AGP Executive Report

Portland Politics & Culture: The Trail Blazers abruptly fired newly hired play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell after resurfaced racist/sexist social media posts from his teen years, hours after the team announced him as Kevin Calabro’s replacement. Oregon Sports (College): Oregon kept rolling in volleyball, completing a reverse sweep over Purdue at Matthew Knight Arena; the Ducks improved to 11-2 while Purdue fell to 8-4. Oregon Health & Work: Oregon Nurses Association challenged Asante’s claims at a Medford town hall amid stalled contract talks and service cuts, including debate over hospital finances and medical debt practices. Climate & Oregon Coasts: NOAA warns warm “Kelvin waves” tied to a super El Niño could raise sea levels along the Oregon and Washington coast, increasing erosion and flooding risk. Local Energy Upgrade: Four century-old Portland homes are opening for a free “Go Zero” style tour showing how insulation and heat pumps can cut energy use dramatically. National Voting Ruling: A federal judge dismissed a noncitizen voting criminal case as unconstitutional, a decision the Justice Department says it plans to appeal.

Oregon Politics: Gov. Tina Kotek and GOP challenger Christine Drazan traded barbs in the first 2026 governor’s debate, with fights over affordability, wildfire funding, data centers and climate. Public Safety: Sweet Home crews battled a house fire that injured a firefighter and displaced a resident; investigators will look at the cause. Local Government & Housing: Portland city council approved amendments tied to the future of a fuel storage hub along the Willamette River. Health & Consumer Protection: A new explainer says many patients may be billed for medical care they didn’t actually owe, and nonprofit hospitals are required to screen for charity care. Sports (Oregon): Baker beat The Dalles 47-20 in a Greater Oregon League opener powered by a physical early rushing attack. Sports (Regional): The Blazers rescinded a hire for a new play-by-play voice after racist and misogynistic posts from his teens surfaced.

Fuel Economy Fight: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield joined a coalition suing NHTSA over a Trump-era rollback of vehicle fuel-efficiency standards, arguing it violates federal law and will raise costs for Oregonians at the pump. Local Crime & Community: Corvallis police are investigating the theft of a newly donated Oregon Hillel sukkah, taken down to the lights and extension cords, with the structure valued around $1,500. Housing Debate: New research questions whether inclusionary zoning—requiring or incentivizing affordable units—may be suppressing some overall homebuilding, adding fuel to the national affordability fight. Jobs & Business: Nike says it will cut jobs under its “Pace” restructuring plan to save about $2.5B through fiscal 2031, with some support roles moving out of Beaverton. Drug Costs: Oregon reached a settlement with Sandoz and other states over alleged drug price-fixing, with Oregon set to receive $4.5M. Oregon Politics: Secretary of State Tobias Read and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson will host an “Oregon Votes” town hall Oct. 6 in downtown Portland.

Oregon Politics: Gov. Tina Kotek and Sen. Christine Drazan squared off in their first televised debate, trading sharp attacks on education, homelessness, mental health and accountability, with polling showing the race essentially within the margin of error. Public Health: Oregon health officials say flu activity is rising and measles cases have climbed to 58 this year, with most cases tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown status. Energy Costs: A think tank says federal policy changes could push Oregon households to pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040. Local Business: Raising Cane’s plans its first Lane County restaurant in Springfield on Oct. 13, hiring 175 workers and aiming to expand further in the Eugene area. Campus Safety: The University of Oregon issued a crime warning after five sexual assaults in the first week of classes, with four possibly linked to alcohol-related social events. Community & Environment: Keizer Community Food Bank is seeking $155,000 to expand storage and add cooler/freezer space.

Medicaid Coverage: Gov. Tina Kotek and other governors asked HHS for more time to implement new Medicaid requirements, warning Oregon families could face coverage disruptions starting Jan. 1. Behavioral Health Capacity: A Marion County grand jury found Oregon State Hospital lacks capacity to safely care for people in custody, citing concerns about patient safety, staffing and leadership. Public Safety in Lane County: Oregon Community Credit Union funded AEDs for Oregon State Police patrol cars, aiming to speed CPR help in rural areas. UO Campus Safety: The University of Oregon reported five sexual assaults on or near campus in the past week; police say they’re not believed connected and offered support resources plus free rides and escorts. Cybersecurity/Privacy: McMinnville missed a legal deadline to disclose its data breach and still won’t explain the delay. Environment & Health: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield sued the Trump administration over EPA’s rollback of greenhouse gas limits for major power plants, arguing it will worsen heat, storms, flooding and wildfire smoke. Community Calendar: Hispanic Heritage Community Fair is set for Oct. 6 in Salem, with food, music and local vendors. Business Watch: Bank of America says Walmart’s price rollbacks peaked and could slow, as rising oil and diesel push costs higher.

Oregon Health & Safety: Oregon public health officials are urging early flu and COVID vaccinations as respiratory virus season ramps up, while warning measles is at its highest level since 1991 with 58 confirmed cases and most tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown status. Health Care Costs: The Trump administration has started sending $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Oregon, for people who paid full premiums without federal help. Local Courts & Schools: A federal judge lifted Lane Community College’s ban on student Richard Riordan, allowing him back for academic purposes while the dispute continues. Community Watch: Neighbors on Schmidlin Road are pushing for action after repeated speeding concerns near homes and a school bus route. Oregon Sports: Oregon State freshman Jesse Legree is rewriting the record books, and WSU opens Pac-12 play against OSU. State Politics: Oregon Senate District 3 candidate Denise Krause highlights health care access, education, and housing priorities in her race. Business/Consumer: CenturyLink reached settlements with Portland-area customers over internet-rate increases, with other cases still moving through court.

Summer EBT Deadline: Oregon families have 122 days to use Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, with benefits issued June 5 expiring Oct. 4; ODHS says the program served about 350,000 children and Summer EBT can be used at participating stores and markets, including through Double Up Food Bucks. Wildfire Costs: Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season hit a record 2.1 million acres burned east of the Cascades, with suppression costs topping $1.4 billion, and officials say the scale overwhelmed the system. Local Politics: Josephine County Commissioner Colene Martin and challenger John West sparred over taxes, staffing, and whether the county’s budget is truly sustainable. Health Care Access: Central Oregon broke ground on a 16-bed in-patient youth crisis treatment facility in Redmond to keep families closer to home instead of sending kids to Western Oregon ERs. Transportation: Amtrak began service on new Airo trainsets on the Pacific Northwest route, adding more capacity and onboard amenities as part of an eight-train rollout. Business Incentives: Redmond and partners approved an expanded Greater Redmond Area Enterprise Zone offering up to a 10-year tax break for qualifying big projects.

US–China People-to-People Ties: Oregon State Senate President pro tempore James Manning Jr. says exchanges between ordinary Oregonians and Chinese citizens are the “true foundation” for stable U.S.-China relations, pointing to his recent trip to multiple Chinese provinces. Housing & Local Development: Oregon’s new housing laws (HB 4037, SB 974) are set to speed approvals and limit some local hurdles, but the impact may look different in smaller, already-built towns like Jacksonville. Public Works Bids: Oregon Department of Corrections seeks bids for CCCF camera replacement and installation, with a mandatory pre-bid at Wilsonville; Clackamas County is also taking sealed bids for the Red Soils Campus sidewalk replacement project. Health & Safety: A nationwide raw milk cheese recall is linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in multiple states, including Oregon. Wildfire Response: Oregon Department of Forestry highlights how a Type 2 helicopter pilot helps crews reach fires fast and set up bucket drops. Sports (Oregon): USC coach Lincoln Riley addressed the fallout from the Dante Moore injury after Oregon’s win, including USC’s suspension of linebacker Desman Stephens II.

Statewide Censorship Watch: Oregon’s State Library says its 2026 OIFC report logged 60 library and school challenges from July 2025–June 2026, the third-highest total since 1987, with the most common targets tied to sex/nudity and LGBTQ+ content. Local Tax Office Closures: Oregon Department of Revenue offices in Medford and Bend will close at noon Oct. 5 and reopen at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 7; other district offices and most general contact centers shut Oct. 6, with a secure drop box available. Rail Upgrade: Amtrak Cascades’ new Airo trains start passenger service this week, adding more capacity plus Wi‑Fi, redesigned seats, cafe cars, and accessibility upgrades. Energy Costs: Central Electric Cooperative members could see about a 3% power-cost increase tied to BPA rate hikes after a salmon-protection court order. Wildfire Preparedness (Sisters): Sisters is moving through final steps on a five-year Urban Growth Boundary expansion and continues wildfire hardening work, including fuel-clearing focus. Sports & Community: Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise received nearly $5.5M for tech upgrades; Oregon’s recruitment push at ODHS highlights hiring outreach across the state.

Oregon Politics & Housing: Oregon’s DAS set the 2027 maximum rent increase at 10% under the state Rent Stabilization Law, up from 9.5% in 2026. Public Health: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of certain raw-milk cheeses tied to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Oregon and eight other states. Local Government: A Salem-area letter argues Gov. Kotek protects essential services, while another item highlights how Oregon’s public universities and workers narrowly avoided a strike after reaching a late deal. Economy & Jobs: Genentech broke ground on a $750 million Hillsboro expansion, aiming to double the site and add about 250 manufacturing jobs. Education: Hermiston students saw math and science upticks but ELA proficiency fell in the latest statewide assessment results. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s QB Dante Moore shared his first post-injury message after a concussion from USC’s Desman Stephens hit; backup Dylan Raiola led the Ducks to a 41-27 win. Fire Response: Gov. Ferguson asked FEMA for a major disaster declaration after the Spokane Complex Fires, seeking federal aid for individuals and local governments.

Oregon Football: Oregon coach Dan Lanning says star QB Dante Moore is dealing with a concussion after the USC hit; MRI and CT scans came back clean, and the Ducks rallied in a 41-27 win. Public Safety/Traffic: I-84 is closed westbound between La Grande and Baker City after a crash near North Powder; U.S. 30 is closed to interstate traffic there as well. Health: Public health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak tied to recalled raw milk cheese sold by Sierra Nevada Graziers; 13 people in nine states have been sickened. State Policy: Oregon is considering a statewide ban on Flock cameras and other ALPR tech in the next legislative session, as privacy and surveillance debates heat up. Higher Ed Labor: SEIU called off a strike at Oregon’s seven public universities after reaching a tentative agreement. Local Spotlight: Gearhart honored two officers with medals for valor and merit after a mid-summer homicide shooting response. Wildfire/Tribal Affairs: Warm Springs leaders met in Washington, D.C., to discuss wildfire impacts, infrastructure, and federal wildfire planning.

Oregon Football: Oregon QB Dante Moore suffered a concussion on a late hit by USC LB Desman Stephens II during Saturday’s 41-27 win. Coach Dan Lanning says MRI and CT scans were clean and Moore has no additional injuries, with the team moving forward cautiously; Stephens was ejected for targeting and USC later suspended him for one game. Sports Spotlight: Oregon’s Dylan Raiola stepped in after Moore left and helped the Ducks rally, while the game also sparked a heated fan fight in the stands. Public Safety/Local: Crews battled a new brush fire south of The Dalles that burned at least 10 acres, with multiple agencies and air support involved. Community: Corvallis’ 53rd annual Fall Festival drew tens of thousands to Central Park with art, music, food and family activities. State Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon agencies to develop AI safety rules, including third-party review requirements for certain advanced systems.

Oregon Football: Dante Moore’s USC injury dominated the weekend in Los Angeles. The Ducks’ Heisman contender was carted off after a late hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II; Stephens was ejected for targeting and Oregon coach Dan Lanning called it “disgusting.” Injury Update: Moore is reported to have a concussion but no additional injuries, and he’s expected to go through protocol while Dylan Raiola stepped in and helped Oregon rally to a 41-27 win. College Football Rankings: The Week 4 chaos reshuffled national polls, with Florida surging into the top 10 after beating Ole Miss, while Oregon’s win over USC helped keep it in the conversation. Local Sports: Oregon’s cross-country scene stayed busy, with Baker and other area teams posting strong results at regional meets, including the Nike Portland XC invitational. Community & Culture: Sisters Folk Festival returned with thousands in attendance, highlighting Central Oregon’s arts scene.

Oregon-USC Fallout: Oregon beat No. 12 USC 41-27 in a Big Ten opener that turned into a national controversy after star QB Dante Moore was carted off in a neck brace following a late hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II; Stephens was ejected for targeting, and Oregon players said the shot looked intentional. Backup Spark: With Moore out, Dylan Raiola stepped in and threw for 289 yards and two TDs, including a key score to Dakorien Moore, as Oregon pulled away late. Game Impact: The win kept Oregon rolling in the rivalry and set off a wave of debate over quarterback sliding and sportsmanship, with NBC and fans weighing in on whether the hit was dirty. Other Oregon Sports: Oregon State rolled past UTEP 33-7 behind Braden Atkinson’s three TD passes. Local Health Watch: A Springfield woman says she’s spent nine months living with a kidney drainage bag while struggling to get the procedure she needs. Entertainment: SNL’s premiere was delayed in many areas because the Oregon-USC game ran long.

Oregon Health Plan Update: About 600,000 OHP members are set to get notices this month about upcoming federal changes, including possible work or activity requirements for some adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with OHA saying the first messages are informational and members should update contact info. Paid Leave Oregon: During National Recovery Month, Paid Leave Oregon is reminding workers that treatment for substance use disorders or mental health conditions can qualify for paid medical leave when it meets program “serious health condition” rules. Local Public Safety: NORTAC helped serve a search warrant in west The Dalles; seven people were detained and the investigation is ongoing. Community Events: Baker City’s First Friday Art Walk returns Oct. 2 with a new Crossroads Carnegie Art Center exhibit featuring “Journeys and Convergence.” Sports (Oregon-focused): Oregon heads to USC for a primetime Big Ten showdown, with ESPN’s GameDay crew split on picks—Saban and Herbstreit leaning Ducks while Desmond Howard, McAfee, and guest picker Johnny Knoxville went USC.

Salem-area courts: A Salem man, Reece A. Sorenson, was sentenced to 5.5 years for severe abuse of his six-week-old twin infants, a case prosecutors say exposes a gap in Oregon’s criminal law for non-verbal victims. Public health: The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese; 13 people in nine states are sick, including Oregon, with multiple hospitalizations and no deaths reported. State voting access: Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read will hold an “Oregon Votes” town hall in Medford on Sept. 29 with state and local leaders, including Senator Jeff Golden and Medford Mayor Michael Zarosinski. Local growth: Umatilla is investing in parks and recreation as its population nears 9,000, with Hash Park moving toward 60% design and new pickleball and pocket-park plans. Higher education labor: At the University of Oregon, some office employees were asked to fill dining hall shifts if a SEIU strike begins Sept. 28.