AGP Executive Report

Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys says it secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock (up to 30% of output) to help meet a 2027 Pentagon push to cut China-origin magnet materials. AI + Power Grid Costs: Federal regulators are set to decide by end of June how electricity costs for AI data centers should be allocated—utilities/customers vs. the firms driving demand—potentially affecting bills and build speed. Data Centers as a Pennsylvania Election Issue: A Pennsylvania House candidate is making data-center opposition central to her campaign, as projects surge and voters push back over power, water, farmland, and local impacts. Local Data-Center Expansion: Salem Township’s 4-3 Glen Brook Group announced a second data-center project, including a large campus footprint and multi-gigawatt power demand, seeking zoning approval. PFAS in the Delaware River: New reporting says PFAS levels in fish and water are rising faster than the river can dilute them, with contamination patterns pointing to ongoing releases. Pennsylvania AI Medical Impersonation Crackdown: Spotlight PA found chatbot sites claiming Pennsylvania medical licenses and giving diagnosis-like answers, fueling the state’s case against Character.AI. Teacher Prep + Reading Science: A new national report says many educator preparation programs fall short on training future teachers to teach reading; Pennsylvania is among the lowest performers. NEPA STEM Jobs Snapshot: An Indicators report finds modest STEM employment growth in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with most STEM job postings tied to manufacturing and scientific/technical services. Health Tech in Neonatal Care: A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia neonatologist discusses how early-life exposures can shape long-term outcomes, including links between antibiotics and later health risks.

Rare-Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock (up to 30% of output) tied to a Pentagon deadline to cut Chinese-origin magnet metals from defense supply chains. AI Meets Politics in PA: A new look at the data-center boom shows how AI-driven power and water demand is colliding with midterm politics, with dozens of competitive House districts seeing data-center backlash. Public Health & Tech: Pennsylvania is cracking down on AI chatbots posing as doctors, after a state task force found role-playing sites claiming fake medical licenses. PFAS in Drinking Water: A major multi-site PFAS health study includes Pennsylvania communities and reports new clinical findings as EPA rule rollbacks loom. Vision Research: MIT researchers report progress toward “rebooting” vision in amblyopia by anesthetizing a faulty retina. Road Safety: Pennsylvania State Police issued hundreds of citations in “Operation Hands Off” enforcing Paul Miller’s Law on hand-held phones. STEM Education: A national report finds many teacher-prep programs, including in Pennsylvania, are failing to train future teachers to teach reading effectively. Local STEM/Health: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia neonatologist Sagori Mukhopadhyay discussed how early infections and antibiotic exposure can shape long-term infant outcomes.

Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium—aimed at cutting China-linked inputs ahead of a 2027 Pentagon deadline. Pennsylvania Policy & Tech: A bipartisan push in Congress would create a national robotics commission to assess U.S. competitiveness and workforce needs, with Sen. Dave McCormick highlighting Pittsburgh’s robotics talent. Health Research in PA: Penn researchers identified retinal cell subgroups in mice that could improve how photoreceptor cells connect after transplant—potentially boosting outcomes for vision loss. AI at Work: Experts argue AI won’t replace “durable” human skills like ethical judgment, conflict resolution and relationship-building—skills employers should train for now. Campus Leadership: Penn President J. Larry Jameson announced he’ll step down next June, setting up a new leadership search during ongoing higher-ed uncertainty. Public Safety Drill: Columbiana County tested its radiological emergency plans for Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station as part of FEMA’s biennial exercise. Data Centers Locally: South Strabane adopted a data-center ordinance after months of community debate over energy, water, noise and potential pollution, including a large residential setback.

Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock (including magnet metals like neodymium and dysprosium) ahead of a 2027 Pentagon deadline to cut China-origin inputs. Public Health Tech: UPMC/Pitt reported that a maternal RSV vaccine dose during pregnancy cut infant RSV hospitalization risk by about 70%, while a JAMA Network Open study tied pediatric ICU sedative choices to later neurocognitive outcomes—adding dexmedetomidine may help. Medical Imaging Upgrade: Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital is buying new high-definition 3D mammography machines with AI features to improve contrast and clarity. Pennsylvania Safety Law: After Paul Miller’s Law took full effect, Pennsylvania State Police issued 694 citations and 308 warnings during a June 8–10 enforcement push. STEM in the Classroom/Workforce: Penn Nursing’s PICU sedation study highlights long-term brain impacts; plus CHOP’s Julius Oatts was named to the National Academy of Medicine’s Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence program. Tech & Business: SpaceX’s record IPO pushed Elon Musk past $1T net worth, while GeForce Now cut yearly subscription prices (limited-time).

Digital Gambling Safety: A Pa. lawmaker wants “digital fences” (geofencing) to block students from accessing online gambling and sports betting while on school property, targeting smartphone workarounds of age checks. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposes about a $116M boost for Pennsylvania State Police, aiming to hire roughly 380 troopers, with part of the plan tied to a proposed tax on legalized recreational marijuana. Autonomous Industry in PA: Heidelberg Materials is expanding AI-powered autonomous haul trucks across multiple sites, including Pennsylvania quarries, as it plans to add more than 100 driverless vehicles by 2028. Tech Tax Debate: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing taxes on technology—like ending sales-tax exemptions for data-center builds or extending a gross-receipts tax to digital ads—to close budget gaps. Forensic DNA for Cold Cases: The Kaylee Goncalves Foundation will fund access to advanced DNA tools, including investigative genetic genealogy, to help solve cases that stall without lab resources. Rare Earth Supply Chain: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock ahead of a Pentagon 2027 deadline to reduce Chinese-origin magnet materials. Health & Research: CHOP hosted an immunology symposium highlighting new work from microbes to pediatric cancer, including CHOP-linked research on immune patterns in tough recoveries.

Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to a Pentagon deadline, targeting magnet metals like neodymium and dysprosium to reduce reliance on Chinese-origin materials. Privacy Tech in PA: A new Pennsylvania bill would require smart glasses and similar wearables to show a visible recording light and bar users from disabling or covering it, aiming to curb covert audio/video recording. Oncology Data Plumbing: UNMIRI opened a precision-oncology API platform that normalizes next-generation sequencing reports across labs into a single, citation-grounded format for drug matching and trial support. Health & Brain Science: A meta-analysis reports omega-3 supplements cut aggression by about 27%, while a separate study links neighborhood socioeconomic conditions to measurable brain differences in preteens. Education & Safety: Pennsylvania cyber charter students could be required to stay on camera during live virtual instruction, while Temple’s new inpatient addiction care unit earned regional/national recognition. Cross-Border Economy: Ontario and Pennsylvania signed an MOU to expand cooperation in energy trade, critical minerals, manufacturing, and life sciences.

Penn Engineering Branding: Penn Engineering is switching its email and web domain from “seas.upenn.edu” to “engineering.upenn.edu” starting June 16 to unify the school’s digital identity. Biotech Tooling: INDIGO Biosciences launched human bradykinin B1/B2 receptor reporter assays in State College to help drug teams screen inflammation, pain, and vascular permeability pathways earlier. Health & Precision Cancer Care: FDA cleared IBA’s first U.S. human feasibility study of ConformalFLASH proton therapy at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center for head-and-neck re-irradiation. Pediatric Critical Care: CHOP researchers reported an immune pathway pattern tied to harder recovery and higher mortality in children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Energy & Grid Pressure: A new report warns data centers are straining power systems nationwide, with shortages possible and demand surging in constrained regions. Policy Watch—Dynamic Grocery Pricing: Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced a digital advertising tax, while other states debate dynamic grocery pricing guardrails as shoppers push back on surveillance-style pricing. Public Health Risk: Experts flagged measles as a major concern for the 2026 World Cup amid vaccination gaps and mass gatherings. Tech Funding: TensorWave raised $350M to build AMD-only cloud AI infrastructure aimed at reducing dependence on Nvidia GPUs.

Nuclear & Security: Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, framing it as effectively “entombed,” even as U.S. and IAEA assessments conflict. Public Health: The U.S. is topping 2,000 confirmed measles cases this year, with Pennsylvania among states seeing upticks as funding strains and vaccination gaps persist. STEM Policy & Tech: A federal judge pressed U.S. Customs on speeding and expanding tariff refund processes after Supreme Court tariff strikes. AI & Markets: Wall Street swung hard as AI chip stocks reversed course; OpenAI filed confidential SEC paperwork for an IPO while SpaceX’s IPO timing looms. Pennsylvania Science & Health: CHOP research links first smartphone at age 13 to higher odds of insufficient sleep by 14, with bedroom-free habits showing protective effects. Energy Grid: Grid congestion is costing PJM about $1B in a month, underscoring transmission bottlenecks as new generation queues grow. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing northeastern bulrush from the endangered list after major population gains, including in Pennsylvania. Medical Innovation: Pennsylvania-based Lungpacer’s AeroPace device is being used on the East Coast to help patients come off ventilators faster. Chemicals & Consumer Safety: Rep. Valerie Gaydos backs a PFAS ban in high-contact consumer products in Pennsylvania.

Education Funding: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal would add about $526 million to disadvantaged districts, aiming to close a $4.5 billion court-identified school funding gap—advocates say it’s helping, but too slowly. School Tech & Student Focus: Lower Merion moves to reduce device use for early grades after parent pushback, while Pennsylvania lawmakers also advance a statewide school cell phone ban. AI in Health & Policy: A Penn Medicine study links GLP-1 drugs to roughly 30% lower breast cancer risk, and separate coverage highlights the growing need for AI governance in healthcare and compliance. Robotics & STEM Workforce: U.S. senators introduce a National Commission on Robotics Act, and Penn College IT students earn a free trip after building agentic AI solutions for a conference. Data Centers Debate: Communities in Ohio weigh data center growth against power and water demands, while Pennsylvania cities and counties consider moratoriums and rules. Energy Rates: A House panel advances a utilities bill to limit rate-of-return for electric companies, targeting higher consumer bills. Public Health & Safety: A meta-analysis reports omega-3 supplements may reduce aggression, and NFL concussion settlement claims face allegations of improper Parkinson’s diagnoses.

Distracted Driving Crackdown (Pennsylvania): PennDOT and State Police are urging drivers to put down phones as Paul Miller’s Law takes effect, with hand-held device violations now carrying a $50 fine plus court costs, while hands-free use and emergency alerts remain allowed. Career & Technical Education Funding: State Rep. Tim Twardzik and Sen. David Argall announced a $74,895 Competitive Equipment Grant for Schuylkill Technology Center to upgrade automotive and welding training gear. Healthcare & Research: Johnson & Johnson agreed to buy Firefly Bio for $1B to expand its cancer pipeline using Firelink, which pairs targeted antibodies with protein-degrading drug payloads. Public Health & Oncology: Pennsylvania State University-linked reporting highlights new findings tying GLP-1 drugs to about a 30% lower breast cancer risk, while experts urge careful interpretation. AI in Schools: First Lady Melania Trump announced winners of the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge, including a Pennsylvania high school student whose project uses computer vision for hotel-room identification in criminal investigations. Data Centers & Energy Costs (Lancaster): State Rep. Nikki Rivera says hyperscale AI data centers could drive higher electricity bills and is pushing for protections for ratepayers as local opposition grows. Food Safety: FDA expanded a pet food recall for GO Raw LLC products after thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiencies were found. Innovation Economy (Pittsburgh): The Shapiro administration highlighted funding needs for Pennsylvania’s innovation economy during a visit to AlphaLab Health, an accelerator for healthcare technologies.

Penn Medicine Addiction Care: Penn researchers report a simple “nudge” in emergency departments can boost prescribing of naltrexone for alcohol use disorder by 15-fold, tackling a major treatment gap. Heart Failure Research: Penn teams uncover how microtubules and ERK signaling steer heart cell remodeling, pointing to new ways to prevent harmful structural changes. Maternal Health: A Pittsburgh-led study finds the RSV vaccine during pregnancy cuts newborn hospitalization risk by nearly 70%, offering real-world protection for infants. AI Governance: ASHG launches an AI initiative to promote responsible, effective use of AI in human genetics and genomics, with guidance on governance and standards. Data Centers vs. Communities: PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity renews calls for an indefinite pause on major data center projects, citing electricity and water strain and local planning needs. PFAS Policy: Pennsylvania House advances a bill banning PFAS “forever chemicals” from more consumer products, aiming to close gaps in existing rules. STEM & Entrepreneurship: Wharton/Engineering student Harrison Chong earns Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for Jalan Journey, an educational gaming startup teaching empathy to elementary students. Local Science Spotlight: Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital is named among America’s best children’s hospitals, highlighting its neonatology program. Public Health Nutrition: A meta-analysis links omega-3 supplements to a 27% reduction in aggressive behavior across randomized trials. Energy Grid Watch: New analysis says extreme heat is shifting from a rare risk to a design baseline for the U.S. power grid.

Nuclear Diplomacy: Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, framing the stockpile as “entombed” and relying on monitoring—despite conflicting claims from intelligence and the IAEA. Penn Research & Health: A University of Pennsylvania-led mouse study suggests sperm may carry messenger RNA that could influence offspring beyond DNA, adding to the growing story of paternal effects. Public Health & Nutrition: A new meta-analysis reports omega-3 supplements cut aggressive behavior by about 27% across randomized trials, pointing to nutrition as a possible emotional regulation add-on. Environmental Health: Texas’ Rio Grande Valley farmworkers face Parkinson’s risk tied to pesticide exposure, with researchers warning nearby communities are vulnerable too. Pennsylvania Tech Policy: The FCC is reviewing the E-rate broadband program amid debates over screen time, online safety, and whether schools are getting the outcomes Congress intended. Legal Tech Privacy: The Supreme Court is weighing geofence warrants in Chatrie v. United States, testing where privacy ends and modern phone location data begins. Local STEM Spotlight: Picatinny’s STEM robotics teams qualified for the FIRST Championship, showing strong Pennsylvania-area talent on the national stage.

AI in Medicine: Penn Medicine researchers report an AI model that uses natural language plus standard diagnostic codes to catch more eosinophilic esophagitis cases than codes alone, using de-identified records from 2008–2024. Education Policy: The Pennsylvania House approved a statewide school cellphone ban, with local boards deciding what happens when students break it. Public Health: A western Pennsylvania case-control study finds maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy cuts infant RSV hospitalization risk by about two-thirds. Higher Ed Tech: A $1.3M NSF grant will expand a secure research network across six Pennsylvania institutions, boosting computing infrastructure for STEM work. Local Climate Planning: Allegheny County residents and advocates made final pushes over what “environmental justice” should mean in the county’s first climate action plan. Energy & Zoning: A Caernarvon Township landfill solar project stalls in court after a zoning ruling says solar transmission lines must be underground. Healthcare Leadership: Penn Medicine Doylestown Health names Craig Gronczewski as CEO, continuing the Penn Med network expansion. Community & Care: Mercer County senior centers win state grants to modernize facilities and add tech, meals, and activities.

Nuclear Policy: Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, framing it as effectively “entombed” and stressing monitoring—despite conflicting U.S., French, and IAEA assessments about what was actually destroyed. Public Health & Food Safety: CDC expanded a moringa-linked Salmonella outbreak to 119 cases across 36 states, and a second moringa brand outbreak (Mogo) was identified. Medical Research: A Penn-led study in JCO Oncology Practice reports GLP-1 users are about 30% less likely to develop breast cancer, adding to the growing debate over real-world drug effects. STEM & Community Tech: Penn researchers analyzed 400,000 Reddit posts and found GLP-1 users report a wider range of symptoms than trials capture, suggesting social media could help flag safety issues earlier. Energy & Elections: Voters are furious about AI data centers pushing up electricity bills, and lawmakers face pressure as grid strain meets campaign politics. Pennsylvania Policy: Lawmakers consider heat protections for outdoor workers as temperatures climb, while a separate push targets “surveillance pricing” using personal data. Local Science Education: Penn State Altoona announces summer youth academies, including a NASA-style rover build-and-race program and hands-on healthcare learning.

Public Health Tech: Philadelphia is using a mobile lab near Lincoln Financial Field plus wastewater monitoring to speed up detection of diseases like measles, norovirus, and COVID-19—aiming for results in about an hour instead of days. Food & Safety Training: Penn State Extension’s “Venison 101” blends online lessons with an Aug. 7 hands-on workshop on carcass processing, deer diseases (including chronic wasting disease), and safe home preservation. Life Sciences & Cancer: New ASCO findings tied GLP-1 drugs (including Ozempic) to about a 30% lower breast cancer risk in a large observational cohort, with Penn’s Elizabeth McDonald involved. Emergency Response Innovation: A Pennsylvania fire company received the first U.S. EV-Drill LANCE, a water-pressure tool meant to help firefighters cool lithium-ion battery modules during electric vehicle battery fires. Policy Watch: SNAP work requirements are expanding, and analysts warn uneven state enforcement could push recipients toward “easier” jurisdictions. Local STEM Education: Penn State Altoona announced summer youth academies for grades 3–12, including a NASA engineer-themed rover build and race program.

Public Health Tech in Philly: Philadelphia rolled out a mobile lab near Lincoln Financial Field that can flag certain infections in about 45–90 minutes, plus expanded wastewater monitoring and new provider guidance as measles concerns grow across the region. Cancer Prevention Research: A large cohort presented at ASCO found women taking GLP-1 drugs had about a 30% lower breast cancer incidence, adding fuel to prevention-focused studies. AI Safety Push: Anthropic urged major AI labs to consider slowing development, warning that “recursive self-improvement” could arrive sooner than institutions can manage. Healthcare Leadership: Penn extended Health System CEO Kevin Mahoney’s contract through June 2031, citing expanded access and major system projects. Pennsylvania Policy & Fraud: Pa. is moving closer to chip-enabled SNAP cards to reduce skimming theft, while the state AG warned job seekers about employment scams targeting summer and remote work. STEM Community Spotlight: The Penn-York American Chemical Society honored top regional chemistry students, highlighting local STEM talent. Local Health Equity: Allegheny County air-quality advocates say even “best in 25 years” still fails residents, keeping asthma and other lung risks high. Education & Justice Data: Pennsylvania Courts highlighted mental health courts’ outcomes, including higher graduation rates and employment gains for discharged participants.