State says ARPA and BEAD builds largely on track; BEAD guidance on hold, providers describe major fiber investments NDIT reported progress on ARPA CPF awards and BEAD allocations while noting NTIA guidance on remaining BEAD funding is pending; Midco and DCN presented their fiber investments and how they engage with data‑center developers.

North Dakota is making strides in broadband development with $37 million allocated for ARPA projects and a $102 million BEAD program, but federal guidance could change everything!

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#ND #CitizenPortal #TechEquity #DigitalAccess #InfrastructureInvestment

🎭📘 Our book, "Digital Access to the Performing Arts" got its first review - many thanks to
@NewYorkTheater @brisunipress.bsky.social @metalabharvard

#DigitalAccess #theatreandai #CulturalAccesss #disabilityrights #copyrightlaws #humanrights #AccessToCulture

newyorktheater.me/2026/03/26/d...

Committee adopts broadband substitute to align speed standards with existing technology The committee adopted and recommended a substitute for House Bill 2886 that aligns state speed standards with current technology, clarifies eligibility for middle‑mile and E‑Rate‑related programs, and removes a prior limitation on other forms of technology; roll-call vote: 17-0.

Missouri's committee has just adopted a groundbreaking substitute for House Bill 2886, aligning speed standards with modern technology and expanding eligibility for vital broadband programs!

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#MO #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #StakeholderEngagement #MissouriBroadband

Digital accessibility ensures information is available anytime, anywhere. Flexibility drives efficiency.
#DigitalAccess #AnywhereWork #TechFlexibility #www.nexarasoft.in

Committee advances SF 4171 to clarify prorated utility billing and require portal alternatives for tenants SF 4171 would set a fair formula for prorating final utility charges and require landlords to provide alternative payment/communication methods when digital portals fail. The Judiciary Committee recommended the bill after testimony from housing industry and legal‑aid representatives.

Senator Clark's SF 4171 is a game-changer for tenants, ensuring fair utility billing and backup payment options when digital portals fail.

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#MN #TenantRights #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #UtilityBilling #MinnesotaHousing

🎭 📲 Theatre friends! Our virtual book launch for "Digital Access to the Performing Arts" is on April 30
@MHCHarvard @metalabharvard @brisunipress.bsky.social
Register: mahindrahumanities.harvard.edu/event/digita...

#digitaltheatre #copyrightlaws #DigitalAccess #DigitalAccessibility #theatreandai

Committee advances bill aimed at curbing library ebook licensing terms after contested hearing The Elections, Finance and Government Operations Committee voted 8–4 to re‑refer House File 36‑98 — legislation to limit restrictive ebook/audiobook licensing for publicly funded libraries — to the Commerce, Finance and Policy Committee after proponent and opponent testimony highlighted competing claims over access, costs and legal risk.

A heated debate unfolds in Minnesota as lawmakers push for a bill that could revolutionize ebook and audiobook licensing for libraries, balancing access and costs against publisher rights.

Get the details!

#MN #MinnesotaLibraries #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #EbookLicensing #LibraryFunding

Million homes eligible for free internet upgrade - full list of towns mapped A new interactive map has revealed the areas that will benefit from a new government-funded programme to improve internet speeds

Over 1M UK homes could get free full‑fibre broadband upgrades, including many rural areas. Check the map to see if you're eligible 👇
👉 buff.ly/7Iv3rIO
#DigitalAccess #FullFibre #ProjectGigabit #ConnectivityMatters

#DigitalAccess #FullFibre #ProjectGigabit

Smiling man seated in a wheelchair using a laptop on his lap against a plain background; red banner at the bottom reads “ADA NEWS.”

Building accessibility into products from day one costs far less than retrofitting later, opens access to 70+ million U.S. adults with disabilities, strengthens enterprise sales opportunities, and signals stronger product quality.

https://loom.ly/WRBCyg4

#Accessibility #ADA #DigitalAccess

Access-first VR and 360 virtual tours.
24 March | Folkestone + Live Stream

Panel + hands-on demos + networking.

Tickets via shorturl.at/h2cTs

#CuratingVisibility #DigitalAccess #InclusiveMuseums

Spencer County Fiscal Court rescinds $500,000 ARPA allocation for broadband, orders ARPA review The Fiscal Court voted April 15 to rescind a previous $500,000 ARPA allocation for broadband expansion and directed a comprehensive review of ARPA funds; the court also heard budget priorities including a proposed $0.50 hourly raise for employees.

Spencer County Fiscal Court has just rescinded a $500,000 broadband expansion fund, sparking a major reassessment of ARPA allocations to prioritize impactful projects for the community.

Get the details!

#SpencerCounty #KY #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #DigitalAccess

Spencer County Fiscal Court weighs ARPA funds for broadband expansion; magistrate criticizes federal stimulus At a special Oct. 18 meeting, Spencer County officials discussed using roughly $3.74 million in ARPA funds for broadband expansion and other projects, heard mapping data from Spectrum estimating 1,287 underserved locations and a county share of about $500,000, and received KIPDA guidance on eligibility and reporting.

Spencer County is poised to invest $3.74 million in broadband expansion, but a fierce debate over federal stimulus funding is heating up!

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#SpencerCounty #KY #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #DigitalAccess #SpencerCountyBroadband #PublicFunding

Sevier County staff report broadband progress; state grant map opens for providers County grants staff told commissioners that Charter Spectrum and Comcast consider Sevier County a priority, Charter connected roughly 4,000 homes with prior funds and the state's bead-challenge map is now open to identify underserved addresses; state grant awards were said to be expected this calendar year.

Sevier County is on the brink of a broadband revolution, with major providers prioritizing the area and $800 million in state grants on the horizon to connect underserved homes!

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#SevierCounty #TN #RuralInnovation #CitizenPortal #SevierCountyBroadband #DigitalAccess

PSC expands Belzona Cable's ETC area and grants Brightspeed statewide certificate The Public Service Commission approved an expansion of Belzona Cable's eligible telecommunications carrier area (adding five census blocks) and granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity to BrightSpeed Fiber Connection LLC for statewide competitive services; both approvals were recommended by staff and adopted with conditions where noted.

The Public Service Commission has taken a bold step to enhance connectivity in Mississippi by expanding Belzona Cable's reach and granting BrightSpeed Fiber a statewide license for competitive services!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #CivicEngagement

Brightspeed says pole-owner make‑ready work slowed grant rollout; 700 grant locations live in Johnston County Brightspeed updated commissioners on the county broadband rollout, saying approximately 700 GREAT‑grant locations are live, nearly 1,500 CAB2 frames are scheduled for delivery this year, and pole-owner make‑ready work — not provider construction — is the principal cause of delays; county staff reminded the board of a $500,000 ARPA commitment tied to the project.

Brightspeed reveals that delays in pole-owner make-ready work are slowing broadband rollout in Johnston County, but 700 grant locations are now live!

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#JohnstonCounty #NC #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #InfrastructureDevelopment

Investing in controlled #DigitalAccess for well‑behaved inmates is a low‑cost, high‑return move. Let people study, build skills, & prepare for reentry. It decentralizes knowledge, reduces recidivism, & salvages human potential.

An inmate's chance at freedom can't be a trial by fire every 6 months.

Medical Lake council unanimously approves Broadlink deal to bring city-owned fiber to City Hall Council approved a Broadlink letter of commitment to pull fiber from the highway to city hall and establish municipal fiber assets; staff said a small broadband-fund shortfall (~$6,500) can be covered by lease revenue or an interdepartmental accounting adjustment and that the water-tower component should be ready within weeks.

Medical Lake is set to enhance its digital landscape by establishing city-owned fiber assets, paving the way for faster internet services just weeks away from launch!

Learn more here

#MedicalLakeSpokaneCounty #WA #MedicalLakeBroadband #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #MunicipalInnovation

Spokane library warns of 2027 shortfall, says levy increase likely to avoid service cuts Spokane Public Library officials told the City Council they face a structural funding gap and may seek a substantially larger levy next year or risk service reductions, layoffs and deferred maintenance beginning in 2027.

Spokane Public Library is facing a critical funding shortfall that could lead to service cuts and layoffs by 2027 if a significant levy increase isn't approved.

Learn more here!

#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #SpokaneLibrary #PublicFunding

Judiciary Committee approves amendment allowing some legal notices to be published online After a lengthy debate on access for older residents, the Judiciary Committee on March 6, 2026, approved House Bill 10 with an amendment that narrows which digital-only publications may carry legal notices: they must cover more than three counties and have at least one person working in the area represented. The motion carried 11–5; three members were excused.

The Judiciary Committee just passed a controversial amendment allowing only a select few digital-only outlets to publish legal notices, raising questions about access for older residents reliant on print.

Get the details!

#MD #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #LegalNotices

Sponsor urges higher speed standards and extended broadband office sunset; industry groups caution on exclusions A broadband package (HB 2,886) presented to the committee would raise state speed standards for future funding and extend the state broadband office’s sunset; the sponsor called for future-proofing speeds, while industry groups objected to potential exclusions for certain providers and to provisions that could require overbuilds.

A bold new broadband bill aims to raise speed standards and extend state funding, but industry groups are raising concerns about potential exclusions and the risk of inefficient overbuilding.

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#MO #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #TechnologyNeutrality #FutureProofing

PURA approves Charter's acquisition of Cox subsidiaries, includes $3 million digital access contribution in settlement The authority approved Charter Communications’ change-of-control application for certain Cox licensees, accepting a settlement that includes a $3 million contribution for digital access and 38 numbered obligations including battery backups and 'price for life' commitments; the chairman abstained.

Charter Communications' monumental acquisition of Cox subsidiaries has been greenlit, promising a whopping $3 million boost for digital access and a host of customer commitments!

Learn more here

#CT #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #PublicUtilities

Board weighs urgent 1,000‑unit laptop lease for intermediate school; members demand competitive financing review District staff recommended leasing 1,000 laptops for the intermediate school amid vendor‑side memory shortages and rising hardware costs; board members pressed the business office to confirm the lowest financing and amended the approval to allow staff to seek better lease rates.

The South Fayette Township SD Board is in a tight spot, facing rising hardware costs and memory shortages as they consider leasing 1,000 laptops for students.

Read the full story

#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #DigitalAccess #EducationTechnology

Michael Parenti | Open Library Author of Democracy for the few, Profit Pathology and Other Indecencies, Inventing Reality, The sword and the dollar, Face of Imperialism, The anti-communist impulse, Make-Believe Media, To Kill a Nat...

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Open Library offers free access to over 3 million books

#GRACEDigitalCafe #OpenLibrary #DigitalLibrary #Education #DigitalHub #Community #OpenSource #DigitalLiteracy #EPUB #PDF #Reading #InternetArchive #Writer #Author #Book #Literature #DigitalAccess #Academic

openlibrary.org/authors/OL27...

Committee sends tenant-portal bill to the floor after unanimous support The committee moved SB 1523A to the House floor with a 'do pass' recommendation. The bill requires landlords using tenant portals to offer non-electronic alternatives and limits penalties for tenants using allowable non-electronic methods; roll-call recorded one 'no' vote.

Oregon's Senate Bill 1523A is set to change the game for tenants by ensuring access to non-electronic payment options and limiting penalties for those who choose them!

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#OR #TenantRights #DigitalAccess

Senate committee divided on electronic-will bill after lengthy testimony; bill fails to clear committee House Bill 133 would authorize remote execution of wills and advance directives via e‑notary and recorded video with remote witnesses. Supporters said e-wills improve access; opponents and several senators raised concerns about duress, privacy, disinterested witnesses and AI/deep‑fraud risks. The committee recorded a roll call that left the measure short of passing out of committee.

Virginia's push for electronic wills faces a heated divide as supporters champion access for all while opponents raise serious privacy and fraud concerns.

Learn more here

#VA #VirginiaEstatePlanning #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #EstatePlanning

DOI spotlights Yellowstone visit and digital annual pass rollout The Department of the Interior said Secretary Burgum visited Yellowstone National Park and announced that 'big beautiful' annual passes are now sold digitally on recreation.gov; the bulletin named resident and nonresident annual prices.

Secretary Burgum's recent visit to Yellowstone unveiled a game-changing digital annual pass option, making national parks more accessible and affordable than ever!

Learn more here

#US #VisitorExperience #CitizenPortal #YellowstoneNationalPark #DigitalAccess #NationalParks

Legislative committee approves $280M IIJA allocation and $195M BEAD awards package The committee approved a $280 million IIJA appropriation for transportation projects and a $195 million package to fund Arkansas BEAD broadband grants, authorizing an extra-help position. State Broadband Director Glenn Howie described milestone-based payments and a four-year buildout requirement for awardees.

Arkansas just approved a staggering $475 million in funding to enhance transportation and broadband access—what's next for the state's infrastructure?

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#AR #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #InfrastructureInvestment

Rep. Lewis Riggs proposes state coordinator to find and recover unspent federal funds for broadband Representative Lewis Riggs told the House special committee he wants a dedicated state position to locate and recover federal funds Missouri did not receive, citing failures of programs such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund; committee members pressed him on legal authority, scope and cost.

Missouri's Rep. Lewis Riggs is pushing for a dedicated coordinator to reclaim over $177 million in unspent federal funds meant to boost broadband access across the state.

Get the details!

#MO #RuralInnovation #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #DigitalAccess #MissouriBroadband

House Tax Committee Sends Online-application Bill for Property-tax Relief to Appropriations After Security, County-workload Concerns The House Tax Committee voted to send House Bill 12-59 to the House Appropriations Committee with a due-pass recommendation after hearing testimony about security, county workload and fiscal costs tied to implementing online property-tax relief applications.

The House Tax Committee has taken a significant step towards modernizing property tax relief by recommending an online application system, but concerns about security and county workloads are raising eyebrows.

Learn more here!

#SD #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #CountyFunding #DataSecurity

Public Works Board authorizes opening of federal broadband grant cycle pending U.S. Treasury approval The board approved a staff recommendation to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity and open a federal broadband construction grant cycle using about $5 million in unspent grant dollars, contingent on final approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The Public Works Board is set to launch a $5 million broadband grant cycle, prioritizing tribal applicants, pending Treasury's final approval!

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#WA #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #DigitalAccess #CommunityConnectivity