For a number of years now, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars to the Affordable Connectivity Program to help internet access become more affordable for many.

The funding for the initiative is set to run out by this April, which means many people around the country and in Utah are preparing for a transition. In just two days the FCC will stop accepting new applications. Last month, a group of bipartisan congressional leaders introduced legislation to appropriate $7 billion to the program, ensuring its continuation, but no action has been taken.

Rob Roake, director of operations and programming at The Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging, said he has found the program has been essential for Utahns.

"In Utah it is even more important than probably in some other states just because of geographically, the way that we are set up, where we have one centralized urban area and then most of our state is rural," Roake explained. "The folks out there have a risk of less connectivity."

Roake pointed out many Utahns would be unable to access what he calls "vital resources" and would be less informed. While Roake hopes the program continues, he encouraged Utahns to search for alternatives, such as asking to see if internet service providers have their own low-income service program. As of this week, more than 73,000 Utahns are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Roake stressed while he and others around the state are hopeful the program will continue, it is an opportunity for the state to think about new ways or alternatives to ensure Utahns have access to high-speed internet and do not feel reliant on the federal government for assistance.

He added while he does not know what it would look like, at least an extension of the program from the federal government would cause the least amount of disruption.

"Individual states are looking for different ways to subsidize it, that they don't rely on federal funds," Roake noted. "Maybe it is a statewide program or something they can offer discounts or incentives to ISPs (internet service providers) to have a 'Utah-based ACP,' if you will."

Roake argued now is the time for Utah stakeholders interested in digital equity to start building up better communication networks at the statewide level, whether it's to better coordinate future federal efforts or not. He considers having internet access a fundamental right and predicts it is only going to become more important moving forward.


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Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees collectively received more than $100,000 in funds to implement quick-action projects this year through AARP Wisconsin's Community Challenge.

Jennifer Stephany, executive director with Creative Downtown Appleton Inc., is a past recipient that used the funds to install a seasonal "parklet" - or mobile patio - in an area that lacked these amenities. She said the aluminum parklet is handicap accessible and includes three tables and six chairs, with planters and herbs for public use.

"So it's rosemary and basil, and we even had some kale in there, and we take care of watering it throughout the summer, and residents can just come down and pick the fresh herbs," she explained.

Stephany worked with the City of Appleton to develop a citywide policy for parklets, adding that the grant funds were instrumental given the funding constraints organizations like hers face.

Darren Wasniewski, senior associate state director for community outreach, AARP Wisconsin, noted the funds are designated for immediate actions to improve quality and accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities, with projects to be completed by December 15. He said these projects often spark community interest in similar initiatives to meet local needs.

As Wasniewski put it, "Not all of our grantees need to go on and change city policy, but it's always great when they can be used as that catalyst to have these public discussions about, 'Is there something that we can change to make the community livable for all?'"

Some of this year's AARP-funded projects include handicap accessibility improvements to public spaces, home repairs for seniors, digital access and literacy expansion, and housing alternatives. The full list of 2025 grant recipients is on AARP's website.

Minnesotans gathered at the state Capitol last night for a candlelight vigil for Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, after she was assassinated early Saturday. People close to her hope her legacy inspires acts that benefit communities all over.

Following the shooting attack that left Hortman and her husband dead, the couple's adult children issued a statement urging residents to honor their parents' memory in a variety of ways. One of them is to plant a tree.

Anne-Marie Hendrickson, director of development of the nonprofit Tree Trust, said they accept donations to replant groups of trees in Twin Cities neighborhoods devastated by invasive species, and added the Hortmans' home city is a good fit.

"We do have a relationship with Brooklyn Park," she said. "So, you know, maybe it's all the funds raised, for instance, as a result of their deaths could be used to replant trees in a Brooklyn Park park. And volunteers would be engaged to come out and plant those trees."

Rep. Hortman's two decades in the Legislature, including several years as House Speaker, is being described as one of the more impactful careers at the State Capitol. Lawmakers from both major parties have noted her strong commitment to improving the lives of Minnesotans. The family statement concluded with a request for people "to do something, whether big or small," centered around community improvement.

Michael Nicklow, CEO of Let's Plant Trees, said they have plenty of volunteer opportunities, including memorial plantings.

"It's a beautiful thing to do to carry on that legacy, of course, and trees are a beautiful thing - not only for our generation but for future generations, mostly, " he said.

LeAnn Thiner, co-director of the Worthington Christian Church Food Shelf, said operations like hers could always use volunteers with aging staff members stepping down, and added that helping to ensure your neighbor has enough food to eat is an excellent way to show they're supported by their surrounding community, no matter the size of the volunteer job involved.

"Volunteering at a food shelf is a very rewarding thing to do," she explained. "The people come in here, and after you've gotten to know them for a while, they come and say, 'Hi, how are you doing?' They always say thank you."


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As Minnesotans process this weekend's shooting attacks on lawmakers, they are surrounded by talking points about turning down the political temperature and people well-versed in humanities said it cannot be half-hearted.

Renewed calls for voters to listen to each other and pull back on hateful comments are often met with skepticism in today's politics.

Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, said in the course of American history, there are many instances when it has failed to govern with logic and reason, and now is one of those times. He stressed the role voters play should be grounded in healthy curiosity when debating the issues.

"Really being curious, wanting to work in conversation and wanting to know more about the other person," Lindsey recommended. "Not just responding with the idea of winning the argument."

He explained people need to be humble in such situations and not think they have all the answers. Voters aligned with either major party might argue it is unfair to take that road if they assume the other side will not. Lindsey agreed people cannot compromise their principles with major policy decisions and if the final outcome is not what they hoped for, nonviolent dissent will always be an option, like peaceful protests.

Minnesota is seeing more diversity, with notable population gains from India, Mexico and Somalia. Lindsey encouraged residents to learn more about the New Americans and their backgrounds, instead of making assumptions. He emphasized not being genuinely curious about a new neighbor is a missed opportunity.

"When we fail to see and value and appreciate our neighbors, then it doesn't really matter about our law, it doesn't really matter the words within the Constitution," Lindsey contended. "That's really the essence of our democracy."

As for hateful comments, Lindsey advised all voters and leaders need to call out messages viewed as inciting violence. He added it cannot just be politicians who need to police each other on the issue, urging leaders from all facets of society to speak up when they see rhetoric that clearly crosses the line.


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