that they were not interested. The book is according to Cameron is about Biblical wisdom, and teaching children about how to grow according to the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. Cameron says he is prepared to take the case to court. The libraries that rejected the event are the same ones that allowed Drag Queen Story hours. These events feature men dressed in women’s clothing reading to young children. One library rejected Cameron’s request by commenting that they were a “queer friendly library”. Cameron and Brave Books Publishing have sent letters to some of the libraries along with a free copy of the book for patrons that desire to read it. Kirk Cameron’s sister Candace Cameron Bure recently was criticized by secular media and several celebrities for leaving Hallmark Channel due to the network’s recent addition of same-sex characters and storylines. Cameron-Bure cited her faith and desire to work for a company that promotes traditional marriage as her reasons for parting ways with Hallmark.

UK Supreme Court rules against silent protests
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has ruled against demonstrators who protest in front of abortion clinics. The court ruled that the Northern Ireland government can ban or censor protests in front of abortion clinics, even if they are silent prayer demonstrations. Protestors are now limited to a 328-foot distance and cannot offer help to potential patients, which includes distribution of materials. Those who violate the law could be arrested and fined a three thousand dollar fine for trespassing. The UK division of Alliance Defending Freedom released a statement saying peaceful protest activities should not be criminalized. The British government is working on a similar law. Violators of that law could face up to two years in prison. The Scottish government is also expected to pass a similar law in that region.

SNBC HEALTH Report: A new study finds Aspartame may have more than just long-term physical effects on the human body
Researchers are advising consumers about possible issues associated with artificial sweeteners in particular aspartame. This artificial sweetener has been marketed as an alternative to white sugar to promote a healthier lifestyle. Researchers at Florida State University’s college of medicine noted the breakdown of aspartame in the human body results in “potent” effects. The research team studied mice feeding the animals the same amount of aspartame found in six to eight cans of diet soda daily. The study found the mice developed anxiety-like behaviors related to their dependency on the sweetener. Researchers commented in the report that this chemical dependency was unexpected at the rate it developed. They also noted that treating the mice with an anxiety medication was the only thing that helped the addictive nature of the animals’ response. In addition to this observation, researchers noted aspartame altered the part of the animals’ brains that regulate fear and anxiety response. This disruption was reported in subject’s offspring for at least two generations. Researchers believe headaches, seizures, migraines, weight issues, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are linked to the consumption of artificial sweeteners. They advise eliminating these sweeteners from your health regimen.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 18th, 2022

Nativity Scene displayed for 70 years remains in place after complaint
A nativity scene in Arkansas will continue to be on display after a dispute. The mayor and city attorney of Eureka Springs, Arkansas requested a display celebrating the birth Jesus be removed following a complaint. According to the organization that donated the display, the mayor asked for it to be taken down after one resident threatened to sue the city. The man claimed the display violated his religious freedom. Randal Christy, who is associated with the organization countered saying the display is a part of a nationally recognized holiday celebrating the Birth of Jesus and he would not remove it. Christy later criticized the city for folding so quickly after one complaint. Following the controversy being made public, the city has agreed to allow the display. It will be featured in an upcoming Christmas play in the city’s park. The display was donated by a local organization and has been on display in Eureka Springs since 1950 (72 years). Randal Christy wrote on social media following the reversal by the city’s mayor, that he was proud of Mayor Robert Berry for his decision.

Afterschool Satan club request withdrawn in Virginia
A resident has withdrawn an application to host a Satanic after school club in Virginia. The resident, who remains unnamed applied to start an after-school Satan club at BM Williams Primary School in Chesapeake, Virginia. According to school officials the sponsor withdrew the application, following backlash from the community and claimed she was fearful for her family’s safety. The sponsor also cited the recent shooting in the area at a local Wal-Mart as reason to remove the request, to help the community, continue to heal (the shooter in that incident mentioned Satan in his manifesto). Organizers with the Satanic Temple claim they do not promote Satanism, but rather encourage children to explore critical thinking, problem-solving and creative expression. The campaign director for the national after school Satan club organization says they have a new sponsor and plan to continue with efforts to launch the after-school program. Parents in Chesapeake say they will continue to protest the Satanic after school program.

Popular doll company under fire for “woke” messaging to young girls
A popular doll company is refusing to back down after releasing a controversial and divisive book for young girls. The American Girl series has published a book by author Mel Hammond. The book advises young girls to “contact a doctor who may offer medicine to delay your body’s changes giving you more time to think about gender identity.”  The book entitled, ‘ A Smart Girls Guide: Body Image’,  is 96-page book is marketed to girls ages 10 and older, but some parents claim it is marked to girls as young as 4 years old. The book encourages girls who are confused about their bodies to secretly contact doctors without their parents’ knowledge to receive hormone treatment and counseling about gender identity. Parents are calling for a nationwide boycott of the company’s products. Critics believe hurting the company financially by refusing to purchase products will encourage American Girl executives to stay away from these kinds of topics if it effects their bottom line. Customers have reportedly flooded the company’s website with complaints about the controversial book. The American Girl company claims it is committed to delivering content that leaves readers feeling informed, confident, and positive about themselves.  American Girl sells dolls and related products to girls as young as toddlers to 14 years of age. The company has not commented further on the controversy and has continued to refuse to issue an apology concerning the controversy.

SNBC HEALTH Report:  A new report reveals certain Hair Products May Increase Risk for Uterine Disease.  The use popular hair straightening products may be at increased risk of uterine cancer, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health. The study finds long-standing concerns about the safety of chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products.  The industry, according to reports, is largely unregulated; the U. S. FDA allows ingredients in these products with no testing. Studies found some to these harmful products, being used in skin care, makeup and hair care products, including hair straightening chemicals, such as relaxers. 

The study included data from 33,497 U. S. women between the ages of 35 and 74, who took part in the Sister Study - a separate research initiative led by the NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A follow-up study 10 year later found over 300 of participants were diagnosed with uterine cancer. Those who had used hair straightening products in the previous 12 months had a higher rate of uterine cancer than those who had never used such products. 

The rate of uterine cancer cases has increased in recent years; cases are particularly aggressive among Black women, according to a 2019 study led by Dr. Megan Clarke, with the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.  

Women who used hair straighteners every 5-8 weeks, were 30% more likely to develop breast cancer, compared to 60% of Black women who were more at risk due to increased use of these product. 

The study suggests that hair straighteners are particularly dangerous because more chemicals may be absorbed through the skin of the scalp compared to skin on other parts of the body. In addition, heating processes such as flat ironing or blow drying during straightening treatments could release more toxic chemicals into the scalp. 

 To simply your routine to avoid exposure, researchers suggest making your own personal care products using safe ingredients like coconut oil, mild soap, and essential oils.  

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 11th, 2022

Controversial respect for Marriage Act passes in US
The respect for Marriage act has passed the Senate and has just passed the US House. The new law will protect same-sex marriage and require states across the US to recognize same-sex marriage regardless of state law. Supporters of this law claim this legislation will also protect interracial marriages and is a victory for equality. The bill passed the senate 62-35; the new law according to officials will not force same-sex ceremonies to be held at churches or for ministers to perform these ceremonies. Critics believe this kind of law will be used for persecution against religious organizations that refuse to host events or provide services for same-sex couples due to religious beliefs. James Lankford a representative from Oklahoma says this bill now law, is an attempt to silence anyone who does not agree with the government because of their faith. The creation of the bill may have been spawned due to the overturn to Roe vs. Wade by the US Supreme Court. Members of the Democratic party claimed other rights maybe at stake and laws needed to be passed to protect same-sex and interracial marriage. The law is expected to be signed according to representatives from the Biden Administration.

G20 leaders propose vaccine passports for citizens of participating countries
Leaders at a large economic summit recently voted on a controversial measure. Members of the G20 meeting held in Indonesia in November voted on several resolutions. These nations including the US have agreed to use these measures in their nations. Among the policies the nations agreed to adopt a new vaccine passport. The new resolution will allow each nation’s citizens to travel with a digital passport verifying they have had certain vaccines including the COVID 19 shot. Supporters of the policy claim the digital passport is a way to help boost tourism and help the world’s economy. Critics called the decision an overreach of government and a violation of individual human rights. The passport would be approved according to standards set by the World Health Organization. The passport could also be used to track a person’s interactions and where abouts when traveling. The G20 summit is made up of the world’s most populated nations. These resolutions are not binding but are considered a kind of treaty among nations that attend. Critics here in the US called the resolution a violation of the US Constitution, HIPPA laws, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Vermont will provide funding for private religious schools
The state of Vermont has agreed to provide funding for religious schools. State officials recently agreed to provide funding for students attending faith-based schools statewide. Officials had previously allowed funding for students in the state to attend private schools if no public schools were available in rural areas of the state. The state banned funding for religious private schools. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of parents, students, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vermont. A court recently ruled in favor of the ADF’s clients. The ruling will end a 20-year ban on funding for students attending religious schools in that state. ADF Legal counsel Paul Schmitt called the previous ban unlawful and thanked the local school districts for agreeing to provide the funding. Parents sued for the right to receive funding in the state of Maine concerning a similar rule. That case was appealed to the US Supreme Court which ruled in favor of students receiving the state funding calling the ban discrimination.

SNBC HEALTH Report: the importance of the healthy gut. This time of year has been traditionally dubbed cold and flu season by healthcare professionals. This term is not something we as believers should accept. Our protection starts with two things: the Word of God and a good health regimen. Concerning the natural body Dr. Robynne Chutkan says a strong immune system can be developed with high levels of good bacteria in the intestines. Good bacteria according to the doctor is vital to maintain a healthy immune system. Dr. Chutkan says living organisms found in certain foods help provide the body with good bacteria to fight against respiratory health issues. In addition to these foods fiber rich foods are also helpful to the process of promoting healthy bacteria in the body. Foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, buttermilk, and pickles are examples of probiotic foods that contain good bacteria. You can also take probiotic supplements but acquiring nutrients through food is usually recommended as a primary source of nutrition.

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.