AGP Executive Report

Local Back-to-School Help: Salem-area families can get free school supplies this month, including a Boys & Girls Club backpack giveaway Aug. 15 in Salem and a Willamette Valley Sisterhood event Aug. 29 at the Reed Opera House. Health Coverage: New Census data show 223,000 working-age Oregonians and children remain uninsured, with rates varying by county. Public Safety Staffing: A report highlights a critical U.S. Forest Service firefighter shortage, warning crews are stretched thin as wildfire risk stays high. Wildfire & Heat Outlook: Inland Northwest temperatures climb into the mid-90s to around 100, with elevated fire danger expected Saturday. Oregon Higher Ed: University of Oregon is laying out how it will cut a projected $65 million shortfall, with a proposal expected for public feedback in October. Privacy & Tech: NYU’s Policing Project finds Oregon’s license plate reader laws still fall short on privacy protections. Data Centers in the Region: Spokane County commissioners approved a temporary pause on data center permitting until Dec. 15, with public hearings planned.

Oregon Courts & Health Privacy: Oregon Judge will hear arguments Wednesday on the future of 14 TCPA class actions tied to fraud claims, a case brought by the same plaintiff that defense firms say is meant to pressure settlements. Medicaid Data Fight: Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley are demanding federal agencies stop transferring Medicaid data to ICE after acknowledged violations of a court order. Wildfire Updates: Rowe Creek Complex is now 89% contained, while Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuations were issued for parts of Crook and Linn counties as conditions shift. Local Infrastructure: ODOT is moving ahead with a $25.5M Delta Highway project in Eugene, with widening, ramp/bridge upgrades, lane additions, and major weekend closures. UO Campus Housing: The University of Oregon named the north Hayward Field residence hall “Cedar Hall” and is planning a new “Maple Hall” building expected to open in fall 2027. Sports & Community: Wildhorse Resort & Casino hosted free youth golf clinics in Pendleton ahead of the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic.

Wildfire Response: Oregon’s wildfire crews report major progress containing multiple blazes, including the Grasshopper Fire (47% contained) and the Rowe Creek Complex (89% contained), with thousands of firefighters still working across the state. Health Care Court Fight: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield is celebrating a federal judge’s ruling against the Trump administration’s effort to block ACA coverage of gender-affirming care; the administration can appeal. Local Public Safety: Portland police say the car of missing 78-year-old Claudia Grandy was found in rural Skamania County, but she still hasn’t been located; authorities ask the public to call 911 if they see her. State Policy & Fishing: ODFW is tightening Hells Canyon chinook retention—anglers can keep only one wild chinook per day—to protect ESA limits while steelhead fishing continues. Oregon Economy & Jobs: Oregon is receiving more than $15 million from the U.S. Forest Service for timber manufacturing upgrades across 20 projects. Sports (Oregon): Oregon State women’s basketball players filed for union representation, seeking formal recognition for what they say would be the first union of women’s college athletes.

Crash & Fire on I-84: Oregon State Police are investigating a crash west of Cascade Locks that led to a car fire; the driver reportedly fled and westbound lanes were shut down before reopening to one lane. Wildfire Response: The Fielder Mountain Fire is at about 573 acres with containment rising to 38%, and no evacuations remain as crews continue mop-up and monitoring. Wildfire Leadership Visit: Oregon National Guard senior leaders visited the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley to thank airmen supporting firefighting operations as the fire grows and containment holds around 47%. Local Safety & Health: A noise study is moving forward for Lithia Park pickleball courts in Ashland, with decibel measurements expected to guide possible sound-mitigation changes. Food Recall: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits sold in Oregon are among 29 states recalled over possible listeria contamination. Politics: Sen. Ron Wyden says Congress is gearing up for a “fire session” after Labor Day, pushing forest management and wildfire mitigation funding. Sports (Oregon): Oregon opens the season No. 1 in the AP preseason poll—its highest-ever preseason spot—while Cheyenne Hull commits to the University of Oregon.

Public Safety & Courts: A homeless man suing after being shot during a Portland break-in is seeking $10 million for “emotional distress,” claiming he was cold and sleep-deprived when he entered a closed business and grabbed tools. Wildfire Watch: Oregon’s Grasshopper Fire reached 47% containment, while officials also lowered evacuation levels around Mt. Hood Meadows to Level 2 “Be Set” and moved Cooper Spur to Level 1 “Be Ready.” State Policy: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek met with the Oregon Food Bank and others about SNAP changes, saying pantry needs are up 51% while federal food help is down 20%, and urging lawmakers to consider fixes. Early Childhood Education: Oregon is expanding Birth Through Five literacy grants through a statewide network of 100+ partners, including book access and shared-reading support through pediatric visits in Eastern Oregon. Environment & Fisheries: Oregon will test ropeless crabbing gear next spring to reduce whale entanglements, alongside new rules on vessel location sharing. Economy & Jobs: A new snapshot finds Oregon’s high-tech employment rose 14% from 2015 to 2025, but fell 8% from a 2023 peak.

Portland Skateboarding: The Rockstar Energy Open returned to downtown Portland’s Tom McCall Waterfront Park, turning Stumptown back into Skatetown for a three-day showcase of top and up-and-coming skaters, with finals held Sunday, Aug. 16. Rural Health Care: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden held a field hearing in Medford, taking questions from rural Oregonians about high costs and roadblocks in the health care system, and promising action with a group of state senators. Oregon Sports (Soccer): Oregon women’s soccer opened its home season with a 3-0 win over Gonzaga at Papé Field, scoring after a late first-half red card and adding two more in the second half. Local Spotlight (Medford): BG Gould, a longtime local sports legend, celebrated his 75th birthday with a tribute at South Medford High featuring the Medford Fire Department escort and speeches from community sports figures. Wildfire Support: Shasta-Trinity National Forest says it deployed hundreds of firefighting resources across more than 20 states this fire season, including Oregon. Community Events: Maker’s Market brought live music, food trucks, and local vendors to Edenvale Winery.

Portland Metal Recycler Shut Down: A Multnomah County judge ordered NW Metals and owner Moyata Anotta to stop operating after finding willful violations of a 2021 court order tied to air, solid waste and stormwater permits, with the Oregon AG saying the company kept polluting despite the ruling. Oregon Klan History Spotlight: A Portland journalist is set to discuss the Ku Klux Klan’s early-1920s push into Oregon politics, including how recruiters used local venues like the Multnomah Hotel. Beaches Theft Risk: Three Oregon beaches—Devil’s Punchbowl (ranked #5) plus Lincoln City’s Roads End and Taft Bay (tied #10)—land among the nation’s highest-risk spots for theft of personal belongings. Right to Repair Push: A growing wave of state right-to-repair laws includes Oregon, aiming to make it easier to fix electronics and other devices you already own. Wildlife & Fishing Rules: The ODFW Commission revised Dungeness crab fishery rules to reduce whale entanglements, including electronic vessel monitoring starting Feb. 2027. Public Safety Lawsuit: A homeless man is suing a Portland business owner for $10 million after being shot during a break-in. AG on Voter Rolls: Oregon AG Todd Blanche says DOJ could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to step in on cases over federal demands for state voter-roll data.

Wildfire Watch (Klamath County): The Wrights Spring Fire is now at 47% containment and about 53,250 acres, with several evacuation zones downgraded to Level 2 “Be Set” and Level 1 “Be Ready,” and Sprague River Road reopened after earlier closures. Public Safety & Weather: Forecasters warn of patchy smoke and a warm, mild stretch across Oregon, with a red flag lingering for far eastern Oregon due to lightning risk. Local Sports & Community: Willamette football continues its unified camp for kids with special needs, while Oregon Park District’s Catch the Wave Aquatics Team earned a five-star safety rating after an unannounced audit. Health & Consumer Alert: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Oregon, due to possible listeria contamination. Oregon Football Legal Update: Oregon State linebacker Aiden Sullivan faces felony assault charges after a reported April incident, according to local authorities.

Marine Life Protection: Oregon has adopted new rules for its commercial Dungeness crab fishery after whale entanglements raised alarms, including electronic vessel monitoring and experimental permits to test “pop-up” gear meant to cut risk; NOAA and state officials documented 20 entanglements involving Oregon crab gear from 2013-2025, with two humpbacks already tangled in 2026. Water Security: Groups are urging Oregon lawmakers to permanently limit the “stock water exemption,” arguing the century-old loophole lets factory farms draw unlimited groundwater and undermines water safety; they cite billions of gallons used annually and nitrate pollution tied to manure. Public Health & Food Safety: Yamhill County reported 10 restaurant health-code violations in July, while 23 Newberg/Dundee food facilities earned perfect 100 scores. Fraud Watch: Oregon’s scam reports show up in national BBB Scam Tracker rankings, with Salem listed among cities reporting multiple incidents in July. Wildfire Science & Alerts: A major meteor lit up the Pacific Northwest sky, while Oregon’s wildfire season continues to strain resources and planning.

PFAS Cleanup Plan: Hermiston City Council approved steps toward a long-term plan to remove “forever chemicals” from drinking water after PFAS was found in three sources, with concentrations above new federal standards and an estimated $26 million price tag. Portland Homeless Youth Support: Roosevelt High School is expanding a host-home program with nonprofit Second Home to help homeless teens stay stable and focused on school. Literary Scene: The Northwest Review is back in Eugene as an independent nonprofit digital magazine in partnership with the University of Oregon, aiming to publish twice a year and spotlight new writers. Food & Safety: Walmart’s Marketside tomato soup kits were recalled nationwide over possible listeria contamination, including distribution in Oregon. Wildfire Watch: The Hagen Fire remains large with Level 3 “go now” evacuations still in place, while crews work on containment. State Ethics: Oregon’s Government Ethics Commission agreed to fine Rep. Greg Smith $12,000 for misusing his role to raise his salary and approve paid vacation. Local Sports: Kiara Romero is leaving Oregon early for the LPGA after earning her tour card, while Simon Rosselli won U20 discus gold at Hayward Field.

Wildfire Relief in the Inland Northwest: The Innovia Foundation says local and national donors have topped $5 million for wildfire survivors in and around Spokane, with 3,800 individual donors since fires began Aug. 1. The money will flow through nonprofit partners in phases: immediate relief (housing, food, clothing), stabilization (rental help, furniture, back-to-school supplies), and long-term rebuilding. Oregon Fire Update: In southwest Oregon, the Fielder Mountain Fire is estimated at 450 acres; firefighters worked overnight with evacuations in place, including Level 3 “Go Now!” zones near I-5 Mile Marker 51. Public Health & Schools: Oregon is pushing back on federal moves tied to MMR vaccine guidance, with health leaders saying they’ll stick to evidence-based recommendations despite a Trump order. Workforce Watch: New data show a downward trend in women’s employment in Oregon and nationally, raising questions about what’s driving the shift. Salem/State Policy: Oregon is also challenging a federal demand for 17 million commercial drivers’ Social Security numbers, arguing privacy rules are being violated. Food Safety: Walmart is recalling a refrigerated Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination.

Wildfire Updates: Fire crews are still battling the Wrights Spring Fire west of Sprague River, now at about 53,060 acres with 6% containment, with evacuations in multiple Klamath County zones and structural protection efforts continuing near historic areas. I-5 Mile Marker 51 NB Fire: A separate blaze near I-5 Mile Marker 51 has grown to 75 acres and triggered Level 3 “GO NOW!” evacuations for nearby zones, with northbound I-5 closed near Rogue River and traffic detoured. Local Government: Medford held a public meeting on a downtown parking management plan, including new boundaries and moving toward payment apps, after thousands of tickets were issued for time-limit violations. Public Safety: Oregon State Police report a deadly crash near Pendleton on Aug. 11 involving a vehicle that left I-84, hit the Highway 395 median, and caught fire; one passenger died and the driver was seriously injured. Oregon Business/Industry: Jindalee Lithium says it has the last state permit needed to start Phase 1 drilling at its McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon, targeting September—pending a fire waiver if wildfire risk stays high. State Economy: Oregon winegrowers say tariffs hit exports to Canada hard, with exports down 83% year over year, as they push for more trade certainty.

Oregon Parks & Drones: Oregon state parks lifted parts of last spring’s drone ban starting Aug. 8, with drones flying again at 20 locations statewide, including 11 on the coast, after regulators built in exceptions for safer, lower-impact use. Privacy & Policing: Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley pushed back on claims that automated license plate readers fuel a surveillance state, arguing the goal is public safety and unveiling new privacy protocols amid backlash. Consumer Protection in Oregon Courts: Ten states sued the federal banking regulator in Oregon federal court to block rules that stop states from requiring banks to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts. Wildfire Response (Bigger Picture): A look at the “hidden workforce” behind wildfire incidents shows how command-post staff, public info teams, and heavy-equipment operators all shape response outcomes. Public Health Watch: Oregon’s measles count for 2026 has surpassed the state’s peak year two years ago, with cases tracked across multiple counties. Local Schools & Culture: A Portland mother filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Portland Public Schools over a trespass order tied to objections to gender-identity lessons. Gun Law Fallout: Research says Oregon’s gun restrictions were in legal limbo, but gun sales and background checks surged after voters passed Measure 114. Lottery Buzz: A single Illinois ticket won Powerball’s $1.04 billion jackpot; the winner can request anonymity under state law.

Wildfire Losses in Central Oregon: The Grasshopper Fire has devastated homes near Dufur, with officials saying at least six houses and 15 outbuildings were destroyed as crews push containment. State Remembers Fallen Firefighter: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions lowered to honor Jason Ensign, killed while building containment lines on the Wrights Spring Fire. Public Safety & Health: Oregon is reminding eligible groups and small businesses about drought mitigation and water system grants, including USDA emergency water assistance for rural communities. Local Government: Portland City Council voted 8-4 to approve a nonbinding term sheet for up to $120M in Moda Center renovation talks that could keep the Trail Blazers in Portland for 20 years. Transportation Incident: Oregon State Police are investigating a crash on I-84 that killed one driver and left an ODOT worker critically injured. Sports & Community: Oregon State volleyball opens its season in the new Pac-12 with an exhibition against Portland.

Recycling Push: Oregon’s bottle bill legacy is getting fresh attention as a new report highlights how the state’s higher redemption payout helped drive an 85% return rate for cans and bottles. Local Infrastructure: Gold Hill residents heard details on the Oregon 99 Rogue River Bridge and a separate city reservoir project approved for 750,000 gallons. Public Safety: Eight people were arrested in a coordinated Southern Oregon child exploitation sweep, with cases tied to multiple agencies. Housing in Oregon: A Newberg project called HIVE is building 10 affordable cottages using mass timber and other stacked financing tools, aiming to cut costs and speed construction. Environment & Agriculture: An invasive beetle threat is raising concerns for Oregon’s olive oil growers as emerald ash borer spreads through the Willamette Valley. Wildfire Reality: Oregon’s record wildfire season has scorched at least 2.3 million acres, with ranchers facing grazing losses and relief options. Education Funding: An Oregon education commission estimate says schools need $2.5B to $5B more for 2027-29 to maintain services and meet new targets. Sports & Community: Kiara Romero won the McCormack Medal and is set to join the LPGA Tour, while a tragic Silver Falls State Park incident involved a tourist who died after entering a closed area to take photos.

Health Care in Oregon: Sen. Ron Wyden kicked off his “Reimagining Health Care for America” hearings in Eugene, pushing Medicare for all as Oregonians face possible Medicaid churn starting Jan. 2027, with Lane County residents warning that local provider shortages are a major barrier. Public Health Alerts: Oregon Health Authority flagged a measles exposure at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center’s ER waiting area in Gresham (Aug. 8, 9:18–11:24 a.m.), urging people to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Wildfire Watch: Firefighters stopped forward progress of the Bologna Fire near Kimberly, while the Grasshopper Fire continues to threaten homes as winds shift and embers spread. Water Quality: Hermiston City Council approved steps to remove PFAS from drinking water, including treatment upgrades and well decommissioning, with funding applications due soon. Eastern Oregon Environment: Madison Ranches agreed to a $6.2M settlement in a nitrate groundwater contamination case affecting parts of Umatilla and Morrow counties. Local Life & Safety: A 20-year-old died after slipping from the top of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park while posing for photos; and a one-day-only Seahawks Super Bowl documentary screening is set for Aug. 14 at select Oregon-area theaters.