AGP Executive Report

Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora/“explosive diarrhea” outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including New Hampshire, with thousands of confirmed cases and ongoing investigations into the source. Food Safety: Health officials also continue tracking a separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños as agencies work to prevent new illnesses. Environment & Agriculture: Homegrown NH warns that invasive jumping worms are showing up statewide, damaging soil structure and threatening gardens and ecosystems. STEM Research: UNH is launching a four-year, $8 million statewide initiative to study ticks, tick-borne diseases, and environmental impacts, pairing research with education. Energy Policy: A new New Hampshire law starting in 2027 lets homeowners install “balcony solar” plug-in panels, though experts caution buyers to vet safety and product details. Local Science & Community: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests will share 2025 Mount Major visitor survey findings in Alton, aiming to guide future crowding and infrastructure decisions.

Contagious cancer research: Cambridge and UVM researchers are testing whether a transmissible catfish cancer seen near the Quebec-Vermont border has spread to spotted brown bullheads in New Brunswick, with DNA sequencing results expected soon—an NH-relevant reminder that aquatic disease can cross borders fast. PFAS monitoring fight: Vermont regulators say they won’t require Casella to test PFAS emissions at an experimental Coventry landfill site, a decision that environmental advocates say leaves nearby communities at risk and is pushing the debate over “forever chemicals” into the open. Public health outbreak: CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, adding New Hampshire, as investigators continue to track exposure timing and lab challenges. STEM education boost: UNH is using a $10 million grant to expand STEM tutoring for middle schools across NH, pairing undergraduates with students and teachers for reading/math support tied to tougher STEM learning. Energy policy: Bipartisan hydropower bills in Congress aim to streamline licensing and limit burdensome conditions, including faster paths for maintenance and projects at Army Corps dams. Tech & privacy: A report highlights that AI note-taking apps can violate user privacy—another reason NH schools and employers are rethinking how they adopt “smart” tools.

STEM Education: UNH is using a $10 million grant to expand STEM tutoring for NH middle schools, pairing undergraduates with students and teachers to boost reading and math—plus hands-on, creative classroom scenarios—so more rural districts can join. Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has grown to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina; officials note the parasite’s long incubation and that reported totals likely lag. Coastal Science: UNH researchers say recent shark sightings near the NH Seacoast are a sign conservation is working, with tracking tech helping map how white sharks move while hunting seals. Tech & Privacy: AI note-taking apps are facing lawsuits over consent and how recordings/transcripts may be stored or reused, raising new privacy risks for everyday users. Local Land Use: Rochester officials propose zoning limits to steer data centers into a specific industrial area, citing waste, noise, and resource concerns.

Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has now reached 15 states, including New Hampshire, with 6,358 illnesses reported and officials warning the true number is likely higher. Public Health: As measles cases hit a 35-year high nationwide, Dartmouth Health pediatric leaders say New Hampshire has no known cases but stress MMR vaccination and herd immunity. Energy Policy: A new New Hampshire report argues the state should stay in the regional grid (ISO-NE) and instead push for regulatory changes, especially around transmission spending. Local STEM & Community Science: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center launched an inaugural Squam Lakes Region butterfly count, creating a baseline for long-term monitoring through the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network. Engineering & Tech: Parker Software says automation software helped GenTent save $25,000 by streamlining order data and reducing spreadsheet work. Infrastructure & Growth: Londonderry continues to manage major Planned Unit Developments, with residents questioning traffic and recreational promises. Health Tech/Healthcare Access: Eyesight Ophthalmic Services in NH welcomed fellowship-trained cornea/cataract surgeon Dr. Jonah Goldblatt, expanding advanced cornea and vision correction options.

Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce has surged to 15 states, with FDA and CDC updates adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina; investigators say the true case count is likely higher and may keep rising as it can take weeks for symptoms to show. Community Science: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center launched the inaugural Squam Lakes Region Butterfly Count, with volunteers documenting 373 butterflies across 22 species to create a baseline for future monitoring. Energy & Policy: A New Hampshire grid “exit” study found leaving the regional system would raise costs, pushing lawmakers toward reforming how New England’s electricity markets and ISO-NE rules work. Defense Supply Chain: A small Exeter refinery, Phoenix Tailings, is scaling up to extract critical minerals for U.S. weapons while Pentagon funding ramps domestic capacity away from China. Solar & Grid Planning: A new report says 284 distributed-solar policy actions hit 45 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico in Q2, with New Hampshire among the most active as net metering and community solar rules evolve. STEM in the Field: Peterborough is updating its building-permit process after a new law allows third-party inspectors, a shift that could speed construction reviews.

Astronomy for NH families: Aug. 12 is shaping up to be a once-in-a-month sky day, with a planetary parade before sunrise, a partial solar eclipse mid-day (glasses needed), the Perseids peaking overnight (NASA says 50–100 meteors), and a new moon for extra-dark viewing. Energy policy: A new look at New Hampshire’s relationship with ISO-NE argues the state is unlikely to go it alone—leaving the regional grid could raise costs, so the focus shifts to changing rules and transmission spending. Public health & obesity care: California’s Medicaid retreat from GLP-1 coverage is framed as a costly step backward, warning that cutting access can drive weight regain and bring back related chronic conditions. Water science: UNH ecotoxicology reporting explains why “toxic algae blooms” are really cyanobacteria blooms driven by phosphorus runoff. Wildlife conservation: Keene is moving toward amphibian road-crossing underpasses, building on Vermont’s reported 80% drop in deaths at a prior crossing site. NH education outreach: Great Bay Discovery Center schedules free fall educator training for Sept. 2 at the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center.

Healthcare Leadership: Dr. Scott Wolf has launched NorthWolf Advisory to help hospitals and health systems strengthen executive teams and navigate change amid burnout and workforce shortages. PFAS & Farms: An EPA administrator faced tough questions over “forever chemicals” tied to biosolids/fertilizer, with farmers saying PFAS contamination is harming land, livestock, and livelihoods. Local Environment & Permits: Alton is moving ahead with a Hidden Springs Road land-clearing project for a planned public works garage after permit and engineering/legal review. Public Health & Disability Rights: A new DOJ legal opinion raises alarms that disability protections may weaken, potentially affecting home-based services and setting up more state-federal court fights. Wildlife Conservation: Keene’s salamander-crossing plan aims to cut road deaths, building on Vermont’s reported 80% drop after crossings. AI & Data Centers: NYU research finds most U.S. data centers sit inside metro areas, challenging the “out in the middle of nowhere” narrative. Privacy Tech: Senator Wyden says some companies are using inaccurate location tools to dodge universal opt-out rules under state privacy laws. NH Tech/Business: Phoenix Tailings’ Exeter refinery highlights how New Hampshire is trying to scale critical-mineral processing for defense supply chains. Education: ConVal is rolling out a two-year mentorship program for new teachers to improve support and retention.

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply Chains: A New Hampshire refinery, Phoenix Tailings in Exeter, is using electrolysis to pull key minerals from mining waste, aiming to reduce U.S. dependence on China as the Pentagon backs expansion with a $500M loan—though scaling a new facility could take 14–18 months. AI in Everyday Services: Plymouth Rock Home Assurance rolled out real-time home insurance quoting through a ChatGPT plugin, joining a growing wave of insurers using AI to speed up customer estimates. Education Policy (Phones): New Hampshire’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban is getting early validation: a state Department of Education survey found most teachers and administrators report cellphone use in grades 6–12 is “rarely” or “never” since the ban. Climate Watch (El Niño): NOAA says El Niño is strengthening and could become “super” strong, with New Hampshire flagged among regions that may see harsher winter weather. Local STEM/Science Community: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s 60th anniversary season got a $10,000 boost from Meredith Village Savings Bank, supporting nature-based learning in the Lakes Region. NH Tech & Privacy: A policy brief highlights how automated license plate readers are spreading via AI upgrades and private networks, raising new privacy and legal concerns.

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply Chain: A small Exeter refinery, Phoenix Tailings, is using electrolysis to pull valuable elements from mining waste, and it’s preparing a $500M Pentagon-backed expansion to scale separation and metallization in 14–18 months—aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China for materials used in weapons and aerospace. Education & Workforce Skills: UNH is launching new three-year, online bachelor’s degrees (including computer information technology) to help students finish faster and cheaper, with credit transfers up to 60 hours. AI Literacy in Higher Ed: National coverage highlights a shift as colleges add AI minors and introductory AI training for non–computer science majors, responding to changing hiring and declining CS enrollments. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: A policy-focused issue brief examines automated license plate readers, including how AI upgrades and private networks expand tracking and raise privacy and litigation concerns. Local STEM Community: Meredith Village Savings Bank is sponsoring the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s 60th anniversary season, supporting expanded nature education and programs in the Lakes Region. Public Health: CDC reporting shows West Nile dominated U.S. arboviral cases in 2024, while Powassan hit a record high—both tied to tick and mosquito exposure.

Critical Minerals Supply Chain: AP reports Phoenix Tailings’ Exeter, N.H. refinery uses electrolysis to separate critical minerals from mining waste, aiming to cut U.S. dependence on China; the Pentagon-backed $500M expansion is expected to take 14–18 months. Nuclear Power & Data Centers: A commentary weighs whether small modular reactors can scale fast enough for rising electricity demand from data centers, warning that siting and local opposition have derailed past energy projects. Deepfakes & Election Tech: A Massachusetts-focused report highlights Beacon Hill’s failure to pass stronger rules on deceptive synthetic media, while noting New Hampshire’s prior experience with a fake robocall that triggered a criminal investigation. AI Literacy in Higher Ed: Another national piece says colleges are pushing AI minors and “AI literacy” for non–computer science majors as employers ask about AI skills. Education Pressure in NH Schools: EdWeek survey coverage finds 75% of educators expect student behavior to be a major challenge in 2026–27, alongside budget uncertainty. Climate Outlook for NH: Super El Niño coverage flags a winter with above-average snow risk for New Hampshire, tying forecasts to early planning. Local STEM/Tech in NH: UNH launched new three-year online bachelor programs (management and computer information technology) using a 90-credit model.

UNH & USNH Higher Ed: University of New Hampshire is rolling out new three-year online bachelor’s programs (management and computer information technology) using a 90-credit model, aimed at transfer students, working adults, and military-affiliated learners. Campus Operations: Southern New Hampshire University will consolidate administrative offices from its downtown Millyard site to its main Manchester campus, with the vacated building and garage slated for sale. STEM & Defense Industry: A Manchester tech firm, Vibrac Precision Test Systems, says demand for Patriot missile calibration could drive “north of $100 million” in orders over four years as the U.S. and EU expand stockpiles. Data & Privacy: Rhode Island is installing 39 automatic license plate readers under a federal-funded contract, adding to a fast-growing camera network with limited state rules on retention and access. Public Safety Tech: New Hampshire’s tick season context gets a boost from updated CDC babesiosis counts, with the parasite peaking in late summer and early fall. Economy & Housing: New Hampshire families are bracing for property-tax impacts after new Concord home assessments, with large valuation jumps feeding uncertainty about upcoming bills.

UNH STEM & workforce: UNH launched new three-year online bachelor programs in management and computer information technology, using a 90-credit model aimed at transfer students, working adults, and military-affiliated learners. Campus operations: SNHU plans to consolidate Manchester administrative offices into its main campus, with the Millyard building slated for sale after the move. AI history (NH connection): France 24 revisits Dartmouth’s early role in the “AI before AI” era, tracing how John McCarthy’s 1955 workshop idea was initially rejected by the Rockefeller Foundation. Cybercrime & consumer safety: Concord police described a debit-card skimming case involving cloned cards and small “cashback” withdrawals, warning that scams are rising even if skimmer fraud is still relatively uncommon in NH. Public health (ticks): A new look at cyclospora testing suggests the US outbreak may be slowing, though experts caution that awareness can affect test positivity. Defense tech (local industry): A Manchester aerospace roundtable highlighted Vibrac Precision Test Systems’ role in Patriot missile calibration and expected growth as orders expand. Data privacy: Rhode Island is installing 39 automatic license plate readers under a federal-funded contract, adding to a growing camera network with limited state rules on retention and access.

Higher Ed in NH: UNH is rolling out new three-year online bachelor’s programs (90 credits) aimed at transfer students, working professionals, adult learners, and military-affiliated students. Campus Operations: SNHU plans to consolidate administrative offices from its Millyard headquarters to its main Manchester campus, with the downtown building expected to be listed for sale after the transition. AI Origins (Dartmouth): A FRANCE 24 look back at “AI before AI” traces how Dartmouth’s early AI-era funding pitch (including John McCarthy’s) helped kick-start the field. Cybercrime & Fraud: Concord police say a recent case involved cloned debit cards and skimming gear, while warning that scams and fraud are rising statewide. Public Health: CDC data shows babesiosis cases hitting 3,586 in 2023, with New Hampshire reporting 53—important for tick-season diagnosis planning. Tech & Infrastructure: A NYU study finds most U.S. data centers are urban—97.5% in metro/micropolitan areas—challenging the “remote warehouse” myth. STEM Workforce & Learning: Mathnasium says it signed 60+ franchise agreements and opened 40 centers in the first half of 2026, citing ongoing demand for supplemental math help. Defense Tech (NH): Manchester’s Vibrac Precision Test Systems expects major growth tied to Patriot missile calibration needs as orders expand.

AI History in NH: Dartmouth’s “AI before AI” series revisits how John McCarthy’s 1955 proposal for an AI workshop at Dartmouth was rejected by the Rockefeller Foundation—an early glimpse of how the field had to be invented before it existed. Cybercrime & Fraud: Concord Police describe a debit-card skimming case tied to cloned cards and cash withdrawals, warning that fraud and scams are rising statewide and urging residents to stay alert. Higher Ed Moves: SNHU will consolidate Manchester office operations into its main campus, vacating its downtown Millyard headquarters and putting the building up for sale. Data Centers, Not Rural Myth: A NYU Tandon study finds 97.5% of U.S. data centers sit in metro areas, challenging the idea that the “cloud” is remote. Defense Tech in NH: Vibrac Precision Test Systems in Manchester expects major growth as Patriot missile production ramps, with orders potentially topping $100M over four years. Public Health Watch: CDC numbers show babesiosis cases at 3,586 for 2023, with tick season peaking in late summer—relevant for Northeastern clinicians and patients. Consumer Privacy: New Hampshire and other states update privacy laws in 2026, with AI-related obligations prompting companies to review compliance programs. STEM Education Pathways: UNH launches new three-year online applied bachelor programs (including computer information technology) aimed at faster, lower-cost degrees.

Hydropower & Marine Energy: Cal Poly won the 2026 Hydropower Collegiate Competition grand prize, while USC took top honors in the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition—both run with U.S. DOE support and aimed at pushing student-built clean energy solutions forward. Defense Tech: A Pentagon official says the U.S. drone industry is still far behind Ukraine’s output, with “made in America” parts rules slowing ramp-up. UNH & Higher Ed: UNH launched new three-year online bachelor’s options (including management and computer information technology), and the USNH board voted to merge the chancellor and UNH president roles, pending legislative approval. Public Health: CDC data shows babesiosis is spiking—3,586 cases reported in 2023—right as tick season peaks, while a new tick test tool is set to hit the market in August. Workforce & Business: Mathnasium says it signed 60 franchise agreements and opened 40 centers in 2026’s first half, and New Hampshire’s hybrid work share remains high, ranking among the top states for hybrid roles. STEM in the Community: Greater Rochester Chamber scholarships include an aerospace engineering track for a Spaulding High grad.

Advanced Manufacturing in NH: Hitchiner Manufacturing and PROCON finished a 57,000 s/f Shared Services Operations Facility at the Elm Street Campus, consolidating services to boost workflow, quality control, and aerospace component production. Tick-Borne Health Tech: A new at-home Lyme-focused test, LymeAlert, is set to launch in August, aiming to speed diagnosis as tick-borne illness spikes keep hitting the Northeast. Rural Healthcare + AI: Health officials say AI could help rural care via “AI nurses” and mental-health avatars, but critics warn there’s limited proof it improves access or outcomes. Disability Services Legal Fight: A DOJ legal opinion challenges whether federal disability law requires home-based services, raising fears of a new push toward institutional care. Childcare Support in NH: New Hampshire’s Child Care Aware of NH (federally funded) helps families and providers navigate programs, apprenticeships, and referrals, with renewed funding through June 2028. UNH Online Degrees: UNH cut time and tuition for online management and computer information technology bachelor degrees, dropping completion to as few as three years and saving students $10,350. UNH System Governance: The USNH board backed combining the system chancellor and UNH president roles, pending legislative approval, as enrollment and funding pressures drive cost-cutting.