Rare-earth supply chain (NH defense tech): The Pentagon conditionally committed $500 million to Phoenix Tailings for a “Freedom Facility” rare-earth separation and metallization plant, with operations targeted for 2028 and processing capabilities tied to Exeter, N.H. Aquaculture research (NOAA/UNH): NOAA launched a $13.5M CIFARM aquaculture institute led by UNH to boost U.S. farmed seafood through new tech, health, and genetics research. Healthcare research (Maine PFAS): MaineHealth won a $1.1M NIH grant to mentor clinician-scientists and study how childhood PFAS exposure affects obesity, diabetes risk, and cardiovascular health. Rural access (NH telehealth): A new guide highlights how telehealth is improving rural healthcare in New Hampshire by reducing travel barriers and easing provider shortages. Data centers debate (regional policy): A national report says weak local news costs taxpayers about $1.1B yearly, while Vermont’s governor vetoed a data-center bill—showing how state rules shape tech growth and jobs. Cyber/AI trust: Utah Valley University research finds people are increasingly bad at spotting deepfakes, with only 16% correctly distinguishing real from synthetic video. Health outcomes (U.S. infant mortality): Preliminary CDC data shows U.S. infant mortality hit an all-time low in 2025. Local STEM community: NHFPI reports population growth is uneven across towns, pointing to housing and job access as key STEM-adjacent drivers for where people settle.