SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 22nd, 2023

Professional hockey player criticized for faith during LGBT pride event.
A Professional hockey player is receiving criticism after taking a stand for his faith. Philadelphia Flyers player Ivan Provorov is facing backlash for refusing to participate in the organization’s “Pride Night.” The organization says the event is in support of the LGBT community. Players and staff are asked to wear LGBT pride themed jerseys and decorated hockey sticks with pride flag tape during warmups. The player, who is Russian Orthodox refused citing his faith. Provorov said in reference to his boycott, “I respect everybody and everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and true to my religion. The Flyers’ coach, John Tortorella says he was not going to bench the player because of his deeply held religious beliefs and considered any type of punishment unfair. The Philadelphia Flyers organization did not address Provorov’s faith in a statement concerning the incident. The organization commented that they will continue to support the LGBT community and have players that actively support this particular community.

Mall of America criticized for incident over Jesus Saves T-Shirt.
Critics are calling for a boycott of the famous Mall of America in Minnesota after a controversial incident. The mall’s security forced a man to leave the mall because of a t-shirt he was wearing. The man, who has not been identified was asked to leave for wearing a ‘Jesus Saves’ t-shirt. The back of the shirt also had the words co-exist with a black line crossing the word out. Mall security was captured on a video that has gone viral on social media. In the video security claims the man’s shirt was offensive and he would have to leave the mall immediately. One of the security guards claimed the man was soliciting for his religion and that could not be done at the mall due to it being private property. The video was filled on January 7th. Critics commented on the incident encouraging people to wear Jesus Saves t-shirts to the Mall of America and for the man to sue the mall. A protest is planned for February 4th, organizers are encouraging people to wear Jesus Saves T-shirts. According to reports the guest in question was previously asked to leave the mall for witnessing the Gospel to guests. Representatives for Mall of America say the guest in the video was not asked to change his shirt and was eventually allowed to remain in the mall.

Indiana Sheriff’s Department praised for leading prisoners to Christ/ holding water baptism.
A sheriff’s office in Indiana is being praised for celebrating the new year in a very special way. The Decatur County Sherriff’s office held water baptism for 40 male and female inmates. The sheriff’s office announced the event on its Facebook page calling it a great way to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. The office says the sheriff chaplain and other members of the department baptized inmates that had made a public profession of Jesus Christ in their lives. The department added nearly 300 male and female inmates have accepted Christ as their Savior through this campaign. The baptism was one of 59 held in the prison system. An atheist organization claims the sheriff is forcing inmates to participate in Christian events. The Sheriff’s department has not commented on these accusations and says they will continue their work to help prisoners who have committed to change the heart and lives.

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: Foods that benefit eye health.
According to health experts one of the best ways to protect your eyes is through nutrition. According to a study by the British Journal of Ophthalmology some of the best nutrients for the eyes are found in yellow- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables. Lutein, which promotes eye health is found in egg yolks, avocado, broccoli, and peppers. Chrysanthemum tea is drink that promotes eye health it is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin C is known to fight against cataracts and can be found in citrus fruits, cherries, and kiwi fruit. Omega- 3 rich foods are beneficial against dry eye disease. This nutrient can be found in krill oil, small fatty cold-water fish and wild Alaskan salmon.   Dark blue and purple fruits are also considered healthy for eyes. Bilberries, black currants and contain nutrients that benefit the eyes.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 15th, 2023

UMC delays split of Northern Georgia conference
The National United Methodist Church is attempting to prevent a split in its organization. The organization has suspended the disaffiliation of churches in North Georgia. Leaders claim false information and secret meetings are being held without the church’s approval.  Among the accusations, leaders claim they are being accused of no longer believing in the divinity of Christ, altering the Apostle’s Creed, and forcing same-sex weddings in churches that resist this ceremony. The National Methodist church has experienced a split following the approval of same-sex marriage and openly gay pastors. The controversial measures prompted conservative and international branches to leave the organization. The northern Georgia branch of the UMC makes up nine percent of the Georgia state conference.  If approved this branch of the church will be a part of the UMC until the next conference until 2024.

Justice rules in favor of West Virginia law
A justice has ruled to uphold a law in West Virginia. The law is known as HB 3293 or the Save Women’s Sports Act. The state law banned biological males from competing in women’s sports in that state. A student later sued saying the law violated the constitutional rights of trans students under Title IX protections.  US District Court Judge Joseph Goodwin presided over the case. Goodwin of his opinion said in part, "The question before the court is whether the legislature's chosen definition of 'girl' and 'woman' in this context is constitutionally permissible. I find that it is….” Goodwin added that he did believe the law was created to politicize participation in school sports, however those suing against the law did not prove their case. Alliance Defending Freedom legal counsel Christiana Kiefer called the decision a win for reality.

SNBC NEWS UPDATE: W.H.O. moves forward with vaccine passports efforts
The World Health Organization is electing to move forward with a controversial plan . A committee within the organization the International Health Regulations Review Committee is reportedly making plans to move forward with meetings for this plan.  The plan signed by various countries around the world would require vaccine passports for each country’s citizens to travel abroad.  The  passport which could be a physical copy, or a digital copy would detail a person's vaccination records.  According to reports this could affect millions in part because of the treaty being signed  at the G20 summit. The group consists of 66 countries around the world including the US. The Biden Administration previously had claimed they would not condone such a requirement for US citizens.  Mr. Biden however signed the agreement known as the Bali declaration. Several patients’ rights groups here in the US have already condemned the treaty, calling it a violation of a person’s privacy concerning medical information.

SNBC HEALTH report: a recall has been issued for several blood pressure medications
Lupin Pharmaceuticals is issuing a voluntary recall for a blood pressure medication it produces. According to the recall report the drug Quinapril is being recalled by the company due to impurities found in the medicine. The impurities according to the company  can increase a person’s risk of cancer. The company says the patients should not stop taking the medication, but rather contact a health care provider to be prescribed an alternative. The medication in question was distributed between March 2021 and September 2022 with expiration dates between December 2022 and March 2024. They also report no illnesses have been reported related to this medication. This is the third recall issued for the drug Quinapril. The first recall was conducted by Pfizer in the summer of 2022, followed by two more recalls by Lupin Pharmaceuticals.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 8th, 2023

SNBC NEWS Update: Department of Defense ends COVID Shot mandates
The Department of Defense has ended COVID shot mandates for all members of the US Armed Forces. This announcement was made following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act into law.  For the past year, the Biden Administration has refused to end this controversial mandate, sparking much criticism, including from members of Congress. Recruitment for every branch of the military was reported at an all-time low over the past year. This is believed to be due, in part, to the Covid shot mandate. The Department of Defense has also been also plagued with lawsuits after thousands of servicemen and women were either denied religious exemptions or forced out of the military for refusing the shot.  Liberty Counsel, who defended several servicemen who filed lawsuits, released a statement saying in part, "While we are pleased that Joe Biden's unlawful and abusive Covid shot mandate will be rescinded, this begrudging reversal under pressure by Congress is not enough." Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver continued, criticizing the Biden Administration for allowing retaliation against servicemen who requested religious exemptions from the Covid shot.

Libraries reverse ban against actor after public outcry
Actor Kirk Cameron is reporting two libraries have now approved story hours to promote his book. Libraries in both Indianapolis and Scarsdale, New York reversed the rejection following public criticism.  The publisher of Cameron’s book requested story hour events at 50 libraries across the US to promote the book ‘As we Grow’. The request was denied by all the libraries, with some citing they were LGBT friendly. Cameron and Brave Books Publishing representatives called the rejection discrimination. Several of the libraries that rejected Cameron’s request had previously approved and promoted drag queen story hour events to parents of children as young as 18 months old.  Representatives for the Scarsdale library claim Cameron and Brave Books never requested a story hour but only to use a meeting room.  The events were held on December 29th and 30th.

Israeli Prime Minister blasts latest UN “attack”
Newly installed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking a stand against more persecution from the United Nations. Netanyahu took aim at the UN for approving a recent vote to present litigation against the nation of Israel concerning “how to deal with the occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory.” The request to the International Court of Justice at the Hague is the culmination of two months of various UN policies against Israel. Critics believe these efforts are an attempt to force Israel to give land to Palestine for its own Sovereign nation. Netanyahu quoted Psalm 121, 'The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps' in his response. He went onto say the land in dispute is not occupied land but was fairly won in modern times during the Six Day war in 1967.  Twenty-six nations, including the United States, voted against this recent resolution; 53 nations abstained. Palestinian leaders applauded the decision, calling it a historic achievement and a diplomatic victory.

SNBC Health report -- the importance of sleep and heart health
According to a recent report from the American Heart Association, sleep is beneficial to every area of the human body, especially the heart. The average adult needs at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Doctors believe at least six of these hours should come with minimum to limited interruptions, if at all possible. Doctors commenting on the study further added limiting stress throughout the day and at bedtime are also key factors in getting rest. Exercise is also recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle and will help promote a good night’s sleep. Researchers also suggest creating an environment that promotes sleep in your bedroom, limiting screen time prior to sleep and limiting processed and fried foods all as a part of promoting heart health.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 1st, 2023

Justice rules in favor of Army soldiers /West Point cadets
Two big wins tonight in the continued fight against COVID mandates. A judge in Texas has granted a temporary injunction to 10 Army and West point cadets. The group requested religious exemptions from being required to take the COVID-19 shot. Liberty Counsel represented the students and soldiers and say their clients have a right to refuse the shot based on religious beliefs. Texas District Court Judge James Wesley Hendrix agreed saying the Army had no right to force the soldiers and students’ moral beliefs. Hendrix added that most soldiers in the Army express deeply religious beliefs and that the Army did not prove their case. The just further protected those listed as a part of the lawsuit by banning any kind of retaliation in the form of disciplinary action. The department of the Army has received over 19-hundred requests for religious exemptions; only 123 requests have been accepted.

SNBC NEWS update: Judge approves historic settlement
A federal judge has approved of a large settlement against a hospital system in Illinois. The lawsuit stemmed from over 500 workers being forced by Northshore University Healthcare system to either take the COVID shot or be fired. Justice John Kness approved the settlement. The largest of its kind so far over 400 former and current employees will split a monetary win of over 10 million dollars. The group was represented by Liberty Counsel. Attorneys for the group say they hope this landmark decision will send a message to other organizations that try to force employees to compromise their religious beliefs. Employees that were fired will be allowed to reapply for their jobs and will receive the same position and status prior to their termination. Those clients will also receive 25-thousand dollars in the settlement. Clients that took the shot and are still employed by the Northshore health care system will receive a settlement of 3 thousand dollars. Northshore University Healthcare system has not commented on the outcome of this case.

Christian population grows in Israel
According to a report released on Christmas Day the population of Christians has increased in Israel. The report released by the Central Bureau of Statistics, an Israeli government study group, the Christian population in Israel grew by 2 percent in 2021. This number may be considered small, but it is significant to that nation. The report claims of that population 76 percent are Arab Christians which make up about 7 percent of Israel’s population. The report also finds this group tends to be pursue higher education more, obtaining multiple degrees. Some citizens in the nation of Israel frown on the Gospel being witnessed; some organizations have even ended partnerships with Christian organizations over evangelism efforts in Israel as some in that nation consider evangelism offensive. However, Dr. Michael Brown has continued to encourage Christians, saying it is critical that the Jewish people continue to be offered the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

SNBC HEALTH Report: micronutrients that benefit and promote heart health
According to a recent study at Brown University there are some essential micronutrients that are beneficial to promoting a healthy heart. The study finds three micronutrients that are essential in helping promote heart health in the body. The first is well known Omega 3 fats; found in various seafoods, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds omega 3 is known for its benefits to the heart. The nutrient has long been listed as a part of a heart health regimen. Folate is a micronutrient beneficial to the heart and stroke prevention. Folate can be naturally found in high levels in asparagus, avocados, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach. Coenzyme also known as coenzyme Q10 may not be familiar to some, but this micronutrient has multiple benefits to the human body. It helps with the prevention of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, and inflammation. This micronutrient is also good for brain health, the lungs and skin health. Coenzyme can be found naturally in various foods including: liver, beef, chicken, pork, fatty fish such as trout and in strawberries, oranges, spinach and broccoli.

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.