AGP Executive Report

AI & Education: A new startup, ScrollEd, is pitching a way to turn textbooks into “TikTok”-style scrollable lessons with AI video, audio, quizzes, and sideways “dig deeper” navigation—aimed at students who won’t open traditional books. Broadband & Jobs: GoNetspeed says South River, NJ is now connected to its 100% fiber network, with East Brunswick construction underway, promising up to 6 gigabits and a community Family Fun Day. Healthcare Research: Diasome Pharmaceuticals will present Phase 2b HDV-insulin lispro results at EASD 2026 and in Philadelphia at the Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress, targeting fewer hypoglycemia events in type 1 diabetes. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles situation continues to drive debate over vaccine safety and monitoring systems, as national figures argue risks are unknowable while critics push back. Data Centers & Energy Politics: A House-passed push would require states to consider making data centers cover added power and grid upgrade costs—fueling local backlash and election-year conflict. Local STEM Leadership: Penn’s AI Horizons conference highlights how Pennsylvania universities can prepare students for AI while stressing safety and critical thinking. Biotech/Clinical: InflaRx plans a virtual capital markets event on its complement-inhibition approach for ANCA-associated vasculitis. STEM Policy & Access: Nigeria’s education minister is exploring a transnational education partnership with Harrisburg University to expand practical STEM training. State Tech Governance: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing limits on Flock-style automated license plate readers amid privacy concerns.

AI Oversight Debate: Sen. Dave McCormick and Gov. Josh Shapiro clash on how to rein in fast-moving AI—McCormick argues for industry-led safeguards, while Shapiro pushes for stricter federal guardrails. STEM Breakthrough (PA): Mechanicsburg 8th-grader Sai Sri Valli Mogilineedi is a national finalist for a GERD drug delivery approach, aiming to improve controlled release and earn $100,000+ in STEM awards. Healthcare Innovation: The FDA approved AstraZeneca’s camizestrant (Etcamah) using a blood DNA test to spot estrogen-receptor resistance earlier, helping clinicians switch therapies sooner. Local Tech & Safety: A Boardman contractor was arrested on multiple theft-related counts after alleged home-repair fraud. Public Health Watch (PA): Pennsylvania’s measles situation continues to drive urgent vaccination and exposure-response efforts, including concerns around travel and airport contacts. Energy & Infrastructure: New York and New Jersey leaders are prioritizing nuclear and grid upgrades as electrification and data centers strain demand. Education Tech: ScrollEd pitches turning textbooks into TikTok-style scrolling lessons, betting students won’t open books unless content meets them where they are. Chesapeake Bay Policy: Trump revoked an Obama-era Chesapeake Bay order tied to stormwater fees, but experts say local fee authority makes the impact more complicated than the headline suggests.

Measles in Pennsylvania: The state’s outbreak has reached four deaths, with two additional fatalities reported Sept. 15 (both unvaccinated), and health officials also flagged a possible exposure at Philadelphia International Airport in terminals B and F and connecting areas. West Nile risk: New CDC-linked figures show 504 West Nile cases across 41 states this year, with about 72% neuroinvasive—meaning higher odds of severe illness even as total case counts lag last year. AI policy fight: Pennsylvania and other Democrats are pushing for AI oversight as Trump announces an “AI force” and a czar concept, while California moves toward independent AI oversight and “kill switch” style controls. Data centers vs. local impacts: Lackawanna County approved a scientific forecast study for hyperscale data center developers, aiming to quantify health and economic effects for residents. Clean energy in schools: Allegheny Valley School District won a $300,000 Solar for Schools grant to install solar at Acmetonia Elementary, targeting lower utility costs and classroom integration. STEM & community: Overbrook High School marked its 100th anniversary, spotlighting alumni who helped shape arts, sports, and even space exploration.

Measles Watch in PA: Pennsylvania health officials say a traveler with measles moved through PHL Airport (Terminal B/F and connecting areas) Sept. 13–14, prompting warnings for anyone who develops symptoms through Oct. 5; the state also reports four measles-related deaths and hundreds of cases, while the PA Department of Health prepares to withdraw a CDC aid request amid the outbreak. AI Governance Clash: As AI risk fears grow, Gov. Josh Shapiro outlines Pennsylvania steps to address AI threats while President Trump dismisses warnings and announces an “AI Force” and a czar role; California also moves toward AI oversight and “kill switch” concepts. Energy + Schools: Allegheny Valley School District wins a $300K Solar for Schools grant for a new solar system at Acmetonia Elementary, aiming to cut grid reliance and long-term utility costs. Local STEM + Infrastructure: Community College of Beaver County receives $125K for Monaca campus renovations and lease support for its Washington County extension operations. Public Media Merger: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media approve a merger to protect local public media services across northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Invasive Species Alert: Spotted lanternfly is detected for the first time in Ontario, Canada, raising new stakes for regional growers and gardeners.

AI in finance: Truist is rolling out AI Call Summaries across its care centers, auto-generating post-call notes and speeding up client follow-ups—millions of summaries already produced since 2025. Public health in Pennsylvania: As measles cases and deaths rise, parents across the state are adjusting vaccination timing and travel plans; the outbreak is also fueling fresh political clashes over state and federal roles. AI safety debate: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other Democratic contenders are pushing for stronger AI guardrails as California moves toward oversight measures that include “kill switch” concepts. STEM access: A new national survey finds after-school programs increasingly offer STEM learning, though access still varies by where families live. Cancer research: Tang Prize laureates warn that U.S. research funding cuts could slow progress in biopharmaceutical science, including cell-based cancer therapies. Healthcare tech: Penn Medicine is launching a mobile unit to bring sight-saving care to vulnerable residents. Local education: Commonwealth Charter Academy was named a Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania for a fifth straight year. Energy & grids: Reports flag growing strain on the power system as data centers expand, raising reliability concerns.

AI Oversight Push: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to speed AI safety rules, including independent audits and possible “kill switch” shutdowns for advanced systems. Pennsylvania Health Clash: Gov. Josh Shapiro and federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traded barbs as Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak hit new milestones, including four total deaths and growing concern over low MMR confidence. Data Center Transparency: Virginia ordered more transparency for data center development, banning non-disclosure deals for large projects and creating an AI task force to assess risks. Local EMS Tech: Upper Merion EMS in Pennsylvania can now give blood transfusions in ambulances, using temperature-controlled equipment to treat trauma patients sooner. STEM Access: A national survey finds after-school STEM offerings are expanding, but rural access gaps remain a concern. Workforce & Training: Luzerne County Community College launched a skilled trades academy and apprenticeship readiness push, aiming to feed construction labor demand. Research & Medicine: UPMC agreed to end gender-affirming care for minors under a DOJ settlement, while a new UPenn-led study links autism with higher substance-use and overdose risk.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania has now confirmed four measles-associated deaths and 731 cases across 38 counties, with the state’s tally diverging from the CDC’s “zero” deaths count due to a slower federal reporting method—while Ohio’s Wayne County is also driving a sharp statewide surge. AI Governance: Gov. Josh Shapiro used Pittsburgh’s AI Horizons Summit to push for “strict guardrails,” criticizing federal inaction and warning about unsafe chatbot behavior; meanwhile, Montco commissioners and local leaders are weighing how to respond as AI fears rise. Local AI Talent: The Mark Cuban Foundation and KINBER are bringing a free AI bootcamp to Allegheny County teens (applications close Sept. 30). Cancer Research: New research continues to build around GLP-1s and possible anticancer effects, with experts urging clinical trials to move beyond associations. Grid & Data Centers: A Pennsylvania regulator-commissioned report warns PJM reliability could fall short repeatedly as data center demand grows, and a new thermal-material product targets the cooling bottleneck for multi-kilowatt AI chips. STEM in the Community: Penn and the Community College of Philadelphia launched a free entrepreneurship academy for West Philly business owners.

AI Policy Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro used a Pittsburgh summit to call for strict federal AI guardrails—independent third-party oversight, more transparency, and safety-first rules—while pushing back on Trump’s dismissal of risks. AI vs China Chips: Shapiro also accused the Trump administration of helping China’s AI race by allowing Nvidia to sell advanced chips to approved Chinese customers. Measles Crisis in PA: Pennsylvania is seeking emergency CDC help as the outbreak grows, including disputes over whether state-reported measles deaths should count nationally; a rare brain/spinal complication killed a central PA teen, the fourth death tied to the outbreak. SNAP Security Tech: Pennsylvania is rolling out chip-enabled SNAP debit cards to curb theft and skimming after reports of stolen benefits in Philadelphia. PFAS Health Study: A new study links PFAS exposure near Bucks and Montgomery military bases with higher blood pressure and cholesterol and lower childhood development. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternfly has been detected for the first time in Canada (Windsor), raising stakes for regional vineyards and parks. Local STEM Institutions: Philadelphia City Council and advocates rallied to keep the Academy of Natural Sciences museum open as it prepares to close Sept. 30.

Measles Watch in PA: Jefferson County confirmed a measles-associated death, while Mifflin County also reported an additional measles-related death—another reminder that outbreaks can turn deadly even outside childhood. Local Public Health Response: Delaware County’s “exclusion day” approach shows how districts are partnering with county health departments to vaccinate students on-site and keep immunization rates from slipping as cases climb. STEM Education in Pennsylvania: Reach Cyber Charter School brought virtual learners together in person for hands-on STEM activities, emphasizing learning through trial and error and real peer connection. AI + Computing Hardware: Apple is reportedly building an enterprise AI rack server, but engineers say they can’t scale chip-to-chip links without Nvidia—highlighting how networking bottlenecks are shaping AI infrastructure. Mobility Tech: Wandercraft launched Eve™, an FDA-cleared self-balancing personal exoskeleton for eligible wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries, aiming to make hands-free upright mobility more practical at home. Biotech Leadership: Ernexa Therapeutics added oncology and clinical development veteran Robert J. Spiegel to its board as the company advances cell-therapy development.

Measles Fight in PA: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called the U.S. measles surge a “terrible legacy,” pointing to Pennsylvania’s reported measles-associated deaths and pressing Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Dr. Nicole Saphier, on vaccine safety and misinformation. Public Health Leadership: A new CDC director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, says rebuilding trust and pushing back on vaccine hesitancy are priorities as measles spreads and staffing morale comes under strain. Energy Grid Pressure from Data Centers: Pennsylvania regulators released a report warning that rapid data center load growth could drive reliability problems and rolling blackouts in a worst-case scenario, even with new plants. Grid Modernization in Pittsburgh: Duquesne Light and the U.S. Department of Energy showcased GRIP-funded upgrades aimed at better real-time visibility and faster response during grid trouble. Data Center Backlash Meets Policy: The U.S. House passed a bill pushing states to consider federal standards so large power users like data centers help cover grid upgrade costs instead of shifting bills to everyone else. Tech + Privacy Governance: Portland, Ore. created a new Data and Privacy Office to oversee privacy impact reviews for high-risk tech like automated license plate readers and smart-city sensors. STEM/Research & Industry Notes: Penn-area innovation continues, including University Hospitals naming a new venture investment leader and a CSB final report on a Shell Polymers furnace explosion tied to safeguard and control failures.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania confirmed a fourth measles-related death, including an 18-year-old, as the outbreak climbs to hundreds of cases across dozens of counties—raising alarms as vaccination rates fall and the U.S. nears another record year for deaths. Antibiotic Safety Watch: A major study in JAMA Network Open links cefepime, a widely used antibiotic, to higher all-cause mortality versus other beta-lactams, though researchers stress it’s a link, not proof the drug causes harm. AI Power and Policy Pressure: Meta’s AI push is driving major infrastructure needs, while Pennsylvania and other states face growing scrutiny over data centers’ strain on the power grid and the politics around AI rules. Public Charge Lawsuit: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multi-state effort to block a Trump administration public charge rule that would penalize lawful use of public benefits in green-card decisions. Healthcare Tech in PA: Penn Medicine rolled out a new AI tool aimed at improving clinical decision-making, adding to the state’s fast-moving medical AI rollout. STEM in the Community: IUP graduate Dr. Tia Harne returned to Indiana as a family medicine resident at IRMC, highlighting local STEM-to-health career pathways.

AI & Power Crunch: A new analysis commissioned by Pennsylvania’s PUC warns the PJM grid could miss reliability targets by 2030 as data center load grows, with outcomes far worse than the planning standard unless new capacity and no new data centers scenario holds. Grid Policy Fight: A bipartisan House bill—the Ratepayer Protection Act—would push large data centers to pay the full cost of electricity generation and grid upgrades instead of shifting bills to households and small businesses. Measles in Pennsylvania: The outbreak keeps worsening: Pennsylvania health officials confirmed a fourth measles-associated death, including an 18-year-old in Mifflin County, as cases climb across dozens of counties and all reported deaths involved unvaccinated people. Local Health & Research: Penn Vet’s Swine Teaching and Research Center marks 25 years, crediting its work with improving animal welfare practices like open pen housing. Healthcare Expansion: Encompass Health opened a new inpatient rehab hospital in Lower Providence, adding 50 beds for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and complex orthopedic recovery. Cancer AI Deal: DataMEDS completed its acquisition of Helomics’ AI cancer diagnostics lab and related oncology services, aiming to expand cancer management capacity. Energy Deregulation: The EPA repealed limits on greenhouse gas pollution from fossil fuel power plants, a move framed as major deregulation by the agency. Solar on the Turnpike: The PA Turnpike is nearing completion of a solar canopy project that will power EV charging and cut energy costs at its Central Administration Building.

AI + Health in PA: University of Pennsylvania researchers report an AI training method that mimics how pathologists scan slides—moving from broad search to zoomed inspection—to better spot cancer areas. Data Centers + Grid Strain: A Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission report warns Philadelphia-area electricity reliability could worsen as data centers expand, with outages potentially becoming far more frequent without new power supply. AI + Regulation Transparency: A Monitor review says the EPA is deploying AI tools for toxic chemicals and pesticides without sharing details publicly as required, raising public-safety and privacy concerns. Cancer Care Decision Support: Castle Biosciences says its TissueCypher Barrett’s test could improve “risk-aligned” management by steering escalation of care for patients more likely to progress while reducing unnecessary procedures. STEM Education + Infrastructure: PennDOT’s Innovations Challenge invites PA high schoolers to solve bridge-strike problems caused by over-height vehicles. Local Tech + Safety: Philadelphia’s “Chimney Scientists” launches a free chimney inspection/repair initiative for homeowners at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Business + Federal IT: ShearTek launches as an SBA-approved 8(a) mentor-protégé joint venture pairing Shearwater and TekSynap for enterprise federal IT contracting.

Public Charge Fight: Pennsylvania Attorney General Kwame Raoul is co-leading a 22-state coalition suing to block the Trump administration’s new DHS public charge rule, arguing it unlawfully lets immigration officials deny green cards based on lawful use of public benefits. Cancer Screening Coverage: Guardant Health says its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for average-risk adults. Grid Reliability vs. Data Centers: Pennsylvania’s utility regulator warns that rising demand—especially from data centers—could push PJM’s reliability standard to fail from 2027 to 2030 under worst-case planning assumptions. Health Research Funding: Sen. Dave McCormick and Sen. John Fetterman demand answers on federal cuts that canceled more than 100 health research grants, including projects at Penn and CHOP. Measles Update: Pennsylvania reports additional measles-related death(s) as the outbreak continues, with recent fatalities tied to unvaccinated residents. STEM Education Numbers: Downingtown STEM Academy enrollment dipped to 957 students in 2025-26, down from 962 the year before. AI Slowdown Debate: AI leaders and policymakers keep pressing for guardrails and slower development, while Trump argues for trusting leadership and backing data center growth.

AI Safety Push: Top AI leaders warn Congress to slow down and add safeguards, but lawmakers likely won’t act before the midterms. Energy & Industry: Eos Energy secured an $87M DOE advance to scale its Thorn Hill zinc battery production in Pennsylvania, while a second Pittsburgh-to-New York daily train is set to start in November. Critical Minerals: Almonty struck a Rwanda deal to expand Western tungsten supply and reduce China dependence. Data Centers vs. Communities: A new debate is heating up over whether AI-driven data centers are worth the noise, power demand, and water use they impose locally. Privacy Fight: Lancaster County lawmakers move to regulate “Flock” license-plate cameras as privacy pushback grows. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported a third measles-related death amid an outbreak, with CDC support questioned. Schools & Tech Backlash: Shapiro signed a law requiring daily recess, while Philly-area districts cut screen time and limit device use for younger students. Rail & Grid Strain: Analysts warn AI’s power hunger could strain grids far beyond earlier tech booms.

Pennsylvania Cybersecurity: Utility executives and cybersecurity experts warned Pa. lawmakers that cyber threats to critical infrastructure are rising, with utilities seeing tens of thousands of malicious connection attempts monthly—pushing for constant upgrades and coordination across regulators and operators. AI Policy Fight: Trump dismissed calls from top AI leaders to slow model development as Democrats seize on his hands-off stance; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also urged federal “guardrails,” while national debate heats up over limits and safety controls. Health & Data Science: A Penn Engineering team used AI to scan 400,000 Reddit posts and flag underreported possible side effects of GLP-1 drugs, including reproductive and body-temperature issues—signals meant to guide further study. Local Tech/Economy: Spot & Tango is expanding in Upper Macungie Township with a $20M project and state support, aiming to double production capacity and add about 50 jobs. 9/11 Health Legacy: A CDC-linked review in JAMA highlights how toxic dust exposure after 9/11 continues to drive long-term, multi-condition illness—reinforcing the need for sustained monitoring. Sports Tech & Trade: Sports groups urged governments to suspend sports-related tariffs as Canada-U.S. duties hit equipment costs and threaten participation.