AGP Executive Report

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.

Abortion Access in Court: A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments on whether prescribing rules for mifepristone should be tightened, as opponents try to limit medication abortion shipments into states with bans. Idaho Nuclear Waste Debate: Idaho lawmakers and residents are pushing back on a plan that would make Idaho a major destination for radioactive waste under a proposed “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.” Idaho Health Tech & Cancer Care: RadNet announced a free public webinar on Sept. 19 for prostate cancer awareness, plus upcoming investor conference presentations. Critical Minerals in Idaho: Liberty Gold confirmed economics for its Idaho Black Pine oxide gold project in a feasibility study, while Resolution Minerals’ Nasdaq debut (ticker RML) highlights continued Idaho-focused exploration. Idaho Workforce & AI Research: Idaho labor projections point to faster-than-national employment growth, and the state Board of Education awarded $645,000 for AI innovation projects. Data Centers vs. Communities: A new Yale-linked survey finds opposition to data centers could soften if residents felt developers helped offset higher home energy costs. Local Tech/Science Education: UI is launching new clinical psychology and gerontology programs, and Idaho’s workforce pipeline continues with new career-tech teachers and agriculture-focused student opportunities.

Idaho Workforce: Idaho’s labor market is projected to grow faster than the nation, with IDOL forecasting 121,000 more employed residents from 2024–2034 and a 16.9% labor force increase versus much slower national gains. Cybersecurity & Water: Idaho lawmakers are warning that Iran-linked cyberattacks on U.S. water systems this summer show rural utilities could be next, pushing calls for stronger defenses. AI in Idaho Education: The Idaho State Board of Education awarded $645,197 in AI Innovation Awards to seven projects across the state’s public colleges, focused on AI literacy and responsible use. Wildfire Tech: A University of Idaho team is using drone thermal imagery plus machine learning to help predict wildfire spread and support incident commanders. Marijuana Rescheduling: A pending appeals court decision could disrupt billions in expected cannabis tax benefits as states and federal agencies clash over Schedule III treatment. Policy Fight on Climate Science: 25 state AGs urged defunding the National Academies, alleging bias in climate-related materials used in lawsuits. Local STEM Spotlight: Idaho Falls hosts an INSPIRE event featuring Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space, at the College of Eastern Idaho. Space Weather: Northern lights may be visible in parts of the region, including South Dakota and Minnesota, depending on conditions.

Idaho Nuclear Research: Idaho State University says the DOE picked ISU for the Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center Launch Pad USA, partnering with NuCube Energy to design and commission an Advanced Research and Test Reactor microreactor on campus—aimed at student training, experiments, and applied nuclear tech. Local Tech & Defense: Coeur d’Alene’s Continuous Composites won a Phase II Navy SBIR to advance CF3D, embedding electrical conductors inside UAV-ready composite structures to simplify power distribution. Water + Big Tech: A new report links the data-center boom to growing local water worries, citing major leak and wastewater disputes in places like Oklahoma and Wyoming—raising questions for communities with aging water systems. Healthcare in Idaho: A commentary warns that medical misinformation is actively threatening Idaho’s rural care, pointing to political influence and distrust that can steer patients away from scientific guidance. Science Education: “The Idaho State of Discovery” spotlights ISU geoscience, including field camp learning and how rocks connect to hazards and critical minerals. Higher Ed Leadership: ASUI President Lance Butikofer and VP Alma Azocar Argurto outline plans to expand student opportunities and strengthen connections between students, the university, and state policy.

Idaho State University Nuclear Tech: DOE picked ISU for its Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center Launch Pad USA, with NuCube Energy to design and commission an Advanced Research and Test Reactor microreactor on ISU’s Pocatello campus—built for experiments, training, and reactor operations, not grid power. Defense & Manufacturing: Continuous Composites won a Phase II Navy SBIR to advance CF3D, embedding electrical conductors inside composite structures for UAVs—aiming to cut wiring complexity while keeping structural performance. Tech & Regional Economy: The Idaho Technology Council announced iTECH Summit Inland Northwest 2026 in Coeur d’Alene (Oct. 21), with an AI-and-workforce panel and a “Tech Powered. Community Led” focus. Wildlife & Staffing: A federal staffing drop at U.S. Fish and Wildlife is hitting Idaho too—down 61 employees (about 35%) since Trump 2.0, with steep losses across the West. Public Safety Tech Debate: Jerome County won’t renew its Flock Safety contract, redirecting $24,000 in annual fees to deputy salaries amid concerns about the license plate reader program. Healthcare Trust: A new Idaho-focused piece warns medical misinformation is undermining rural care, citing physician reports of frequent misinformation encounters.

Idaho Tech & Community: The Idaho Technology Council and Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber announced iTECH Summit Inland Northwest 2026 for Oct. 21 in Coeur d’Alene, with an AI-and-workforce panel and a “Tech Powered. Community Led” theme. Public Safety Tech: Jerome County won’t renew its Flock Safety contract, redirecting $24,000 in annual licensing fees to deputy salaries amid concerns about the license plate reader program. Nuclear & Energy Policy: A report highlights the push for faster microreactor development, including Deployable Energy’s “Unity” microreactor and DOE “launch pad” style pathways for advanced nuclear projects. Agriculture & Food Systems: USDA unveiled a “Ranchers First Initiative” to rebuild the U.S. beef herd, including more support for independent processing—Idaho ranchers remain skeptical. STEM Education & Youth: Eastern Idaho State Fair coverage spotlights how 4-H market prep builds real-world skills, including talking with buyers and learning through agriculture and STEM. Wildfire History: A feature revisits the 1910 “Great Fire” that burned across the Idaho Panhandle and shaped modern wildfire awareness. Health & Tech Oversight: Nationally, new rules are emerging that restrict student AI use, reflecting a patchwork approach to generative tools in schools.

AI & Schools: New rules are spreading across the U.S. as districts grapple with how to use generative AI in classrooms, with some places banning most student use while others allow limited tutoring and teacher tools. Idaho Research: University of Idaho researchers reported a spider species found only in Idaho, adding to the state’s growing science spotlight. Nuclear & Energy Tech: The U.S. Department of Energy’s latest Nuclear Energy Launch Pad round named 12 companies across 13 projects, including repeat players advancing microreactors and other designs. Data Centers & Water: A new look at the data center boom highlights how AI infrastructure is straining small-town water systems, with Idaho mentioned alongside broader U.S. concerns about leaks and cooling demands. Semiconductors: The Trump administration is backing Micron in a New York court fight over a major memory-chip hub, citing national security and supply-chain risks. Idaho Policy Watch: Idaho’s HJR 4 heads to the November ballot, shifting constitutional authority over marijuana and other psychoactive substances to the Legislature. Wildlife Staffing: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply, including a reported 35% drop in Idaho since Trump 2.0.

Energy Costs: Americans brace for record Labor Day gasoline prices, with GasBuddy projecting a national average around $4.03/gal as Middle East tensions keep pressure on fuel supplies. AI in Schools: New school-year rules are emerging that restrict or ban student AI use in parts of the U.S., reflecting a patchwork of guidance as districts try to balance tutoring benefits with academic integrity and privacy. Public Health: A Michigan fatal kidney transplant case highlights how most U.S. rabies infections go undetected, raising alarms about missed diagnoses and donor screening gaps. Idaho Tech & Research: University of Idaho researchers unveiled a new Idaho-only spider species, Hexura vandal, underscoring how much biodiversity still remains to be documented in the Gem State. Idaho Education: Trailhead Virtual Academy launches as a tuition-free Idaho charter option with live remote classes and career-focused learning. Local Environment & Safety: Idaho water safety concerns grow as drownings rise in Kootenai and Spokane counties, prompting renewed calls for life jackets and prevention. Wildlife & Policy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing is down sharply nationwide, including a reported 35% drop in Idaho since Trump 2.0.

Federal Wildlife Staffing Cuts: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed about 3,600 workers during Trump’s second term, with Idaho down 61 staff (35%) and other big drops across the West. Idaho Water & Environment: The EPA is seeking more public input as it tries to redefine the “waters of the U.S.” wetlands rule after major court changes. Idaho Research Discovery: University of Idaho scientists found a new spider species, “Hexura vandal,” named for the Vandals and believed to live only in a small Idaho forest pocket. Public Safety Tech Debate: Twin Falls voted 5-2 to keep funding Flock license plate reader cameras, while Post Falls police chief argues ALPRs are needed for investigations. Healthcare Costs & Reform: An Idaho-focused op-ed backs a “whole system” approach to healthcare reform, warning against blaming one part of the system. Energy & Costs: Americans are bracing for record Labor Day gasoline prices above $4 a gallon, tied to supply pressures and global conflict. Local Education: Trailhead Virtual Academy launched as a tuition-free Idaho charter option with live remote classes and a career/technical education focus.

Clean Water Rule: The EPA is asking for more public comments as it tries to redefine “waters of the U.S.” under the post–Sackett framework, a move tied to how wetlands protections will change for Idaho landowners and others. Idaho Education Tech: Trailhead Virtual Academy is enrolling Idaho students as a tuition-free remote charter, leaning into career and technical education with live sessions plus daily independent work. Biodiversity in Idaho: University of Idaho researchers announced a new spider species, Hexura vandal, found in a small pocket of north-central Idaho forest and named for the Vandals. Public Safety Tech Debate: Twin Falls City Council voted 5-2 to keep funding Flock license plate reader cameras, while Post Falls police chief defended ALPRs as limited to public roads. Wildlife & Water Impacts: The Nez Perce Tribe is fertilizing fish-bearing creeks with spawned-out salmon carcasses, and Wyoming identified a parasite-linked cause for a Salt River fish die-off. Nuclear Milestone: Idaho’s INL and the Museum of Idaho marked 75 years since EBR-1, the first nuclear plant to generate electricity near Arco.

AI Infrastructure in Idaho: Meta flipped the switch on its $1.2B Kuna data center, using a closed-loop cooling system designed to cut water use compared with typical server farms. University Research: The University of Idaho named a new Idaho-only spider, Hexura vandal, after the Vandals, highlighting how much biodiversity still hides in local forests. Health Workforce: U of I launched new graduate programs in clinical psychology and gerontology to tackle behavioral health shortages and Idaho’s aging population. Local Tech & Privacy: Jerome County won’t renew its FLOCK camera contract, citing concerns about use and redirecting funds to staffing. Idaho Agriculture & Policy: UI Extension will host a national dairy markets and policy workshop in Twin Falls, with sessions on milk marketing orders and industry shifts. Civic/Community: Chobani Scholars scholarships continue supporting Magic Valley agriculture students, including a plant tour at Chobani’s Twin Falls facility.

Semiconductors & AI Supply Chains: Korea’s chipmakers face a tricky balancing act as the U.S. pushes for more memory fabs at home; Micron says only about 2% of global memory is made in the U.S., and it’s expanding in Boise, Idaho. Idaho Tech & Research: Idaho State University’s new CHESS college is taking shape after budget-driven consolidation, with leadership changes aimed at reducing duplication while protecting programs. Local Innovation & Infrastructure: Meta has flipped the switch on its Kuna data center, now operational and using closed-loop cooling—an AI-focused build tied to major Idaho investment. Nuclear in Space & Defense: NASA’s chief highlighted nuclear power during a Northwest visit tied to a Mars mission concept using a fission reactor and nuclear electric propulsion; meanwhile, the Army is moving ahead with transportable microreactors for base power resilience. Wildfire Science: Researchers warn that fast, small fires—not just huge ones—are driving most home damage, pushing new thinking for prevention and firefighting. Agriculture STEM: Tractor Supply named 146 FFA Future Leaders scholarship recipients, including Idaho’s Alex Hofhine, studying electrical engineering. Community Tech Access: Jerome Public Library is emphasizing tech access beyond books, from hotspots and Chromebooks to online learning resources. Mining/Business: NevGold appointed a new CFO and engineering studies VP as it advances projects including Idaho’s Cedar Wash.

Nuclear & Energy Tech: Cambridge Atomworks opened a new Granta Park lab facility to support ODIN micro-reactor coolant and fuel-performance testing, after DOE review at Idaho National Laboratory. Grid Reliability: Construction is underway on the Southwest Intertie Project-North, a 285-mile, 500-kV line linking Twin Falls, Idaho to Ely, Nevada, targeting operation in 2028. AI + Semiconductors: SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha says the chip industry is entering a “super cycle,” driven by AI and future memory capacity expansion. Idaho Research & STEM Events: Idaho Technology Council and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber announced iTECH Summit Inland Northwest 2026 (Oct. 21) focused on AI and workforce trends. Climate Science: A University of Utah-led study finds satellite photosynthesis signals can flag Western forest stress two years before bark beetle die-offs. Public Health & Policy: The 9th Circuit temporarily allows Idaho to enforce its abortion ban while appeals continue. Wildlife & Water: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, with Idaho down 35% since 2024.

Idaho Research: University of Idaho scientists have discovered a new spider species, Hexura vandal, found so far only in Idaho’s north-central forests near Kooskia—an Idaho-first find that adds to the state’s growing catalog of unique wildlife. AI & Schools: New York City is pausing student-facing generative AI through eighth grade, while other districts face pushback over AI tools used for early reading and dyslexia screening. Public Health & Climate: Doctors in Boise are linking wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and drought to health impacts across organ systems, and discussing what care systems can do next. Rural Tech Funding: Idaho is set to distribute federal Rural Health Transformation Program money for rural healthcare infrastructure, including dedicated funding for cybersecurity and patient-facing technology. Privacy & Surveillance: Wilder, Idaho, backed away from a proposed Flock camera ban after concerns the plan would require broader changes to the city’s data and security systems. Safety Reminder: AAA Idaho says most kids are moved to adult seat belts too soon, urging correct car-seat and booster use as Child Passenger Safety Month begins. Local Community: Pocatello plans to proclaim September Chronic Pain Awareness Month, highlighting support communities and reducing stigma.

Idaho Water & Resilience: Idaho’s long-overdue water management push is getting sharper as drought and declining snowpack strain supplies, with new focus on groundwater limits, surface-water fixes, and better hydrology research. AI for Critical Materials: Idaho National Laboratory rolled out FORESIGHT, an AI framework aimed at predicting disruptions and risks across critical materials supply chains. New Idaho Science Discovery: University of Idaho researchers identified a new spider species, Hexura vandal, apparently endemic to Idaho. Cybersecurity Funding for Rural Health: Idaho is set to receive Rural Health Transformation Program money, including grants for cybersecurity and tech upgrades for rural providers. Geothermal Power Deal: Fervo Energy and Google signed a record 396-MW geothermal power purchase agreement to support around-the-clock clean power for data centers. Local Tech/Industry Growth: Evergreens launched a franchise program targeting expansion across the West, including Idaho. Agriculture & Policy: USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative aims to rebuild the U.S. beef herd, expand regional processing, and prioritize American beef.

NSF Microelectronics Boost: Boise State and the University of Idaho are part of XTREME, Idaho’s first NSF EPSCoR E-RISE E-RISE grant, aiming to build resilient microelectronics research for extreme heat, radiation, and stress—plus workforce development tied to energy, defense, and aerospace. Biodiversity in Idaho: U of I researchers discovered a new spider species, Hexura vandal, found in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and named for the Vandal mascot, with habitat concerns tied to logging and wildfire risk. Wildfire Fuel Tactics: In the West, targeted grazing is getting renewed attention as a wildfire-fighting tool, using livestock to reduce grasses and shrubs where fires often start. Surveillance Privacy Fight: Nampa residents toured the police Real-Time Crime Center amid growing privacy concerns about license plate readers, while Wilder’s council rejected a privacy ordinance tied to Flock cameras and sent it to voters. Nuclear for Power Resilience: The U.S. Army’s Janus program will fund nuclear microreactors at five bases, betting on long-lasting, grid-independent power for critical infrastructure. Education & Tech Workforce: Idaho’s charter schools highlight different pathways—from arts and trades to classical education—while a national trend toward faster, reduced-credit degrees raises questions about quality and licensing.