AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Energy in Idaho: Idaho State University and NuCube Energy announced the site for a second Advanced Research and Test Reactor on ISU’s campus, aiming to design and commission a microreactor that supports student training and applied research. Manufacturing Jobs: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is expanding in Idaho by buying a large Post Falls facility to boost production of devices that protect critical infrastructure, with plans to be fully operating by 2027 and creating about 250 jobs. Water & Climate Watch: Idaho’s reservoirs are at historic lows, and the National Weather Service is projecting a warmer-than-normal winter with precipitation chances split, tied to a strengthening El Niño. Tech & Safety for Residents: INL, eCyclers of Idaho and Madison County Transfer Station will host a free electronics recycling drive-through in Rexburg on Sept. 26. Policy & Rules: Idaho hunters need to know new limits on thermal, night-vision, drones, and transmitting trail cameras under House Bill 939 for the 2026 seasons. Cybercrime Trend: A national report highlights how digitization is shifting “bank robbery” style crime toward hacking and data theft.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor hit criticality during hot testing at Idaho National Lab partners’ facilities, reaching a peak core temperature of 1,011°C and generating data to tighten analytical models for commercialization. Idaho Education & Workforce: Lake Pend Oreille School District opened a new Career and Technical Education Center in Sandpoint, expanding hands-on pathways from nursing assistant to information technology and construction. STEM Research & Training: Idaho State University unveiled plans for a second Advanced Research and Test Nuclear Reactor at its Pocatello campus, building on its existing reactor and partnering with NuCube Energy. Conservation Tech: A statewide monarch micro-tracking effort is underway in Idaho and Southern Oregon, using cellphone-linked tags to map migration routes. Public Health Policy: HHS Deputy nominee Chris Klomp told senators MMR is the most effective measles tool, as U.S. cases rise. Local Tech Controversy: Pocatello residents will weigh a ballot initiative to remove Flock license plate cameras after a city council vote approved them. Corrections Funding: Idaho’s Department of Correction plans to request about $45.3M to open three new facilities to address bed shortages.

Nuclear & Energy Policy: Texas says it will “explore development” on state land, including geothermal, small modular nuclear reactors, and natural gas—an effort tied to state land leasing that funds schools. Idaho Nuclear Debate: An Idaho opinion piece argues for a more factual approach to the state’s nuclear future, while another notes Idaho is a finalist for federally backed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses built around the nuclear fuel cycle. AI & Education Support: OpenAI and AARP’s OATS are hosting a free “Older Adults AI Skills Jam” to help seniors use ChatGPT safely, including scam-spotting basics. Campus STEM & Research: Idaho State University’s first AI Sciences major, Christian Done, is pushing into nuclear engineering and AI-designed prosthetics research. Privacy vs Tech: Wyoming cities are clashing over automated license plate readers; in Idaho’s region, Douglas weighs ALPR use while Glenrock pauses a similar contract renewal. Local Tech/Economy: Micron’s Boise expansion is again drawing attention online, with a reminder that the “17,000 jobs” claim is inflated—Micron expects about 3,500 direct roles. Environment & Data: Idaho’s Seven Devils butterfly count is collecting repeatable, standardized conservation data across elevations and habitats. Water & Fisheries: Jackson Lake dam flow changes sparked backlash from Idaho irrigators, leading to a reversal of planned reductions.

Micron in Boise: Micron’s $50B memory-fab push is back in the spotlight online, but the “17,000 jobs” claim is misleading—Micron expects about 3,500 direct jobs, with the rest tied to construction, suppliers, and partners. Semiconductor R&D: Micron also announced Deirdre Hanford will lead Micron Research Labs in Boise, a $10B, decade-long research effort. Workforce pipeline: Boise State opened a semiconductor training center near Micron to ramp up hands-on skills for new hires and apprentices. Water reuse in Eagle: The Eagle Sewer District is running a new filtration system in a $20M project to turn treated wastewater into irrigation water, aiming for Class A reuse. Soil science in Idaho: UI’s “soil your undies” cotton-burial test is being used across 34 Magic Valley fields to visually track microbial activity and soil health. Public safety K-9: Idaho State Police introduced K-9 Annie, a new explosive-detection dog, to support Capitol security and other state events. Nuclear cleanup milestones: DOE reported progress at Idaho’s cleanup project, including tank-waste work past the 40% mark. Local governance: Bonner County commissioners approved road and solid-waste contracts, including metal baling and wood-waste grinding/disposal. Salmon crisis: A new installment warns that Chinook extinction on Idaho’s Middle Fork Salmon River would hit local businesses and communities hard. Health policy: A HHS deputy nominee faced tough questioning at a hearing over MMR vaccine claims and autism concerns. Energy debate: Bannock County is reconsidering its earlier solar/wind ban, with a vote expected this fall. Media industry: McClatchy layoffs hit Idaho newsrooms, raising concerns about coverage capacity. STEM education: A separate report highlights how districts are planning STEM hubs to match chip-industry growth.

Micron in Boise: Micron Research Labs is officially underway with a planned $10B, decade-long push, and the company named Deirdre Hanford to lead the new research hub. Memory tech milestone: Micron also demonstrated the world’s first 512GB DDR5 module for next-gen servers, aiming to ease AI data-center memory bottlenecks. INL + agentic AI: Idaho National Laboratory is part of a $60M, three-year effort to bring agentic AI to nuclear engineering, with partners testing where AI can help—and where it might hurt. Idaho Falls governance: The City of Idaho Falls created a new finance department and appointed Mark Hagedorn as director and treasurer, separating finance from municipal services. Clean energy policy in Idaho: Bannock County’s solar-and-wind ban is being revisited after a contentious vote, with commissioners set to consider updated language this fall. Water rules that could ripple: EPA and the Army Corps proposed narrowing Clean Water Act jurisdiction using a perennial-water standard, which could reshape permitting across dry regions. Agriculture research in Idaho: The University of Idaho’s Nancy M. Cummings center near Salmon marked 25 years of beef research and extension, including work on virtual fencing. Local STEM push: A district near Micron’s expansion plans a new STEM hub to modernize labs and better prepare students for high-volume manufacturing. Public safety: Idaho State Police added a new explosive-detection K-9 for Capitol security ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Tech & privacy: A privacy-focused tool, ZeroCookie.NET, launched “Privacy Intelligence” for WordPress. Drones and FCC: Boise-based Skyworx warned that an FCC proposed retroactive drone ban could cripple drone light shows.

FCC & Drones: Boise-based Skyworx says a proposed FCC ban on certain foreign-made drones could effectively shut down drone light show businesses, arguing its small, non-chemical, non-thermal fleet should be exempt. Privacy & Local Tech: Kuna removed Axon license plate reader cameras after a city request tied to resident concerns about surveillance and privacy. Broadband Access: The FCC is reviewing the E-Rate program, and Idaho libraries worry potential changes could cut funding for free Wi‑Fi, computers, printing, STEM programs, and telehealth. AI in Schools: Boise School District is partnering with OpenAI to roll out “ChatGPT Edu” for teachers, aiming to boost productivity while tightening data privacy. STEM & Infrastructure: Idaho State University leads a multi-university, multi-year study to help Idaho Transportation Department protect bridge decks from freeze-thaw damage and corrosion. Mining in Idaho: Resolution Minerals extended gold mineralization at its Golden Gate prospect, including a reported 1m at 14.8g/t Au, with more assays pending. Education Funding Vote: Coeur d’Alene schools are asking voters to approve a replacement levy to keep up with inflation and rising costs. Idaho Tech Leadership: After an IT consolidation, Idaho’s new CIO Jake Reynolds is mapping the next phase of modernization and agency relationships.

Space & STEM Spotlight: Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, will speak at an Idaho Falls event this Wednesday, highlighting NASA’s legacy and inspiring the next generation. Idaho Workforce & Tech: Micron’s big expansion is reshaping Boise’s hiring pipeline, but AI-driven demand is also tightening entry-level opportunities. Nuclear Policy: Morgan County commissioners voted against any nuclear waste storage or related facilities in the county, even as states explore DOE nuclear lifecycle campus plans. Robotics in Space: A Boise-area event will feature NASA’s Psyche mission deputy principal investigator, focused on what an asteroid is made of and what it could reveal about planet formation. Public Health: Idaho officials report rabid bats at higher levels than recent years, and a new explainer walks through what to do after possible rabies exposure. Education & Career Training: LC State named four candidates for its CTE dean role, with presentations focused on sustainable growth tied to students, employers, and community needs. Wildlife Science: Nevada researchers are investigating a long-running seasonal elk die-off pattern, with clues pointing to possible mineral issues. Energy Research: New DOE/INL-backed analysis says non-powered dams could generate up to 15.2 terawatt-hours annually, mostly untapped. Local Tech Infrastructure: Boise State rolled out a new parking guidance system in Lincoln and Brady garages to help drivers find open spaces faster. AI for Nonprofits: Idaho Partners for Good argues AI should support nonprofit staff rather than replace them, aiming to reduce operational burdens.

Idaho Nuclear Momentum: A new DOE-backed push highlights Idaho National Laboratory’s role in restarting the U.S. nuclear pipeline, with recent reactor criticality milestones underscoring renewed testing and innovation. Space Power: Antares won a $161M Air Force contract to build a space nuclear reactor demonstrator, aiming to ground-test and then integrate for flight certification. Microreactors for the Military: The U.S. Army is funding transportable microreactors that can be shipped by road, sea, or air, with at least one base targeted for power by 2028. Clean Energy from Existing Dams: A study by INL and Oak Ridge says retrofitting select U.S. dams could unlock 15.2 terawatt-hours of untapped hydropower annually. Geothermal Push: Federal support for geothermal is accelerating, even as the technology still faces scale and cost limits. Idaho Water & Drought: Researchers at the University of Idaho are studying ways to stretch water supplies to help Idaho farmers navigate drought. Local STEM Workforce: Priest River Lamanna’s forestry career program is expanding after a major Idaho Career Ready Students grant. Food & Farming Innovation: Idaho ranchers keep innovating to raise more sustainable beef.

Nuclear in Idaho and beyond: Idaho National Laboratory is again at the center of the nuclear comeback, with U.S. reactors reaching criticality under a DOE authorization push and Antares winning a $161M Space Force contract to develop a space nuclear reactor demonstrator. Energy & grid planning: A new study says the U.S.’s existing dams could add 15.2 terawatt-hours of electricity yearly via retrofits, while North Idaho utility bills are rising as companies invest for future growth. Geothermal momentum: A geothermal “deal” in Oregon and Washington could eventually support more than 3 gigawatts, and national coverage argues geothermal policy is finally getting serious attention. Idaho water & drought: University of Idaho researchers are looking for ways to stretch water supply for Idaho farmers as drought pressures continue. Local STEM workforce: Priest River Lamanna’s forestry career program is expanding after a major Idaho Career Ready Students grant, building hands-on shop training for students. Wildlife & conservation: A rescued California condor chick is being cared for with hopes for release next year.

Nuclear Power in Space: The U.S. Space Force awarded Antares a $161M contract to develop a nuclear reactor for spacecraft, aiming to power ground-to-space assets and advance a reactor design toward flight. Idaho Energy & Grid Costs: North Idaho residents are seeing power bills rise as utilities invest in future growth—new demand, grid upgrades, and wildfire protection are driving higher costs. Mining Tech Testing in Idaho: The DOE selected four projects for $73M to create real-world testing grounds for next-generation mining tech, including Idaho Springs, Colorado sites tied to digital, connected, automated mining systems. Tech for Kids, by Design: California signed child online-safety bills that target addictive platform features like infinite scroll and autoplay, with other states including New York and Idaho moving in similar directions. Public Safety Data & Guns: The CDC has restored defensive gun use information it removed in 2022, reigniting debate over how federal data shapes policy. Local STEM Leadership: North Idaho’s chamber launched a full-year NEXTGEN leadership program focused on building the region’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Community Science/History: The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot highlights how a local rail depot became a long-running hub for Idaho agriculture history.

Space Tech: The U.S. Space Force awarded Antares a $161M contract to develop a nuclear reactor for spacecraft, aiming to move from ground demos to powering operational space assets. Mining & Energy Infrastructure: The DOE picked four projects for $73M to build domestic mining technology testing grounds, including a wireless/automation testbed with Idaho Springs, Colorado, and other sites. Idaho Water & Agriculture: University of Idaho researchers in Kimberly are running a multi-year study on how much irrigation cover crops need in drought-stressed Magic Valley conditions. Idaho Food Tech: The University of Idaho Food Technology Center and Agribusiness Incubator in Caldwell continues supporting Idaho’s wine makers with processing, packaging, and refrigerated storage. Public Health Access: A new analysis warns rural pregnant residents may face longer drives for care as Medicaid changes could shutter delivery options. Tech Policy & Kids: California’s new child online-safety laws target addictive app design features, with Idaho and nearby states also moving on chatbot safety rules. EHS/Workplace Safety Training: A webinar focuses on building psychological safety into EHS programs so workers actually report hazards and near-misses.

Idaho Water & Drought Research: University of Idaho Extension researchers in Kimberly are testing how little irrigation a cover crop can handle in a three-year study aimed at helping Magic Valley farmers stretch limited water. Rural Health Access: A new analysis warns Medicaid cuts could force many rural pregnant residents to drive much farther for delivery care, raising risks for both moms and babies. STEM & Food Innovation: UI’s Caldwell Food Technology Center and Agribusiness Incubator continues supporting Idaho wineries with processing, packaging, and refrigerated storage. AI in Rural Education: Lewis-Clark State College’s “Project AI-RISE” won an AI Innovation Award to expand secure, rural-ready AI and cybersecurity dual-credit courses. Mining Tech Funding: The U.S. Department of Energy selected four projects for $73M to build real-world testing grounds for next-generation mining technologies, including Idaho-linked sites. Nuclear in Idaho’s Orbit: A proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus pitch is making the case that Idaho should pair any nuclear push with workforce education. Infrastructure: ITD is reducing the East Kooskia Bridge weight limit to 8 tons starting Sept. 14, rerouting heavy commercial traffic. Cyber & Safety Culture: A webinar highlights how “psychological safety” affects whether workers report hazards and near-misses in EHS programs.

Wildfire science in the Northwest: Portland General Electric is launching a “first of its kind” program to measure moisture in live vegetation, partnering with the University of Idaho and NASA FireSense to better map wildfire risk beyond weather and dead-fuel data. Idaho research & health: A new report points to a dramatic rise in Alzheimer’s deaths in Idaho since 2015, underscoring growing brain-health pressure on the state. Idaho critical minerals: Resolution Minerals wrapped major drilling at its Horse Heaven Project in Idaho; assays are underway as the company pushes gold and tungsten targets. Tech & jobs: Micron says it will reward Taiwan engineers with a NT$1 million cash bonus plus equity, as labor groups press for bigger profit sharing. Idaho courts transparency: A federal appeals panel ruled Idaho can’t delay releasing newly filed court documents, a win for public access. Local community upgrades: Idaho Falls YMCA unveiled new turf at its Indoor Soccer Complex after a two-year fundraising effort. Space & STEM curiosity: A California creek survey turned up a remarkably intact 10,000-year-old Pacific mastodon tooth.

Alzheimer’s in Idaho: New reporting says deaths tied to Alzheimer’s have climbed sharply since 2015, averaging well over 800 a year in 2021–2025 versus about 640 earlier—raising urgent questions for Idaho health planning. Public Health & Lab Capacity: Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s animal health lab ramped up bird flu PCR testing after USDA certification, cutting turnaround time for dairy surveillance. Idaho Research & Crime Data: The Idaho Statistical Analysis Center released its Drug & Alcohol Related Crime Trends for 2025, showing drug offense rates up over the long term while alcohol offenses fell, with many suspected offenders under the influence. University Leadership: University of Idaho President Scott Green announced he’ll retire June 30, 2027, capping eight years that included reaching Carnegie R1 status. STEM & Campus Exchange: Hiroshima University students visited UI as part of a Mega-Exchange program, including hands-on sustainability work at a campus pollinator garden. Nuclear Tech Watch: Advanced nuclear stocks slid together after a split analyst call, with Idaho-linked reactor developer Lightbridge also in the broader nuclear news mix.

AI for Mining & Geology: Headwater Gold hired Geomorphic AI to turn scattered legacy drilling, geochemistry, and mapping into integrated datasets for faster target evaluation. Critical Minerals Funding: The U.S. Department of Energy picked four “Mine of the Future” mine-testing projects for $73M, including work tied to Idaho locations. Idaho Research Infrastructure: The University of Idaho won state approval for three new Moscow facilities, including a secure “Top Secret” cybersecurity/critical-infrastructure research building and major engineering/science space. Nuclear Lifecycle Planning: Idaho is named among states in the federal nuclear lifecycle innovation campus effort, with West Virginia also joining the list—raising questions about spent fuel handling and community impacts. STEM Pipeline in Idaho Falls: College of Eastern Idaho is launching free high-school programs tied to the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building, including a Nuclear Industry Symposium and an AI-focused IDEA Academy. Water & Environment: Idaho DEQ released its 2026 triennial review for water quality standards, setting priorities for the next three years. Local Tech/Community: Lake Pend Oreille School District unveiled a Career and Technical Education Center at Sandpoint High, expanding hands-on training from IT and cybersecurity to welding and water resource management. Idaho Conservation Spotlight: A new focus on Priest Lake’s Coolin Wetlands highlights the ecological stakes of protecting a rare peat-bog habitat.

Higher Ed & Workforce: University of Idaho President C. Scott Green will retire June 30, setting up a major leadership search as the school highlights gains in enrollment, research, and campus resilience. STEM & Smart Manufacturing: UI also launched Idaho’s first bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial and systems engineering, with fully online master’s options aimed at AI, automation, and manufacturing careers. AI in Education: Math Success by DMTI rolled out a teacher-focused, conceptual-first K-6 math program built on decades of research in math, psychology, and instruction. Water & Environment: Idaho DEQ released its 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards, outlining how new science and public input will shape rulemaking for the next three years. Energy Infrastructure: LS Power began construction on the Idaho-Nevada Southwest Intertie Project-North, a 285-mile, 500-kV line meant to move power both directions. Idaho Tech & Business: Idaho Business Review redesigned its site around eight industry pillars, including technology and manufacturing, to make local business news easier to find. Public Safety: Idaho Falls Fire Department opened recruitment for full-time firefighters, with testing scheduled for late October. Health Policy Watch: Federal judges heard arguments on whether to tighten rules for mifepristone used in medication abortions, a case that could affect access nationwide.