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Study Warns Termination of E-Rate Program Could Cost U.S. Economy Over $4 Billion Annually

Study Warns Termination of E-Rate Program Could Cost U.S. Economy Over $4 Billion Annually

A new study published by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, in collaboration with other partner associations, indicates that discontinuing the federal E-Rate broadband subsidy program would result in an annual loss of over $4 billion for the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by independent economic consulting firm The Brattle Group, found that for every $1 removed from the E-Rate program's $2.6 billion annual support, the U.S. real GDP would decrease by approximately $1.60, totaling a $4.2 billion reduction. This program is crucial for helping schools and libraries afford internet connectivity and related services. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently reviewing the future of E-Rate, having issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in June to gather comments on whether to retain, narrow, or eliminate the program, as well as potential changes to online safety requirements, parental controls, and program oversight. Initial comments on this proposal were due October 1...

Study Reveals E-Rate Termination Could Cost U.S. Economy Over $4 Billion Annually

Study Reveals E-Rate Termination Could Cost U.S. Economy Over $4 Billion Annually

A new study published by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition indicates that terminating the federal E-Rate broadband subsidy program for schools and libraries would result in an annual loss of over $4 billion for the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by The Brattle Group, found that removing the program's $2.6 billion in annual support would reduce the U.S. real GDP by $4.2 billion. This translates to approximately $1.60 in lost economic activity for every $1 of support withdrawn. Additionally, eliminating E-Rate would lead to a reduction of about $2.8 billion in real wages and $1.5 billion in tax revenues each year. The study highlights that these economic losses would exceed the federal support removed because higher connectivity costs would divert resources from other productive activities, creating ripple effects across various economic sectors. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently reviewing the E-Rate program's future, having issued a notice of proposed rule...

Exclusive-Friend of suspected FBI data thief says he warned 'crazy' teen not to hack bureau

Exclusive-Friend of suspected FBI data thief says he warned 'crazy' teen not to hack bureau

By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - A friend of the suspected thief of a massive cache of personal data from the FBI says he begged the teenager not to do it.

US FCC to vote to ban all Chinese labs from testing US electronics

US FCC to vote to ban all Chinese labs from testing US electronics

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it will vote on October 29 to bar all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras and computers for use in the US, widening a previous action targeting Beijing.

Rutgers Basketball Receives Poor Outlook In Big Ten Preseason Poll

Rutgers Basketball Receives Poor Outlook In Big Ten Preseason Poll

The Scarlet Knights were picked near the bottom of the conference this year.

Trump administration freezes green cards for Microsoft, IT firms, probes universities

Trump administration freezes green cards for Microsoft, IT firms, probes universities

By Akash Sriram and Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - The US suspended Microsoft, major IT outsourcers and software maker Adobe from a key green-card program on Thursday while opening probes into nine top universities, widening a crackdown it says targets fraud and protects American jobs.

Lawmakers raise alarm at Google plan to acquire Spirit Airlines data for AI models

Lawmakers raise alarm at Google plan to acquire Spirit Airlines data for AI models

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - More than 120 US lawmakers raised concerns on Thursday about a deal for Alphabet's Google unit to acquire defunct carrier Spirit Airlines' internal data for $10 million to train artificial intelligence systems.

US weekly jobless claims fall as layoffs remain low

US weekly jobless claims fall as layoffs remain low

WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to continued labor market stability despite job growth slowing sharply in September.

Ecuadorian Judge Acquits 32 Fishermen in U.S. Boat Sinking Case, Citing Lack of Evidence

Ecuadorian Judge Acquits 32 Fishermen in U.S. Boat Sinking Case, Citing Lack of Evidence

An Ecuadorian judge has acquitted 32 fishermen whose boats were sunk by U.S. forces in September, ruling that there was no proof they had assisted drug traffickers. The verdict, delivered on October 7, clears eight crew members from the 'Conquista II' and 24 from the 'María Candelaria'. Prosecutors had charged them with unlawful association, which carries a potential prison sentence of three to five years. According to the defense lawyer, Juan Alvia, the judge found no evidence to substantiate the claims that the vessels or their crews were involved in illicit activities. This ruling marks the first verdict in Ecuador concerning the U.S. naval campaign against Los Choneros, a gang designated as a terrorist organization by Washington. The U.S. Southern Command had asserted that the sunken boats were floating fuel stations for drug speedboats linked to Los Choneros.

Microsoft is being suspended from program to apply for green cards for H-1B visa workers, Vance says

Microsoft is being suspended from program to apply for green cards for H-1B visa workers, Vance says

The Trump administration is suspending tech giant Microsoft from a program to apply for green cards for workers who come to the U.S. to live and work using an H-1B visa

Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November

Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November

WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the US will not launch an attack on Iran before November's US midterm congressional elections, asserting that the two countries are having "productive" talks about ending the six-month-old war.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico press judge to keep Trump White House ban blocked

CNN, MS NOW and Politico press judge to keep Trump White House ban blocked

By Jack Queen Oct 8 (Reuters) - A lawyer for CNN, MS NOW and Politico urged a federal judge on Thursday to extend their protection against being barred from the White House by US President Donald Trump, while the Justice Department defended the bans as fair and justified.