Today's Newsletter: Closing the Digital Divide

The digital divide continues to be a nagging issue when it comes to public education and student Internet use at home. From New Orleans to Kansas City to more rural areas, the poor, the elderly, and certain minority groups still lack access. A recent New York Times piece estimates about 65 percent of all Americans have broadband access at home, but that figure is 40 percent in households with less than $20,000 inannual income. Half of all Hispanics and 41 percent of African-American homes lack broadband. This doesn’t have to be the case. Cable provider Comcast offers $10 a month service for low-income families. Other telecoms are following suit. The problem is the lack of awareness. Start spreading the word. —Kevin Hogan, Editorial Director