We hope you've been enjoying the warm weather and longer days of the summer! We've stayed busy reading the latest news in innovation in civics, tech, economics and politics. Get your "Summer Reading" in with some of these key links:

• Despite recent news about a potential economic turnaround, consumer sentiment about the economy is at an 11-month low. The study by University of Michigan found that perceptions about home buying conditions were the least favorable in 10 years and their views on house prices were the worst since 2006. 
   
• Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are trying something new to see if they can explain the civic dysfunction. Governing's podcast explores this new research. 
  
  
• A new project at the Aspen Institute, Weave, will showcase exemplars of communities coming together, uniting across social and political divides. (For more inspiration, check out the finalists for this year's Civvys awards, celebrating impact and collaboration at the national, local, youth-focused and political level.)
  
  
• A study finds that civic engagement among teenagers is not just good for the country - it's good for the teens! Scientists found that teens engaged in civic activities later attained higher income and education levels.  
   
• What does civics education look like in America? Brookings investigates. 
  
  
• SunTrust bank finds that 1 in 8 divorces are caused by student loan debt. How can we chart a better path forward for financial stability? (If you have ideas, we want to hear from you -- head to our Get Involved page to learn more).