AGP Executive Report

Salem Vape Injury: A Salem man is in the ICU after an exploding vape battery caused third-degree burns over 35% of his body, with family saying the lithium-ion cell was in his pocket and warning labels noted it could explode. Eugene Track Spotlight: The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships kick off June 10 in Eugene, with Kentucky and Louisville sending a large contingent of qualifiers. Congress & Privacy: Lawmakers are scrambling to renew FISA Section 702 before it laps, as a fight over government spying pits privacy concerns against national security. Homelessness Data: Pennsylvania reported one of the biggest jumps in chronic homelessness from 2024 to 2025, and Oregon is among states seeing large increases. World Cup Turf: Oregon grass seed farmers are supplying natural turf for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Oregon-grown seed reportedly used in multiple tournament stadiums. Local Bids: Clackamas County and West Linn posted public works bid opportunities, including paving projects and a sanitary pump station rehabilitation.

College Sports Legal Shockwave: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction letting Big 12 QB Brendan Sorsby play this fall despite an NCAA ineligibility ruling tied to wagering, with the NCAA saying it will appeal and warning of “damaging” ripple effects. NCAA Track in Eugene: Hayward Field at the University of Oregon was evacuated after a bomb threat call, with police sweeping the area ahead of the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Local Public Safety: Lane County will post final May Primary results by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, after voters had until Tuesday to fix signature issues. Energy & Taxes: A federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the “5% Safe Harbor” for wind and solar projects—though an appeal could bring it back. Health & Community: OHA issued a fecal bacteria advisory for Nye Beach in Newport, urging people to avoid contact with the water. Salem/State Watch: Salem city council advanced its 2027 budget proposal toward a final vote. Business/Jobs: EWEB paused its electric bike rebate program June 19 after demand spiked and threatened to drain its transportation electrification budget.

Federal Energy Policy: A federal judge struck down an IRS rule that made it harder for wind and solar projects to use a key “5% safe harbor” for tax credits, sending the guidance back and raising stakes for renewable timelines and power prices. Oregon Health & Safety-Net: Oregon’s 36 counties approved updated agreements with the Oregon Health Authority, shifting priorities toward people most at risk of hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, or behavioral health crises. Local Governance: Portland’s Planning Commission will review zoning code updates to match new Oregon state housing and land-use laws, including changes tied to middle housing and land use review procedures. Public Safety Training: The Oregon National Guard and Clackamas Fire Department wrapped up disaster-response drills focused on water rescues, using military and Coast Guard helicopters near Sandy. Courts & Sports: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play in 2026 despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility ruling, and the NCAA says it will appeal. Salem Area Crime: Keizer police say a mother tried to kill her three young children with carbon monoxide, leading to attempted murder charges. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s baseball season ended with a 6-5 loss to Texas in the Austin Super Regional, sending the Longhorns to the College World Series.

Public Safety & Wildfire Readiness: Oregon and Washington senators are pushing the Trump administration to reinstate 13 BLM public affairs staff in the Pacific Northwest, warning that removing on-the-ground fire communication roles leaves communities short at the start of fire season. Energy Policy: A federal judge struck down a Trump-era rule that made it harder for wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax subsidies, sending the IRS guidance back for reconsideration—an Oregon Environmental Council case is part of the challenge. Local Governance & Transportation: OPB reports Gov. Tina Kotek’s ODOT director search hit a snag after a Federal Highway Administration finalist was flown in, then dropped, and Kotek is sending her chief of staff to oversee ODOT temporarily. Health: A Huntington man found capable of aiding his defense after treatment at Oregon State Hospital faces a serious robbery charge, while national measles cases are on pace to top last year’s record. Weather & Space: NOAA says northern lights could be visible in parts of the U.S., including Oregon, as geomagnetic storms build Monday into Tuesday. Sports: Oregon’s baseball season ended in Austin with a 6-5 loss to Texas, sending the Longhorns to the College World Series.

Oregon Sports: Oregon’s baseball season ended Sunday with a 6-5 loss to Texas in the Austin Super Regional, after the Ducks rallied from a 4-0 deficit but fell short when Texas scored two in the eighth on a double by Adrian Rodriguez. Local Spotlight: Oregon Department of Corrections honored East Oregonian reporter Berit Thorson for volunteer work in a prison journalism program, recognizing her leadership behind award-winning publications made by incarcerated writers. U.S. Policy: Two U.S. senators introduced a bill targeting “flags of convenience” used to evade rules tied to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley partnering with Sen. Roger Wicker. National News: The Senate voted to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of Trump’s term, clearing a major step in a fast-moving appropriations push. Human Story: A mother in Arizona is grieving after her son died following a 40-foot fall while hiking South Mountain; investigators say they don’t suspect foul play.

Oregon Politics & Policy: A federal judge blocked new Trump-era SNAP funding restrictions in a lawsuit by 20 Democratic-led states and D.C., arguing the conditions are vague and unrelated to food aid. Oregon Environment & Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a 900+ sensor network that includes instruments off Oregon, raising alarms as scientists say the timing is especially bad ahead of major ocean shifts. Local Safety: Speed cameras in Sherwood (Southwest Oregon Street) have flagged more than 1,000 drivers for speeding in just two weeks, with residents saying the problem has lingered for years. Statewide Health Workforce: Oregon nursing schools are leaning harder on simulation and virtual practice as the region faces a growing nurse shortage. Community & Sports: Salem-area readers also got a local feel-good moment with a Ronald McDonald Charity Ride in Springfield that collected toys and raised money for families. Obituary: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, an Oregon Republican who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, has died at 93.

Oregon Sports: Oregon’s NCAA baseball run hit a wall in Austin as the Ducks fell 11-3 to Texas in Game 1 of the Super Regional, stranding 17 runners and going 0-for-14 with men in scoring position; Oregon now faces elimination Sunday night. Statewide Health & Policy: A federal judge blocked Trump SNAP funding restrictions in a lawsuit by 20 states, temporarily halting USDA conditions tied to immigration and other policy priorities. Local Politics: Deschutes County sheriff candidate James “Mac” McLaughlin says he was placed on paid administrative leave amid misconduct allegations—his campaign calls it political targeting. Oregon Outdoors & Conservation: Oregon’s ballot fight over hunting and fishing is heating up, with an initiative aiming to criminalize hunting, fishing, and trapping. Salem Community: Oregon Humane’s Doggie Dash in Salem drew hundreds of people and pets. Remembering Oregon: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a Portland Republican whose career ended in a sex scandal, died at 93.

NCAA Baseball (Oregon): Oregon is back in the Super Regionals, heading to Austin to face Texas in a best-of-three after going undefeated in Eugene; the Ducks’ rotation is led by Cal Scolari, Will Sanford and Miles Gosztola, with Drew Smith pacing the offense as they chase a first College World Series trip since 1954. Oregon Sports (Local): Creswell’s Emerald Valley Golf Club is building a new clubhouse to replace a 1930s chicken-coop structure, with upgrades to the pro shop, restaurant and patio expected to finish in late September. Oregon Education & Community: Eugene School District 4J has its first Oregon Seal of Biliteracy for an Indigenous language, with South Eugene High School senior Isa Helms earning the honor for miluk. Public Safety & Courts: Two Lane County men were sentenced in federal court for child sex abuse crimes, including a 12-year term tied to soliciting explicit images via a messaging app. Tribal & Local Development: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has started major construction at tumwata village, a mixed-use redevelopment at Willamette Falls focused on housing, commerce, cultural tourism and public access. Weather: The National Weather Service issued frost warnings for parts of southern Oregon and Northern California, with winter conditions also hitting Alaska.

University of Oregon Budget Cuts: UO is facing a major budget crisis, cutting $65 million and closing dorms as enrollment drops—while critics point to past spending controversies. Local Public Safety: Klamath Falls police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that killed an armed man; a child was injured but is stable. Sex Offender Update: YCSO alerted the public to a new address for a Level 3 registered sex offender. Retail Watch: More former Rite Aid stores are being snapped up by grocers, including a planned El Torito Supermarket in downtown Salem. Legal & Politics: Oregon is among states preparing to challenge the Paramount-Warner merger in an antitrust lawsuit. Community & Culture: The Siletz Tribe will host “Honoring Whale” in Yachats after its historic humpback harvest last November. Sports/Recruiting: Oregon football recruiting remains active as top prospects visit and commitments loom.

Public Safety: A 57-year-old Richland, Washington man accused of raping a woman in a rural park and then leading a 30-mile chase into Oregon was arrested and faces a $150,000 bail set, with a $1 million warrant issued to return him to Benton County. Health Care: Providence Health Plan is exiting most of its insurance business in 2027, putting about 400,000 Oregonians and Southwest Washington residents on notice to find new coverage during open enrollment. Food Assistance: Oregon’s Summer EBT program starts today with $120 in food benefits per eligible child, aiming to serve about 360,000 kids statewide. Energy & Utilities: Portland General Electric filed for new data-center rate classes under Oregon’s Power Act, with large-load customers facing higher energy costs while residential rates are projected to dip slightly. Local Human Story: A 9-year-old Marion County cancer survivor gets her Make-A-Wish trip after a tough battle with bone cancer. Sports: The Chicago Bears signed Oregon Ducks stars Dillon Thieneman and Logan Jones ahead of minicamp. Weather/Travel: Highway 26 is closed in Clatsop County after a deadly crash, with drivers urged to use alternate routes.

Homelessness & Equity: A Portland-area county spent $17.6M on race-based housing programs, but internal budget data showed outcomes for homeless minorities worsened or didn’t improve—while “equity-focused” trainings rose, and officials said they didn’t track whether culturally specific providers produced better results. Local Business & Consumer Dispute: A Salem-area LEGO reseller says it’s ready to meet the family behind a viral “stolen” Star Wars collection claim, offering to return sets and drop related legal fights, while also shutting down its Salem store and parting ways with franchise owners. Recreation Rules: Oregon paddleboard and kayak users face new permit requirements tied to invasive mussel prevention, and a “Let Us Paddle” effort is pushing to put changes on the ballot. Public Safety & Policy: Portland City Council passed a ban on force-fed foie gras sales, with a 180-day compliance window and complaint-based enforcement. Oregon Sports: Oregon State named Kevin Griffin as athletic director, starting July 6. Weather: A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to boost chances of northern lights visibility, with Oregon mentioned in forecasts.

Local Kids & Inclusion: A Salem first grader, Aspen Nelson, kicked off a community fundraiser to build an accessible playground at Sumpter Elementary so students of all abilities can play together. Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Kotek and OHA finalized updated behavioral health County Financial Assistance Agreements for all 36 Oregon counties, replacing a 30-year model with clearer expectations and accountability. Coast Restoration: Near Florence, the Siuslaw Estuary was reconnected after 15 years, restoring tidal habitat for salmon, lamprey, shorebirds and native plants. Public Safety & Mobility: Eugene launched a new tool for reporting illegal e-moto and e-bike use, and Coos Bay’s Chandler Bridge will close June 12 and June 19-22 for painting repairs. Workplace Rights: The NLRB ordered Asante Rogue Regional to recognize and bargain with healthcare workers’ union after years of disputes. Disaster Aid: Clatsop and Wasco counties were added to Oregon’s federal disaster declaration for December storms, unlocking Public Assistance for 11 counties. Statewide Health/Animals: Oregon issued new rules after USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Texas, tightening animal movement and inspections into Oregon.

Portland Court Case: A man accused in the Portland area of killing multiple women was arraigned on a fifth murder charge, with prosecutors saying bodies were found across Oregon and into Washington in early 2023. Oregon Crime & Justice: The suspect, Jesse Calhoun, pleaded not guilty and remains in custody as the case adds more counts of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. State Politics: Oregon’s election-law fight is echoed elsewhere in the region as a retired Wyoming attorney asks the state Supreme Court to force recusal in a voter-record complaint. Sports (Oregon): Oregon baseball is set for NCAA Super Regionals against Texas, with Game 1 Saturday and a full best-of-three schedule released. Environment & Science: Scientists warn that U.S. ocean monitoring is going dark off the Pacific Northwest as major observatory sensors are dismantled, ending a decade of deep-ocean data. Local Culture: Eugene’s Forbidden Fruit Rocky Horror shadow cast returns for free public shows, and the Oregon Bach Festival announces its 56th season with a broader mix of American stories.

Coast Restoration: A breached levee at the Siuslaw Estuary is reconnecting the area to its estuary past, turning farmland back into habitat for salmon, lamprey, and wildlife after a barrier fell May 29. Marine Life: Orcas made a rare, dramatic appearance off Oregon’s coast, with reports of more than 40 breaches near Depoe Bay as they hunted harbor seals. Environment & Science: Oregon’s ocean monitoring network is set to go dark as the Ocean Observatories Initiative removes instruments off the coast under federal funding cuts. Public Health: Oregon expands its tobacco rules starting June 5 to cover nicotine pouches and other nicotine products, aiming to curb youth access. Local Safety: A 14-year-old pedestrian was killed in a crash in east Salem on SE Lancaster Drive; the driver stayed and cooperated. Politics & Courts: Plaintiffs are asking an Oregon appellate judge to be removed from a PacifiCorp wildfire case, arguing past work creates unfair bias. Community & Culture: The Oregon State Fair announced its summer concert lineup, including The Beach Boys and Weird Al.

Job Cuts in Higher Ed: Oregon readers may feel the ripple as universities nationwide announce layoffs and hiring freezes tied to budget gaps, enrollment dips, and rising costs. Transportation Costs: Republicans in Congress are pushing a national vehicle tax concept that would charge EVs and plug-in hybrids, shifting more road-funding work onto state DMVs. Local History & Community Events: Cannon Beach’s History Center kicks off a “Treasure Hunt” and hosts author talks this month, including a 2 p.m. lecture on Oregon politics and U.S. Sen. Richard Neuberger. Oregon Sports & Culture: Oregon football’s Dante Moore is set for the EA Sports “College Football 27” cover, and Oregon baseball’s Super Regional field is taking shape. Public Safety: A pedestrian was killed in a crash east of Salem, and police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in South Philadelphia involving a vehicle that ran a red light. Environment/Science: Scientists report millions of bacteria living in fog, and Crater Lake’s North entrance and West Rim Drive are now open earlier than usual.

Mental Health Courts: A federal judge changed Oregon State Hospital admission rules for defendants found unable to aid in their defense, with Marion County leaders warning it could mean more people stuck in local jails and more cases delayed. ICE License Plates: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon DMV to stop issuing undercover plates to ICE after a state review, while the Trump administration continues its lawsuit over the denials. Local Land Use: Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary expansion review got pushed back—county planners moved deliberations to June 25 and kept the written record open through June 4. Public Safety & Access: ODOT is keeping Highway 242 closed at the snow gate for cyclists and others while crews clear winter debris. Outdoors & Community: Lane County is upgrading the final half-mile of Mount Pisgah’s Summit Trail starting June 8 through July 1, with periodic closures. Sports Spotlight: EA Sports named Oregon QB Dante Moore on the cover of College Football 27. Health Watch: Oregon Health Authority says a cruise passenger exposed to hantavirus is under home quarantine through June 21.