Lawsuit alleges Mayo Clinic cuts corners with AI

MPR News reports

As medical behemoth Mayo Clinic continues to lead the way in incorporating artificial intelligence into clinical settings, a new lawsuit alleges that staff at the world-renowned hospital system had been skirting AI compliance rules and masking concerning error rates.

The civil action comes from former Mayo Clinic research director and AI compliance lead Traci Tamiko Eto, who sued her employer this week in federal court, saying she was retaliated against and fired after she blew the whistle on how the hospital’s rush to incorporate AI into their operations put patient care and privacy at risk.

Artur Davis, Eto’s attorney and a partner with the national law firm HKM Employment Attorneys LLC, told MPR News that this is a significant case, especially since it concerns the intimate and confidential patient data hospitals like Mayo Clinic have in their possession.

“If [people] care about the notion that AI has to be handled in a responsible manner, with integrity, and there have to be rules and guidelines, this is a case that should matter to you,” Davis said.

Davis said Mayo Clinic has 21 days to respond to the legal filing.

Mayo Clinic told MPR News Wednesday it is committed to the responsible development and deployment of AI and that privacy, security, transparency and compliance are embedded in its processes.

Elk River City Council denies data center application and considers moratorium (Sherburne)

Data Center Dynamics reports

Officials in Elk River, Minnesota, have denied a zoning application for a proposed data center project and are considering a year-long moratorium on new developments.

Swervo Development Corp. affiliate Elk River Capital was proposing to convert an existing 60,000-square-foot (5,575 sqm) industrial building at 19178 Industrial Blvd NW into a 33MW data center.

However, the Elk River City Council this week voted against an ordinance amendment that would have allowed for the project in the city’s “light industrial” zone. As reported by CBS, the council still needs to vote on a conditional use permit for the project, but the council has indicated it will likely deny the permit.

More about future plans…

This week’s meeting also saw the council ask city staff to draft a one-year moratorium on new data centers for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

More about similar projects…

Elsewhere in Minnesota, Swervo has partnered with Eagan Capital to convert a former Unisys data center in Eagan into a colocation facility. A local moratorium in the Dakota County city, however, is blocking expansion plans. Swervo affiliate Eagan Capital is filing a lawsuit to lift the moratorium.

Here are some earlier stories on the project:

Winona resident speaks out on impact of losing ReConnect funding in their area

A letter to the Editor at the Winona Post gives a glimpse of what happens on the front lines when funding gets cut…

Living in rural Winona County is great. The people are great. The scenery is great. The internet, however, is not so great. Because my home sits in a valley setting, connectivity is spotty, and my family has long relied on expensive and poorly performing satellite internet. I was excited when I learned of a plan that would bring broadband internet to my rural home as part of the ReConnect project proposed by MiEnergy. Early this year, I met with their consultant to discuss the details of connecting the service. Then, in early March, I received a letter from MiEnergy informing me that the ReConnect broadband expansion had been canceled.

According to MiEnergy, the project had received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture in 2023 and then sat idle for nearly three years awaiting environmental clearance from both USDA Rural Development and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office. During that time, costs rose and bids expired, which ultimately resulted in the project’s collapse. Rural communities in southeastern Minnesota were depending on this investment, and we have now been left behind due to inaction that I believe was avoidable.

Benton Institute for Broadband and Society posts primer on Starlink

Benton Institute for Broadband and Society posted a nice primer on Starlink…

Starlink is all over the broadband news lately. The SpaceX-owned broadband provider has come a long way since it first launched 60 satellites in May 2019. Today, SpaceX has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit and has received regulatory approval to grow the fleet to 15,000. The company reports over 9 million direct subscribers globally (2.7 million in the U. S. alone), a number experts think is poised to grow exponentially in the coming years. In a recent SEC filing, Starlink claimed it can reach 3.3 billion potential users now.

The article goes on to address the following topics:

  • How Starlink Works
  • Advantages of Starlink
  • Disadvantages of Starlink
  • The Questions Facing Policymakers
  • Where We’re Going

Congressperson introduces Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act to extend ARPA deadline

Rep. McDowell’s (NC-06) website reports

Yesterday, June 29th, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced the Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act. This legislation would extend expenditure deadlines for certain broadband infrastructure projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The legislation provides states and local communities additional time to complete broadband projects already underway, helping ensure rural communities are not forced to abandon critical infrastructure investments because of federal deadlines.

This would be good news for folks with outstanding projects.

EVENT July 15: Book Talk: Digital Equity Ecosystems: How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy

An event of possible interest from the NDIA online chat

Book Talk: Digital Equity Ecosystems: How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy

July 15, 2026 from 1:00 PM– 2:00 PM ET

Virtual (Zoom)

Join The Metropolitan New York Library Council for a lunchtime chat with Colin Rhinesmith, author of Digital Equity Ecosystems:How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy. Colin, an associate professor and director of the Digital Equity Action Research (DEAR) Lab in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will join us to talk about how community coalitions—in which libraries can play an essential role—serve as vital infrastructure to tackle digital inequality and strengthen democracy.

Find more information, including a link to register, here.

Bluepeak Reaches 500,000-Passing Milestone Across Six States – including MN

An update from Bluepeak

Bluepeak, a leading provider of high-speed fiber internet serving communities across Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and Wyoming, today announced a landmark achievement: the company has now passed 500,000 homes and businesses within its fiber-powered network. The milestone reflects hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure investment and underscores Bluepeak’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in underserved and rural communities across the region.
“Reaching 500,000 homes passed is more than a number – it’s a testament to the communities that have welcomed us and the teams that have built this network from the ground up,” said Rich Fish, CEO of Bluepeak. “This milestone represents real investment in real places: locally rooted and built for the long term. Every passing is a family or business that now has a choice for reliable, high-speed internet – and that’s exactly why we do this work.”
Hundreds of Millions in Privately Funded Investment Since launching new fiber expansion in 2021, Bluepeak has invested hundreds of millions of dollars across its six-state footprint to build a modern, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network capable of delivering residential speeds up to 5 Gig and business speeds up to 10 Gig. The company’s growth has been driven by a long-term belief in the communities it serves.
As its footprint has expanded, so too has Bluepeak’s workforce, made up of individuals who both live and work in the markets the company serves. “Our employees are building this network for their own neighborhoods, and they take tremendous pride in playing a direct role in its impact,” added Fish.
Bluepeak’s fiber infrastructure is built with advanced FTTH technology, ensuring low latency, enhanced reliability, and the scalability to meet rising digital demands – from streaming and remote work to online learning, telehealth, and business growth. The network also supports whole-home WiFi powered by eero, providing households with strong, consistent coverage and additional security features through eero Secure and eero Plus. Additionally, Bluepeak TV provides customers with even more entertainment options. As an all-in-one TV experience, Bluepeak TV provides access to live TV and streaming services in one place.
Impact Beyond Connectivity Bluepeak’s investment extends far beyond fiber infrastructure. Across every market it serves, the company actively engages with local organizations, sponsors community events, and builds lasting partnerships that reflect its commitment to the communities’ growth and well-being.
Wyoming: Bluepeak is woven into Wyoming’s signature events – from Cheyenne Frontier Days to Taste of Laradise; to Longmire Days, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo and Cowboy Joe Club golf tournaments. The
company also funds scholarships through the National Western Scholarship Trust’s annual awards to students in agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary science.
Oklahoma: Bluepeak is proud to partner with Oklahoma State University Athletics and support the Altus Posse Scholarship program. The company also sponsors venues across the state including Heart of Oklahoma, Crownline Arena, Kiddie Park, the Chisholm Trail Expo Center, and the Stride Bank Center. Bluepeak further invests in local communities by supporting rodeos and fairs, donating equipment to first responders, and funding high school athletic programs and booster clubs. In 2026, Bluepeak will join Route 66’s 100th anniversary celebrations in Yukon, Elk City, and Clinton.
South Dakota: In Rapid City and Sioux Falls, Bluepeak partners with Monument Health Foundation, and the Sanford Children’s Hospital Child Life program. The company also sponsors community staples including CMN Radiothons, Storybook Island, Canaries Baseball, Sioux Falls Marathon and the President’s Bowl.
North Dakota: Bluepeak is a proud partner of University of North Dakota Athletics. In addition, the company sponsors the Sertoma 4th of July, Downtown Street Fair, Holly Dazzle Christmas Carolers and one of the region’s most popular annual events – the Potato Bowl French Fry Feed Kid Zone and Scholarship program.
Minnesota: Across their southwest Minnesota markets including Marshall, Luverne, Pipestone and Worthington, Bluepeak sponsors the Red Baron Expo Center, Marshall and Worthington hockey programs, local county fairs, and community traditions that reflect the region’s strong agricultural roots.
Texas: In Denison, Bluepeak sponsors many of the city events including the Police Gala, Easter Egg Hunt, Bandits Bluegrass & BBQ, Music on Main, 4th of July celebration and Denison on Ice. Bluepeak also supports the Katy Depot Days, Arts Council and the high school athletics and after prom event.
Residents and businesses can visit mybluepeak.com to check service availability, sign up for updates, and learn more about Bluepeak’s expansion. Follow Bluepeak on the social media platforms of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for ongoing news and updates.
About Bluepeak Bluepeak is a new kind of internet and TV provider bringing fast, reliable, affordable internet to places that have needed better options for too long. The company has roots serving Great Plains and Midwest communities going back more than 30 years.
As the need for internet in the region has evolved, so has Bluepeak, upgrading and expanding service to markets in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Dakota and Texas with the newest cutting-edge technology. These expansion efforts include multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, community involvement, and growth through local hires.
Bluepeak is earning the trust of customers and businesses through simple, affordable offerings, responsive, reliable customer service, and transparent pricing. The company’s unique approach to delivering internet service has earned Bluepeak accolades for customer satisfaction, network performance, workplace culture, and meaningful community partnerships.
For more information, visit Bluepeak.
###

MN eNews July 2026: Data centers, AI, E-Rate, BEAD

Want a flavor of each of the 87 counties in Minnesota? Check out UofM Extension
Minnesota 87: Extension in every county gives a snapshot of each county through the lens of what Extension has done in the area, which provides nice local flavor.

2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit in Prairie Lake
The National Tribal Telecommunications Association hosted the 2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit in Minnesota. The first full day included presentations from Office of Broadband Development and MN Telecom Alliance; day two the conversation was all about AI.

MN Broadband Task Force June 2026
The Minnesota Broadband Task Force heard from local providers who are going through the BEAD process and members of the Office of Broadband Development. They are still in a holding position. The Task Force also heard an overview of the Mayo Clinic HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits. It is used for a number of applications from homelessness to healthcare and could be used to track broadband adoption.

How does you MN County rank for broadband adoption?
BroadbandClusters.org tracks broadband adoption by state, zip and county. There is a ranking of broadband adoption for counties in Minnesota.

State News   

National News

Vendor/Technology News

Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:

Local Broadband News

Faribault
Appeals court says City of Faribault must undertake a more thorough environmental review of a proposed data center

Hopkins
How the NDIA helped MN Hopkins Digital Access Initiative get people connected

Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights City Council approves one-year moratorium on data centers (Dakota County)

Itasca and St Louis Counties
More info on recent Paul Bunyan Communications upgrades in Itasca and St. Louis counties
Paul Bunyan Communications broadband expansion in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

Steele County
RadioLink closure in Southern MN leaves customers without options
Internet provider RadioLink Internet formerly serving Ellendale closes doors (Steele County)

Tribal Areas
Tribal Internet Networks Census Update tracks networks in MN and beyond

Twin Ports
Work progresses with ImOn Communications’ FTTH deployment across the Twin Ports

Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources

EVENT July 7: Control + Shift + ALTernative: Building Community-Owned Fiber

From the Institute for Local Self Reliance…

July 7th, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST

The latest installment in a joint webinar series from the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) and the Community Broadband Networks initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) will showcase a new financing and governance model being put into real-world action that allows for communities to control their digital futures.

The free, one-hour live webinar — “Control + Shift + ALTernative: Building Community-Owned Fiber” — will go behind the scenes of two real-world community fiber projects to tease out the practical lessons that other communities can learn from.

The webinar will feature four practitioners who have been in the trenches of community broadband development: Jim Cannon, CEO of Pivot-Tech; Scott Corbitt, General Manager of the Port of Lewiston; Christina Burns, Kendall County Administrator; and Chris Perlitz, Managing Director at Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc.

The conversation will be grounded in two case studies — Kendall County and Lewiston — that together illustrate what it actually takes to move a community fiber project from idea to operating network, using a creative “63-20” tax-exempt bond model championed by Pivot-Tech Development, which specializes in public-private partnerships for community-owned broadband networks.

Click to register

Folks in education are concerned about losing E-Rate funding for broadband in schools

Gov Tech reports

A few weeks after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr called for a broad review of the 30-year-old federal E-rate program, the FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking June 26 that floated the idea of ending the program. Education leaders and experts on the digital divide have since weighed in, arguing that would be a grave mistake.
The E-rate program, which provides financial support to schools and libraries for broadband connectivity, was established in 1996 and funded starting in 1997. At that time, 65 percent of U.S. public schools had Internet access, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The FCC’s notice asked whether the program has fulfilled Congress’ original objective of bringing Internet access to schools and libraries, given that “virtually all schools report having broadband connectivity and Wi-Fi.” It also cited ill effects of screen time as a reason to rethink the program.
Indeed, rates of digital connectivity have grown since E-rate’s introduction. The FCC’s notice cited a 2019 State of the States report from the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway that found 99 percent of K-12 schools had high-speed Internet access. In 2023, researchers found that 96 percent of New York public schools were connected.

Some detail that might help the E-Rate…

The FCC’s notice acknowledges that the Congressional mandate that created the E-rate program does not empower the FCC to terminate the program, but advocates are still worried. Education and library organizations argue that the framing of the FCC’s notice misunderstands that digital connectivity requires ongoing maintenance, that the program’s success is evidence of its importance, and that cybersecurity threats and evolving technologies necessitate ongoing work.

EVENT July 8: AI and Workforce – Combatting Job Displacement

Hosted by Broadband Breakfast

Wednesday, Jul 8
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from telecommunications to customer service, the question is no longer whether AI will transform the workforce, but how leaders, policymakers, and educators can ensure workers are not left behind. This panel brings together experts to examine the real-world impact of automation on jobs, the sectors most exposed to disruption, and the strategies that can turn displacement into opportunity. Panelists will explore reskilling and upskilling initiatives, the role of public-private partnerships, emerging policy frameworks, and what a resilient, AI-ready workforce looks like in the years ahead. Join us for a frank conversation about protecting workers while harnessing the productivity gains AI can deliver.

Panelists

  • Panelists have been invited
  • Melissa Newman (moderator), SVP, Government Relations, TIA

NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth updates Congress about BEAD

I’m borrowing from Benton Institute’s recap of NTIA’s Administrator, Arielle Roth, update to Congress on BEAD from June 30, 2026…

The House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology convened an oversight hearing focused on the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator Arielle Roth was the sole witness. NTIA oversees the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which was intended to provide grants for last-mile deployment in unserved and underserved areas. On June 6, 2025, the Trump NTIA issued new guidance for the BEAD Program. The guidance removed many Biden-era requirements, including a fiber technology preference and low-income plans. The June 2025 guidance directed eligible entities to run an additional “benefit-of-the-bargain” bidding round to ensure that awards reflected the changes made by the Administration and to submit final proposals by September 4, 2025. In the year since issuing the new guidance, NTIA has approved 54 out of 56 final proposals submitted by eligible entities, BEAD-funded infrastructure in two states has been deployed, and the program expects to “save” approximately $21 billion on deployment costs. What to do with the remaining money is to be determined. NTIA held a listening session to gather input on how this “nondeployment” money could be used by states, and is expected to provide guidance soon. Ideas include public safety, deployment to homes and businesses that may have been missed following the initial bidding round, workforce development, and permitting reform. The hearing, in part, was aiming at determining the  status of BEAD deployment and nondeployment funding.

The rest of the notes highlight different views of BEAD. Some folks are focused on saving as much money as possible. Some folks are focused on getting better broadband to everyone. Everyone seems frustrated with the slow timeline. And most folks were hoping for more information on the plan for nondeployment funds from BEAD…

During questioning from Members of the Subcommittee, Administrator Roth said guidance on nondeployment funding will come “this summer.” She deferred specifics on the question of whether those funds will be held back from states that enact regulations on artificial intelligence, as directed by a presidential executive order. “We want the funding … to produce real measurable outcomes, be non-duplicative, non-distortionary….” Roth said. She added, “we’re proceeding cautiously in producing the guidance so that we can ensure that this funding achieves the same success as the first segment of the BEAD Program.”

Klobuchar talks about plan for MN (including broadband) in Moorhead

I wrote about Senator Klobuchar’s mention of broadband last month. Looks like she is traveling around the state talking more about her plans.

From Valley View News: U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar outlined her plan to expand Minnesota’s rural economy in Moorhead on Wednesday…

The plan focuses on four areas: Opening and expanding markets for rural businesses and farmers, helping families afford housing, child care and health care in Greater Minnesota, modernizing rural broadband and infrastructure, and strengthening the farm safety net.

The Wireline Competition Bureau pauses the phase-out of Lifeline program support for voice-only services

The FCC announces

I. INTRODUCTION

1. In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) issues a waiver pausing both the phase-out of Lifeline program support for voice-only services and changes to the Lifeline minimum service standards. As discussed below, we find good cause to pause these adjustments for a year because the Commission is undergoing a rulemaking proceeding that seeks comment on these issues and could result in changes to the Lifeline program.1

II. BACKGROUND

2. In the 2016 Lifeline Order, the Commission revised the Lifeline program to phase-in increasing broadband minimum service standards and phase-out Lifeline support for voice-only service.2 The Commission took these actions with the intent to “avoid undue consumer disruption and to allow Lifeline providers sufficient time to adjust operations as the Commission moves from a primarily voice-only Lifeline program to a Lifeline program embracing broadband services.”3

3. The 2016 Lifeline Order established a three-step schedule by which Lifeline support for voice-only service would be decreased before ending entirely, which so far has led to voice-only support being reduced to $5.25.4 The final step was to be a complete phase-out of Lifeline support for voice-only services on December 1, 2021, when support for such services was to be eliminated in most areas.5 However, the Bureau issued a waiver pausing the phase-out before support elimination occurred due in large part to many Lifeline subscribers’ continued reliance on voice service and has maintained this pause each year since through one-year waiver extensions.6 The most recent waiver is currently still in effect and ends on December 1, 2026.7

4. The Commission also created broadband capacity minimum service standards in the 2016 Lifeline Order effectuated through update mechanisms for the fixed and mobile broadband speed and data capacity standards to provide predictable improvements to these offerings.8 In prior years, the Commission has waived the mobile broadband capacity minimum service standard when it determined that doing so would be necessary to prevent service costs from rising to unaffordable levels.9

5. The Commission is currently considering recommendations to revise certain Lifeline rules in its 2026 Lifeline NPRM, released on February 23, 2026.10 The 2026 Lifeline NPRM launched a comprehensive review of the Lifeline program and seeks comment on support for voice-only service and the minimum service standards and their updated mechanisms.11 In the NPRM, the Commission asked whether it should maintain voice-only service support at the current $5.25 amount and the justifications for doing so, including “[h]ow vital is voice service to consumers’ ability to access public safety resources or to participate in today’s society” and whether these subscribers would be able to fulfill these needs through alternative services.12 The Commission also requested comment on Lifeline minimum service standards, including whether the current minimum service standards meet the needs of Lifeline subscribers, increasing minimum service standards could lead to prohibitively expensive plans or providers leaving the program, update mechanisms should exist, and these mechanisms should update the minimum service standards at set or variable amounts, among other issues.

DISCUSSION

6. The Bureau acts on its own motion to waive the implementation of the phase-out in Lifeline support for voice-only services and the increase in Lifeline minimum service standards for one year, until December 1, 2027. In evaluating whether good cause exists for waiver of its rules,14 the Commission considers whether the particular facts make strict compliance inconsistent with the public interest.15 The Commission may also take into account concerns of hardship, equity, or more effective implementation of policy on an individual basis.16 Waiver of the Commission’s rules is therefore only appropriate if special circumstances warrant a deviation from the general rule, and such deviation will serve the public interest.17 The Bureau finds good cause to act on delegated authority to waive the Lifeline rules as described herein, as further discussed below.18

7. Careful consideration of how to continue to support a stable and robust affordable communications market through the Lifeline program led to our decision to issue this waiver. This waiver pauses changes to the minimum service standards and voice support phase-out as the Commission develops and analyzes the record in the 2026 Lifeline NPRM. By maintaining the current Lifeline program minimum service standards and support for voice-only service while these programmatic changes are under consideration, this Order prevents potential excessive provider obligations, subscriber confusion, and loss of service that could accompany multiple changes to the minimum services standards in a short period. For these reasons, we find good cause to pause the Lifeline minimum service standards for broadband and the phase-out in Lifeline support for voice-only services

IRRR shares Notice of Grant Opportunities

In their last email alert, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), provided a nice list of funding opportunities. The first one caught my eye, but I have already posted about it. But with minimal effort, I could make a connection between the funding and a broadband development or adoption project…

Open July 1:

  • Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the state of Minnesota broadband speed goal.
  • Commercial Redevelopment grants assist with the full and selective demolition of commercial and industrial buildings and the clean-up of brownfields to pave the way for new development.
  • Culture & Tourism grants assist projects that support arts, culture, history, tourism and recreational activities, enhance the quality of life in the region and attract visitors.
  • Development Partnership grants assist with research, planning, education and development-based initiatives that support the long-term economic growth of northeastern Minnesota.
  • Downtown Redevelopment grants and loans support new construction on vacant downtown properties by helping fill project financing gaps.
  • Grant Writing Assistance grants reimburse the costs of preparing and applying for a non-agency grant that will advance economic growth.
  • Housing grants assist projects or programs that result in the creation of new housing units or the rehabilitation of existing housing units.
  • Mineland Reclamation grants assist with highly visible development and restoration of mining-impacted land.
  • Public Works grants support local and Tribal governments with infrastructure funding that provides essential services and promotes economic development.
  • Regional Trails grants assist with the design, engineering and construction of various types of recreational trails.
  • Residential Redevelopment grants assist with demolishing residential structures or full deconstruction of homes for reuse of materials.
  • Workforce Development grants assist with education, training and career awareness initiatives that address regional workforce needs and gaps emerging in industries and schools.

Opening Aug. 1:

  • Drilling Incentive grants stimulate exploration for new minerals, gas resources and/or new deposits of these resources.