AGP Executive Report

911 Funding Gap: Pennsylvania lawmakers again left the 911 surcharge unchanged, forcing counties to absorb rising emergency call-center costs as tech and staffing expenses climb. AI & Speech Liability: A new look at how First Amendment protections collide with lawsuits over harmful information—now that AI-generated content is raising the same “who’s responsible?” questions. Public Health Tech: The FDA approved Moderna’s new mRNA flu vaccine for older adults, aiming to speed response to changing flu strains. STEM Education Access: Philadelphia plans to offer algebra to all eighth graders at district schools by 2027–28, using readiness based on Star test scores—an equity fight over who gets advanced math. Drones & Security: DHS awarded a $1.5B counter-UAS contract to 12 companies to speed detection and mitigation of drone threats. Data Centers & Power/Water: A study finds nearly all U.S. data centers are in cities, intensifying local pressure over electricity and cooling needs. Local STEM/Industry: United Flow Technologies acquired Iron Horse Environmental to expand water and wastewater equipment and field service across the Mid-Atlantic. Emergency Preparedness/Traffic: PennDOT’s Green Light-Go grants will modernize traffic signals in 86 municipalities with $38M for safety and congestion relief.

Rural Health Tech: Penn Highlands Healthcare highlights how telehealth, monitoring, and other tools are reshaping access in Pennsylvania’s rural communities, where physician shortages and hospital closures strain care. DNA Research: Penn State biologist Kateryna Makova’s team uses the most complete human and ape genome references to map where unusual DNA forms show up beyond the classic double helix. Public Safety Funding: Pennsylvania lawmakers again left the 911 surcharge flat, pushing counties to absorb rising emergency call-center costs for staffing and technology upgrades. Cybersecurity & Water: Hackers targeted drinking-water and wastewater systems across at least a dozen states, with officials investigating whether the incidents are coordinated and whether small utilities are the weak link. AI Pricing Scrutiny: A U.S. Senate hearing zeroed in on “surveillance pricing,” where AI-linked data collection could drive personalized consumer prices. Data Centers & Health: Lackawanna County commissioners stalled an independent study on cumulative data-center health impacts, despite resident pressure for scientific review. Medical Research Funding: Rep. Brendan Boyle demanded answers after federal cuts hit Philadelphia-area health research grants at Penn and CHOP. Education Leadership: Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine welcomed Jennifer Hunt as dean, marking a major leadership transition.

AI Governance in Practice: Pennsylvania joined a 15-state push for OpenAI transparency after the Hugging Face breach, with AG Dave Sunday demanding preserved records and safer oversight before more models go live. Public Health Watch: Pennsylvania also rolled out a new school immunization-rate tool as measles cases rise, including 7 in York County since June and 104 in Lancaster County since January. Food Safety: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with CDC reporting thousands of cases and ongoing investigation into contaminated lettuce sources. STEM in Industry: Demco Automation and Temple University are using a DCED grant to bring AI-assisted robotic cell redesign into hands-on manufacturing training for students and smaller PA manufacturers. Local Tech & Environment: Philadelphia-area air quality tied to higher asthma rates near industrial corridors and highways, highlighting how land-use decisions shape health. Pennsylvania Agriculture: Pa. farmers are using bird-scaring laser systems to protect trout, poultry, and game birds—potentially also helping reduce disease spread.

Advanced Manufacturing & Jobs: GE Vernova plans a $166M expansion in Findlay and Rostraver, adding new machinery and at least 714 jobs, with state workforce-training support. Supply Chain Milestone: Erie-based Logistics Plus marks 30 years of global logistics growth, now nearing $1B in revenue and operating in 55+ countries. Hydrogen & Heavy Water Push: Delaware’s Aternium selected Dover for its first clean hydrogen and heavy-water facility, aiming for dozens of jobs and hundreds of construction roles. Cancer Tech in the Spotlight: Penn-led research reports bioengineered chewing gum that cuts HPV levels by up to 93%, plus lowers microbes tied to head and neck cancer. Pennsylvania Health Research Funding: Two Philly-area labs received millions in federal funding to build treatments for rare genetic diseases over the next five years. Public Health & Fraud Enforcement: DOJ charged 19 in a Pennsylvania home care Medicaid/Medicare fraud scheme, and expanded a Northeast health care fraud strike force to Philadelphia. Education Connectivity: Lancaster County districts brace for possible E-Rate cuts, warning that reduced internet discounts could force tradeoffs in school services. Agriculture Threat: Senators Fetterman and McCormick introduced a bill to prioritize spotted lanternfly research, targeting the pest’s damage to Pennsylvania crops. AI & Elections Caution: New reporting highlights how AI is spreading into election info—faster than it can be trusted.

PennDOT Safety Upgrades: PennDOT is pushing $38M in Green Light-Go grants for municipal traffic signal upgrades, including LED tech and signal re-timing, to cut congestion and improve safety across 86 municipalities. AI Governance & Security: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday joined a 15-state push for OpenAI transparency after an alleged AI security breach tied to a Hugging Face incident, demanding preserved records and stronger safeguards. Public Health Watch: CDC expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, with Missouri reporting 1,095 cases linked to shredded iceberg lettuce; Michigan also confirmed the first U.S. deaths. STEM & Learning: A Villanova-led study found people rated AI-written short stories as more absorbing and higher quality than human-written ones, while other reporting highlights concerns that AI use can raise grades but may reduce what students actually learn. Energy & Infrastructure: Texas paused new data center approvals pending grid audits, reflecting growing pressure over power reliability and community impacts. Workforce Training: Korea-U.S. shipbuilding partners are training U.S. shipyard workers via a new partnership center, aiming to close both production and R&D gaps.

Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: Federal officials warn “malicious cyber actors” targeted Minnesota water utilities, with suspected Iranian-linked hackers disrupting operations across dozens of systems and prompting calls for utilities to switch to manual mode. AI in Healthcare: Penn researchers and the Abramson Cancer Center unveiled a human-in-the-loop AI framework to speed CAR T target discovery, using GPNMB as a proof-of-concept with strong tumor-killing results in mice. Enterprise AI Rollout: Lyzr partnered with Awestruck to move enterprise AI agents from strategy to production, combining discovery and transformation services with deployment and governance tooling. EV Charging for Small Towns: Pennsylvania towns preparing for new federal EV charger funding are pitching chargers as downtown economic boosters, not just roadside infrastructure. Public Health: The U.S. measles total hit 2,371 cases, and the Health Secretary publicly endorsed MMR vaccination ahead of school openings. Medical Devices: Adagio Medical treated its first patient under FDA expanded access using its next-gen vCLAS Ultra ablation system at about -170°C. STEM in the Classroom: Penn State study identified genetic regions tied to avian herpesvirus virulence. Tech & Society: A new report highlights how many eligible Ohioans still miss safety-net benefits, pointing to funding, admin hurdles, and awareness gaps.

School Health Transparency: Pennsylvania launched an interactive tool letting parents check vaccination rates at individual schools for the 2025–2026 year, aiming to counter misinformation as measles cases rise. Election Tech & Readiness: Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State visited Erie County’s elections office ahead of a statewide conference, highlighting security upgrades and lessons from a 2024 ballot vendor crisis. Higher Ed Reform Pressure: The U.S. Education Secretary urged universities to publicly answer questions on institutional reform by end of 2026, after Penn rejected a preferential funding compact tied to similar changes. Healthcare Training Win: Commonwealth University’s respiratory care program hit a 100% credentialing success rate for the sixth straight year. STEM Research Funding: Penn State’s Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium received $4.6M from the NSF to sustain a national materials user facility. Biotech Breakthrough: Penn State researchers identified genetic regions linked to Marek’s disease virulence in chickens, pointing toward better next-gen vaccines. Public Health Alert: Pennsylvania was added to the CDC’s cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation tied to contaminated produce. Policy Fight Over Costs: A coalition of 25 states, including Pennsylvania, sued to block Trump administration tariffs, arguing they’re unlawful and will raise prices. Local Tech Governance: Scranton continues to table proposed rules for data centers and kratom as officials weigh legal risk and timing. AI in Education: Houston ISD plans to pilot an AI-powered learning program at select elementary schools this fall.

Data Centers & State Policy: Texas’s data-center sales tax exemption that was sold as “no significant fiscal impact” is now projected to cost billions, and a new national review says several states—including Pennsylvania—have already repealed or suspended similar breaks, with more considering rollbacks as public backlash grows. Energy & Federal Lending: The U.S. Department of Energy closed a large loan for AEP Texas transmission upgrades, signaling federal financing is increasingly steering toward baseload, transmission, and nuclear. AI for Science: SLAC researchers say AI models for turning carbon dioxide into fuels only work as well as the experimental data behind them, after multi-lab testing showed results varied without tighter method consistency. Biotech Update: Krystal Biotech reported strong Q2 results for VYJUVEK and highlighted upcoming registrational readouts, while Oculis received positive FDA pre-IND feedback for Privosegtor in acute MS relapses. Pennsylvania Higher Ed & STEM: Penn State Behrend will host an emerging plastics technologies conference, and Penn researchers are evaluating a northern Pa. biomass-to-gasoline startup for sustainability and ecological soundness. Health & Screening: A study finds dense-breast notification laws haven’t translated into high rates of supplemental ultrasound or MRI screening. Local Spotlight: Slippery Rock University credits academic performance for PSAC success, leading the conference in GPA across multiple sports.

Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: The FBI and EPA warned that hackers targeted operational technology at water and wastewater systems in at least seven states, with Minnesota’s coordinated intrusions forcing some utilities into manual operations and degrading service. AI & Local Governance: Plymouth Township near Philadelphia says a proposed AI-linked data center can move forward only if a developer agrees to 43 conditions covering noise, emissions, water, power, taxes, land use, and shutdown plans. Biomedical Research (Penn): Penn Medicine researchers report TRF2 helps muscle stem cells stay functional and repair injured tissue, a finding that could inform muscular dystrophy and cancer research. Public Health (GLP-1): Mental health experts say GLP-1 use is reshaping body image and may affect mental well-being even for people not on the drugs. Energy (Geothermal): A March 2026 framework deal for up to 3 gigawatts of geothermal capacity aims to supply steady power for data centers, with contract details drawing scrutiny. Policy & Mental Health (DSM): A Penn psychiatrist is leading planning for a major DSM update, with ideas like a “living DSM” and more person-centered diagnoses.

DSM Update in the Works: A University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist is leading efforts to shape the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with proposals like a “living DSM” and more person-centered diagnoses. School Lead Rules Relaxed: Pennsylvania quietly lowered public reporting for school drinking-water lead tests, requiring disclosure only above 5 parts per billion—raising alarms about parents being left in the dark. Data Centers, Local Power Strain: Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are moving cautiously amid the data-center boom, while nearby communities push for tighter rules and utilities warn about grid and power impacts. Cyberattacks on Water Systems: Hackers targeted internet-facing industrial controls at water and wastewater utilities across at least seven states, disrupting operations and triggering safety concerns even without reported contamination. Heat and Water Stress: Record heat is driving lethal river temperatures in the West, leading to widespread fishing closures to protect trout. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies continue spreading, and experts urge residents to help track and control them. Pennsylvania Health Research: A study led by Penn researchers finds traditional Diné food can improve outcomes for heart failure patients, highlighting culturally grounded care.

School Water Safety: Pennsylvania’s budget quietly raised the bar for when schools must publicly report lead test results, shifting reporting from “above zero” to “above five parts per billion,” raising alarms that families may stay in the dark. Public Health & Outbreaks: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is surging, with thousands sickened and many hospitalized, while officials keep pointing to contaminated produce as a likely source and urge careful washing and trimming. AI & Privacy: MIT is rolling out more than 500 AI surveillance cameras, and students are pushing back over facial recognition, data retention, and how footage could be used. Climate & Wildlife: Record heat and drought are forcing fishing closures in parts of the U.S. West to protect trout from lethal water temperatures. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are spreading, and experts are urging residents to target them during their nymph-to-adult stage. Pennsylvania STEM Spotlight: A rare two-headed gecko named Simon and Garfunkel is thriving in Pennsylvania, offering a rare look at polycephaly survival.

AI Surveillance & Privacy: MIT is spending $3M on 500+ AI cameras across campus, with students questioning facial recognition, data retention, and how footage could be used. Data Centers vs. Pennsylvania Communities: Farmers and advocates push for stronger protections and wider setbacks as more data centers are planned—arguing fracked-gas power demand and infrastructure buildouts raise health and eminent domain concerns. Wildlife Crossings: Pennsylvania is forming an 11-agency stakeholder group to guide wildlife crossing investments, aiming to cut wildlife-vehicle crashes and related insurance costs. Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy ordered $107M in new main rotor blades for Marine One, extending work through 2031. Health Research: A University of Pennsylvania study links PMOS (PCOS) in women to a much higher cardiovascular disease risk. STEM & Industry in Pittsburgh: Robotics & AI Discovery Day expands with a new Defense Pavilion spotlighting physical AI and dual-use technologies. Cybersecurity: Reporting highlights a timeline of Iranian cyberattacks targeting U.S. systems, including water utilities. Local STEM/Community: PennDOT received $840K for a wildlife-crossings strategic plan, and local birding coverage spotlights Pittsburgh-area biodiversity.

Pennsylvania Policing: A new Pennsylvania State Police traffic-stop study of 423,007 stops found no significant racial or ethnic disparities in Lehigh Valley enforcement decisions after accounting for legal and situational factors. STEM in the Region: Pittsburgh’s Robotics & AI Discovery Day is expanding with a new Defense Pavilion, aiming to bring together robotics, AI, and dual-use tech leaders this September. Medical Research (Penn): Penn Medicine researchers report that the telomeric protein TRF2 helps muscle stem cells preserve their identity and regenerate after injury—pointing to new muscular dystrophy and cancer insights. Public Health (Penn): UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh report maternal RSV vaccination effectiveness data that may complicate how pregnant patients plan immunizations as guidance schedules diverge. Energy & Industry: Westinghouse confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO, betting on renewed investor interest as data centers drive electricity demand. Gov Tech & Safety: Tyler Technologies is buying Pennsylvania-based CODY Systems to expand public safety records and law-enforcement data sharing. Infrastructure: Scranton’s Elm Street bridge reopened after a long replacement project, restoring a key local connection. Data Centers & Communities: A Palantir exec says the biggest AI race obstacles are power and backlash against data centers.

SNAP Security Upgrade: Pennsylvania is moving SNAP beneficiaries from magnetic-strip EBT cards to EMV chip cards, with new terminals/software to cut skimming PIN theft and protect about 2 million recipients. Medical Research: A Medical College of Wisconsin-led multi-site trial will test a new outpatient rehab model for traumatic brain injury in 400+ veterans and first responders, aiming to set a new standard of care. Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: U.S. spy agencies suspect Iran behind a coordinated cyberattack on 30+ Minnesota municipal water systems, with the FBI investigating and officials warning of long-running targeting of internet-exposed control devices. Nuclear Industry: Westinghouse Electric confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO, joining a wave of nuclear firms tapping capital markets as power demand rises. Pennsylvania STEM & Business: ARRO Consulting is expanding in central PA after acquiring Mountain Research, boosting environmental and drilling services capacity. Space Science: A Hillsborough, New Jersey meteorite study reports “salty” fluids in fragments that may preserve chemistry linked to life-building molecules. Public Health Watch: Cyclospora cases continue to rise in the U.S., with Michigan reporting a smaller overnight increase and ongoing CDC updates expected. Local Tech Politics: Plymouth Township officials say a Conshohocken-area data center developer tried to push approval through aggressive legal/zoning tactics. Nuclear History in PA: Fort Ligonier exhibits highlight a newly confirmed 1758 “friendly fire” incident tied to George Washington’s perilous western PA experience.

Gene Therapy Breakthrough at CHOP: A baby from a remote Alaska village became the youngest patient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to receive gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy, underscoring how crucial early newborn screening is. Defense Tech Watch: The U.S. Army awarded up to a $447M contract to keep producing tethered surveillance balloons, even as drones and counter-drone threats raise questions about survivability. Health Tech & Care: A new Q&A highlights how SGLT2 inhibitors can be used in feline diabetes but require careful monitoring for diabetic ketoacidosis risk. Public Health & Policy: CDC data show pregnancy hypertension is rising fast in the U.S., now affecting about 1 in 10 mothers. Community Science & STEM Learning: Piper Aircraft’s summer externship program with a local school spotlights hands-on training across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and safety roles. Local Tech for Daily Life: A teen created an app to help drivers find open street parking spots, aiming to cut the hours lost to circling for spaces. Food & Community Resilience: A Pennsylvania study finds community gardens boost more than nutrition—people report stronger belonging and reduced isolation. Human Trafficking Awareness: Central Pennsylvania YWCAs marked Red Sand Day by filling sidewalk cracks to spotlight trafficking risks. Biotech IP Update: Savara announced new European and Australian patents for its inhaled MOLBREEVI liquid formulation. Pennsylvania Economy: Gov. Shapiro announced a $166M GE Vernova expansion in Western Pennsylvania, tied to hundreds of jobs.

AI in Classrooms: A rural New York district paused a nearly $60,000 purchase of an AI humanoid robot after concerns about student privacy and the maker’s links to a sex-bot company. STEM Workforce & Research: NSF is rolling out a new four-year PhD model pairing universities with industry R&D experience, aiming to train 250+ doctoral students at about 30 schools. Pennsylvania Education Policy: Mars Area schools are watching for a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, weighing how to enforce whatever Shapiro signs. Legal Tech & Algorithms: A federal appeals court revived an AI casino pricing lawsuit, arguing algorithm-driven rates may have reduced independent competition. Health & Data: A Penn Medicine study links GLP-1 diabetes drugs to higher risk of non-scarring alopecia using EHR comparisons. Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce is hitting restaurant sales, with FDA updates including Pennsylvania. Higher Ed Leadership: PASSHE named James “JD” Fisher interim president of PennWest University starting Aug. 9. Web3 Disputes: The American Arbitration Association launched a Web3 panel for blockchain and digital-asset conflicts.