Washington
Washington closer to expanding high-speed internet state wide
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Washington’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The NTIA has also approved the District of Columbia’s and Deleware’s initial proposals.
According to a news release from NTIA, the BEAD program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
The approval means Washington can request access to its allocation of BEAD funding — over $1.2 billion. The state can also start implementing the BEAD program, according to the NTIA.
The BEAD program, as stated by the news release, is a $42.5 billion state grant program through President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law to provide everyone in the country access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.
ACP funding comes to an end
Last month, the White House pushed Congress to extend funding for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the Federal Communication Commission, which allowed a $30 internet discount for those who qualify as low-income.
Background: Affordable internet program may end for millions; these are other local options
However, without funding from Congress, the last fully funded month was April 2024. Over 300,000 Washingtonians will be impacted by the end of the ACP.
“Without action from Congress, this program will sunset this spring and millions of Americans may no longer be able to afford high-speed internet service,” wrote a post by the White House.
On Thursday, U.S. Senator for California Alex Padilla announced that he cosponsored the ACP Extension Act, according to a news release from Padilla. The legislation would provide the ACP with an additional $7 billion so that the program would last through 2024.
There is also a bipartisan amendment, as stated by Padilla’s release, to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023 being considered in the Senate to provide the ACP with an additional $6 billion.
The BEAD program runs adjacent to the ACP program, and as The Patterson Foundation puts it, “The ACP makes BEAD program dollars go farther.”
Next steps for the BEAD program
Although the ACP program appears to be coming to an end, the BEAD program will hopefully bridge the digital divide in Washington.
“The BEAD program has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and helping us meet our goal to bring internet access to every person across Washington state,” Governor Jay Inslee said in the NITA news release. “Digital connectivity allows communities to tap into job, health care and education opportunities. I am grateful to the NTIA for approving Washington’s initial proposal and I look forward to the Washington State Broadband Office’s continued success in submitting proposals ensuring more Washingtonians and Tribal nations receive internet access.”
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NITA said the next steps are for Washington to submit a final proposal that includes how the state will ensure universal coverage with BEAD dollars.
Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.
Protester scales Washington DC bridge, stays for days
A demonstrator protesting the war in Iran and the use of artificial intelligence climbed Frederick Douglass Bridge, and stayed for days.
Despite saying he would “soon” come down, a protester has remained on top of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC since May 1, impacting traffic and extending a dayslong standoff with police.
Guido Reichstadter climbed the 168-foot bridge Friday, then draped a black banner and set up a tent while making the bridge his home for the past four days.
Here’s what to know about Reichstadter’s protest and how it is affecting locals in the nation’s capital.
Why is there a man on top of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge?
After Reichstadter climbed the bridge Friday, he identified himself as a protester, writing on X that he was “calling on the people of the United States to bring an immediate end to the Trump regime’s illegal war on Iran and the removal of the regime power through mass nonviolent direct action and non-cooperation.”
He has posted on X throughout his protest, reminding his followers of his cause as he thwarts attempts from the DC police to bring him down.
“The Trump regime occupying the office of the US executive is prosecuting a criminal war of aggression against the nation of Iran, enabled by the refusal of Congress to assert its constitutional power, and by the continued submission of the majority of the US population to this intolerable state of affairs without effective civil resistance,” he wrote on X, saying it’s the public’s responsibility to nonviolently put an end to Trump’s presidency.
Reichstadter said May 4 he hasn’t eaten for days, but previously told NewsNation he went on a 30-day hunger strike while protesting AI outside the Anthropic headquarters.
He has run out of water, however.
“I’ve got the stamina to stay up here a bit longer,” he told WTOP Monday.
What impact is the protest having in Washington, DC?
Reichstadter’s protest has caused lanes to shut down on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, but lanes had reopened for traffic late Monday morning.
Tuesday morning, all lanes were open for traffic, but the pedestrian walkway was closed, according to the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination (MATOC) Program.
If he stays on top of the bridge into Tuesday night, it’s unclear how his protest could impact people traveling nearby to the Washington Nationals game.
“My efforts here have had impacts on the local community and its people, and it is my desire not to harm but to work in communication, to lift up and to contribute what strength I can to the ongoing struggle for rights and freedom which this community has been engaged in for years,” Reichstadter said Sunday.
Police said Monday that their negotiators will remain on the scene.
Mike Stunson is the DC Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 21: Voi Tunuufi #52 of the Washington Huskies gestures during the third quarter of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Husky Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Wild (Alika Jenner / Getty Images)
Former University of Washington defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi has died at the age of 23, the school announced on Monday night.
“Our hearts are with the Tunuufi family, his loved ones, and every brother who wore the W beside him. Forever in The Pack,” the school posted in an announcement on Twitter.
According to Andy Yamashita of The Seattle Times, Tunuufi’s sister, Sanita, said that he died in a car accident.
Tunuufi appeared in 52 games for the Huskies over four seasons from 2021-24, which included Washington’s run to the National Championship against Michigan in 2023. Tunuufi had 86 total tackles with 12.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defended during his career.
The Source: Information in this story came from the University of Washington and The Seattle Times.
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Washington
YOU’RE INVITED! Exclusive Sneak Peek of the New Burn Building at the Washington County Public Safety Training – Washington County
Join us for a first look at this state-of-the-art training facility, designed to enhance firefighter and first responder preparedness through realistic, hands-on, live-fire training scenarios. This new addition will be placed in service by the end of June; and, it represents a major step forward in strengthening emergency response capabilities across Washington County and the region.
Training programs offered at the PSTC continue to emphasize the importance of joint training among fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement, and emergency management partners. Facilities like the burn building allow multiple agencies to train together in realistic environments, improving coordination, communication, and overall response during critical incidents.
This event will also highlight the future vision of the training center, including plans for construction of a tactical village. The proposed tactical village will further expand multi-agency training opportunities and provide realistic environments for real-life, public safety scenario-based exercises.Guests will be treated to a sneak peek demonstration. The demonstration will showcase the capabilities and training value of the new burn building, as well provide a glimpse into future plans for the PSTC.
We hope you’ll join us as we showcase this exciting milestone. Come help us celebrate the continued growth of public safety training in Washington County.
Address: 18350 Public Safety Pl, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Date: May 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
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