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1. New CivicScience data reveal a strong link between sports fandom optimism and broader economic sentiment and spending intentions among U.S. adults.
While many factors – notably emotional well-being – shape how people view the economy and their personal finances, CivicScience data show that confidence in one’s favorite sports team is closely tied to economic outlook. Fans who believe their team will be a serious championship contender in the coming year are far more likely than pessimistic fans to say they expect their personal financial situation and the U.S. economy to improve over the next six months. By contrast, 53% of pessimistic sports fans expect the economy to ‘get worse’ over the same period (compared to 30% of optimistic sports fans). Additionally, fans who feel neutral about their favorite team tend to express the highest positive outlook.
2. Americans increasingly favor school calendars with shorter summer breaks and more frequent, evenly distributed time off, citing benefits for learning and student well-being.
The traditional school calendar, featuring an extended summer break, is increasingly under review in the United States, prompted by logistical issues for families and the adoption of remote learning during the pandemic. CivicScience data indicate that nearly half of U.S. adults (44%) prefer a schedule that replaces extended summer breaks with shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the year. This preference is consistent across parents and non-parents, with nearly identical levels of support (43% and 44%, respectively).
Thirty-eight percent of Americans say more spread-out breaks are better for students’ family lives, compared with 32% who favor traditional schedules. A near majority of Americans also believe that school years with more evenly spaced breaks better support students’ learning and mental health.
Answer our Poll: Do you generally prefer longer or shorter summer breaks for students?
3. A plurality of respondents support the construction of new data centers in the U.S., though local cost concerns influence sentiments.
There is substantial support among the American public for the construction of new data centers, despite the mixed sentiments surrounding the topic. According to CivicScience data, 41% of U.S. adults support the construction of new data centers within the country, with support increasing to over 50% among Republicans and Gen Z adults.
However, among those who live near data centers, 37% report noticing increased costs as a result of their construction. Consumers who oppose the development of new data centers are more likely to report experiencing rising energy costs, suggesting that localized economic concerns – especially those tied to utility costs – are a primary driver of resistance, even as national support remains high.
Weigh In: To what extent are you concerned about the potential health impacts of data centers in your area?
