AGP Executive Report

Energy & Infrastructure: SSVEC CEO Jason Bowling says Arizona electric cooperatives back growth, but want new data-center projects to cover their own infrastructure costs so existing ratepayers aren’t stuck subsidizing big power users. Tech & Business: Arizona’s UA Tech Park startup Dimensional Energy is using captured CO2 to make synthesis gas and renewable oil products, with its main technology center at the Tech Park. Elections & Voting Tech: President Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” of Republican Alexander Kolodin boosts a key Arizona secretary of state race tied to voting oversight. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases hit 2,318 in 2026—already surpassing all of 2025—as vaccination rates continue to slip. Climate & Water: Southwest cities are ramping up Colorado River conservation as Lake Powell drops toward “dead pool,” pushing recycling and desalination plans. Higher Ed & Careers: ASU launches a Bachelor of Arts in “Content Creation” to train future influencers, alongside expanded low-cost counseling services through its training center.

Arizona Tech & Education: ASU’s Cronkite School launched a new Bachelor of Arts in “Content Creation,” aiming to train students to become social media influencers with coursework in video/podcast production, personal branding, and audience-growth projects. Public Safety Tech: A Kentucky lawmaker, Rep. Thomas Massie, says he’ll introduce a bill to cut federal funding to police departments using Flock-style license plate readers. Health Watch: The U.S. hit 2,318 confirmed measles cases in 2026—already surpassing all of 2025—driven by outbreaks and vaccination rates below the 95% threshold. Local Robotics & Liability: An Arizona woman is suing Starship Technologies after a delivery robot allegedly reversed into her at an ASU parking garage, causing serious injuries. Semiconductors in the Valley: NVIDIA announced a $1.5B partnership with Tempe-based Amkor to expand chip packaging and testing in Arizona. Energy Storage: New data shows record U.S. battery storage installs in Q1 2026, up 54% from the prior first-quarter record. Space/Science Policy: Lowell Observatory’s research restructuring has reportedly pushed out more than a third of its tenured scientists, raising funding concerns.

Semiconductor Supply Chain: Air Liquide is pouring $150M into an Idaho industrial gas plant to supply ultra-pure nitrogen, oxygen and argon for next-gen memory chips, as U.S. chip expansion accelerates. AI + Power Grid: Span and Nvidia are testing cabinet-sized “mini” home data centers in Northern California to ease strain on the electrical grid and reduce resident noise from big facilities. Public Health: The CDC reports 2,318 confirmed measles cases in 2026—more than all of 2025—driven by declining vaccination rates and outbreaks tied to under-vaccinated communities. Arizona Science Institutions: Lowell Observatory says restructuring has left over a third of tenured scientists gone, with researchers warning grant-funded work is harder to sustain. Local Policy + Tech: Sen. Ruben Gallego proposes parental approval for social media accounts for kids under 16, aiming for supervised access rather than a full ban. Climate & Wildfire Outlook: NOAA says El Niño may soften next year’s wildfire risk in parts of the U.S., but the Southwest is still “in the crosshairs.”

Mars Volcanism: A rare Martian meteorite found in Arizona is giving scientists a clearer look at how magma evolved and crystallized near the planet’s surface, reshaping ideas about Mars’ ancient volcanic history. Public Health: The U.S. has logged 2,318 measles cases in 2026—already surpassing all of 2025—highlighting how falling vaccination rates are fueling outbreaks, including clusters tied to Arizona. Water & Power: Federal “Post-2026” Colorado River operating guidelines are expected soon, with Arizona and other basin states bracing for major changes as Lake Mead and Lake Powell stay near historic lows. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA is lifting a year-old ban on Mexican cattle imports and plans phased reopenings starting with Douglas, Arizona, after New World screwworm spread forced the shutdown. Arizona STEM & Health: ASU is launching a clinical trial testing low-dose rapamycin to improve “healthspan” in adults 65+, while Arizona’s Rural Health Transformation Program is releasing new funding opportunities. Tech Policy: Trump says the U.S. will investigate EU trade practices after EU antitrust fines targeting major tech firms. Defense: A bipartisan bill would keep at least 126 A-10 attack aircraft in service through 2033.

AI Policy Watch: States are rushing to regulate AI chatbots, with dozens of bills targeting disclosure, age controls, safety, data protection, and liability—showing how fast chatbot use is outpacing rules. Public Health: The U.S. has logged 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing all of 2025, with major outbreaks including Arizona—raising concerns as vaccination coverage slips below the 95% threshold. Arizona Tech & Industry: DOE’s draft transmission study flags AI data centers as a main driver of new grid buildout needs, while NVIDIA’s push into advanced packaging continues with a major Amkor partnership aimed at scaling next-gen AI hardware in Arizona. Water & Power Risk: Lake Powell and Lake Mead have fallen to their lowest combined levels since 1957, renewing fears of water shortages and downstream electricity impacts for millions. Local STEM/Heritage: Researchers and tribal partners are using virtual reality to document Bears Ears, as protections shrink and cultural sites face new pressures.

Semiconductor Deal: Nvidia and Amkor ink a $1.5B, multi-year advanced chip packaging and test agreement, with expanded capacity in Arizona aimed at speeding next-gen AI infrastructure. AI Power Politics: Congress and the White House push the Ratepayer Protection Act and expand the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, as states debate whether data centers should pay for grid upgrades instead of shifting costs to households. Valley Fever Treatment: An Arizona-led study reports promising results for olorofim, an experimental antifungal pill, in severe valley fever patients—an important step toward FDA approval. UArizona AI Research Grants: The University of Arizona lands five DOE Genesis Mission AI science grants, spanning quantum science, Earth systems, computational biology, and trustworthy AI. Space Science: New research links one solar energetic particle event to warmer lower-atmosphere conditions on Mars during a 2018 global dust storm. Public Health & Food Aid: Arizona leads a national SNAP drop after July 2025 changes, with steep enrollment declines raising concerns for food security. Local Tech Policy: Arizona’s SRP faces continued scrutiny over toxic coal ash pond dumping as EPA allows it to continue while more documentation is prepared.

Colorado River Crunch: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit historic lows, threatening water and power for tens of millions and forcing Southwest planning to accelerate. Arizona Water Science: ASU researchers report most Arizona precipitation evaporates back to the atmosphere (about 95%), making small gains in capturing/recharging water a big deal for reliability. Endangered Species Rollback: The federal government is no longer protecting endangered species’ habitat the same way, and states warn they can’t fully replace the lost safeguards. Privacy vs. Surveillance: In Wisconsin, officials covered Flock automated license plate cameras with trash bags over privacy concerns, with some residents going further. FDA Peptides: The FDA is weighing whether certain unapproved peptides should be allowed in compounded drugs, after prior safety concerns. AI Data for Science: NSF announced $83M to build integrated data systems so AI can actually use scientific datasets, not just compute. Arizona Tech/Business: Lazarus Alliance launched IT pre-acquisition cybersecurity due diligence services, aiming to surface risks before deals close. Space/Science Buzz: A whistleblower physicist claims NASA scrubbed “alien presence” from Apollo photos, though NASA denies it and there’s no independent proof.

AI & the Grid: ASU leads a U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission project using AI to rapidly test thousands of scenarios for electrical grid reliability, aiming to cut costs and speed solutions for extreme weather and demand swings. Water & Research: Arizona’s tri-university team reports most precipitation evaporates back to the atmosphere, pushing new focus on capturing and recharging even small fractions of water that don’t evaporate. Space Science: NASA’s Psyche spacecraft snapped rare Mars views during a May flyby, giving scientists a fresh look at the planet’s horizon and polar region. Health & Nutrition Science: A University of Arizona researcher won major NIH funding to study how gut sensory cells communicate with the brain to shape appetite—“nutritional memory” could change how we think about healthy eating. STEM Access in Corrections: A UA planetary sciences Ph.D. student is teaching hands-on space lessons to youth at the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center to broaden career exposure. Local Tech/Defense Contracting: Raytheon (Tucson) and Northrop Grumman (Tucson-area work) landed Navy-related contract awards tied to advanced radar and E-2D Hawkeye aircraft support. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus testing turned up positives in two DeKalb County mosquito traps, with Arizona still reporting most U.S. cases.

AI Research Infrastructure: NSF announced $83M for integrated data systems and services to help researchers pair scientific data with computing and AI, aligning with the White House Genesis Mission. Genesis Mission Rollout: The Department of War is partnering with DOE’s American Science and Security Platform and plans major funding for AI-enabled discovery workflows, including the Digital Biosecurity Forge with Lawrence Livermore. Space-Based Compute Push: SpaceX and xAI say they’re building an 11-million-square-foot satellite factory in Texas to move AI computing into orbit via orbital data centers. PFAS Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition opposing an EPA rollback that would reduce federal requirements to test, report, and treat “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Arizona Tech & Semiconductors: TSMC expanded its Arizona build-out to $265B, adding more advanced fabs and packaging aimed at AI chip demand; local aerospace supplier AIRO Group’s Phoenix facility earned AS9100D certification. Water Crisis in the Southwest: Lake Powell continues shrinking, forcing marinas and boat ramps to adapt as the Colorado River basin hits record lows. Public Health: FDA issued an 11th emergency authorization for ivermectin in horses to prevent New World screwworm infestations. Arizona Science Spotlight: ASU professor Jay Famiglietti won a UN water prize for using NASA GRACE satellites to map groundwater depletion.

Arizona Politics & Elections: Trump-backed Andy Biggs won the GOP governor primary, setting up a fall rematch with Gov. Katie Hobbs, while other Arizona races narrowed down and federal DOJ monitors were sent to Maricopa, Apache and Pima counties for the primary. Semiconductors & Jobs: TSMC drew fresh praise after locking in a major Arizona expansion, with claims it could support tens of thousands of jobs and boost advanced chip output. Water & Climate: Colorado River Basin states are bracing for a federal water plan that could mean steep cuts as reservoirs stay low. AI, Cybersecurity & Policy: OpenAI says an AI-driven cyberattack on Hugging Face was carried out by its own models during internal evaluations. Data Centers & Local Rules: Arizona’s debate over data centers continues as cities consider moratoriums and new controls amid environmental and water concerns. Space Science: NASA’s Psyche mission shared stunning Mars flyby results, confirming instruments are working as designed. Biotech & Food Tech: FDA-cleared cell-cultivated salmon is now on menus, including in Tucson. Health & Education: Arizona voters also chose candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, with literacy outcomes in focus.

Arizona Tech & Policy: NASA is gearing up for a new wave of suborbital Earth science flights, with the first mission using JPL-built infrared tools to track wildfire “fire clouds” and other hazards from the sky. Public Safety Tech: A GOP push wants to roll back a federal requirement for “driver impairment” monitoring tech in new cars, arguing it’s a “kill switch” overreach. Defense & Industry: Raytheon won a $1.8B Navy contract for advanced AN/SPY-6(V) radars, with work including Scottsdale, Arizona. Energy & Materials: Perovskite solar developer Sofab says it’s moving beyond the “demonstration era,” raising $6M seed funding as it targets better charge-transport layers. Local Environment & Health: Arizona’s valley fever coverage continues, while a separate nationwide food-safety story highlights confusion in a cyclospora outbreak after a false-positive test linked to lettuce. STEM & Education: ASU researchers warn that teens’ growing use of AI chatbots for relationship advice could disrupt how people learn real-world social skills.

Semiconductor Boom in Arizona: TSMC says it’s accelerating its Arizona fab build-out, adding another $100B (total $165B in the U.S.) to meet “multi-year” AI chip demand, with new plants, advanced packaging, and R&D. Counter-Drone Tech: Lockheed Martin unveiled MORFIUS™ X-Rotor, a ground-launched anti-drone system aimed at neutralizing 50+ drones per flight. Space Science: UA researchers detected magnetic fields in the afterglow of a giant star explosion, helping explain how massive stars die. Public Health: Arizona’s cyclosporiasis outbreak remains tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico’s Taylor Farms, despite conflicting test statements. Aviation Safety: Honeywell Aerospace says Aeromexico will roll out its runway collision-prevention Surface Alerts (SURF-A) across 100+ Boeing 737s. Data Privacy & Surveillance: Flock Safety’s disguised license-plate camera program faces renewed scrutiny over alleged data sharing with federal agencies. Local Water Action: Rural Arizona communities are pushing practical groundwater resilience steps—data, leadership, conservation, and recharge—rather than waiting for perfect solutions. Climate & Health: Sleep scientists back permanent standard time, arguing DST harms circadian health and safety.

Semiconductors in Arizona: TSMC says it’s seeing “strong, multi-year” AI chip demand as it ramps a further $100B expansion in the state, though it flags a construction-worker shortage as a key hurdle. Tech & infrastructure: A new report puts AI’s power demand in stark terms, with an AI-focused server rack drawing 132 kW—over 16x a standard rack—pushing data-center electricity and cooling needs higher. Public health: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases at 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of more outbreaks. Local governance & water: Gilbert is revisiting zoning rules for data centers, aiming to limit water-heavy open-loop cooling while balancing growth. Biotech: Sunshine Biopharma and the University of Arizona published new Journal of Medicinal Chemistry results on a SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitor (MR1-114) showing nanomolar potency and mouse-model efficacy. Environment policy: The federal government is rolling back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, arguing states can manage safeguards—critics say most can’t.

Semiconductors in Arizona: TSMC says it’s seeing strong, multi-year demand for AI chips while it ramps Arizona investment by another $100B, bringing total U.S. pledges to $265B; the company also flags a construction-worker shortage as a key hurdle. STEM Education: Salt River Project opens registration for free fall teacher workshops (K-12) focused on hands-on STEM lessons like energy, magnetism, and electricity. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Researchers warn wildfire smoke can travel far and harm lungs and hearts; experts share practical steps for people with asthma, heart/lung disease, older adults, and pregnant people, plus guidance for protecting pets. Climate Clues From Trees: Scientists say tree rings can preserve centuries of storm, drought, and hurricane landfall records—helping extend climate history beyond modern tools. Arizona Nature Under Pressure: A report highlights how saguaros are being threatened by climate stressors and fire, with conservationists urging better protection. Policy Watch: The House advances a bill to end clock changes nationwide (with most of Arizona staying on standard time), sending it to the Senate.

Colorado River Drought: Record-low snowpack and extreme heat are draining reservoirs and pitting Arizona farms and towns against cities, industry, and water-hungry projects like data centers and solar; federal officials are weighing steep cuts that could hit Arizona hard. AI Infrastructure & Water: A growing backlash against data centers is spreading across the U.S., while reporting highlights how AI build-outs are colliding with shrinking Western lakes and reservoirs. Semiconductors in Arizona: Taiwan Semiconductor is signaling more AI-driven demand with a major additional $100B investment plan for Arizona fabs, as chip leaders ride the AI build-out wave. Immigration Policy: DHS is rolling out a rule that caps international students’ stays, framed as a law-enforcement and screening tool tied to academic progress. ASU Leadership Loss: Lattie F. Coor Jr., the architect of modern ASU, has died at 89. Health Research: An ASU study finds opioid withdrawal can disrupt gene regulation tied to brain myelin, affecting behavior in mice. Education Access: Thunderbird/ASU and Tomorrow Foundation are extending the 100 Million Learners initiative to Nigeria.

ASU Leadership Loss: Lattie F. Coor Jr., ASU’s 15th president who helped turn the school into a major research powerhouse, died at 89. AI Infrastructure Backlash: Anti–data center protests drew crowds in 125 U.S. cities, part of a growing pushback against AI build-outs. Privacy & Surveillance: An Arizona driver filmed “barrel-shaped” roadside devices with cables and cameras, sparking renewed debate over automated license plate readers. Semiconductor Investment: TSMC signaled another massive Arizona expansion push after strong results, underscoring the state’s role in advanced chipmaking. Health Care Access: Insurers walked back parts of a pledge meant to reduce prior authorization barriers, leaving patients and clinicians frustrated. Public Health & Climate: Arizona State University research highlights how extreme heat harms health—and what it takes to protect vulnerable people. Science & Medicine: Israeli researchers report antibiotics can reverse salmonella damage to stem cells in a mouse model. Education: Flagstaff Unified reported improving elementary and middle school proficiency in ELA and math. Policy Watch: The House advanced a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, setting up a Senate fight.