AGP Executive Report

Holiday traffic & safety: Oregon law enforcement is ramping up patrols for the Fourth of July weekend after a busy start that included multiple crashes around Salem, including a four-car crash that shut down the Center Street Bridge and a deadly Highway 51 crash near Independence. Road updates: Highway 18 reopened after a crash near Lincoln City, and Highway 22 between Salem and Bend near Gates also reopened following a major crash. Small business in state contracting: Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon small businesses will get priority in state contracting under a new requirement taking effect July 1. Holiday closures: Here’s what’s open and closed across Oregon for July 3 and the Fourth, including that DMV offices are closed July 3 and banks follow holiday schedules. Lottery results: Oregon Lottery Mega Millions and Pick 4 numbers for July 3 are out. Sports (Eugene): Rhasidat Adeleke finished ninth in the 400m at the Prefontaine Classic, while Ethan Katzberg set a world-leading mark in the hammer.

Oregon Ducks recruiting: 5-star WR Xavier Sabb (Glassboro, NJ) committed to Oregon, giving Dan Lanning another top pledge after DB Hayden Stepp’s recent commitment—Oregon’s 2027 class is now stacked with elite defensive and offensive talent. Public safety/911: Scappoose AT&T service and 911 calling were restored after nearly four days of outage, and officials say an after-action review will look at how to improve emergency communications next time. Wildlife enforcement: Former Oregon prison officer Christopher Matson pleaded guilty to poaching big game and was sentenced to probation, a $114K+ fine, and a lifetime hunting ban. Heat and holiday impacts: A hot, dry Fourth of July weekend is driving fire danger and extreme heat concerns, while across the country the Great American State Fair in D.C. was shut down after multiple heat-related collapses. Oregon culture & history: The Truman Library in Independence, Mo. is letting visitors sign a chalk mural of the Declaration of Independence for America’s 250th.

Oregon Health Authority shake-up: OHA director Dr. Sejal Hathi resigned effective Aug. 1, with Gov. Tina Kotek naming Fariborz Pakseresht as interim director, as lawmakers pressed for answers over Oregon State Hospital seclusion practices and related patient deaths. Courts and voting access: Oregon and other states face a fresh fight over USPS mail-ballot rules aimed at restricting who can receive ballots, with federal judges weighing in while the dispute continues. Electricity rates for data centers: The Oregon PUC is set to approve new Portland General Electric rates that would sharply raise power costs for data centers while lowering rates for other customers, a key step under Oregon’s POWER Act. Local legal battle over disaster funds: Salem sued DHS and FEMA over grant conditions tied to DEI limits and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, putting more than $1 million at risk. Holiday safety and travel: Oregon is gearing up for July 4 with wildfire and boating enforcement reminders, plus reports of busy roads and airport upgrades at PDX. Track-and-field in Eugene: The Prefontaine Classic returns to Hayward Field over the Fourth, with TV coverage on NBC/Peacock and major international talent on the schedule.

Holiday Flyovers: Oregon Air National Guard F-15EX jets will crisscross the state for Independence Day and the 250th, with Salem on the schedule at 11:50 a.m. and other nearby stops including St. Paul, Mt. Angel, and Turner. Local Public Safety: An AT&T outage in Scappoose has disrupted 911 access; officials urge residents to use Wi‑Fi calling or call the Columbia 911 dispatch line at 503-397-1521. Housing & Homelessness: Pendleton City Council rejected a settlement in a lawsuit over its “resting” policy, telling residents it’s “see you in court.” Energy & Utilities: Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative says it’s dropping a proposed purchase of PacifiCorp’s Wallowa County territory after due diligence. Community & Education: OSU-Cascades abruptly closed its Little Kits daycare center, leaving families scrambling for care. Sports: Corvallis police arrested a repeat theft suspect, Oscar Porras of Salem, after a retail operation tied him to identity misuse.

Oregon News & Community: Oregon’s Yu-Gi-Oh! scene hit a new low—an Oregon card shop in Beaverton paused weekly tournaments for a week after complaints about players’ hygiene and restroom mistreatment. Public Safety (Fire Season): The Oregon Department of Forestry is bringing in seasonal hires to bolster defenses as fire season ramps up. State Politics & Elections: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration push tied to postal handling of ballots, a move Oregon officials have been watching closely as election rules face renewed legal fights. Local Environment & Water: Oregon’s Army Corps work in the Willamette Valley includes reservoir “deep drawdowns” to help threatened native fish pass safely. Sports (Oregon Ties): Colts scouts highlighted Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher as a toughness fit for the NFL. Entertainment: Former Oregon-raised actress Daveigh Chase’s death was confirmed as AIDS-related, according to Los Angeles County medical examiner records.

Local Economy & Procurement: Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon will now give a preference to certified Oregon small businesses in state purchasing, aiming to keep more investment local. State Oversight: The Oregon Secretary of State’s Fiscal Year 2027 audit plan is officially underway, with auditors set to review major agencies and programs over the next year. Transportation & Safety: Federal agencies cleared the way for the I-5 Columbia River bridge replacement, moving Oregon and Washington toward contractor selection and permits. Wildlife & Infrastructure: Oregon secured $33.2 million for the Mariposa wildlife overpass over I-5 south of Ashland, with SOU research helping guide the project. DMV Service Alert: Oregon DMV self-service kiosks and online options will be offline July 3–5 for a system upgrade. Consumer Protection: The state warns of a life insurance fraud ring targeting older adults through telemarketing and unauthorized policies. Community: Salem’s Fourth of July plans include fireworks and events, and local agencies are pushing safety as wildfire risk and restrictions loom. Sports (Oregon): Tae Walden Jr., a top recruit, committed to Oregon football.

Oregon Wildlife & Waterways: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for public comments on proposed changes to commercial Dungeness crab rules aimed at reducing whale entanglements, including electronic monitoring for vessels and updates to gear and experimental permit guidelines. Invasive Species Watch: A single dead quagga mussel was found on the shoreline of Prineville Reservoir, raising alarms even though testing found no other signs in the water. Earthquakes Off the Coast: A 5.5 magnitude earthquake was detected off the Oregon coast, with officials saying there’s no tsunami expected. Oregon Courts & Voting: Oregon is continuing to benefit from U.S. Supreme Court rulings that allow late-arriving mail ballots to be counted, protecting the state’s post–Election Day ballot counting process. Oregon Economy & Housing: Oregon’s minimum wage is set to rise by 50 cents per hour this week, and Oregon leaders are also highlighting ongoing work to cut homelessness and stabilize housing efforts. Sports (Oregon ties): The World Athletics U20 Championships are set for Oregon in early August, with UAE athletes celebrating qualification ahead of the meet.

Venezuela Quake Aftermath: Satellite analysis tied to Oregon State University estimates about 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed after last week’s twin quakes, with reported deaths topping 1,700 and thousands missing. Salem Safety: Police are investigating a death in south Salem near Fir Street South; officials say there’s no threat to the community, but traffic may be affected. Oregon Child Care Shock: OSU-Cascades’ Little Kits Early Care and Education Center in Bend is set to close Thursday, leaving families scrambling after the center used $3.4 million in state and federal funds and no replacement provider has been confirmed. Health Policy Fight: Oregon and other states are suing the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, challenging how “medically frail” exemptions are defined. Wildfire/Fireworks Watch: With Fourth of July approaching, Washington is tightening fireworks rules amid dry conditions and county burn bans. Port of Coos Bay: The port secured a $25 million federal grant to advance the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project toward environmental review and permitting. Earthquake Monitoring: Nevada is pushing to expand ShakeAlert coverage, noting Oregon and Washington are already included. Local Arts: Sisters’ Quilt Week gets a boost with four artist receptions in July hosted by Makin’ it Local.

Oregon Politics & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by that day, a ruling Oregon officials praised as protecting voters’ rights. Public Health: The USDA issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon chicken breasts sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Oregon, due to an undeclared egg allergen and misbranding—consumers are urged to discard or return the product. Oregon Law Enforcement & Courts: Federal prosecutors say an Idaho-Oregon meth trafficking ring was dismantled after a two-year investigation, with three Ontario, Oregon defendants sentenced to at least 10 years. Earthquakes & Emergency Response: NASA satellite data suggests Venezuela’s twin quakes likely damaged or destroyed about 58,870 buildings, while rescue teams from multiple countries keep searching for survivors as the death toll rises. Oregon Coast & Safety: A small cluster of earthquakes was detected off the Oregon coast in the Blanco Fracture Zone; officials say there’s no tsunami risk and residents shouldn’t be alarmed. Lottery: Powerball for June 29: 10-14-41-53-59, Powerball 03, Power Play 2; Oregon Pick 4 results were also released.

Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Trump-backed election rules, ruling states can count mail ballots received after Election Day as long as they follow state grace-period laws—preserving Oregon’s ability to accept late-arriving ballots. Medicaid in Oregon: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced the state is joining a multi-state lawsuit challenging new federal Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and could cut off care for sick and disabled Oregonians. Wildfire Preparedness: Oregon’s Public Utility Commission approved updated 2026–2028 wildfire mitigation plans for Idaho Power, Pacific Power, and PGE, including stronger vegetation management, system hardening, and Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. Boating Safety: Oregon agencies are planning enhanced patrols for July 3–5 to crack down on boating under the influence during the Independence Day weekend. Local Business: Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch is opening in Gresham July 13, bringing Southern-style brunch to Oregon. Sports: Oregon State baseball added DII right-hander Cade Queen via the transfer portal, while Oregon’s Naulivou Lauaki Jr. is transferring to Georgia.

Oregon Politics & Policy: Oregon is among several Democrat-led states declining to participate in Trump’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall, citing costs and politics while still finding other ways to show up. Oregon Economy & Business: Nike, headquartered in Beaverton, is set to report Q4 results Tuesday after the close, with investors watching for signs the turnaround is finally working. Oregon Sports: At Hayward Field, the USATF U20 Championships wrapped with record-breaking performances, including an American U20 record in the 110 hurdles and multiple meet records. Oregon Community & Safety: Volunteers with the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District responded to two major emergencies within hours—an injured log truck crash and a fatal water rescue at Blue Pool. Oregon Lottery: Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for June 28 were 0-0-4-4 (1PM), 8-0-5-7 (4PM), 8-3-1-5 (7PM), and 9-3-4-8 (10PM).

Local Culture & Environment: Hundreds gathered at Oregon’s Willamette River for the Yakama Nation’s lamprey celebration at Clackamette Park, where tribal members harvested and released the fish tied to First Food traditions. Public Safety & Justice: A Bend man accused in a mass stabbing at a homeless shelter near downtown Salem was moved from the Oregon State Hospital to the Marion County Jail after a judge found him fit for trial. Oregon Events: Oregon State Fair concertgoers get a big lineup—“Weird Al” Yankovic headlines, with All-Time Low also set to perform. Community Life: Need plans? Salem-Keizer’s high school Team of the Year nominees are out, and a guide lists more than 30 Oregon farmers’ markets. Fourth of July: Lincoln City is bringing back fireworks over Devil’s Lake (not Siletz Bay) with added safety and wildlife concerns driving the change. Sports (Oregon ties): Oregon recruiting buzz continues with a verbal commitment from four-star TE Anthony Cartwright to the Ducks.

Center Street Bridge: ODOT is asking Salem-area drivers and walkers how they use the bridge before long construction begins later this year, with the survey open until July 19. Wildfire safety: Oregon fire officials are warning residents to follow fireworks burn restrictions and use only legal fireworks as dry conditions raise the risk of new blazes. Road closures: Highway 229 remains shut months after a major landslide, with ODOT still working on both temporary access and longer-term repair plans. Cost of living: Fred Meyer is expanding its rewards in Oregon so shoppers can redeem points for either gas or grocery discounts. Public safety incident: Springfield police investigated a bomb threat at the Marshalls at Shoppes at Gateway; a K-9 unit cleared the store and the case remains under investigation. Retirement outlook: A new analysis says Social Security benefits could drop about 22% if the trust fund runs out in late 2032, cutting payments by roughly $500 a month on average. Community events: Independence Day celebrations are ramping up across Oregon, with fireworks, parades, and America 250 themes kicking off around July 4.

Local Public Safety: ODOT will close the southbound I-5 Exit 248 off-ramp in Salem for two days starting July 8, with a detour via Exit 252 and a 55 mph work-zone speed limit. State Politics & Democracy: Oregon lawmakers added a vote-by-mail ballot, Oregon landscape images, Dolly Parton “Eugene,” and Crater Lake socks to the U.S. 250th birthday congressional time capsule, set to open in 2276. Oregon Economy & Culture: A new report estimates Oregon residents spent $36 million on OnlyFans in 2025, with Multnomah County and Portland leading the state. Sports (Oregon ties): Lakeview High is moving to OSAA Class 2A next season, joining the East Cascades Conference. Crime & Courts: Police are investigating the death of a 3-month-old baby in eastern Oregon after the infant was flown to Boise for treatment. Travel & Health: Bedbug risk is rising in parts of the U.S., with travelers urged to stay alert during summer trips.

Oregon Public Safety: Highway 22 reopened after a crash east of Gates briefly shut both lanes, with preliminary reports pointing to a single-vehicle crash and possible injuries. State Policy & Economy: Oregon lawmakers are still wrestling with a looming budget crisis tied to federal cuts, with recent action aimed at protecting health coverage and food assistance while adjusting tax breaks. Wildfire & Water Watch: Drought conditions are tightening across parts of Oregon, with officials adding counties to drought-related actions as below-normal snowpack and warm, dry weather persist. Environment & Infrastructure: Oregon regulators approved wildfire mitigation plans for Pacific Power, and the state is also dealing with invasive mussels found in Central Oregon waters. Community & Culture: A Klamath County Museum lecture series is putting the Snake War into focus, revisiting a brutal conflict that shaped the region’s history. Tech & Business: Salem-based Agility Robotics announced plans to go public via a merger valuing the company at $2.5 billion, betting on humanoid warehouse robots.

Public Safety: Central Oregon law enforcement arrested 7 people in a Madras drug bust tied to suspected fentanyl and meth dealing, seizing a handgun and leading to charges including eluding police and commercial fentanyl possession. Civil Rights & Community: Eugene/Springfield Pride canceled its Saturday march after organizers said police support was uncertain without a parade permit and cited concerns about violence and hate groups; the Lane Events Center festival will still go on. State & Federal Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont and a coalition of governors, including Oregon, urged Congress to reject a proposal that would grant broad legal protections to fossil fuel companies and limit states’ ability to enforce their own laws. Oregon at America 250: Oregon’s delegation is set to place eight items in the Congressional Time Capsule, including Oregon’s vote-by-mail ballot, Crater Lake-themed socks, and a sunstone from eastern Oregon. Local Life: Salem-Keizer named a new principal for McNary High School—Brad Shreve, currently principal of Roberts and Early College High Schools.