1. Monthly archive
  2. September 2026

September 2026

It's not too late

The White House, Congress and the country's leading AI companies have allowed AI to grow faster, stronger, more powerful and wildly lucrative (and dangerous), with no serious effort to control it or spread the benefits beyond the super-wealthy. It's not too late to change this. But if they all dither, duck or dance around it, the chances of AI worst-case scenarios will explode, likely early in 2027, according to people who truly understands AI. Yes, President Trump opposes regulation or bipartisan efforts. Yes, AI companies are obsessed with more money, more speed.

Broadband Connectivity Among Rural First Responders in Pennsylvania

This report details the experiences of rural first responders in Pennsylvania working with information communication technologies (ICTs) and digital networks. Through a series of focus groups and interviews with law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical service providers, and 911 center representatives, along with county officials and other local stakeholders, we explore the challenges and opportunities brought by digital communication technologies for the work of rural first responders.

Dopamine Sites Sell Nothing, and People Cannot Get Enough

Products that don’t exist. Meal deliveries that will never make it to the front door. Smoke breaks lacking the most important ingredient. All this and more—or is it less?—is available on so-called dopamine sites, which offer nothing tangible and yet have somehow become wildly popular as people navigate a digital landscape that cultivates consumption. Named for the brain chemical associated with reward seeking, the sites simulate experiences like online shopping that can generate good feelings.

New Wi-Fi projects to serve millions across 17 New Mexico counties

More than four million annual visitors, students and residents in New Mexico will soon have public Wi-Fi access at city parks, state parks, public housing, civic spaces, community centers and senior centers after the state’s broadband office awarded nearly $6 million in grants. The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has approved nine Wi-Fi grants through its American Rescue Plan Act Community Wi-Fi Project, a newly launched program designed to help municipal, county, and regional governments and state agencies expand Wi-Fi service.

Sponsor 

Fiber Broadband Association

Date 
Wed, 09/16/2026 - 10:00 to 10:30

What happens when major broadband grants wind down? Revati Prasad, Executive Director of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to explore the future role of state broadband offices and the challenges of sustaining capacity for mapping, oversight, affordability and digital opportunity.


Sponsor 

Senate Commerce Committee

Date 
Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:30

THIS HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Nominees

Danielle Severs

Danielle Thumann Severs, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission.

Leslie Becera

Leslie Becera, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation.

THIS HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED


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