AGP Executive Report

Surveillance & Privacy: A new explainer digs into why Flock license-plate cameras are drawing backlash, noting they can do more than flag stolen cars by building searchable records of vehicle movements. AI & Policy: The Senate blocked a “Ratepayer Protection Act” aimed at stopping data centers from pushing grid-expansion costs onto households, with critics calling it toothless. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1M people in 30 HealthCare.gov states, including New Hampshire, tied to alleged exchange user-fee overcharges. Public Health: Measles cases topped 3,600 nationwide, with New Hampshire still reporting no cases while Pennsylvania’s deaths and case count rise amid a dispute over how to tally fatalities. Childcare Funding: New Hampshire is opening surveys to set childcare scholarship rates, including a Market Rate Survey and a Narrow Cost Analysis. Local Tech/Industry: Onshore Technologies opened a new Salem, NH manufacturing operation to expand domestic production for aerospace, defense, robotics, and medical supply chains.

Housing Affordability Gap: A new New Hampshire Housing report finds a widening squeeze between what homes cost and what people earn, with city examples like Lebanon needing $47.06/hour to afford median rent versus a statewide median wage of $25.29. Poverty Link: A Pew analysis ties high housing costs to higher poverty, and New Hampshire is among the states where poverty is notably higher than it would be with average housing costs. Solar Policy Watch: States are moving to allow balcony or plug-in solar, but safety rules and standards still lag behind the “no permits, no contractors” pitch. Manufacturing in NH: Onshore Technologies opened a new Salem, New Hampshire facility to expand domestic production for space, aerospace, robotics, defense, and other high-reliability industries. Forensic DNA Research: The 37th ISHI symposium in Providence, Rhode Island (Oct. 26–29) will spotlight DNA forensics advances, including STRmix scientists. AI Governance Debate: AP reports Trump says major AI firms signed a voluntary “self-police” accord, even as some AI leaders push for pauses and stronger safeguards. Secure Military Comms: JTNC and NSA leaders met to modernize secure military communications, including post-quantum resiliency and cryptographic standardization.

AI Policy & Politics: Trump touts AI “self-policing” while a growing slate of candidates backs tougher government guardrails, including rules on safety testing, deepfakes, privacy, and discrimination—turning AI oversight into a midterm fault line. NH Senate Race: New Hampshire is now a key Senate battleground, with polling showing a tight contest between Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu. Grid Tech in NH: Eversource and Dartmouth Engineering won a DOE SPARK award to expand grid capacity using dynamic line rating and thermal sensing across about 4,000 miles in New Hampshire and neighboring states. Rural Health Innovation: Dartmouth Health launched “Dartmouth Health at Home,” funded by a $20M gift, aiming to deliver primary and palliative care at home plus caregiver training for rural NH and Vermont. Privacy & Surveillance: Hanover residents raised concerns about Flock-style automated license plate readers after crowdsourced sightings flagged cameras downtown; meanwhile, broader ALPR debates continue over accuracy and civil liberties. Local Science Spotlight: Dublin’s Caterpillar Lab expanded, growing up to 600 native caterpillar species a year for public education and conservation. Marijuana Rescheduling: A DEA judge paused the rescheduling hearing, citing “gaps” in how agencies evaluate and schedule controlled substances. Healthcare Workforce: MaineHealth Pen Bay added a new CRNA, reflecting ongoing investment in clinical training and staffing.

AI Safety Watch: Anthropic tells investors advanced AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” while reports also flag new safety concerns around Meta’s Muse and OpenAI’s model behavior. Clean Air & Transport Policy: A New Hampshire vehicle-inspection fight heads back to court as a company and resident challenge EPA actions, arguing state emissions modeling overstated pollution impacts from keeping inspections. Cybersecurity & Privacy: New Hampshire is highlighted in broader legal battles over website tracking tech, with state wiretap-style laws being used to target businesses over embedded trackers. STEM Research in the Region: UMaine Farmington lands an NSF-funded Snow STORE role to build a high-elevation snowpack monitoring network across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Local Tech Training: Two New Hampshire businesses use driving and flight simulators to help professionals practice safely, and even hobbyists build rigs at home. Housing for Health & Recovery: New Hampshire Housing approved financing for Lebanon’s 80-unit affordable project and a recovery housing program for pregnant and parenting women.

Cybersecurity for water systems: New Hampshire officials warned Portsmouth that cyberattacks on public water and wastewater systems can force utilities into manual operations, and NHDES is offering grants and training to boost defenses. AI + hiring in NH: A new look at cybersecurity jobs in New Hampshire says demand is outpacing supply, pushing employers to build longer-term talent pipelines as AI reshapes day-to-day work. Climate + snow science: UMF is joining an NSF-funded Snow STORE effort, installing high-resolution snowpack monitoring equipment across Maine to track how mountain snow changes and what it means for the region. Privacy tech scrutiny: Coverage highlights how website tracking tools are being targeted with state “wiretap” theories, and how license-plate reader debates are spreading—New Hampshire is cited as a model for privacy-focused rules. Health innovation: Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Geisel team discusses FDA approval of Ameluz photodynamic therapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma, potentially expanding access and insurance coverage. Local STEM events: UNH’s Physics and Astronomy department is hosting the free New England Fall Astronomy Festival with a NASA keynote.

Cybersecurity for water systems: A New Hampshire DES official warned Portsmouth that public water and wastewater systems face rising cyberattack threats, urging utilities to be ready to switch to manual operations; DES is offering grants and training. Skin cancer treatment update: FDA approval of Biofrontera’s Ameluz (ALA hydrochloride) topical gel with its BF-RhodoLED lamp expands photodynamic therapy options for superficial basal cell carcinoma, with Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Dr. M. Shane Chapman calling it a major, insurance-friendly step. Climate resilience funding: Scientists are urging Congress to keep funding USDA Climate Hubs, warning that proposed cuts could reduce farmer access to practical research for drought and extreme weather adaptation. Astronomy outreach: UNH’s Physics and Astronomy department is hosting the free New England Fall Astronomy Festival, featuring a NASA keynote by Dr. Jack Lissauer on exoplanets and “life elsewhere.” Privacy and surveillance tech: Coverage highlights New Hampshire’s stricter license-plate reader rules as other states move to rein them in, while Lowell’s city council voted to suspend Flock use pending a policy review. PFAS in food packaging: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to ban PFAS chemicals from food wrappers and packaging, reviving her earlier push.

Nor’easter Impacts: A powerful nor’easter knocked out power for tens of thousands across the Northeast, with NH among the smaller outage pockets as crews worked to clear downed trees and lines. Bridge Safety & Infrastructure: Manchester’s Queen City Bridge reopened after nearly four days of closure for structural inspection, while Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge still faced a lane closure after a cracked girder was found. AI & Jobs: As the coding boom fades, New Hampshire-area reporting highlights how computer science grads are shifting toward AI skills, with employers increasingly looking for practical AI help rather than entry-level coding. PFAS Food Packaging: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to strip PFAS “forever chemicals” from New Hampshire-linked food wrappers and packaging. License Plate Cameras: New Hampshire is cited as a model for reining in Flock-style automated license plate readers, as other states move to restrict the tech amid privacy concerns. Water Quality: Lake Kanasatka’s cyanobacteria treatment appears to be working after a costly 2024 intervention, though experts warn it’s not a permanent fix. Public Health Tech: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in multiple states including New Hampshire, raising alarms for overdose prevention and forensic monitoring.

AI Jobs Shift: As the coding boom fades, New Hampshire-area coverage highlights how computer science grads are pivoting toward AI skills, with employers increasingly hiring for “AI problem-solving” roles at smaller firms. PFAS Food Packaging: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduces bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS chemicals from New Hampshire food wrappers and packaging, reviving a fight over “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks. License Plate Camera Backlash: New Hampshire is framed as a model for limiting automated license plate readers, while Lowell, Maine debates and suspends Flock use pending audits and data-policy review. Medicaid Work Rules: Nationwide Medicaid work requirements start in January, and some Republican-led states are tightening proof rules for people deemed too medically frail to work—prompting lawsuits over access to care. Data Center Scrutiny: A New Hampshire opinion piece argues data centers need transparent, local review because of heavy electricity and water demands and grid constraints. Water & Environment: Great Bay Stewards announces the Oct. 24 Great Bay 5K fundraiser; meanwhile, Lake Kanasatka’s cyanobacteria treatment is reported as improving but not permanent. Public Safety Training: Ashland plans a new firefighter training center using donated bridge parts and shipping-container mockups, targeting summer 2027.

Privacy & Public Safety: New Hampshire’s long-running limits on Flock-style license plate readers are being cited as a model as other states move to rein them in, with some NH lawmakers now pushing for even tighter rules. Health Policy: Medicaid work requirements are starting in January, and at least six Republican-led states are demanding faster proof that people are medically too frail to work—sparking lawsuits and fears that people who can’t afford care will get stuck. Education & Demographics: A new study finds public school enrollment is shrinking in many states, with New Hampshire down about 3.4% and projected to keep falling. Energy & Homes: A NH homeowner says cold-climate heat pumps have reliably handled winter lows since 2014, cutting reliance on backup propane/oil. Environment & Water: After a costly cyanobacteria treatment, one NH lake is still in the clear, but experts warn it isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. STEM Community: Saint Anselm is expanding its free-tuition program to Maine and Vermont students, aiming to boost access to higher education.

Cold-Weather Heat Pumps: A New Hampshire homeowner says cold-climate heat pumps have reliably replaced oil since 2014, even during subzero nights, with only occasional backup use. Local Water Quality: UNH monitoring suggests a costly cyanobacteria treatment on Lake Kanasatka is still working years later, but experts warn it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. Lakes Under Pressure: The Six Legged Society is pushing for action against systemic pesticides, arguing they’re harming pollinators and lake biodiversity. Cybersecurity for Utilities: New research highlights how criminals are buying access to industrial systems, raising stakes for water and wastewater cyber basics. Privacy vs. Surveillance: New Hampshire’s long-running limits on automated license plate readers are being cited as a model as other states face backlash and consider tighter rules. Data Center Scrutiny: Opinion pieces argue New Hampshire should evaluate data centers carefully due to heavy electricity and water demands and local impacts. Opioid Lab Alerts: Forensic testing reports a new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, detected across many states including New Hampshire. STEM in the Community: The New Hampshire Boat Museum marked a Phase II expansion with new exhibit, education, and community space.

Firefighting Training: Ashland’s Firefighters Association is building a new training center for real-world drills, using donated decommissioned DOT bridge parts plus stacked shipping containers, with a rescue tower and live-fire smoke/fire practice planned to be ready by summer 2027. Cybersecurity for Water: New research warns that criminals are buying access to industrial systems, pushing water utilities to focus on basic cybersecurity hygiene as threats to internet-connected equipment grow. Alpine Climate Impacts: A Dartmouth–Appalachian Mountain Club study finds nearly 70% of northeastern alpine zones are greening fast, with shrubs and hardy plants moving upward—good for growth, but potentially bad for rare alpine species. Privacy & License Plate Cameras: As other states tighten rules on license plate readers, New Hampshire’s decade-old approach is being cited as a model, even as lawmakers consider strengthening it further. Education & AI: A Newburyport school highlights hands-on STEM plus age-appropriate, responsible AI use so students learn when tech helps—and when it doesn’t. Public Health: CDC data shows late fetal deaths fell 3% in 2024, but racial disparities remain large.

STEM & Education: Dartmouth is expanding its Sexual Violence Prevention Project (SVPP) to a required junior-year training, with an elective model that could later extend to seniors. AI & Work: A new report finds computer science grads are facing a tougher job market as AI tools take over more entry-level coding tasks, pushing universities to add AI-focused training. NH Tech in Government: The New Hampshire Judicial Branch is rolling out Microsoft 365-native CLM 365 to replace legacy contract management, aiming for better workflows and compliance. Life Sciences Workforce: NH’s life sciences sector is growing fast, but employers say the real bottleneck is aligning talent pipelines with roles beyond lab science. Health Policy: The FDA commissioner nominee, Dr. Heidi Overton, faced sharp Senate questioning over childhood vaccine schedule changes, including splitting MMR. Environment & Water: UNH says a costly cyanobacteria treatment is helping Lake Kanasatka recover, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. Weather: A major nor’easter is set to hit 12 states with flooding and high winds, with urgent warnings for coastal areas. Broadband: New Hampshire’s neighbors keep pushing fiber expansion, including a $100K grant for Pueblo of Zia infrastructure in New Mexico.

FDA & Public Health: Senators grilled Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump’s nominee for FDA, over a vaccine overhaul that would split MMR into separate shots—raising concerns about measles uptake and safety claims. Privacy & Tech Regulation: California’s SB 690 reshapes website tracking lawsuits, but plaintiffs are still pushing claims under federal wiretapping and other state theories—prompting businesses to audit cookies, pixels, and consent tools. Connected Health in NH: Tenovi, a Portsmouth-based connected-care IoT company, was named 2026 Company of the Year by the Connected Health & Safety Association. AI & Jobs: Coverage highlights how AI is squeezing entry-level computer science hiring, while colleges and smaller employers shift toward AI-focused training and internships. Wildlife Tracking: New Hampshire Audubon is expanding monarch tracking with solar-powered tags and a phone app for real-time migration data. STEM in the Community: A Hooksett bike shop is building custom frames using computer design plus hands-on fabrication—showing local manufacturing skills in action. Weather & Risk: A major nor’easter is forecast to hit New England with heavy rain, coastal flooding, and possible power outages.

Higher Ed Rankings: U.S. News ranked three New Hampshire universities among the nation’s best in its 2027 Best National Universities list, underscoring growing focus on college “return on investment.” PFAS Research: MaineHealth won a five-year, $4.5M NIH grant to study how PFAS exposure may delay puberty and weaken bones from childhood into adulthood. AI & Public Safety: Hampton police charged a man under New Hampshire’s 2025 deepfake law, alleging an AI-generated video harassment campaign. Privacy Tech Backlash: As other states move to rein in Flock-style license plate cameras, New Hampshire’s earlier restrictions are being cited as a model, even as lawmakers consider tightening them further. Food Safety: Wakefern recalled select Wholesome Pantry organic applesauce after FDA testing found patulin above safety limits. Cyber/Consumer Protection: New Hampshire’s new safeguards for crypto ATMs take effect Dec. 16, including transaction limits and refund rules for certain fraud. Environment & Health: New Hampshire Audubon reported a record year for bald eagle chicks, while MaineHealth is running multiple flu clinics across Waldo County. STEM Jobs Market: A new report highlights how computer science grads are shifting toward AI skills as entry-level hiring cools.

STEM & Research: A rare “ghost” lobster named Casper (about 1 in 100 million) is joining a University of New England study into why some American lobsters develop unusual shell colors, using non-invasive genetic sampling. Broadband & Connectivity: Xfinity/Comcast expanded multi-gig, symmetrical internet to nearly 4,700 homes and businesses in Milton and New Durham, part of broader Strafford County buildouts. AI Policy: Lawmakers pushed a bipartisan push for AI guardrails, aiming to keep Congress engaged as AI use spreads. Public Health: New Hampshire’s neighbors and beyond are rolling out flu clinics and access points, including drive-thru options for adults. Wildlife & Environment: New Hampshire’s bald eagle population hit a new record with 100 chicks fledging for the first time in decades, while Maine updates shellfish rules amid a Karenia mikimotoi bloom. Local Tech & Privacy: Lowell indefinitely paused Flock Safety license-plate cameras pending a policy review, data handling, and audit. Energy & Infrastructure: Bow residents raised concerns about potential hyperscale data center plans near a former power plant site. Education & Work: UNH graduate employees rallied over two years of wage negotiations without a contract.

AI & Higher Ed: A new survey of provosts finds most are using AI weekly, mainly for productivity and admin tasks, but few report having a centralized campus AI strategy. Climate & Water Monitoring: New England researchers are launching a real-time snowpack monitoring network with NSF funding, aiming to improve forecasts as winter shifts toward rain-on-snow and more extreme flooding and drought. Wildlife Policy: As federal protections for endangered species face reinterpretation, New Hampshire conservation groups say state lawmakers may end up carrying more of the burden for protecting listed species. Infrastructure: Two New Hampshire bridges—Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge and Manchester’s Queen City Bridge—face closures after inspections raised concerns about rust and possible cracking. Public Health Access: A study in JAMA Health Forum estimates millions live in “broadband deserts,” with many rural residents also lacking timely clinical or emergency services, limiting telehealth’s reach. STEM in the Community: A New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station co-developed a new “Sugar Cube” cantaloupe bred for sweetness and longer shelf life, highlighting ongoing local plant-breeding work. Science & Society: A rare 1776 Exeter printing of the Declaration of Independence was uncovered in Exeter, New Hampshire—one of only 11 surviving copies—showing how archival science can still produce major discoveries.