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E-Rate
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- 1Mortgage Rates Hit Three-Year High, Cooling Housing Market▼Highest Mortgage Rates in 3 Years Chills the Housing Market https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/08/business/mortgage-rates-h
Mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in three years, and the New York Times reports the surge is chilling the US housing market. Higher borrowing costs are pushing buyers out and dampening demand, with the trend raising concerns about home sales and prices heading into late 2026.
- 2
The Federal Communications Commission is considering reductions to subsidies that help schools and libraries pay for internet access, a program widely known as E-Rate. The possible cuts could affect connectivity funding for classrooms across the United States, and education advocates are expected to push back as the proposal moves forward.
- 3Calls Grow to Save E-Rate and Affordable Internet Access▼Save E-Rate and Keep Internet Access Affordable
Advocacy calls are urging decision-makers to save E-Rate, the US program that helps schools and libraries afford internet access. Supporters warn that cuts or changes to the program could raise connectivity costs and reduce online access for students and low-income communities that rely on it.
- 4Ending E-Rate would cost US economy over $4 billion a year▼Terminating E-Rate would cost US economy over $4B annually, study says
A new study concludes that eliminating the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries afford internet access, would cost the US economy more than $4 billion annually. Supporters of the federal subsidy are pointing to the findings as evidence of its economic value, amid ongoing debates over federal technology spending.
- 5Borrowers shift to adjustable-rate mortgages as rates climb▼As mortgage rates rise, more borrowers are turning to adjustable-rate loans
With mortgage rates rising, more homebuyers are choosing adjustable-rate mortgages over traditional fixed-rate loans to secure lower initial monthly payments. The shift mirrors a pattern from past rate cycles, though it exposes borrowers to higher payments later if rates stay elevated or reset upward. Analysts warn buyers to weigh short-term savings against long-term payment risk.
- 6WSJ opinion argues higher mortgage rates deserve applause▼Hurray for Higher Mortgage Rates https://www.wsj.com/opinion/hurray-for-higher-mortgage-rates-d31ff582?mod=rss_opinion #
A Wall Street Journal opinion piece is making the case that higher mortgage rates should be welcomed rather than lamented. The argument runs against widespread anxiety among homebuyers squeezed by borrowing costs, which is likely why it is drawing attention and debate. Critics see celebration of higher rates as tone-deaf for locked-out buyers, while supporters argue elevated rates signal a healthier economy and cooler housing market.
- 7Trump's FCC weighs ending school internet subsidies▼Trump has promoted AI in education. His FCC may end school internet subsidies.
President Trump has championed artificial intelligence in American classrooms, but his Federal Communications Commission is weighing whether to end the E-Rate program, the subsidies that fund internet access for schools and libraries. The potential clash between promoting AI-driven education and cutting the connectivity that makes it possible has drawn wide media attention across US outlets.
- 8Editorial warns schools and libraries depend on FCC E-Rate funding▼Editorial: Schools and libraries rely on FCC’s E-Rate program
A TribLIVE editorial argues that schools and libraries across the United States rely heavily on the Federal Communications Commission's E-Rate program, which subsidises internet access and connectivity for educational institutions. The piece highlights the program's importance to keeping students and library patrons connected, amid ongoing debate over federal telecom funding priorities.
- 9NTIA Holds Listening Session on E-Rate and Screen Time●The E-Rate Program and Screen Time: NTIA Listening Session
The NTIA is holding a listening session examining the E-Rate program and its relationship to screen time in schools. E-Rate subsidises internet access for schools and libraries, and the session invites stakeholders to weigh in on how federal broadband funding intersects with concerns over students' device use and its effects on children's health and learning.