AGP Executive Report

Oregon Forestry: The Oregon Department of Forestry got federal approval to manage state forests under a new conservation plan, securing an NOAA Fisheries incidental take permit that protects 10 fish species while keeping timber harvests on track. Immigration Fight: New York and 21 other states sued to block a Trump administration “public charge” rule that would let immigration officials deny green cards and visas based on broader use of public benefits—an issue Oregon families could feel through fear of losing help. College Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s Week 2 collapse continues to ripple: Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker was named AP Player of the Week after the Cowboys’ 39-31 upset of the Ducks, a result that dropped Oregon to No. 21 in the AP poll. Local Courts/Policy: A Salem-area legal fight over Oregon State women’s basketball players’ bid to form a union heads to a hearing in Salem today. Weather & Safety: Heat illness is sending more Americans to ERs as warming worsens heat waves, while Oregon’s forecast points to a cooling trend as summer fades.

College Football Rankings: Texas surged to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 after a 24-23 comeback over Ohio State, while Oregon dropped 15 spots to No. 21 following its 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State. Oregon Sports: Oregon State kept its momentum in a 35-24 win over Texas Tech, led by true freshman Jesse Legree’s record-setting 240-yard, two-touchdown day. Local Governance: Portland City Council is set to consider a move to block secret deals with data center developers, urging staff to refuse NDAs for large projects and flag permit requests tied to big power draws. Wildfire Update: Crews say the Big Grass Fire at the Oregon-Idaho border is now 100% contained after burning more than half a million acres. Public Lands & Environment: A federal staffing drop at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hitting Oregon hard, with Oregon down about 40% since 2024. Health & Safety: Oregon officials are urging measles vaccination as schools start. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbs to an estimated $251 million for Sept. 14.

College Football Fallout (Oregon): Oregon’s title hopes took a hit after a stunning 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State, with the Ducks outgained 554-281 and unable to answer Drew Mestemaker’s big day as OSU snapped its long skid. Rankings Shake-Up: The AP Top 25 is set for major movement after No. 1 Ohio State also fell, while Oregon is expected to drop out of the top 10. Oregon State Spotlight: Oregon State fell 35-24 to Texas Tech in its home opener, but freshman receiver Jesse Legree exploded for 240 yards and two TDs. Sports & Local Life: Portland saw a tense protest clash tied to transgender athletes at The Sports Bra, with police reporting no arrests. Courts & Environment: A federal appeals ruling said the U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee clean water, while Oregon advocates push a state constitutional amendment for environmental rights. Public Safety: A Portland man was sentenced to 18 years for killing a Good Samaritan who tried to help a woman in distress.

Oregon Football Shock: No. 6 Oregon’s national-title hopes took a hit in Stillwater, losing 39-31 to Oklahoma State after Drew Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two TDs and added a key 10-yard score; the Cowboys snapped a 21-game skid against FBS foes and handed Dan Lanning his first loss to an unranked team. Game Turning Points: Oregon led 31-30 early in the fourth, but OSU took control on a go-ahead drive and Oregon’s offense stalled again, finishing with just 281 total yards and a late fumble that sealed it. Local Angle for Oregonians: The upset also sparked plenty of fan chaos in Oklahoma, while Oregon heads back to Eugene at 1-1 with questions about execution and coaching adjustments. Other Oregon Notes: Oregon’s Hispanic Heritage Day performances drew attention at the state Capitol, and a workshop on grant applications for artists is set in Astoria.

Oregon Wildfire Tragedy: A firefighter died from injuries sustained while battling the Austin fire in the Mount Hood National Forest; the blaze has burned more than 12,000 acres and is 36% contained, with Level 3 evacuation orders issued in nearby Clackamas County. Oregon Health Alert: Jackson County officials detected West Nile virus in two mosquito pools, urging residents to watch for symptoms and take bite-prevention steps as the season stretches into fall. Oregon Sports (Big Stage): No. 6 Oregon plays Oklahoma State in Stillwater on ESPN after a weather delay pushed kickoff to about 12:30 p.m.; Oregon is a heavy favorite in early betting. Local Governance: A Redmond city councilor says the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has an “unchecked, systemic culture of corruption,” escalating concerns to state watchdogs ahead of the November ballot. Energy & Jobs: Hexagon Energy secured geothermal rights on about 145,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser timberland across Oregon and Washington, aiming for carbon-free power.

Oregon Politics & Courts: The Oregon Government Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against executive director Susan Myers after an outside review found no ethics violation tied to her handling of a case involving commissioner Richard Burke. Public Safety & Drugs: Oregon State Police and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Interagency Task Force shut down a suspected illegal marijuana operation, seizing about 110,000 plants and 81,000 pounds of bulk marijuana worth an estimated $20 million, along with 86 firearms and $11,500 in cash; investigators are still looking into whether workers were there through coercion or fraud. Wildfire Tragedy: A wildland firefighter died from injuries suffered while battling the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest; the U.S. Forest Service says an investigation is underway. Elections & Voting Access: Oregon lawmakers approved $1.25 million to expand ballot drop boxes and tracking, as federal fights over mail voting continue. Community Remembrance: Oregon National Guard memorial ceremonies marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 in Salem and Gresham, with local first responders and families reflecting on the day’s losses and the response that followed. Local Events: Southern Oregon landowners can pick up free wildlife forage seed starting Sept. 24 in Central Point, Grants Pass and Gold Beach.

Oregon Elections: Oregon lawmakers approved an extra $1.25 million to expand ballot drop boxes statewide as federal legal fights over mail voting heat up, with Secretary of State Tobias Read urging voters to use official drop sites. Oregon Power & Environment: PGE’s Forest Park transmission project is back in motion after mediation—PGE filed a revised Phase 3 application, and the city says it’s incomplete, setting up more revisions and possible public meetings soon. Oregon Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge blocked parts of a Trump mail-voting restriction rule, and the administration is now appealing to the Supreme Court. Local Business & Community: Every Child Central Oregon is joining NeighborImpact to expand supportive services for Central Oregon families. Sports (Oregon): Week 2 college football is here, with No. 6 Oregon heading to Oklahoma State as the Ducks look to bounce back after a shaky start. Historic Preservation: Portland’s Oregon Casket Company Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly a million Americans in 30 states, including Oregon, will get $500 checks for alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges tied to the federal exchange. Oregon Politics & Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered a statewide pause on new data center development on state land, citing water, energy, infrastructure, and environmental impacts, with the halt running through July 1, 2027. Wildfire Costs: Oregon’s emergency board approved special funding to cover this year’s wildfire bills as the season’s final cost remains uncertain, with lawmakers warning federal reimbursements can lag for years. Workplace Oversight: A federal watchdog report says former Oregon congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a “toxic” workplace at the U.S. Department of Labor, including claims of alcohol use on the job and harassment. Public Safety & Courts: DOJ filed final lawsuits challenging state in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, including cases targeting Hawaiʻi and D.C., after a Kansas ruling. Local Governance: Wallowa County is weighing funding for a new bridge near Lostine after officials discussed missing easements and possible city cost shares. Sports (Oregon): No. 6 Oregon opens Week 2 at Oklahoma State, with Ducks favored heavily after a Boise State scare in the opener.

Oregon Coast Justice: A Coos County judge sentenced Brian Tenney, former owner of a Southern Oregon roadside safari park, to 7 1/2 years in prison for animal neglect and related crimes, ordering about $340,000 in restitution and long bans on owning animals. Wildlife & Federal Policy: A coalition of AGs led by Vermont’s Charity Clark sued to block new federal rules that weaken Endangered Species Act protections, arguing habitat safeguards are being gutted. Conservation Warning: A new study says northern spotted owls are “functionally extinct” in parts of the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon Coast and Washington Cascades north of Seattle. State Economy: Oregon’s Prosperity Council leaders urged lawmakers to make major changes to taxes, regulation, and economic strategy. Workers’ Comp: Oregon proposed a 2.1% average increase in 2027 workers’ comp pure premium rates. Health Care: The Trump administration announced $500 refunds for nearly 1 million people overcharged under Obamacare in 30 states, including Oregon. Sports (Oregon): No. 6 Oregon heads to Oklahoma State for Week 2 after a shaky opener vs. Boise State.

Medicaid Shake-Up: About 600,000 Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan could be hit by new federal-style work requirements and more frequent renewals (every six months instead of every two years for many), with exemptions for serious health issues and parents of kids under 14. Local Environment: Volunteers in Ashland are adding gravel to Ashland Creek to help steelhead spawn, a low-cost effort led by the Rogue River Restoration Council and supported by Trout Unlimited. Public Safety & Health: Oregon Health Authority issued an order allowing providers to give updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026–27 season. Military Infrastructure: Oregon National Guard and the U.S. Navy broke ground on a $12 million machine gun range in Boardman, the first Army Standard crew-served weapons range in the state. Wildlife Fight: Portland-area billboards push back on a federal plan to kill hundreds of thousands of barred owls to protect spotted owls. Sports (Oregon): Oregon State and Virginia played to a 1-1 draw in Corvallis.

Medicaid Watch: A new Heartland Institute 50-state Medicaid report card ranks Kansas and Texas at the top and California at the bottom, scoring states on program design, fiscal sustainability, integrity, and provider-market conditions. Politics & Accountability: U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley is set to hold a “Stop the Corruption Town Hall” in Medford Thursday, part of a statewide push to discuss corruption’s impact and proposed fixes. Oregon Elections: Oregon officials say thousands of late-arriving mail ballots were rejected after USPS-related changes, with 7,314 ballots not counted in the May primary grace period—raising the rejection rate to 13%. Wildfire & Safety: Wildfire danger remains across Oregon, and state reporting continues to flag tsunami preparedness gaps along the coast. Community Remembrance: Ashland will mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a dedication of a permanent tribute painting at Fire Station No. 1.

Data Center Pause: Gov. Tina Kotek halted new state land deals tied to data centers through July 2027, saying Oregon needs more time to assess impacts on water, power, and infrastructure; the move follows an earlier block near Salem and a state advisory committee is set to recommend policy changes by year’s end. Elections in Focus: Oregon leaders—including Sec. of State Tobias Read and Gov. Kotek—reaffirm vote-by-mail is secure as legal fights over USPS rules continue, with Read asking lawmakers for emergency funding to expand official drop boxes, add ballot tracking, and clean up inactive voter data. Clean Water Rule Change: The EPA proposed ending Clean Water Act discharge permits for certain offshore processing vessels beyond three miles from shore, with public comments due Oct. 19. Health Watch: Oregon health officials report rising COVID-19 cases and urge people to take symptoms seriously. Local Capacity: A new 12-bed youth behavioral health facility opened in Eugene, boosting secure inpatient options statewide. Community & Recovery: Hundreds marked the 25th anniversary of Hands Across the Bridge, joining recovery communities across the I-5 span.

Housing & Land Use: Oregon’s Land Conservation and Development Commission is moving toward rulemaking that could expand housing options outside urban growth boundaries, using “urban unincorporated communities” as a pathway to add more homes. Public Safety & Climate: Oregon lawmakers are back in Salem to discuss emergency wildfire funding after another record-breaking season, while agencies also push tsunami preparedness steps for coastal towns. Health: Major U.S. medical groups are urging updated flu and COVID-19 shots this fall, aiming to cut through shifting federal guidance. Local Government: Madras DMV is closed Sept. 8 due to staffing, with limited help available in Redmond and via DMV2U. Environment & Outdoors: The U.S. Forest Service filed 11 recreation fee proposals in one day, including a coastal day-use site on the Oregon coast, with any new charges not expected until at least March 2027. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s close Week 1 win over Boise State and LSU’s blowout are already stirring national AP Top 25 debate. Community: Hundreds turned out for the 25th annual Hands Across the Bridge event, with a message that recovery is possible for everyone.

Oregon Crime & Courts: A Wallowa County nurse practitioner, Sarah Georgine Peterson, faces 18 criminal counts after prosecutors allege she wrote herself false opioid prescriptions and diverted drugs using records and a computer; she’s set for a plea hearing Oct. 28. Local Public Safety: Umatilla has rolled out Flock automatic license plate readers as part of a broader anti-violence plan; officials say shootings are down 28% to 30% year over year, while residents question privacy and future use. Wildfire Preparedness: Six years after the Holiday Farm Fire, Oregon officials say they’ve shifted toward faster detection and aggressive initial attack—aiming to put fires out at 10 acres or less. State Budget Watch: Oregon redirected $42 million from Connect Oregon transport funding due to a budget gap, leaving a smaller 2026 grant pool; ODOT is taking public comments through Sept. 22. Community & Labor: Eugene-Springfield unions marked Labor Day amid ongoing contract disputes, while local labor leaders pointed to the need to stand together as layoffs and budget cuts hit workers.

Labor Day & Oregon workers: A new Oregon Labor Day reflection highlights how the state was first to recognize the holiday in 1887, and today’s celebrations point to the people keeping communities running—from teachers and first responders to crews maintaining roads and answering wildfire calls. Wildfire labor in Oregon: Oregon’s aggressive fire season has put incarcerated firefighters on the front lines, with 218 people helping protect towns; the report notes they earn $25 a day versus about $25 an hour for many outside firefighters, raising fresh questions about risk and pay. Drought pressure across the Northwest: State and federal climatologists warn historic drought is worsening conditions for fires and water shortages across Oregon, Idaho and Washington, with millions of acres burned and impacts to utilities, farmers and ecosystems. Healthcare patient experience: A national survey ranks Wisconsin highest for hospital patient experience, with Oregon not featured at the top in the excerpt—still a reminder to watch how care quality is measured. Oregon sports spotlight: No. 2 Oregon survived Boise State in Week 1, but the Ducks’ narrow win and early-game issues are already shaping the conversation heading into the next matchup.

Oregon Football: No. 2 Oregon survived a scare in its season opener, rallying past Boise State 34-27 at Autzen. QB Dante Moore threw for 378 yards and three TDs, while Jordon Davison added 90 yards and a score as the Ducks avoided an upset. Local Business/Economy: Park Systems opened a new regional office in Hillsboro, aiming to bring faster technical support to semiconductor and high-tech partners across the Pacific Northwest. Port/Infrastructure & Investment: US Capital Global Securities announced a $41 million convertible note offering tied to the Oregon Port of Willamette, a planned inland intermodal rail facility near Woodburn intended to shift freight from long-haul trucking. Public Safety: A rollover crash on I-94 in North Dakota sent two men to the hospital; the driver from Oregon faces DUI charges. Community & Outdoors: In Ashland, residents reported bear raids on chicken coops, with Oregon wildlife officials saying they’ve received dozens of bear reports this year. Sports (Beyond Oregon): The Pac-12’s Week 1 results were mixed, with Boise State’s strong showing at Oregon highlighted, and other ranked matchups shaping the national conversation.