Sunshine Slate

About one in three Idahoans who have federal student-loan debt would see it erased entirely if the Biden administration goes forward with a $10,000 forgiveness plan. That’s according to analysis from the website Student Loan Hero . President Joe Biden is considering eliminating the debt through executive order. Andrew Pentis, a senior writer and certified student loan counselor at Student Loan Hero, said the average monthly loan repayment in Idaho is $274. “Whether you have more or less than $10,000 worth of student loans left to repay, this dose of forgiveness would be hugely helpful, in either getting rid of your debt or shrinking it considerably,” said Pentis. “So certainly, if you’re a borrower in Idaho, you’d be rooting for something like this to happen.” The Trump administration paused federal student loan repayments in March 2020 during the pandemic. Biden extended the pause on his first day in office through at least October 1. Some Democrats want the Biden administration...

Fola Branco, an American basketball player and classical composer also known as “President Blessed” celebrates his 5th baptism anniversary over the weekend. This is symbolic of his life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Recently Blessed is noted for his magician-like basketball handles as lead principle role in the National Televised Coca-Cola’s (Powerade) Ad. Also notable for composing scores for a Golden Gate Selection Film that airs in the famous TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA. On April 24th, 2016 – That was the date Fola Branco was baptized, and verbally announced a public declaration to follow Jesus Christ after a long lukewarm Christian walk. His exact words in front of a congregation of thousands at the Mosaic LA church in Hollywood, CA were “Jesus is Lord, and I’m all in”. In 2018, Fola walk in faith increases after surviving a car accident on September 28, 2018 on his way back from being invited to watch the Los Angele s Clippers Practice in Irvine, California. He...

Supporters of a tax on capital gains are celebrating a victory in the Washington state Legislature. The 7% tax applies to the sale of stocks, bonds and other high-end assets in amounts higher than $250,000. There are a number of exceptions, including for real estate, agricultural land and family-owned small businesses. The funds will be used to fund education, early learning and child care. Mike Yestramski, president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, said fewer than 1% of Washingtonians will pay the tax . “This tax does not affect the vast majority of Washingtonians, as far as paying for it,” said Yestramski. “But it would benefit pretty much every citizen of the state, through being able to help adequately fund all of these public services that we enjoy.” The tax is expected to bring in $415 million in 2023 to the state budget. It’s estimated to affect about 7000 families, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill . Opponents say it resembles an income tax, whi...

Political campaigns must provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. That’s the message to candidates for elected office in New York City. More than a dozen organizations have signed a letter to candidates for city offices , calling on them to provide sign-language interpreters when they speak, to hold campaign events in accessible spaces, and provide other accommodations that allow everyone to fully participate in every aspect of elections. Susan Dooha, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, pointed out that’s what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and city human-rights law, but those laws are often ignored. “People need to be able to join in, no matter what their disability is,” said Dooha. “And that’s democracy in action.” She said candidates must commit to making their campaign events, literature and websites accessible, both now and after they take office. According to the National Council on Independe...

Having a big storm like a tornado or hurricane hit where you live can be devastating. Most often the storm comes on quickly and abruptly. Sometimes people do not have the time or resources to protect their belongings or stop the damage. There are many damages that can be caused after a big storm hits and it is important for you to be aware of them. Damage To Your Home The biggest damage that can occur is to your physical home. Depending on the type of storm and severity of it there are different levels of damage that can occur. Something that is often destroyed or ruined during a big storm is your roof. The roof covers the top of your home and when it is destroyed it can leave your home completely exposed to the elements. If your roof needs repair you will need storm damage roof repair Denver CO in order to get the roof back to the way it was. Another big damage to the home can be walls taken out, windows shattered and things inside the home ruined. Damage To Your Property Alo...

Reapportionment data announced Monday has sparked conversation about a census undercount, and lower-than-expected Florida representation in Congress come 2022. Florida was expected to gain two seats in Congress, but the Census Bureau said it will only get one. Patricia Brigham, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, hopes for a more fair redistricting cycle than the last. She said in 2015, the Fair Districts Coalition pursued and won litigation to correct lawmakers’ new Congressional maps that were found not to follow redistricting standards. “They were maneuvering the maps to favor their jobs, to favor their seats,” Brigham recounted. “And that is not the way it’s supposed to go. And so we are planning to make sure it does not go that way this time around.” Brigham pointed out the Florida League of Women Voters is asking legislators to sign a pledge that they will be open, fair and transparent during the redistricting process. She noted the new district is likely t...

Midwestern union leaders say before and after the pandemic, women have dealt with a variety of challenges in the workforce, but they say a proposed federal law could give them more power to organize and demand fairness. Last month, the U.S. House approved the PRO Act , which among other things, would bar employer interference and influence in union elections. Sue Martin, President/Secretary-Treasurer for the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, said in workplaces such as meatpacking plants, there is a lack of union protection, leaving women behind in making advancements. “Many women are passed up for promotions by their basically dominated male supervisors because of favoritism, or for whatever reason,” Martin asserted. She contended by removing barriers to organize, more labor contracts could be drafted to include language addressing fairness issues. The PRO Act would also counteract “right-to-work” laws in nearly 30 states , including North Dakota. Opponents of the proposal say those state...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is throwing a lifeline to students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, by extending the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program , known as PEBT, through the end of the summer. This means families will continue to get up to $127 a month on their benefit card to buy groceries. Bobby Dorigo Jones, director of public policy at the nonprofit Michigan’s Children , said at least one in 10 students in Michigan still faces food insecurity each week. “It’s a strain on young people’s ability to grow when nutrition is hard to find,” he said. “This will be one less nightmare for a lot of families in Michigan.” Families already in the program and those who are eligible for SNAP or food stamps will receive the benefits automatically on their card. People can apply for benefits on the MI Bridges website . At some lower-income schools, the entire student body is eligible for P-EBT; check with your school district. Dorigo Jones said the biggest cha...

The first batch of 2020 Census data came out this week, with population counts and an announcement of the number of representatives each state will have for the next decade, but key block-by-block information for drawing new voting district maps will be delayed until the fall. Good-government groups said that delay means it is as important as ever to get the public engaged in the redistricting process. Beth Huang, executive director of Massachusetts Voter Table, a partner of the Drawing Democracy Coalition , said it’s really important the Census Bureau have the time and space to make sure data used to draw maps is as accurate as it can be. In the meantime, she encouraged citizens and community groups to make their voices heard about what ties their communities together at upcoming public hearings. “Is there a similar workplace? Is there a similar set of cultural holidays that people celebrate? Are there any socioeconomic factors that are similar for a community?” Huang suggested...

Tennesseans’ daily routines have become more sedentary over the past year, and heart health experts are reminding people that any movement is better than no movement – and more is better. It’s estimated one in four U.S. adults now sits longer than eight hours a day. Cardiologist Dr. Daniel Munoz, executive medical director at the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute and incoming board president of the Greater Nashville American Heart Association , said even small activity breaks throughout the day will benefit health and reduce stress. “The less active somebody is, the tougher it is to, for example, maintain a healthy body weight,” he said. “When we think about the calories we take in from food, our bodies’ ability to efficiently process those calories depends on a certain amount of activity.” He pointed out that sitting can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to heart disease. April is Move More Month, and natio...

If you are a fan of Stargirl on the CW network, you may be wondering if there will be a season 2. Stargirl follows Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) and the Injustice Society. Thankfully for fans, our favorite characters will live to fight all of the baddies another day. While Stargirl, created by Geoff Johns , has been officially renewed for season 2, there are some changes that will come with the renewal. The biggest change will be where and how you can view season 2 of Stargirl. In season 1, you could watch Stargirl on both The CW and DC Universe. For season 2, the show will no longer be available the day of airing on the DC Universe, but will instead go straight to The CW website and associated mobile app. Once the show has aired on The CW, the episode will then be viewable on HBO Max instead of DC Universe. We expect to see the full cast of characters to be back for season 2. Bassinger is slated to return in her role as Stargirl and will likely be joined by James Baker, Neil J...

New Frontier Aerospace, Inc. has been selected from an international pool of nearly 600 applicants to participate in the initial cohort for the Venture for ClimateTech program. Sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Venture for ClimateTech has awarded New Frontier Aerospace up to $125K of non-dilutive funding throughout a seven-month virtual accelerator. Venture for ClimateTech is a global non-profit venture studio and accelerator that sources the most promising climate tech innovators from around the world. New Frontier Aerospace was selected based on the ability of the company’s technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State and around the world; its originality; its potential impact on underserved populations; technology and team scalability; market timing, demand, and competitiveness of the idea; and the team’s knowledge, passion, and ability to communicate. New Frontier Aerospace Is building affordable verti...

As part of major economic initiative, the Guap Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization, launched its website as a platform to build a strong foundation for long-term economic wealth in underserved Black and Brown communities. Tavonia Evans created GUAP Coin, a cryptocurrency created to amplify the economic voice of the Black community through block-chain technology and financial education. A recent study of the global Cryptocurrency Market shows that it is projected to have a 30% compound annual growth reaching, $5.19 million by 2026, up from $792.5 million in 2019. While the Foundation has adopted the term “Buy Black” to reflect the socio-political movement most pertinent to its primary audience, it also acknowledges that underserved populations encompass a wide array of cultures, shades, languages, and ethnic groups around the globe. The Foundation’s primary mission is to provide a sound and revolutionary economic base for the underserved, underestimated, and financ...

As Bitcoin prices are spiking, more and more people are flocking to the world of cryptocurrency. Naturally, whenever money is involved, the question of safe storage is raised. Enter Bitamp – a new Bitcoin wallet that has been getting its fair share of time in the spotlight. Bitamp Emphasizes Security and Privacy Bitamp is an open-source Bitcoin wallet , which raises some questions. Open-source products are open to public access and benefit from the users themselves. In other words, unlike closed-source products, open-source apps rely on users for improvement. Of course, this brings security and privacy into question. The open-source nature of an app doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s less safe than a closed-source alternative. As long as the app is client-side, you’re just as safe. That’s exactly what Bitamp is about – it’s a client-side open-source Bitcoin wallet. Like all other major crypto wallets, Bitamp’s interface brings the 12-word seed phrase option to the table, allowin...

Apprenticeship programs at community colleges are poised for a big investment under President Joe Biden ‘s infrastructure plan . The plan includes $12 billion dollars for community colleges. At a recent congressional hearing, members from both parties expressed support for targeting some of those funds at apprenticeship programs within community colleges. Shalee Hodgson, associate dean for technology, applied science and public services at Clackamas Community College, said it’s important this type of on-the-job-training pays people for their work. “Supporting the workforce in that way and helping people gain that education while also helping them provide for their families is really critical and helps people stay in the job, in the labor market, really attached and engaged in the work and will be critical to help us with infrastructure projects,” Hodgson explained. Hodgson reported 13 of Oregon ‘s 17 community colleges support registered apprenticeship programs. While the state h...

Clean-air advocates say they have mixed emotions about California’s plan to phase out fracking. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday the state will not issue new fracking permits starting in 2024 and will work to end extraction of oil and gas by 2045. Kobi Naseck, coalition coordinator for a group called Voices in Solidarity Against Oil and Gas in Neighborhoods, said the move is a huge step toward climate justice, but he’d like to see a mandatory 2,500-foot setback for new or re-permitted well to keep them away from homes, schools, hospitals and retirement homes. “Taking a look at the science, it’s very easy to see that 2,500 feet is the minimum that we need to protect people, especially pregnant mothers, from the negative health impacts that include cancer, asthma and now a high risk of COVID-19 mortality,” Naseck asserted. Opponents of the governor’s plan say it will cost jobs and increase the state’s dependence on imported oil. A bill to ban fracking, Senate Bill 467 , failed a few...

Taking Shape , the leading plus-size style alternative for curvy women, have launched a Wardrobe Wellness campaign to help women across the UK let go of clothes that are no longer worn, declutter their lives and create a wardrobe that leaves them feeling fabulous. The campaign comes in response to a survey of 2,000 British women, in which 52% said their wardrobes caused anxiety. The top reasons cited for this anxiety were cluttered and unorganised wardrobes, clothes that no longer fit and trying to be sustainable and ethical in their fashion choices. A massive 73% of women surveyed keep clothes that no longer fit, even though over 50% admit don’t think they will ever fit into them again. KonMari Gold Consultant and decluttering expert Sue Spencer commented: “Opening our wardrobes is one of the first things we do every morning, and so it’s important that it’s a positive experience – you want to start your day right. Cluttered wardrobes make choosing what to wear hard work, you want...

In this global age, emigration and immigration is at a constant flow, and more people are seeking greener pastures in other countries. Each month, hundreds of thousands of people travel to Canada or Australia seeking to establish new lives and build a prosperous future. That prosperity is not instant, however, and immigrants will always face challenges when it comes to securing their right to stay in their new country. Fortunately, the expert and highly qualified immigration consultants at CANOZ Visa Services Inc. are always prepared to meet the unique challenges and demands that their customers bring, and welcome them with open arms. CANOZ Visa Services Inc. is an Immigration Service based in Brampton, Ontario that specializes in immigration to Canada or Australia. They help clients by assessing and optimizing their chances of being approved for a VISA, preparing them for the VISA interview, preparing their immigration applications or paperwork, and assisting in other aspects of...

Lead counsel Michael Patillo of the MoloLamken law firm and co-counsel, Las Vegas attorney Paul C. Ray of the Paul C. Ray, Chtd. law firm successfully represented former racecar driver Scott Tucker and his Nevada corporations in the U.S. Supreme Court . The Court decided an important case regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) noncompliance with the FTC Act in pursuing claims against businesses . Between 2008 and 2012, Tucker and his companies made more than $3 million online payday loans to consumers. The FTC interpreted a statutory provision known as the FTC Act, which allows the FTC to obtain an injunction in federal district courts. It also allows the FTC to avoid its own administrative rules and regulations to seek a monetary judgment through the courts. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that district courts are bound to follow circuit precedent to allow the FTC to pursue its interpretation of the FTC Act, despite the opinions of two 9th Circuit judges t...

The pandemic has disrupted plans for a secure financial retirement for many Americans, and financial experts say women face a more difficult recovery than men. Daniel Doonan, executive director of the National Institute on Retirement Security , said because women often work part-time, they’re less likely to have a workplace retirement plan. And women often leave jobs to have children or care for family members, a role that’s getting renewed attention during the crisis. Doonan said those factors, combined with the gender pay gap, limit a woman’s ability to comfortably retire. “The pay gap that exists in the workplace tends to follow women into retirement as well,” said Doonan. “And that’s true, I think, whether it’s a savings plan or whether it’s a pension that’s more built on your pay over time.” Doonan said he encourages women who have a retirement plan at work to participate to the fullest extent, saving as much – and as early – as possible. In Iowa, women make 78 cents comp...

Washington lawmakers have approved funding for the Working Families Tax Credit – more than a dozen years after it was initially passed. The program is modeled after the Earned Income Tax Credit at the federal level, and will provide an estimated 420,000 households tax rebates of between $300 and $1,200, starting in 2023. The bill received near-unanimous support from legislators. Emily Vyhnanek, Working Families Tax Credit campaign manager with the Washington State Budget and Policy Center , said a coalition of groups has worked to push this policy to the forefront in recent years. “There’s a lot of reasons,” said Vyhnanek. “But I don’t think it can be overlooked how the pandemic really shed light on the deep inequities that already existed in our state.” Vyhnanek said 29 other states have a state-based tax credit program for low-income workers, but Washington’s is unique because it ensures that the people with the lowest income get the largest rebate. The measure was delivered ...

After months of keeping Floridians in prisons and jails off the priority list for a COVID vaccine, the state is finally distributing the shots. But despite their vulnerability, many inside are skeptical. Florida’s Department of Corrections Secretary issued a recent statement , with a personal appeal to staff and anyone incarcerated to “get the shot.” But families and advocacy groups say good information is hard to come by from the inside, so people are leery. Denise Rock, executive director of the Florida Cares Charity Corporation , said the department should do more to establish trust around the vaccine, because misinformation sticks. “Like, I think what’s probably being said is the same stuff that we hear in society,” said Rock. “But they’re hearing it differently, being incarcerated and not having, you know, information or being exposed to information.” Rock praised the Corrections Department for making the vaccines available, although it is still tight-lipped. It says about 33...

A state housing agency and community-assistance groups hope South Dakotans in need hear their message to apply for emergency rental assistance . Officials say there’s plenty of aid still left in the latest round of federal funding tied to COVID relief. At the start of the year, South Dakota received $200 million to distribute to renters struggling with their monthly payment because of the pandemic. Lorraine Polak, executive director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, said while they saw some initial application demand, it has tapered off, leaving most of the assistance unclaimed. “Treasury will continue to work with each state to analyze throughout the process how they’re doing with disbursement of funds,” Polak explained. “So, at the end of the day, yes, we anticipate funds will be returned. But we want to make sure that all households are aware and able to take advantage of the program.” To date, roughly $2 million of the state’s share has been distributed. The...

Today is Earth Day, and environmental advocates are calling on citizens to do their part to save the bees. National agricultural statistics show the honeybee population has declined about 60% from 1947 to 2008. Malia Libby, Save the Bees conservation associate for Environment America, said eliminating certain pesticides in backyards, gardens and parks is one way to save these vital pollinators, and the sooner, the better. “These pesticides are really persistent as well; they’ll last in the soil or groundwater for years after they were last supplied,” Libby explained. “So the sooner we can get rid of them, stop putting them out into the environment, the sooner we’ll be able to see those benefits.” A 2018 report shows even after the European Union placed a moratorium on the pesticides, residue still showed up in honey samples. Other states have enacted laws to ban the pesticide, but Libby noted legislation to protect bees in Florida hasn’t been proposed in years. She pointed out...

Ground-level community groups in Minneapolis say the Derek Chauvin verdict still is being processed on an emotional level, but they see it as an opportunity for all of Minnesota to take another step in addressing longstanding inequities. Some racial-justice advocates said they have mixed feelings about Chauvin being convicted on all counts for the murder of George Floyd. In a sense, said Venessa Fuentes, director of network and narrative for the Headwaters Foundation for Justice , there’s no justice because Floyd isn’t alive. However, she said she still sees a window for the state, not just the Twin Cities, to speak up and take action. “Whether you’re on the front lines, on the streets moving justice forward, or whether you’re on the back end of the movement and resourcing from a different place,” she said, “whatever your skill sets are, whatever your talents are, we all have a role to play.” The foundation, which is located in south Minneapolis near where Floyd was killed, said m...

A pilot program in Knox County provides cash to cover emergencies for college students in the region, and education experts say Knox Promise is just one example of how the state can help more Tennessee students complete a degree and navigate a changing labor market. Randy Boyd, president of the University of Tennessee system and chairman of Tennessee Achieves , said the completion grants underscore the need for a wider net of services to keep students attending classes. “These are very small grants, micro-grants – it could be $100, it could be $500 – for students that suddenly have something unexpected that comes up that could derail them, like a radiator breaks in their car,” he said. “For some students, it makes a difference in whether they are going to be able to graduate.” Boyd said colleges have seen a 43% increase in student success by offering completion grants. According to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, barely half of students who enter college finish their deg...