AGP Executive Report

Advanced Batteries: Researchers with Boise State University helped design a high-entropy cathode for sodium-ion batteries that kept nearly 84% capacity after 250 fast charge cycles, aiming at cheaper, durable grid storage. Rare Plants Protection: The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect two rare goldenweed species in the Pacific Northwest, including habitat in Idaho. Wastewater Health Monitoring: Boise is using grant-funded wastewater testing to track multiple viruses and emerging pathogens, sharing results with local health officials like a “weather report” for outbreaks. Idaho Forensics Funding: The parents of University of Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves launched a foundation to expand access to advanced DNA tools for cold-case investigations. Idaho Nuclear Progress: DOE approved Oklo’s Aurora preliminary safety analysis at Idaho National Laboratory, moving the project forward toward future licensing. STEM for Kids: The Children’s Museum of the Magic Valley will host a free play-based STEAM “play takeover” in Twin Falls, with engineering and other hands-on exhibits. AI in Schools: States and districts are scrambling to set guardrails as AI use grows, with lawmakers pushing for clearer policies and training. Wildlife Safety Planning: Blaine County updated a plan to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions, including signage, speed changes, and wildlife-friendly road infrastructure. Space Viewing Tip: A “planet parade” of Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury is visible low after sunset for a short viewing window.

Advanced Batteries: Boise State University researchers are part of an India-U.S. team developing a high-entropy cathode for sodium-ion batteries, reporting fast charging plus about 84% capacity retention after 250 rapid cycles, with a stable structure aimed at cheaper grid storage. Cold-Case DNA: Kaylee Goncalves’ parents launched the “Murder Has a Name” foundation to expand access to advanced DNA tools and help solve Idaho and other cold cases. Nuclear in Idaho: The U.S. Department of Energy approved Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse preliminary safety analysis at Idaho National Laboratory, moving the project forward under the Reactor Pilot Program. Education + AI: States are scrambling to set rules for AI in K-12 classrooms; Maryland’s new approach requires AI coordinators, teacher training, and student AI literacy. Energy + Waste: A new national dairy biogas update says 496 U.S. dairies now capture manure into renewable energy, with output enough to power nearly all Idaho homes. Public Health Risk: Researchers report a dangerous tapeworm found in Pacific Northwest coyotes, raising concerns for dogs and people. Local Tech Leadership: Boise State’s presidential search is nearing a decision, with the state board set to name a sole finalist Tuesday.

Battery Breakthrough: Boise State University joins an India/U.S. team designing a high-entropy cathode for sodium-ion batteries that holds nearly 84% capacity after 250 fast charge-discharge cycles, aiming at cheaper, durable grid storage. AI in Schools: States are racing to catch up as AI use grows in K-12 classrooms; lawmakers are pushing for AI coordinators, teacher training, and clearer guardrails. Idaho Nuclear & Critical Minerals: Aqua Metals was picked as an industrial partner on an Idaho National Laboratory program to improve battery recycling separation of nickel and cobalt. Nuclear Expansion: newcleo adds U.S. leadership for modular reactor deployment and regulatory licensing. Public Health & Environment: A new study finds a dangerous tapeworm in Pacific Northwest coyotes, while a new “Refinery Risk Map” estimates pollution health impacts near refineries across the Mountain West. Food & Farming Tech: U.S. dairy biogas capture hits record growth, with 496 farms now using manure-to-energy systems. Local Tech Debate: Idaho communities weigh Flock license-plate camera privacy and public safety tradeoffs. Surgery Tech in Idaho: Portneuf Medical highlights robot-assisted hernia repair for more precise, faster recovery.

Nuclear Tech in Idaho: Idaho National Laboratory published results from 50+ evaluations of next-gen power line materials, including wildfire heat and extreme cold testing, to help utilities cut technical risk as storms and grid demand rise. AI in Daily Life: John L. Scott became the first Pacific Northwest brokerage to roll out AI Home Search across 3,000+ broker sites, letting buyers describe homes in plain language and match listings to photos. Semiconductors & Community: Micron will sponsor the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic for the next two years, keeping the festival free and tying chip manufacturing to local talent needs. Battery Research: Boise State joined an India-U.S. team designing a high-entropy cathode for sodium-ion batteries that held ~84% capacity after 250 fast cycles. Public Health & Air: A new Mountain West refinery risk map estimates health impacts from PM2.5 near oil refineries, highlighting schools and hospitals. Rural Health Funding: Idaho DHW is soliciting maternal/perinatal/child health subgrants tied to $186M in federal rural funding. Education & AI Guardrails: Reporting finds AI use in schools is growing faster than district policies, pushing lawmakers toward literacy and coordinator requirements. Local Safety: ITD announced the Sandpoint pedestrian Long Bridge will close “indefinitely” due to structural deterioration. STEM Events: Fall River Electric’s Energy Expo in Driggs adds STEM activities, including science stations and hands-on kids’ learning. Agriculture Spotlight: Rigby FFA swept five state championships at the Idaho FFA conference, setting up national competition.

Rural Health Funding: Idaho posted its first three federal rural healthcare subgrants tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Rural Health Transformation Fund, with deadlines that could trigger clawbacks if awards aren’t finalized by Oct. 30. Semiconductors in Boise: Micron is putting more money and momentum behind a major Boise community push, underscoring how chipmaking growth is reshaping local tech life. Grid Resilience Tech: Idaho National Laboratory published open results from 50+ tests of next-gen power line materials, including wildfire heat and extreme cold, to help utilities cut technical risk. Nuclear Microreactors: Antares says its TRISO-fueled microreactor hit initial criticality under a DOE pilot program, aiming at later electricity generation and potential space and military uses. Battery Research: Boise State is connected to a new sodium-ion battery cathode design using a high-entropy mix of five metals, showing strong capacity retention after rapid cycling. Forensics & DNA: Idaho State Police Forensic Services contributed to national guidance on forensic investigative genetic genealogy, supporting how agencies hire and deploy the method. AI in Schools: Lawmakers and districts are scrambling to set guardrails as AI use grows in K-12 classrooms, with new state rules focusing on literacy, training, and coordinators. Idaho Water Protection: A conservation story highlights how Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River shows what protection and long-term stewardship can do for a stressed river system. Data Centers Demand: Avista confirmed its “large load customer” is a data center, with a plan for up to 500 megawatts by 2032—raising questions about regional power and infrastructure. Community STEM Grants: Lewis and Idaho County groups received Idaho Future Fund grants for youth science learning and afterschool/summer education.

Idaho Energy & Data Centers: Avista confirmed its “large load customer” deal is for a data center, with plans to ramp to 125 megawatts by 2029 and 500 megawatts by 2032—on a scale likened to powering a hospital—while saying the customer would cover needed infrastructure costs. Space Tech (Boise State): Boise State students put a student-built lunar robot, Bender 5.0, through testing in a moon-like environment in Florida, continuing a decade-long push from student hardware toward NASA-style sample collection and future autonomy. Nuclear Innovation (INL): Antares Nuclear’s reactor test at Idaho National Laboratory reached criticality, a key early step toward power generation for deep-space and lunar missions. Semiconductors: Micron appointed Dr. Alexis Black Björlin to its board, bringing AI infrastructure and data-center leadership experience. Rural Health (Idaho): Idaho is soliciting subgrants for maternal, perinatal, and child health access in rural areas using federal “One Big Beautiful” funding. Batteries Research (Idaho ties): A new sodium-ion cathode design from an India-U.S. team including Boise State reports fast charging and ~84% capacity retention after 250 rapid cycles. Wildlife & Environment: The Center for Biological Diversity sued to force federal action on protections for Western ridged mussels, including populations in Idaho. Food Safety: FDA expanded a recall of GO Raw LLC freeze-dried and frozen pet foods due to potentially low thiamine (vitamin B1). Agriculture: USDA research highlights strategies to manage herbicide-resistant weeds beyond relying on chemicals alone.

Idaho Nuclear Breakthrough: Antares’ Mark-0 test reactor at Idaho National Laboratory reached initial criticality on June 4, a key step toward advanced microreactors that could power remote sites and even deep-space missions. Wildfire Risk for Idaho Power: After the Mountain Home fire, Idaho Power says it’s using spark-prevention gear, vegetation trimming, and enhanced protection settings to reduce ignition risk as summer heat ramps up. Rural Health Training Boost: The WWAMI medical program (serving Idaho and four other states) received a $25M endowment to expand scholarships for students committed to rural and Indigenous communities. Weed Science for Idaho Farmers: A USDA researcher urges growers to diversify weed-control tactics to slow herbicide resistance, especially against invasive weeds already showing trouble in Idaho. Solar Roofing in the Treasure Valley: Hawaiian Built Roofing says it’s Idaho’s only certified installer of CertainTeed Solstice roof-integrated solar shingles, offering a local option for roof replacements and energy upgrades. Agriculture + Climate Adaptation: New research highlights how less snowpack threatens Western water supplies and pushes farmers toward adaptation strategies. Public Health Warning on Raw Milk: A report details how raw milk is making people sick, with political and industry pressure complicating enforcement. Idaho SkillsUSA Win: North Idaho College student Zoe Hunt earned bronze at the national SkillsUSA competition in automotive refinishing. Local Energy Planning: Jerome County held a workshop on updating zoning rules for large-scale energy projects, aiming to balance safety, agriculture, property rights, and groundwater protection.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear says its Mark-0 microreactor hit a fueled criticality milestone at Idaho National Laboratory on June 4, making it the first company in the DOE Reactor Pilot Program to complete a fueled test—an important step for defense and civilian microreactor plans. Grid Resilience: A new look at U.S. power planning says extreme heat is shifting from a rare “tail risk” to a design baseline as drought, demand growth, and fuel concerns pile on. Wildfire Tech & Power Lines: After last month’s Mountain Home fire, Idaho Power highlights wildfire prevention steps like spark-prevention gear, vegetation trimming, and enhanced protection settings during high-risk periods. Idaho Workforce & Skills: North Idaho College student Zoe Hunt earned bronze at the SkillsUSA national competition in Automotive Refinishing Technology. STEM Education & Community: Rotary scholarships went to students including Cora Gruber and Finlay Royer, with Boise State and other STEM paths in the mix. Wildlife Conservation: Blackfoot ranchers Mark and Wendy Pratt received a major wildlife stewardship award for expanding public access while protecting habitat.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear says its Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory on June 4, a key step toward electricity in 2027 and military power later—part of DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program with Army support. Semiconductor Workforce: NSF and Commerce expanded the CHIPS & Science Act National Network of Microelectronics Education, adding regional nodes including one led by Boise State University. Local Surveillance Debate: Nampa police showcased its Real-Time Crime Center and access to public cameras, while critics raise privacy concerns about how much police should be able to see. Nuclear Fuel & Materials: INL researchers reported new findings on plutonium hexaboride, using its unusual electronic behavior to advance understanding of heavy-element physics. Idaho Conservation Research: Payette National Forest shared trail-camera photos of wolverines, highlighting ongoing work to study a localized population. Energy & Industry Watch: Electra advanced a study for a potential U.S. battery-grade nickel refinery, targeting nickel sulfate and metal output. Community Science Funding: Rep. Mike Simpson secured $8.5 million for a Boise State–Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey recovery center project near Idaho’s capital.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, the first privately developed non-light-water reactor to reach that milestone in more than 40 years under a DOE pilot program. Energy Policy: The DOE says the achievement clears a major step toward electricity generation within the next few years, as the U.S. pushes faster advanced reactor development. Local Research & Conservation: Rep. Mike Simpson secured $8.5 million for the Global Conservation Education and Condor Recovery Center Project, expanding Boise State and the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey facilities near Boise. Wildlife Science: Payette National Forest’s wolverine trail-camera photos went viral, and researchers say the images are part of efforts to study a localized wolverine population. STEM & Workforce: Idaho State University’s College of Technology highlighted new three-year bachelor’s pathways, including Intelligent and Trustworthy Digital Systems, plus hands-on training in nuclear engineering and other tech fields. Public Safety Tech: Idaho police are using AI and camera systems to speed up gunshot detection and vehicle tracking, with one case in Caldwell credited for helping officers locate a suspect quickly. Health Product Study: An Idaho-based reusable period product maker (Saalt) is tied to a study where many women reported symptom improvements after switching from tampons to cups or discs.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: The U.S. Department of Energy says Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory reached “criticality,” a key step toward electricity generation by 2027—another sign of a fast-moving push for new reactor designs. INL Physics Research: INL researchers also reported detailed electronic behavior in plutonium hexaboride (PuB6), using it as a rare baseline for studying how extreme materials combine strong electron interactions with topology. AI in Idaho Policing: Caldwell police used an AI gunshot-detection tool plus Flock cameras to quickly locate a suspect after a shooting threat, showing how tech is changing real-time public safety operations. Idaho Water & Climate Memory: Idaho marked the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam collapse with a commemorative overlook and remarks on how the disaster reshaped dam safety practices. STEM Workforce in Idaho: Idaho State University’s College of Technology highlighted new three-year bachelor’s pathways, including intelligent and trustworthy digital systems, aiming to get students into industry faster. Public Health Watch: Idaho health officials reported dozens sickened by raw milk, with investigations focused on contamination sources.

Advanced nuclear in Idaho: The U.S. Department of Energy says Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached “criticality,” a key step toward generating electricity by 2027, marking the first privately developed advanced reactor to hit that milestone in decades. AI + policing in Idaho: Caldwell police used Flock cameras and an AI gunshot-tracking system (“Raven”) to pinpoint a suspect’s vehicle within minutes during a shooting incident, showing how sensor tech is changing local public safety. Idaho infrastructure safety: Idaho Transportation Department ordered an indefinite closure of the Sandpoint Long Bridge pedestrian path after inspections found significant structural deterioration, while the nearby vehicle bridge remains open. Teton Dam anniversary: Idaho officials marked the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Teton Dam collapse with a commemorative overlook and remarks that also hinted at future rebuilding efforts. Public health warning: Idaho health officials reported dozens of illnesses tied to unpasteurized raw milk, including campylobacter infections, and are working to identify contaminated batches. STEM education locally: Idaho State University’s College of Technology highlighted new three-year bachelor’s degree options, including “intelligent and trustworthy digital systems,” aimed at faster entry into industry.

Nuclear Breakthrough at INL: Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, the first privately developed advanced reactor to reach that milestone in the U.S. in over four decades—aiming for electricity by 2027 and deployments soon after. Local STEM Pipeline: Idaho State University’s College of Technology gave Pocatello Rotary a tour, highlighting nuclear engineering simulators and new three-year bachelor’s degrees, including Intelligent and Trustworthy Digital Systems. AI Data Center Fight in Pocatello: Lex Developments’ appeal challenges Pocatello’s denial of a conditional-use permit for an AI data center at the former Hoku Materials plant. Public Safety Infrastructure: ITD ordered an indefinite closure of Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path due to significant structural deterioration. Health Alert: Idaho health officials reported nearly 60 illnesses tied to unpasteurized raw milk, with campylobacteriosis cases identified. Climate Watch: A new analysis found Boise among the fastest-warming U.S. cities for summer heat since 1970.

Nuclear Breakthrough in Idaho: The U.S. Department of Energy says Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached criticality, a key step toward electricity by 2027 and future deployments for remote and defense power. Local Infrastructure Safety: Idaho Transportation Department will fully close the Sandpoint pedestrian bridge indefinitely after inspections found significant structural deterioration. AI Data Center Fight in Pocatello: Lex Developments has appealed Pocatello’s denial of its conditional-use permit for a controversial AI data center, setting up a City Council decision. STEM Education in Pocatello: Idaho State University’s College of Technology hosted a tour highlighting diesel, auto, nuclear engineering simulators, and new three-year bachelor’s degrees. Wildfire Mitigation via Goats: A local prescribed-grazing program in eastern Idaho is using goats and “nofence” collars to reduce fire fuels and invasive weeds. Space Tourism Buzz: A study names Torrey, Utah as America’s top stargazing town, underscoring growing demand for dark-sky travel.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 microreactor hit “zero-power fueled criticality” at Idaho National Laboratory, a key step toward future electricity and faster licensing under the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program. Energy Tech & Fuel Supply: BWX Technologies says its TRISO fuel helped power the milestone, tying Idaho’s reactor work to a broader U.S. nuclear supply chain. Idaho Governance & Oversight: Idaho’s state treasurer is seeking an ESA vendor to improve auditing and fraud detection after reported misspending concerns. Public Safety Update: Coeur d’Alene police and prosecutors are reopening a 2020 sexual assault case involving a tattoo artist after new developments. Rural Internet Reality Check: A long-running Starlink user in Idaho reports changing performance as congestion and priority tiers reshape expectations. STEM & Climate Research: New work suggests Mountain West snowfall may shift toward more frequent higher-elevation snow, with rain more common at lower elevations. Water & Weather Impacts: Research and reporting highlight how extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, with drought and wildfire pressures rising. Idaho Outdoors: Idaho Fish and Game’s “Tag, You’re It” program offers rewards for tagged fish, boosting tracking for fisheries management.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Idaho National Laboratory is preparing to power and test fully fueled microreactors for the first time inside its renovated “Dome,” a major step for small, transportable nuclear power. Power Demand & Data Centers: Avista disclosed a deal with an unnamed “large load customer” that could take up to 500 megawatts by 2032—raising questions about whether it’s for AI data centers and how rates and reliability will be protected. AI Memory Boom Hits PCs: DDR5 prices are climbing fast, with 32GB kits now crossing a $375 floor as AI-driven demand shifts DRAM production toward high-bandwidth memory. Energy Policy Shakeups: Trump’s $700M coal push could extend plant lives and restart others, with Mountain West states potentially tied in through coal supply and export plans. Mining & Metals: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining closed a $270M IPO to restart the historic Sunshine Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley. Public Health: Idaho health officials are investigating two raw-milk-linked outbreaks, with dozens sick and campylobacter found in many cases. Agriculture & Climate: Southern Idaho farmers are battling weeds threatening spring crops, while drought pressures water storage and irrigation planning. Space Weather: NOAA forecasts a geomagnetic storm that could bring northern lights as far south as Idaho and beyond. Local Community: Boise’s Pride flag dispute on Harrison Boulevard continues as a resident challenges how the city and neighborhood groups decide what gets displayed.