Reasons to be Cheerful – The data center backlash is uniting Americans

In our What We’re Reading section this week, we’re gabbing about a story of folks in Utah coming together to stop a “Shark’s” massive data center. Plus, learn about how France is reinventing volunteering for super-busy people, and how Black women farmers are carrying on age-old traditionsthat nourish the land.

The ‘Civic Hour’ Is Reinventing Volunteering
By: Peter Yeung

In an age of declining civic participation, France is creating no-strings opportunities for people to make an impact, one hour at a time.

The Coffee Academy Serving Up Career Paths
By: MaryLou Costa

At a time when jobs are hard to find, training courses are equipping people with the skills and confidence for coffee industry success — for free.

We Need Your Help!

Tell us about a shared experience in your life that transcends politics — a group activity or space where ideology is set aside.Maybe it’s movie nights on the town common, the pay-what-you-wish yoga class, your local community pool, the neighborhood 5-K fun run.Click the button below to send us your words and photos — we’ll feature them on our website and Instagram feed as part of our coverage of America’s 250th anniversary.

From sharecroppers to herbalists to healers, Black women farmers have been nourishing the world for generations — and continue to today.

---

---

See what stories caught our attention this week, including a revolt in Utah against a data center planned by one of the stars of Shark Tank.

In Case You Missed It