Alex Milan Tracy for Underscore
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The dozens of independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news organizations that make up the Rural News Network are developing the broadest news alliance reporting on rural America. These newsrooms are pursuing coverage that provides a more complete picture of what it means to live and work in these communities.
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LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Trump administration changes may stop hundreds of millions for broadband expansion in Kansas
November 19, 2025
Kansas was given $451 million for broadband development under the Biden administration. After Trump was elected, the program changed and Kansas may only spend $252 million.
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Ulster County Lands $20.8M Federal Grant to Bring Fiber Broadband to Rural Homes
September 25, 2025
Soon, nearly 1,300 homes, businesses, and community sites will be connected to high-speed internet, thanks to money awarded through New York State’s ConnectALL Deployment Program.
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From Morgantown to Kingwood, residents want more housing, health care and internet
August 17, 2025
Mountain State Spotlight partnered with the League of Women Voters of West Virginia and hosted four community listening sessions in Monongalia and Preston Counties. Here’s what we heard from residents.
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Mississippi broadband expansion moves forward despite federal changes
July 30, 2025
Broadband can open up business opportunities, provide access to telehealth care and more jobs, especially in rural areas that often have the lowest rates of high speed internet availability.
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Federal government cancels Vermont’s $5.3 million digital equity grant
May 16, 2025
The National Institute of Standards and Technology stated that the grant—intended to support Vermont’s push for universal, reliable internet access—was rejected due to its inclusion of what the president deemed “unconstitutional racial preferences.”
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The Trump administration just delayed West Virginia’s broadband expansion. Here’s what that means.
April 03, 2025
Gov. Morrisey said it will be three more months until the state submits its application to receive over a billion dollars to connect every household to the internet. For West Virginians, it means more waiting.
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Why industry groups think federal broadband dollars could go to waste
November 27, 2024
State’s ‘challenge’ process added thousands of new locations that are potentially eligible for funds, but some providers aren’t sold on the program.
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As Starlink faces federal scrutiny, the internet company has become a lifeline in West Virginia — for those who can afford it
November 22, 2024
Thousands of West Virginians – many in rural parts of the state – rely on the Elon Musk-owned satellite company for high-speed internet access, even as federal regulators say it can’t meet the basic requirements to be defined as “broadband.”
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Rural Hawaiian Homelands Residents Should Be Online By 2025
October 31, 2024
Most Hawaiian homesteaders have switched from Sandwich Isles to either Spectrum or Hawaiian Telcom.
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As an Oklahoma hospital breaks ground, USDA looks to better health, high speed internet and housing
September 04, 2024
Leadership in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office says a Tillman County hospital speaks to the larger focus on housing, health and high speed internet.
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‘Internet for all’ plans in Minnesota in trouble as broadband providers balk at ‘onerous’ regulations
July 15, 2024
Industry leaders say red tape, especially a cap on pricing, will discourage providers from tapping $652 million in federal funds.
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In Democratic primary, candidates emphasize broadband, education
June 24, 2024
Joe Maldonado and Randy Udell, who have both served on the Fitchburg City Council, pitch different Democratic priorities.
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Broadband Committee is collecting service data via survey
April 11, 2024
The committee hopes to tap into federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Development) funds that could help extend service into less densely populated sections of town.
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1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidy
April 02, 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service. Rural leaders worry ending the government subsidies could shrink the rural customer base and make those areas even less attractive to internet companies.
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Kent named “Best Remote-Work” town by Yankee magazine
March 21, 2024
Kent, earning a top spot, was reported to have a median home value of $509,500. For that money, emigres can expect to enjoy beautiful surroundings, fine dining opportunities, world-class galleries, “robust internet” — and ready access to New York City.
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