The Leader News

Plant-based eating is on the rise. People are becoming more aware of the health benefits that come with eating a plant-based diet, as well as the environmental and ethical implications of meat consumption. But do plant-based food options belong on the school menu? A California high schooler says absolutely.

Nutrition Benefits of Plant-Based Eating 

The main benefit of plant-based eating is its nutritional content. A diet full of fruits and vegetables provides ample amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber – all essential components for a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, research has shown that vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with decreased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This is likely because many plant-based foods are low in saturated fat and cholesterol while also being naturally free from trans fats. 

Plant-Based Foods Have Variety 

In addition to being nutritionally beneficial, plant-based diets can be incredibly varied! Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk – the list goes on! Many people find that when they switch to a plant-based diet they discover new flavors and ingredients they had never even heard of before. 

Environmental Impacts Of Plant-Based Diets 

Including plant-based dietary options at school isn’t just good for the body; it’s great for the environment too! Studies have found that producing animal products requires significantly more land than producing plants does since animals require feed grown on land as well as space to graze or live in other conditions. Additionally animal agriculture contributes enormously to climate change thanks to emissions from livestock such as methane gas which is 23x more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in our atmosphere. Eating fewer animal products means less strain on our planet’s resources – something we could all use right now!

Read the full article about this high school girl’s mission on our sister site, Irvine Weekly, here.

Since the 14th century, “The 12 Days of Christmas” — also known as the “12 Days of Christmas” or “The Twelve Days of Christmas” — has been a popular celebration in England and Ireland. The tradition features a series of Christmas carols, with each one revolving around the same thing: the 12 days before Christmas. This time-honored holiday season song is about counting down to Christmas day by singing about various gifts and their symbolic meanings. Each stanza counts down from 12 to one, listing a different set of presents for each day before Christmas. These gifts are now commonly referred to as the “12 Days of Christmas.” Each gift refers to something Christian believers should strive to achieve during that particular period before Epiphany (the 12th day), which celebrates the coming of the wise men and Jesus’ baptism.

Read more about the interpretations of the gifts in “12 Days of Christmas” on our sister site, the Fort Bend Star, here.

Labor unions are often formed in response to exploitation, which is a result of asymmetrical information in the labor market. Unions aim to reduce this imbalance by introducing rules that make it more costly for employers to exploit workers. In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, however, these institutions adapted in different ways to respond to the new world they found themselves in. 

Read the full article on how COVID affected labor unions on our sister site, the Village Voice, here.

Over the next few weeks, the world’s best soccer players will compete for the most coveted trophy in sports: the FIFA World Cup. The most important international football competition is back and this time it is taking place in Qatar. Are you ready to support your national team? For many of us, watching our favorite player lift the famous golden trophy is an unforgettable experience. However, there are some things you may not know about the World Cup. 

Check out World Cup fun facts you don’t want to miss on our sister site, The Charlotte Weekly, here.

The issue of the marginalization of women in the movie industry is one that has been around for decades. Despite the strides that have been made over the years, women are still not given their fair share of opportunities when it comes to working in Hollywood. This inequality is particularly evident when it comes to the number of leading female roles in films. In recent years, only a third of all speaking roles in movies have gone to women, and this trend is only getting worse. As a result, women are often marginalized and pushed to the side in Hollywood. This needs to change if we ever want to see true gender parity in the film industry. So let’s show some support to women in film!

Click here to read the full story on our sister site, The Marina Times, about women in film who rise and roar.

One of the main reasons people visit zoos is to see animals they wouldn’t normally have the chance to see. Zoos provide an up-close look at a variety of different animal species, many of which are endangered or threatened in the wild. By visiting zoos, people can learn about the importance of conservation and what they can do to help protect these animals.

Another reason to visit a zoo is to learn about animal behavior. Zoos offer visitors the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat and see how they interact with one another. This can be a valuable learning experience for both adults and children, as it can help them to better understand the complexities of animal behavior.

Here is a list of 10 zoos in the U.S. that are definitely worth a visit. 

Read the full article on our sister site, The Greensheet, here.

The world is rapidly changing. New technologies are challenging conventional thinking, and people everywhere are demanding new ways of doing business that are more socially responsible, more sustainable and more innovative. The rise of the millennial generation has also brought with it a newfound interest in social impact careers and alternate paths to success. In response to these changes, Equitable Technologies (EquiTech) has launched its new EquiTech Scholars program, designed to support the next generation of global innovators and creators by providing them with mentorship opportunities, access to internships and resources that will accelerate their professional development.

Read the full article on our sister site, LA Weekly, here.

The Houston Astros just won the World Series, and they are on top of the world! If you’re a fan of the Astros, or even if you’re just curious about them, here are some fun facts about the Lone Star State’s favorite team.

Read the full article on our sister site, the Leader News, here.

Houston is a city with no shortage of celebrities. From musicians to athletes to actors and actresses, there are plenty of famous faces that call Houston home. 

One of the most famous musicians to come out of Houston is Beyonce. She got her start in the R&B group Destiny’s Child before going solo and becoming one of the biggest names in music. Her husband, Jay Z, is also a Houston native, and the two have collaborated on several projects over the years. 

Other musical artists from Houston include Travis Scott, Khalid, and Bun B. Scott is a rapper who has released several albums and mixtapes, including his most recent, Astroworld. Khalid is a singer and songwriter who gained popularity with his debut album, American Teen. Bun B is a rapper and one half of the duo UGK. He has released several solo albums and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the rap game. 

Houston is also home to several professional athletes. James Harden, Houston’s very own “Beard”, is a superstar for the Houston Rockets. He’s a six-time NBA All-Star and was named the league’s MVP in 2018.

Click to see the full article on our partner site, the Fort Bend Star.