Energy
Trump Administration Scraps Solar Projects in Puerto Rico as Grid Crumbles
The Energy Department said that a push under Puerto Rico’s former governor for a 100% renewable future threatened the reliability of its energy system.
Elissa Slotkin
Senate Bill Would Reauthorize USDA Middle-Mile Broadband Program
House companion bill introduced in August remains in committee
AI
Militant Groups Are Experimenting With AI, Risks Expected to Grow
Washington has responded with calls to investigate how militant groups are using AI and encourage tech companies to share more about how products are potentially being misused.
AI
Should BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Be Linked to AI? How Should Funds Be Spent?
Experts disagreed on conditioning broadband funding on state AI regulations, balancing digital economy goals against legal constraints.
Expert Opinion
Wayne Brough: Don’t Let the NDAA Derail America’s Spectrum Pipeline and Tech Leadership
An NDAA provision granting Pentagon veto authority over spectrum reallocation could block commercial wireless expansion.
Department of Defense
California Rep. Calls for Guardrails as Preemption Fight Shapes AI Talks
Ted Lieu, D-Calif., said state rules not ideal, but unavoidable until Congress sets baseline protections.
FCC
Why the RAIL Act Matters for America’s Digital Future
The RAIL Act aims to stop railroad companies from blocking broadband expansion with excessive fees and permit delays.
Infrastructure
12 Days of Broadband Covered Spectrum, AI Infrastructure, BEAD and Affordability
Leaders from the Vernonburg Group, Ookla, NextNav and Broadband Breakfast discussed linkages between spectrum, AI, BEAD and affordability.
FTC
Former Officials: FTC ‘Substantially Diminished’ Under Current Leadership
The FTC’s ability to perform its law enforcement, regulatory and advocacy mission has significantly weakened, former officials said.
Data Center
Consumers Are ‘Subsidizing the Cost of Data Centers’: Senate Dems
Lawmakers press Trump administration on link between Big Tech’s AI buildout and higher household energy bills.
AI
Watchdog Group Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw AI Video App Sora Over Deepfake Dangers
OpenAI has faced backlash from public figures and has made some changes, but critics say these responses are insufficient and reactive.
Free Speech
Senate Commerce Schedules FCC Oversight Hearing
Session follows bipartisan concern over Chairman Brendan Carr’s perceived threats toward broadcast licensees.
EPA
Record Shutdown Leaves Communications Agencies Strained Despite Senate Action
The shutdown slowed down broadband rollout, telecom licensing, merger activity.
Public Safety
First Responders Back FirstNet Reauthorization as 2027 Sunset Nears
Survey finds 93% of first responders support extending the First Responder Network Authority.
SEC
Senators Introduce Bill Requiring Transparency on AI Job Losses
The legislation would create new reporting rules to track automation’s impact.
Expert Opinion
Bill Maguire: Faster Disaster Recovery Depends on Smart Communications Policy
Local governments must be empowered in communications infrastructure policy to ensure faster disaster recovery.
