The State’s Office of Broadband Development reported it can no longer fulfill grants promised to local governments, organizations and small businesses after the cancellation of more federal funding.
A total of $12 million was slated to support Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce last year.
The funding would have been used to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability.
The funding was canceled across the nation earlier this month when President Donald Trump declared the Digital Equity Act to be unconstitutional in a post on Truth Social.
"This sudden and unprecedented cancellation of awarded funding could hurt DEED’s work to expand broadband access and digital technology to Minnesotans who are most underserved: seniors, Greater Minnesota residents, veterans, low-income Minnesotans, people of color, people with disabilities, and more," stated the agency in a release.
While Trump’s reason for cancellation appeared related to race, The New York Times reports the law hardly mentions race and is primarily focused on broadband expansion to rural and underserved areas.
The move is expected to be challenged in the courts.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEA list of resources, information and answers to questions about Bemidji storm recovery, including cleanup tips, road and other closures and how to support the community. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXESome remained without power Monday afternoon, the BSU and NTC campuses are still closed and storm debris still blocks trails, roads and more as cleanup continues. -
Contributed/Jerry Burnes / Iron Range TodayPart of the Nippon Steel’s national security agreement with Trump administration includes $800 million in local investments, few job protections. -
Contributed/InciWebProperty owners may be eligible for property tax relief if the damage to their property totaled at least 50% of its value or if their property is homesteaded. -
The city will use the funds to refurbish and replace outdated playground equipment as well as enhance the functionality and accessibility for all ages and abilities. -
Contributed/Minnesota State High School Clay Target League via FacebookThe Park Rapids Clay Dusters won the invitation-only 2025 Minnesota State High School League state tournament. The top 40 teams in the state compete. -
Contributed/Carlos Hernandez Bois Forte Chairman Candidate via FacebookCarlos A. Hernandez will serve out the remainder of former Chair Cathy Chavers' term. Chavers stepped down in January 2025 to focus on her mental health. -
Mesabi Metallics offered its second community tour of its new mine in Nashwauk on Thursday, June 19. After decades of uncertainty, the company says production will start early next year. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEDestructive storms with wind gusts over 100 miles per hour knocked out power for tens of thousands of northwestern Minnesotans in and around Bemidji on Saturday, June 21. -
Plus: Extreme heat and possible severe weather could be in store for much of the Northland over the weekend; Carlos Hernandez was narrowly elected Bois Forte chairman in a special election on June 17, 2025; the Minnesota DNR and Brainerd Lakes Area Master Naturalists will hold an AIS workshop; Eveleth received a $200K grant to upgrade a city playground; Beltrami County will begin work on a new shared-use trail near Bemidji High School; and MnDOT crews are making progress on planned construction near Hackensack and Wadena.
