Sunshine Slate

After census delays, Florida lawmakers kick off the complex, once-a-decade process of redrawing state legislative and congressional districts this week. Today, the Senate Reapportionment Committee receives presentations on census data in preparation for the redistricting process , which could change the voting patterns of a particular district, or give one party an advantage over another. Doing so intentionally is against Florida’s Fair Districts law. Ellen Freidin, president of Fair Districts Now, part of a coalition responsible for the voter-approved fair districts amendments , said she is concerned lawmakers are not doing enough to be transparent. “You know, with today’s technology , there is no reason in the world that they can’t live-stream the screens of the computers that they’re using to draw the maps,” Freidin contended. “So why not let the public see how these maps are drawn?” Under a GOP-dominated Legislature, Florida’s redistricting process is expected to be among th...

FALL-ing for Adventure with Extended Stay America Fall is a great time to get out and explore. Beautiful scenery, cool weather, and fewer crowds. While everyone is done with their summer travel and getting back to their day-to-day, plan your adventure today with Extended Stay America . Considered the go-to hotel chain for a safe, healthy, and comfortable stay at an affordable price, Extended Stay America’s has 625+ locations across the U.S. with accommodations to help you feel at home. Take charge of your meals with their in-suite kitchen, bring along the whole family with their amazing pet policy, and get peace of mind with their STAYconfident standards. The new season is calling and Extended Stay America is here to help you make the most out of fall! Book and  STAYconfident with spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, free grab-and-go breakfast, on-site laundry, and more! Cooking on the Road with Extended Stay America When traveling, whether it be for bu...

Getting a  family law lawyer  to represent you in your family cases such as  divorce , separation, and child custody can be a complicated process. Some couples may decide to work on the issues independently by having discussions and then, later on, call upon the lawyer when they have agreed on certain things. On the other hand, other couples may not be able to handle matters peacefully, thus calling for a family lawyer immediately to intervene and negotiate in their situation and then, later on, settle on an agreement. However, the law advises individuals to seek legal representation or advice immediately to ensure couples reach agreements as stated by the law. In addition, the early representation will also ensure everything is done on time to avoid legal fees. The challenging part is, if you have never had an attorney before, it may be difficult for you to know how to select one. There are several essential things you should put in mind before hiring a family law lawye...

New research backed by a leading psychologist, suggests that peak professional performance is not necessarily linked to comfort, despite the new-found habits of many workers during Britain’s numerous pandemic lockdowns. “There’s still power in that suit” says top psychologist Lee Chambers, as businesses start to relax their dress codes and smart, business casual leads the way… New research backed by a leading psychologist, suggests that peak professional performance is not necessarily linked to comfort, despite the new-found habits of many workers during Britain’s numerous pandemic lockdowns. The survey, conducted by menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt , suggests that it’s not all elasticated waistbands and dressing down in Britain’s offices, despite the growing trend for casual. While the study found that 50% of workers have returned to the office to find a more relaxed dress code compared to before the pandemic, the timeless suit and shirt still lead the way when it comes to making ...

A wide variety of non-profit organizations are participating in the first Earth Gives Day on October 7 th . The giving platform site is filled with profiles on each organization, the focus of their work, and the impact they are having on the environment.  Tax-deductible donations made starting on September 16 th through the day of October 7 th will count in the contest toward that prize money. Some organizations are local, addressing specific needs in their communities. Some are regional, such as The Western Environmental Law Center who, in 1987, together with the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, successfully challenged Oregon timber sales to protect the endangered northern spotted owl, and Reap Goodness. Which taps PhD students worldwide to test how best to restore agriculture and feed surrounding communities. Others are global in their reach and have been addressing environmental and conservation issues for many years, including The Explorers Club (1904) and Rotary Internat...

State Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, is lashing out against the idea of Critical Race Theory, filing a bill to ban its use in all government institutions, including universities. Critical Race Theory is described as an upper-level academic framework that examines whether and how systems and policies perpetuate racism. The topic has become a lightning rod for conservatives across the country, who claim it’s being taught in grade schools. Fine, who is white, has said the topic is inherently racist. However, state Rep. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, who is Black, said that in grade school, she was taught European history. “Not any focus at all on the free labor that our people gave that made the American economy a superpower that it became,” she said. “And is it racist, then, that I only got European history? I think so.” Gov. Ron Desantis already had issued a ban on discussing Critical Race Theory in public schools in June, in the racial unrest following the killing of George Floyd ...

A Brief Background of Local Law 97 ​As part of the progressive Climate Mobilization Act passed by the City of New York in April 2019, Local Law 97 aims to significantly reduce the carbon emissions from buildings larger than 25,000 square feet. To achieve this goal, Local Law 97 will place carbon caps on the emissions from these buildings in order to cut the presence of greenhouse gases 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The permissible limits for the buildings are based on their occupancy type, such as business, educational, institutional, residential (hotels or multifamily), factory, etc. This New York City Green New Deal comprises several laws, but Local Law 97 is the most essential. When Does It Come into Effect? ​Local Law 97 will officially be enforced starting on May 1st, 2025 when buildings will be required to submit an annual emissions report pertaining to the prior year, and continue to do so up until 2050. The report must be stamped by a Registered Design Professional, either a...