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U.S. Representative Dingell Intervenes to Revive Stalled Broadband Project in Bridgewater Township

U.S. Representative Dingell Intervenes to Revive Stalled Broadband Project in Bridgewater Township

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell has intervened to help restart a stalled broadband project in Bridgewater Township, Michigan. The project, intended to provide broadband access to every household in the township, has been on hold since Mercury Broadband LLC ceased work in 2024. Unlike other areas directly funded by the county, Bridgewater Township's project was awarded Rural Digital Opportunity Funding (RDOF), administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which limited the county's direct access to Mercury. This necessitated Representative Dingell's involvement to pressure the FCC and act as an intermediary. Her office facilitated a meeting on August 25, attended by Mercury's new CEO, Kwame Trotman, co-founder Blake Wiseman, Bridgewater Township supervisor Laurie Fromhart, and Chris Scharrer, who oversaw the county's broadband project. During the meeting, Trotman requested 30 days to assess the project's financial feasibility.
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FCC Regulations Shaped 49 MHz as 'Nursery Frequency' for Household Wireless Devices

FCC Regulations Shaped 49 MHz as 'Nursery Frequency' for Household Wireless Devices

The 49 MHz frequency band became a common space for various household wireless devices in the U.S., including toy radios, cordless phones, and baby monitors, not due to inherent technical superiority but largely because of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory decisions. In the 1970s, the FCC moved low-power voice devices from the congested 27 MHz band to 49.82–49.90 MHz to resolve interference issues with Citizens Radio Service. Manufacturers successfully argued against a proposed ban on inexpensive super-regenerative receivers, which were crucial for keeping toy radio costs low, by demonstrating compliance with existing radiation limits. This decision allowed for the continued production of affordable devices. Subsequently, cordless phone manufacturers also began utilizing the 49 MHz band, and by the 1980s, specific channels within this band were allocated for cordless phones. By 1989, baby monitors operating on 49 MHz were explicitly discussed in FCC rulemaking, with the FCC reaffirming tha...
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44th Annual Institute to Address Telecommunications Policy and Regulation in Washington D.C.

44th Annual Institute to Address Telecommunications Policy and Regulation in Washington D.C.

The 44th Annual Institute on Telecommunications Policy & Regulation is scheduled to take place on December 2 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. This event, presented by the Practising Law Institute in cooperation with the Federal Communications Bar Association, will gather top practitioners, in-house counsel from telecommunications organizations, and senior officials from the FCC. Attendees can participate either in-person or via live webcast. The institute aims to provide an in-depth understanding of current issues confronting the telecommunications industry and to explore future trends anticipated for 2027. Updates regarding the schedule and faculty are expected to be released in the coming days.
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Douglas County Engineer Jim Crane Reports Bridge Closure Due to Safety Concerns

Douglas County Engineer Jim Crane Reports Bridge Closure Due to Safety Concerns

Douglas County Engineer Jim Crane reported that a bridge on Route 1050 North, located approximately three miles east of Tuscola, failed an inspection in 2024 and was subsequently closed due to safety concerns. The inspection revealed that the east piles on the east pier of the bridge were completely gone, necessitating its immediate closure. Following this discovery, the county initiated construction design plans. The Douglas County Board has since voted to adjust the contract for the bridge's construction, with the adjusted costs amounting to approximately $541,000, which is slightly less than a one percent increase from the initial estimate. Construction is anticipated to commence in the fall and conclude by spring 2027, with the contractor operating under a 45-day working contract. Additionally, Jim Crane was reappointed as county engineer for a six-year term, effective October 1, with a new annual salary of around $172,000, plus $1,000 for work-related expenses.
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Why TP-Link Deco Mesh Looks Different in Production

Why TP-Link Deco Mesh Looks Different in Production

Ever wonder why the final TP-Link Deco on your shelf doesn't quite match the prototype? Here's a look at the journey from concept to reality.
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Grayscale Investments Launches AI Compute ETF, Repurposing Bitcoin Mining Infrastructure for AI Growth

Grayscale Investments Launches AI Compute ETF, Repurposing Bitcoin Mining Infrastructure for AI Growth

Grayscale Investments Launches AI Compute ETF, Repurposing Bitcoin Mining Infrastructure for AI Growth
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US says new air traffic control system will not suffer disruptions

US says new air traffic control system will not suffer disruptions

By David Shepardson Sept 22 (Reuters) - The US government is developing a modern, resilient air traffic control system that will not experience massive telecom outages like the one that disrupted thousands of flights this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Tuesday.
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Moorhead and West Fargo Initiate Multiple Road Construction Projects

Moorhead and West Fargo Initiate Multiple Road Construction Projects

Several new road construction projects have officially commenced in Moorhead and West Fargo. In Moorhead, work is underway on 22nd Avenue South, spanning from Rivershore Drive to 6th Street South, which is projected to take three to four weeks. This particular project will temporarily restrict driveway access for homes located on 22nd Avenue South between Rivershore Drive and 8th Street South. Additionally, construction has begun on 12th Street South, from Main Avenue to 2nd Avenue South, with an expected duration of two to three weeks. Concurrently, in West Fargo, 9th Street between 47th Avenue West and Mulberry Lane has been closed to facilitate road and utility work. This West Fargo project is scheduled for completion by October 10. These initiatives aim to address infrastructure needs and improve road conditions in both cities.
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California Lawmakers Debate Housing Strategy: High-Rises vs. Single-Family Homes Amidst Shortage

California Lawmakers Debate Housing Strategy: High-Rises vs. Single-Family Homes Amidst Shortage

California is grappling with a significant housing shortage, estimated at 4 million units nationally, leading to a debate among policymakers regarding the most effective development strategy. State Senator Scott Wiener championed SB 79, a bill that overrides local zoning regulations to permit the construction of high-rise apartment buildings near transit hubs. This approach reflects a belief among some policymakers that increasing urban density through high-rises is the solution. However, gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and others advocate for an alternative strategy: encouraging the development of single-family homes. They argue that Californians, like most Americans, prefer single-family homes with yards, privacy, and a sense of ownership, viewing high-rises as less desirable long-term investments. This divergence highlights a fundamental disagreement on how to address the state's housing crisis, with one side favoring vertical growth in urban centers and the other advocating for outward expansion a...
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Corporate Transparency Act Remains Federal Law Despite Exemptions and Congressional Challenges

Corporate Transparency Act Remains Federal Law Despite Exemptions and Congressional Challenges

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted under President Trump as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, remains federal law, despite recent challenges and the issuance of a Final Rule by FinCEN that has drawn criticism. The CTA requires certain companies to report beneficial ownership information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to curb the abuse of anonymous shell companies. In December 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the law's constitutionality. However, FinCEN's August 2026 Final Rule significantly expanded exemptions, effectively eliminating reporting requirements for almost all U.S. entities and individuals, and only requiring reporting from certain foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. This rule has been criticized by anti-corruption organizations and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for creating gaps in beneficial ownership information.
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Pork Producers Urge Congressional Action on California's Proposition 12 Amid Farm Bill Debate

Pork Producers Urge Congressional Action on California's Proposition 12 Amid Farm Bill Debate

Pork producers across the United States are intensifying their efforts to persuade Congress to repeal or modify California's Proposition 12. This 2018 ballot initiative mandates specific minimum space requirements for pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens whose products are sold within California. The law has faced significant opposition from pork producers, who argue it imposes substantial costs and restricts their ability to sell products in one of the largest U.S. markets. While the Supreme Court ruled against producers' initial legal challenges, it indicated that Congress could establish a federal standard for livestock living conditions. The House version of the Farm Bill included a provision, known as the 'Save Our Bacon Act,' which would effectively invalidate Proposition 12 by preventing states from enforcing production standards on out-of-state livestock. However, the Senate's version of the Farm Bill currently lacks this provision, creating a legislative hurdle for producers seeking a nationwide...
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US halts flights at busy East Coast airports, says fiber line cut at construction site

US halts flights at busy East Coast airports, says fiber line cut at construction site

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights at busy East Coast airports in New York, Philadelphia and Boston on Monday, saying a fiber cable was accidentally cut at a construction site in New Jersey. Ground stops were issued for John F.