The Small Wisconsin City That Defeated A Giant Data Center
by Marianne Dhenin, Reasons to be Cheerful
A small Wisconsin city has just notched a big win in its fight against a proposed data center, thanks to grassroots community organizing and support from a growing statewide coalition. And to help guide other communities facing similar challenges, organizers in Menomonie have helped develop a toolkit for taking on hyperscale data centers. “It’s like whack-a-mole; you knock out one [data center], and another just pops up,” says Blaine Halverson. “We’re trying, in real time and against the clock, to do something to protect our community, and now we’re trying to help other communities do that proactively.”
Disney To Reimagine 3 Iconic Songs In American Sign Language For National Deaf History Month
by Kayla Grant, People
Some of the most iconic Disney songs are being re-released for a new inclusive initiative. Three songs sung by popular characters in Frozen 2, Encanto and Moana 2 are going to be released in American Sign Language for Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language initiative on Monday, April 27. The animated musical selections — “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto and “Beyond” from Moana 2 — will be reimagined in ASL and appear on Disney+ to celebrate National Deaf History Month, according to a press release.
‘They Know They’re Safe’: Beagles Saved From US Research Facility After Protests
by Associated Press
The first beagles removed from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility that was the site of recent protests seemed to know right away that they were safe. “They started within an hour or so coming up to us, wanting attention. Some crawled in people’s laps. Every single one of them are super sweet,” Lauree Simmons, the president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, said on Sunday. “I think they are loving the attention. I just know they know they’re safe.” Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy negotiated a confidential agreement to purchase the 1,500 dogs for an undisclosed price from Ridglan Farms.
Amsterdam Bans Advertising For Meat And Fossil Fuels In Public Places To Discourage High-Carbon Lifestyle
by Frank Andrews, CBS News
Amsterdam, a city known for its tolerance of some drugs and sex work, has become the first capital city in the world to ban meat and fossil fuels from public advertisements. The effort aims to discourage people from spending money on products linked to high carbon emissions. Since May 1, ads for products including meat, as well as for airlines and for cars that run on gasoline, are no longer allowed in the city, after a legislative initiative from the GreenLeft and Party for the Animals political parties.
Scientists Discover A Hidden Brain “Cleaning” Effect Triggered By Movement
by Penn State
Scientists have uncovered a surprising link between simple body movement and brain health: every time you tighten your abdominal muscles—even slightly—your brain may gently sway inside your skull. This subtle motion, triggered by pressure changes in connected blood vessels, appears to help circulate cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, potentially flushing out harmful waste. The study shows that when abdominal muscles tighten, they press on blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain. This pressure causes the brain to shift slightly within the skull.
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