AGP Executive Report

Aviation Education: The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is hunting for a new school district to host its high school “build a real flyable airplane” program, expanding beyond Manchester (since 2019) to Lebanon (2024) and Farmington (2025), with about 50 students currently building all-metal two-seat planes and a target for 2027–28. Student Data Privacy: Prospect Mountain School District (Alton/Barnstead) earned a Trusted Learning Environment Mini Seal for classroom practice, recognizing its work on student internet literacy, privacy, and safety. STEM in the Spotlight: SIG SAUER released a “Made in America” film highlighting its New Hampshire manufacturing and workforce training as part of its 250th-anniversary messaging. Heat & Health: A Midwest heat wave is canceling outdoor plans and pushing people toward cooling centers, with extreme heat expected to spread east and into the Northeast. Cyber & AI Policy: A coalition of newspaper publishers, including New England’s Newspapers of New England (which owns NH outlets), filed a civil suit accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of using copyrighted news content to train AI systems. Climate Science: A new report warns of a record-setting worldwide ocean heat wave driving chaotic weather, beyond just “Super El Niño.”

UNH Poll Watch: A new University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll finds tight movement in New Hampshire’s governor and U.S. Senate races, with Democrat Chris Pappas still leading in the Senate primary but with his edge shrinking, while Republican John E. Sununu holds a strong GOP primary lead. STEM & Health Workforce: The ACFE Foundation awarded $85,000 in scholarships to 23 students, backing the next generation of fraud examiners—an anti-fraud pipeline that supports safer financial systems. Air Quality Alert: Health officials issued air quality advisories across multiple states including New Hampshire, warning of ozone, wildfire smoke, and particle pollution and urging people—especially kids and those with asthma or heart disease—to limit outdoor exertion. Deep-Sea Mapping Upgrade: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus is using a new Kongsberg EM 304 MKII multibeam sonar to map deeper and with more detail around Guam, expanding ocean floor coverage for future exploration. Invasive Species Research (NH-linked): A study involving University of New Hampshire researchers explains why the invasive water fern Salvinia molesta spreads so fast, overturning earlier assumptions about its genetics. Cannabis in the ER: Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH, highlights rising emergency department cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a severe vomiting condition tied to long-term cannabis use. AI Copyright Fight: Newspapers of New England (which publishes in NH) joined a civil suit accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of using copyrighted news content to train AI systems. Water Infrastructure Crisis: After a sewer main break in Haverhill, MA, wastewater overflow into the Merrimack River has been reduced, with ongoing testing downstream affecting nearby water safety.

Deep-Sea Tech: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus set out for Guam with a new Kongsberg EM 304 MKII multibeam sonar upgrade, boosting deep-ocean mapping depth to 11,000 meters and widening coverage for more detailed seafloor charts. Water Infrastructure: Unitil completed its purchase of Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire and Abenaki Water from the Aquarion Water Authority, expanding regulated service to about 226,100 customers across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Local Conservation: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and the Loon Preservation Committee announced Loon Day 2026 (July 13) and highlighted recent Best of Lakes Region awards for the Science Center. Public Health & Climate: Massachusetts and New Hampshire issued heat-wave warnings urging hydration, lighter clothing, and use of cooling centers as temperatures push into the triple digits. Policy Watch (NH-linked): The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and also upheld New Hampshire’s transgender girls sports ban under constitutional and Title IX standards. Business/Markets: Anghami confirmed OSN’s preliminary going-private proposal at $3.39 per share, while U.S. aviation strain and airport travel records were reported nationwide.

Utilities & Water Infrastructure: Unitil says it has completed its purchase of Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire and Abenaki Water from the Aquarion Water Authority, adding about 150 miles of mains and roughly 11,000 customers across eight NH communities. Utilities & Portfolio Reshuffle: Eversource also closed its $2.4B cash sale of Aquarion Water Company to the Aquarion Water Authority, using proceeds to reduce debt as it refocuses on “pipes and wires” electric and gas. Tech Policy & Energy Demand: A new look at the AI data-center boom finds at least 14 states weighing bans or moratoriums, with New Hampshire still among those where similar efforts have failed. Health & Environment Research: A growing “exposome” research push frames health as shaped not just by genes, but by lifelong exposures like pollution, diet, and stress. Legal & STEM-Adjacent Impacts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in a case tied to New Hampshire, while also letting state bans on transgender girls’ and women’s school sports teams stand. Public Safety: The FDA issued a shampoo recall for microbial contamination, including distribution to New Hampshire.

Public Records & Justice: The DOJ’s Epstein Files Transparency Act release added about 3.5 million public pages, videos, and images to a searchable but still partly redacted justice.gov library, with updates continuing as courts decide what can be released. AI & Cybercrime: An AP/Frontline investigation describes how scammers are using AI-powered tools from U.S. tech firms to scale romance and impersonation fraud across dozens of profiles and tens of thousands of victims. Public Safety Tech: New Hampshire police can now access real-time bail conditions through the State Police Online Telecommunications System, aiming to reduce delays from paper-based processes. Aviation Safety: A JetBlue pilot reported a drone strike above the cockpit during approach to JFK; the FAA is investigating, noting no physical damage was found. Health & Environment: Guidance on spotting cyanobacteria blooms warns beachgoers to avoid suspicious water that can be toxic to people and pets. STEM in NH: UNH-linked work highlights aquaculture research and a NOAA-backed push to strengthen U.S. seafood supply.

Aurora Watch: A minor G1 geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible as far south as New Hampshire and Vermont tonight, with the best viewing typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Public Safety Tech: New Hampshire police can now access real-time bail conditions statewide through the State Police Online Telecommunications System (SPOTS), including restrictions like firearms and no-contact orders. Health & Environment: Beachgoers are urged to watch for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms this summer; if water looks suspicious, don’t enter—treat it as potentially toxic for people and pets. STEM in the Granite State: UNH researchers are working on strawberry varieties bred for New Hampshire’s climate, aiming for improved survival and future commercial options. Archaeology & History: UNH and community college students excavated what’s believed to be New Hampshire’s first archaeologically recovered slave quarters near a historic home tied to Gov. John Sullivan. Energy Policy: A NH consumer advocate says utility rate relief isn’t coming soon, questioning whether small modular nuclear reactors will pencil out for lower costs.

UFO/UAP Declassification: NHPR reports the Pentagon released newly declassified UFO files tied to a 1947 West Rindge incident, including MIT-linked study of “metallic fragments.” Wildlife Conservation: A Concord pine barrens land deal will expand habitat for the endangered Karner blue butterfly, with $575,000 approved and federal grant support. Public Health & Climate: A new study says solar storms can shift North American weather within hours, adding a fresh hazard for forecasting. Emergency Tech: INDIGITAL’s MEVO platform earned recognition for keeping 911 call handling running during major hurricanes, including Starlink-backed continuity. Finance Tech: Machias Savings Bank partners with Vikar Technologies to expand digital HELOC lending in Manchester. Science & Agriculture: UNH researchers are working to change how strawberries are grown and eaten, using new breeding efforts for NH conditions. Higher Ed Labor: UNH graduate employees and tenure-track faculty unions press for fair contracts as talks stall over pay. Health & Safety Costs: NH’s childcare workforce remains underpaid, worsening staffing shortages and reducing available care for families. Health Policy/Research: A tick-borne virus surge in New England—Powassan—gets fresh attention as cases rise and diagnosis remains difficult.

Solar Storms: A new UNH-led study finds big geomagnetic storms can suppress rain and snow across parts of North America within hours, a fast effect models haven’t captured yet. Wildlife Conservation: New Hampshire is buying nearly seven acres of Karner blue butterfly habitat in Concord’s pine barrens for $575,000, with federal and state funding to expand protected meadow conditions. Biology & Food Research: UNH researchers are breeding new strawberry varieties for survival in NH’s climate, aiming to make improved plants commercially available. Public Health & Workforces: NH is facing projected nursing shortages, even as community colleges graduate record numbers—raising the question of whether hospitals can retain staff amid burnout and pay pressure. STEM in Action: Dartmouth and UNH communities highlight learning and research—from a greenhouse study of dragonfly hunting tactics to a UNH/industry push for next-gen tech and training. Local Governance: Brattleboro appointed an interim library director to keep services steady during renovations and a search for a permanent leader. Science Policy: Goodlander and Pappas introduced legislation to block the closure of U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including NH’s Bartlett and Hubbard Brook experimental forests.

Conservation Deal: New Hampshire’s Karner blue butterfly habitat is getting a boost: the state approved a nearly 7-acre land purchase for $575,000, with most funding coming from a federal grant, expanding protected sandy, lupine-rich pine barrens for the endangered species and other wildlife. Health & Environment: A tick-borne virus tied to a 1958 Ontario death is surging in New England, with researchers pointing to blacklegged ticks and noting many cases are hard to diagnose and can be deadly. Space Weather: New research from UNH links major solar/geomagnetic storms to measurable drops in rain and snow across North America within hours, challenging weather models that don’t currently account for the effect. Higher Ed Labor: UNH graduate employees and tenure-track faculty unions are still pushing for fair contracts after long delays, with pay levels a central sticking point at a UNH trustees meeting. AI & Policy: A new “AI on the Ballot” interview series will spotlight candidates’ positions on AI ahead of the 2026 midterms. Aviation Safety: Delta has faced another go-around at Boston Logan amid a wider pattern of close calls, raising fresh questions about air-traffic risk management. STEM in Schools: Hopkinton students brought home honors at HOSA, including Anatomage competition results and multiple health-focused awards.

Solar Weather Research: UNH physics professor Joachim Raeder reports that major solar storms can shift rain and snow patterns across North America within a day or two, using decades of hourly storm and atmospheric records. Nuclear Energy Roadmap: New Hampshire energy officials met in Portsmouth to map next steps for expanding nuclear power, with discussion centered on small modular reactors and the hurdles of regulation and cost. AI in Politics: Regulating AI launched “AI on the Ballot,” a weekly interview series running through Nov. 3 to press candidates on AI policy, jobs, infrastructure, and energy. Data Privacy Compliance: Connecticut’s expanded data privacy law takes effect July 1, tightening coverage and enforcement timelines for businesses handling residents’ personal data. Healthcare at Home: Dartmouth Health is set to launch a “hospital without walls” program funded by a $10M donation, aiming to deliver hospital-level care and monitoring in patients’ homes. STEM Education Wins: Hopkinton students earned top placements at HOSA, including an Anatomage fifth-place finish and multiple service awards. Aviation Safety: A Delta go-around at Boston Logan adds to a run of close calls, renewing scrutiny of air-traffic systems and near-miss reporting. Retirement Math: A CareScout study finds seniors in only nine states are projected to outlive retirement savings, with New Hampshire among the best-positioned.

Solar Weather Research: A University of New Hampshire physicist reports that major solar storms can shift North America’s rain and snow within hours, using decades of hourly storm and atmospheric data. Federal Forest Policy: Rep. Maggie Goodlander and Rep. Chris Pappas introduced a bill to block the U.S. Forest Service from closing research facilities like New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest without explicit congressional approval. Nuclear Energy Planning: Energy officials met in Portsmouth to map out how New Hampshire could expand nuclear power, with heavy focus on small modular reactors and the hurdles to deploying them. Marijuana Rescheduling: The DEA says a New Hampshire doctor will testify that medical marijuana benefits pain patients in a rescheduling hearing. Data Privacy Compliance: Connecticut’s updated data privacy law takes effect July 1, tightening rules for businesses handling residents’ personal data. Retirement Math: A CareScout study finds seniors in 41 states (including NH) are projected to outlive retirement savings, with a national average $109K shortfall. NH STEM Career/Innovation: UNH-linked solar findings and Dartmouth Health’s new “hospital at home” program highlight how research and tech are reshaping local health and climate science.

Nuclear Power Roadmap: New Hampshire energy officials met in Portsmouth to map out how to expand nuclear power, with heavy focus on small modular reactors—though experts warn they’re still years away due to regulation and cost. STEM Education Pipeline: A U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory STEM camp in Hanover had students building robotic cyborg hands and learning engineering and physics through hands-on projects. Healthcare Innovation: Dartmouth Health is launching a “hospital without walls” at-home care program funded by a $10M donor gift, aiming to deliver hospital-level services to older adults across Northern New England. Biosensing Research: UNH-linked biosensing momentum continues as researchers receive a major biosensing award for synthetic-antibody work with potential in wearables and environmental monitoring. Environmental Protection: New Hampshire’s Karner blue butterfly habitat is getting a boost after a $575,000 land sale expands protected pine barrens in Concord. Public Health & Policy: A new study finds NH retirees have one of the best chances of outliving retirement savings, but still face a projected $109K national shortfall—highlighting the need for better long-term planning. Cannabis Rescheduling: A New Hampshire doctor is set to testify in the DEA’s medical marijuana rescheduling hearing, arguing medical marijuana benefits pain patients.

STEM Education: A U.S. Army-run STEM summer camp in Hanover is getting kids building robotic cyborg hands and experimenting with engineering, physics, and Newton’s laws—turning mistakes into part of the learning process. Wildlife & Conservation: New Hampshire’s imperiled Karner blue butterfly gets a habitat boost after a nearly seven-acre Concord pine barrens parcel is sold to the state Fish and Game, expanding protected habitat with federal grant support. Water & Chemicals: In Bennington and Shaftsbury, state agencies update residents on ongoing PFOA concerns tied to Saint-Gobain, including well testing and sampling plans. Public Health Research: New data presented at the American Thoracic Society finds no significant gender difference in in-hospital mortality after anaphylaxis. Environmental Science (Local): A proposed CVU artificial turf field in Hinesburg is unlikely to cause detectable PFAS in a nearby drinking-water well, though microplastics from wear-and-tear remain a concern. STEM Outdoors: Derry’s Broadview Farm BioBlitz invites residents to document birds, plants, wetlands life, and butterflies using guided tours and iNaturalist.

STEM Education: A U.S. Army-run STEM camp in Hanover is getting kids building “robotic cyborg hands” and learning Newton’s laws through hands-on engineering and physics experiments. Environmental Science & Community BioBlitz: Derry’s Broadview Farm BioBlitz on June 27 will guide residents through birds, plants, vernal pools/wetlands, and pollinators, with iNaturalist encouraged. High School Conservation: Timberlane’s Envirothon team won the NH state competition and now heads to nationals after tackling nonpoint source pollution and water-quality solutions. Space Weather Research: UNH physics researcher Joachim Raeder says new findings link intense solar storms to weather changes on Earth within about a day. Local Health & Hospital Consolidation: A state commission meeting in Tilton heard mixed feedback on how the 2021 Concord Hospital acquisition affected access to care, including delayed communication issues. Policy & Public Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game fee increases were paused after Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office said the agency didn’t adequately consult stakeholders. Energy Policy: A Portsmouth conference is putting small modular reactors and next-gen nuclear options on the table for New Hampshire’s future.

Nuclear Energy Roundup: A Portsmouth conference is putting small modular reactors on the table for New Hampshire’s next energy steps, with state officials and developers weighing timelines, safety planning, and grid realities. Space Weather & Forecasting: New research from UNH suggests powerful solar storms can shift Earth’s weather patterns within hours to a day, challenging how current models handle short-term impacts. Ocean Tech Jobs: Integer Technologies is partnering with UNH to advance Navy-focused ocean acoustic research, including work tied to unmanned underwater vehicles and a new Durham office. Community Science: Gulf of Maine Research Institute volunteers are mapping mussel beds during extreme low tides across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to track where mussels are thriving or moving deeper. Archaeology in Durham: An UNH-led dig at Gen. John Sullivan’s former home is uncovering signs of slave quarters, using mapping and careful artifact study to reconstruct daily life. Health Care Quality: MaineHealth’s Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals earned perfect QOPI oncology certification results, highlighting strong outpatient cancer-care standards. STEM in Action (Education/Engineering): A UNH-linked Navy acoustic collaboration and a UNH-area powerlifting story both point to hands-on learning and performance gains.

Solar Storms & Weather: UNH physicist Joachim Raeder reports solar storms can shift Earth’s weather patterns within a day, with stronger storms linked to bigger drops in precipitation and snowfall in parts of North America. Maritime Tech Jobs: Integer Technologies is opening a Durham office with UNH to advance Navy ocean acoustic research, including better use of ocean sound data for unmanned underwater vehicles. Community Science: Gulf of Maine Research Institute volunteers mapped mussel beds during extreme low tides across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, tracking how mussels are moving deeper as conditions change. STEM in Schools: Mountain Village Charter School in Plymouth won a $600,000 grant to build a community “commons” with trails, river access, and gathering spaces. Local Health & Quality: MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals earned a flawless QOPI oncology certification survey, highlighting strong adherence to national cancer care standards. Policy Watch: A Senate resolution passed naming July 15, 2026 Glioblastoma Awareness Day, with New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen among cosponsors. AI Data Center Debate: An opinion piece argues Nottingham residents should scrutinize an AI data center proposal over noise and water impacts. STEM Funding: New Hampshire Electric Cooperative awarded six scholarships to Granite State students, including an applied biomedical science recipient.