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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Plus: Gov. Tim Walz has now signed four cannabis compacts with tribal nations, the latest being the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; and the girls' state tennis tournament wrapped up with a few Northland consolation champions. -
Contributed/Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior ChippewaThe Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is the fourth tribal nation to sign the intergovernmental contract that allows tribal cannabis businesses to operate off tribally regulated land. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEMnDOT's plans for Highway 197, or Paul Bunyan Drive, in Bemidji include replacing three signalized intersections with roundabouts between 2026 and 2027. -
Contributed/Crosby-Ironton Rangers Facebook pageFifteen individual athletes from Northern Minnesota competed in the girls tennis singles and doubles state tournament Thursday and Friday in the Twin Cities. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEPresident Donald Trump approved disaster relief for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in response to the June 21, 2025, severe storms. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act, introduced by Rep. Pete Stauber, grants a land swap between the Chippewa National Forest and Bowen Lodge near Deer River. -
Plus: Bipartisan legislation for a land transfer in the Chippewa National Forest cleared a key Senate committee; and the Esko girls' soccer team will advance to the state semi-finals on Oct. 29, 2025.
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Contributed/City of HermantownThe Environmental Quality Board reviewed the petition and designated the Hermantown City Council as the responsible entity. It must either reject the petition or conduct further environmental review for the proposed data center. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEFamilies and friends of Nevaeh Kingbird and Jeremy Jourdain will host a candlelight vigil at Paul Bunyan Park at 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2025. -
Chris Walker/KAXEThe Environmental Protection Agency’s action level for lead is 15 parts per billion. Of 29 samples collected June through September, more than 10% exceeded the action level.
