FCC
Advocates, Sheriffs, and Service Providers Face Off Over FCC’s Prison Phone Rates
FCC rules prisoners shouldn’t pay for most communications security services. But opponents ask: Who will?
Sadie McClain
Reporter Sadie McClain studied journalism at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She wrote for The Breeze, a student newspaper, and worked at JMU’s University Writing Center.
Democracy
Missouri Joins States Following SCOTUS, Striking Down Chevron Deference
Four red states move to end judicial deference in 2025.
Nuclear
Sen. Capito Highlights Trump's Fast-Tracking Nuclear Permits
Announcement coincides with EPA proposal to repeal Biden-era carbon regulations.
Rural
House Restores ReConnect Funding for FY26
House doubles funding for rural broadband program, despite Trump proposing cuts.
BEAD
Federal BEAD Rules Claim Neutrality, But Critics See Bias
Some panelists said new rules impose unequal requirements on broadband providers, others called changes 'largely positive'
Hawaii
Kauai, Hawaii, Becomes Fully Fiber Enabled
About 65% of the state is now fiber enabled.
Infrastructure
Ohio Reimburses Charter Communications $3 Million In Infrastructure Costs
Charter, five other ISPs receive grants from BroadbandOhio program.
Hawaii
Hawaii Implements Digital Navigators With Expected BEAD Funding
State officials boasted more than $400 million for new office of broadband
CPB
CPB Denied Temporary Restraining Order Against Trump
The tax-funded nonprofit objects to Trump’s influence on Board of Directors.
Rural
Stakeholders Protest Rural Utilities Service Budget Cuts
Loans are 'a win-win situation for rural consumers and American taxpayers' because they are paid back with interest, the groups said.
Digital Inclusion
California Assembly Passes $15-a-Month Internet Bill
The act could save Californians $1 billion annually, but ISPs worry about costs
Robocall
Lawmakers Warn Robocall Scams Surging as Trump Cuts Enforcement
Scam losses hit $12.5 billion as FTC, DOJ face deep staff cuts.
New Hampshire
Fidium Brings Fiber Service To Pittsfield, New Hampshire
More than 3,000 homes and businesses gain access to high-speed internet in rural town.
BEAD
USDA, NTIA Receive Budget Cuts in Fiscal Year 2026
ReConnect eliminated; Digital Equity funding cut short
Briefs
Spectrum Offers $25,000 Reward For Fiber Optic Vandals
As copper wire theft spikes, law enforcement and corporations speak out.
Rural
NRECA Discusses Policies, Funding Needed For Rural Broadband
With the Trump Administration planning to cut ReConnect, rural broadband cooperatives are scrambling
