Funds Would Expand, Upgrade Noaa's Weather Radio Network

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Funds Would Expand, Upgrade Noaa's Weather Radio Network

Even as Canada moves to shut down its nationwide weather radio services, lawmakers in the US are looking to commit funds that would modernize and expand the radio network of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency.

Lawmakers in Washington, DC, have moved ahead with their commitment to invest $100 million in improved antennas and transmitter equipment to expand coverage for the VHF weather radio service of NOAA. A bipartisan measure that authorizes the expense was passed recently by members of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

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ARRL Hosts Successful HamSCI 2026 Workshop

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ARRL Hosts Successful HamSCI 2026 Workshop

The worlds of amateur radio and ionospheric science came together once again on 14-15 March 2026 at the 9th annual HamSCI Workshop. HamSCI 2026 was hosted by ARRL and held at Central Connecticut State University, just minutes away from ARRL Headquarters in Newington. 

HamSCI – the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation program – encourages radio amateurs to collect data that scientists use in their research on ionospheric phenomena. This year’s workshop featured 17 oral presentations, 3 tutorials, 5 demonstrations, and 31 posters, and drew researchers from Virginia Tech, Saint Francis University, Dartmouth College, Boston College, and others. 

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New Indiana Law Protects Ham Radio Antennas, Towers

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Starting on the 1st July 2026, amateur radio antennas, towers and feedlines cannot be restricted by homeowners' associations in residential communities in Indiana. A new law signed by Gov. Mike Braun will afford hams such protection on any property they rent, lease or own within the association’s purview.

This is not a green light for all amateurs, however. According to the measure’s language on the Indiana General Assembly website, House Bill number 1152 will only apply to homeowner’s associations that are formed or create documents containing such restrictions after 30th June 2026.

Meanwhile, at the federal level, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act, which would create protection nationwide, remains stalled in Washington, D.C. According to the website GovTrack.us, the bill was introduced into committee on the 6th of February, where it must be considered and voted on before it can move along to either of the two main houses of Congress.