AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Emergency Response: Oregon lawmakers and Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden are pressing FEMA after Fire Management Assistance Grants were denied for the massive Rowe Creek Complex, even as the fire sat at Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation status. Public Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis linked to a national outbreak has reached 45 states, with Oregon reporting cases tied to contaminated produce. Local Safety: TRICARE authorized temporary emergency prescription refills for Wasco County beneficiaries due to the Grasshopper Fire, with guidance for getting refills at network pharmacies. Community & Local Life: Seaside unveiled a new mural, while Hermiston’s National Night Out treasure hunt is underway with clues posted daily and a contest winner set for Aug. 4. Sports & Culture: USC coach Lincoln Riley says expectations are at their highest as the Trojans head into fall camp; and Oregon Tech announced its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class. Lottery: Powerball climbed again to an estimated $707 million after the July 29 drawing.

Wildfire Response: Oregon’s Grasshopper Fire in Wasco County triggered the Emergency Conflagration Act, with Wasco County running Level 1–3 evacuation orders and the fire mapped at 18,136 acres; Oregon State Fire Marshal teams are also bringing in out-of-state mutual aid as hot, dry, windy conditions loom. Central Oregon Update: The Bench Fire near Warm Springs is up to 22% containment, and parts of the Warm Springs Reservation moved from Level 3 “Go Now” to Level 2 “Be Set,” with a public update meeting set for 6 p.m. Air Quality & Fire Weather: A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for much of Washington and Oregon this Saturday, with strong winds and low humidity raising the odds of fast-moving fire spread. Public Health: Gresham’s Legacy GoHealth Urgent Care (Powell Valley Road) has been identified as a measles exposure site for visitors Sunday, July 26, 3:05–7:09 p.m. Local Crime: Hillsboro detectives are seeking more victims after arresting a man accused of stalking at least five women and a child. Statewide Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek says FEMA approved 3 of 5 Oregon wildfire grant requests, while two major blazes were denied. Community & Sports: Providence Bridge Pedal returns Aug. 9 with 10,000 expected riders across Portland bridges.

Mega Millions: A single $5 ticket sold at a Wawa near Sarasota/Bradenton won Tuesday’s $800 million Mega Millions jackpot (numbers 34-48-49-59-70, Mega Ball 12). The winner has a cash option estimated at $344.2 million (before taxes), and the next drawing Friday, July 31, resets to about $50 million. Wildfire & emergency response: Oregon’s U.S. senators Merkley and Wyden pressed FEMA after FMAG denials for the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex, as Oregon faces a long, dangerous season with millions of acres burned and thousands under evacuation orders. Health: OHA says two Oregon residents have Cyclospora infections possibly tied to a national outbreak linked to recalled pre-shredded iceberg lettuce, with officials stressing Oregon risk remains low. Local politics/ballot: Initiative Petition 28 (the Peace Act) failed to qualify for Oregon’s statewide ballot again. Southern Oregon forests: BLM approved the Queens Gold Forest Management Project near Rogue River/Gold Hill, a move that supporters say reduces wildfire risk and critics say expands timber removal.

Wildfire & smoke: Oregon’s fire season keeps escalating, with smoke lingering and emergency conditions affecting travel and outdoor life across the state. Public health: Odell Lake in Klamath County now has a full recreational use health advisory after cyanotoxins were found above safe levels in a harmful algae bloom—swimming and water-contact activities are discouraged. Local safety & services: ODOT is warning of a major $200M budget gap that could mean cutting hundreds of jobs, with knock-on effects for maintenance and DMV services. Coast tourism pain point: A new survey says two Cannon Beach-area parking spots—Ecola State Park and Tolovana Beach—are driving visitors away this summer. Community & food access: The Portland Fruit Tree Project is expanding with a new refrigerated donation hub in Tigard, aiming to keep fresh produce flowing to people facing food insecurity. Crime & courts: In Lakeview, the mother and boyfriend of teen Thomas Strong were sentenced in connection with his 2025 death. Campus security: Oregon State University Police rolled out Tex, its first explosive-detection K-9, after prior fake bomb threats.

Missing Children: Oregon DHS is asking for help locating two missing Bend kids: 10-year-old Julian Hawes and 9-year-old Mahina Hawes, last reported missing July 23; anyone with info should call 911 or local law enforcement. Road Safety: Portland police say a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run early Tuesday on eastbound Highway 26 near the Oregon Zoo; eastbound lanes at the Sylvan exit were closed for hours while investigators worked. Wildfire & Travel: ODOT warns wildfire activity between Baker City and Ontario may cause parts of I-84 to open or close with little notice, and there are no east-west alternates; Highway 20 and 26 east of the Cascades also remain closed. Health Advisory: OHA issued a recreational use health advisory for Prineville Reservoir after lab results found cyanotoxins above the recreational limit; swimming and other water activities are discouraged in bloom areas. Local Services: Branches Oregon opened a new Salem location offering outpatient group therapy for adults 18+ dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.

Oregon Wildfires & Travel: A wildfire emergency is hitting tribal communities, with the Warm Springs Reservation declaring a state of emergency as the Beachcomb and Bench fires merge and spread with “GO NOW” evacuations and 0% containment reported. Air Quality Alert: Smoke from Oregon and Idaho fires pushed the Treasure Valley into “very unhealthy” conditions, with officials urging limited time outdoors. Road Closures: I-84 is closed in both directions between Baker City and Ontario, and ODOT warns there are no east-west detours—check TripCheck before heading out. Coast Update: The Oregon Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will close for repairs starting as early as Aug. 1, with reopening expected after roof work by late October. Sports (Oregon): Oregon women’s basketball added Hope Lewandoski to the staff as coordinator of player engagement and operations, and Oregon State’s Josh Proctor earned West Coast League Player of the Week honors. Public Health: OHA upgraded a recreational advisory for Prineville Reservoir after cyanotoxins were found above the recreational-use limit.

EPA & Air Quality: A federal judge ruled the EPA must implement a soot (fine particulate) pollution standard, after Oregon and other states sued over the agency’s delay in carrying out a 2024 Clean Air Act rule. Clackamas Leadership: Clackamas County Sheriff Angela Brandenburg announced her retirement, effective today; Undersheriff Jesse Ashby will serve as acting sheriff while voters pick a new sheriff in November. Wildfire Response: Gov. Tina Kotek declared five new wildfire conflagrations over the weekend, including the Bench, Beachcomb, Shingle, Second Flat, and Crosswhite West fires, as 36 large fires burn across Oregon. Public Safety & Crime: Lane County is investigating a drowning on the Willamette River near Oakridge; Oregon State Police are seeking witnesses to an I-5 bike crash in Salem; and Keizer police are treating a suspicious death as a homicide while searching for a missing woman. Ballot Update: An initiative to ban hunting and raising livestock failed to qualify for Oregon’s November ballot.

Wildfire Response: Oregon’s wildfire fight stays intense as the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked for the Beachcomb and Bench fires and the Second Flat Fire, with incident teams and evacuation levels in place across Warm Springs Reservation, Jefferson County, and Harney County. Air Quality & Travel: Smoke continues to push east, with forecasts warning of worsening haze in the Boise area and guidance for people to limit exposure. Local Impact: Amazon construction has started in Eugene even as residents challenge a wetland permit, arguing the state didn’t properly meet “public need” and safety requirements. Community Support: A Verizon retailer’s “School Rocks” backpack giveaway is bringing relief to Oregon families facing rising school-supply costs. Public Safety & Justice: A Lane County grand jury indicted a driver in the death of University of Oregon Ph.D. candidate Erick Munene Njue, and Oregon authorities also continue looking for ICE impersonators. Health & Safety Events: Rock River Center in Oregon is listing upcoming fraud-wellness check sessions and low-cost community activities, including yoga.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Oregon’s fire season is still escalating fast, with major activity near Sisters and new evacuation alerts along the Idaho-Oregon border region, while hazardous smoke stretches far beyond the state and health warnings stay in effect. Mental Health Access: Kairos NW opened a new Eugene outpatient clinic for youth and families, adding therapy, psychiatric care, and peer support where options have been limited. Local Community Spotlight: The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce earned national Chamber of the Year honors, citing housing and business-focused initiatives. Coast Nature Guide: A local orca-watching community on the Oregon Coast is sharing where to look and how to spot whales and other marine life. Sports (Oregon ties): Bandon teen Eoin O’Callaghan is headed to the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, and Nikki Hiltz kept her winning streak alive with another 1500 title at the USATF Outdoor Championships. Parks & Recreation: Salmon Falls near Gates reopened with major updates, including new trails, bridges, and improved accessibility.

Wildfire & Evacuations: A fast-moving grass fire along the Oregon-Idaho border has put Jordan Valley on Level 1 evacuation alert, with residents urged to stay on guard near Three Forks Road and Pleasant Valley. Central Oregon Fire Response: Wildfires continue to threaten communities around Sisters and the Warm Springs Reservation; Sisters High School has been serving as an evacuation hub with Red Cross and Salvation Army support, while officials report emergency orders tied to nearby blazes. Air Quality & Heat: Smoke and haze are expected to linger as heat stays high, with poor air quality and triple-digit temperatures possible in the region. Fire Weather Warnings: Oregon and partners are urging extreme caution as critical fire danger and Red Flag conditions raise the risk of rapid fire growth. Public Lands Funding: Oregon Parks Forever is pushing Congress to renew the America the Beautiful Act to restore the National Parks maintenance fund. Lottery: Powerball’s $600 million jackpot is up for grabs Saturday, with the drawing also marking expansion into the UK. Outdoor Tragedy: A 37-year-old Idaho climber is believed dead after a fall on Mount Jefferson, with recovery efforts complicated by the terrain. Community Support: Volunteers and shelters are helping wildfire evacuees, including meal support at Sisters High School.

Wildfire Crisis in Oregon: Oregon’s wildfire situation is worsening after a lightning storm, with 30 uncontrolled fires and more than 500,000 acres burned statewide; the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters has grown to about 26,000 acres and prompted trail and campground closures plus new evacuation orders, while crews work to protect homes as red flag conditions linger. Public Health & Safety: Oregon health officials also flagged a measles exposure at Sky Zone Beaverton (July 18, noon–3 p.m.), and the state is issuing guidance as smoke and air quality warnings continue to affect multiple counties. Reproductive Rights: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden leads Democrats filing an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit mifepristone fight, pushing back on efforts to require in-person dispensing nationwide. Lottery: No one won Mega Millions Friday; the next jackpot is estimated at $800 million (draw Tuesday). Community & Education: A Purple Star Schools designation highlights support for military-connected students during moves, and Klamath Union High’s Summer Learning Program is helping students catch up on credits.

Wildfire Preparedness: Oregon Emergency Management is urging residents to sign up for county alerts at ORAlert.gov, build an evacuation plan, and leave early for Level 2 “Be Set” situations—especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone needing extra help. Wildfire Response: A complex incident management team from Florida is set to take over command of the East Evans Creek Fire Monday at 6 a.m., replacing an Oregon team that’s been managing the blaze and pushing containment progress. Air Quality & Data Centers: A new look at Oregon’s growing data-center boom raises concerns about diesel generator pollution and how regulators may not be modeling the air-quality risk during outages. Local Business & Housing: The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce earned National Chamber of the Year, highlighting its push on housing, childcare, and jobs through “Elevate 2028.” Entertainment Industry: Paramount Skydance agreed to delay its Warner Bros. Discovery merger until June 2027 as states’ legal fight continues—Oregon is among the plaintiffs. Public Safety: Oregon State Police and the FBI are investigating reports of people impersonating ICE officers in Clackamas County, including an assault after a traffic stop.

Wildfire & public safety: Oregon’s Akawa Butte Fire stayed the top national priority, burning about 26,000 acres near Sisters with only 5% containment as storms and gusty winds kept pushing it; officials warned of another red flag period through Saturday night and reported at least one home destroyed. Courts & immigration: A federal appeals court upheld the deportation of an Oregon lawful permanent resident, ruling that domestic violence witnessed in front of children counts as child abuse under federal immigration law. Energy & climate policy: California AG Rob Bonta led a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to billions in emergency disaster grants, while Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined another case targeting an EPA rule that weakens phaseout deadlines for highly potent greenhouse gas refrigerants. Oregon economy & daily life: Gas prices climbed again, with the national average jumping 15 cents to $4.09; Oregon’s average was reported at about $5.59. Salem community sports: Hoopla, Salem’s 27th annual three-on-three tournament, returned this weekend with a unified clinic kickoff for middle and high school athletes. Tech outage: A widespread internet disruption was linked to an Amazon Web Services connectivity problem affecting services hosted in Oregon’s US-West-2 region.

Wildfire & evacuations: The Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters is driving major “Go Now” evacuations again, with thousands ordered out and at least one home reported destroyed as fire weather stays volatile. Public safety & health: Oregon is also under heightened wildfire preparedness nationwide, with the U.S. raising the national level to the highest tier as resources get stretched. State policy & courts: Oregon and other attorneys general are challenging Trump administration efforts to attach election and immigration enforcement conditions to FEMA/DHS emergency preparedness grants. Southern Oregon health care: Asante plans to close two outpatient physical therapy sites in Medford and Grants Pass by Aug. 28, while keeping inpatient therapy running. Local life & culture: Portland’s Readers Choice Awards crowned Matt’s BBQ Tacos as the top taco spot, and the Ursula K. Le Guin House in Portland was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Jobs & economy: Oregon’s private employers reported about 45,400 job openings in Q2, with hiring demand staying roughly flat.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Central Oregon crews battled multiple fires, including the Crosswhite Fire near Fossil, as lightning and storms threatened new growth and haze lingered across the state. Public Safety & Health: Oregon officials warned drivers about smoke impacts and urged heat and wildfire preparedness as conditions stayed hot and fire danger remained elevated. Corrections Oversight: Oregon’s Secretary of State audit says the state’s prisons are failing on facilities, staffing, and outdated systems, calling some conditions life-threatening and urging plans to move people from risky buildings. Local Governance: St. Helens put a police funding levy on the Nov. 3 ballot, seeking $1.46 per $1,000 assessed value to keep 24/7 patrols and avoid staffing cuts. Elections & Trust: A new look at mail-ballot “mirages” argues early counts can mislead without proving fraud, as election misinformation claims resurface. Community Events: Tigard’s DHS office is celebrating four years of monthly Free Food Markets with a public celebration July 27. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $600 million after no big winner in the July 22 drawing.

Wildfire & Heat Watch: Central Oregon remains on edge as the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires stay active, with a Red Flag Warning tied to lightning and gusty winds, while smoke and heat advisories continue to push health risks across the region. Air Quality Alert: DEQ issued an ozone smog advisory for the Portland metro area, Salem, Hermiston and Ontario, urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity. Corrections Oversight: Oregon’s Secretary of State audit says prisons are nearing the end of their functional lives, including the Oregon State Penitentiary, which could soon be “functionally obsolete,” raising major health-and-safety concerns. Local Health & Food Help: Oregon is reminding families about free summer meals and Summer EBT benefits, and health officials are pointing residents to cooling centers during extreme heat and smoky conditions. Salem/ODOT Homelessness Plan: Salem and ODOT are nearing final stages of an agreement on how the city can remove and manage homeless encampments on state property, including freeway underpasses. Business & Consumer Notes: PT Organics recalled select Pumpkin Tree fruit purée pouches sold at Target, Kroger and Meijer due to a possible soft plastic strand in some packages. Arts Leadership: Allan Hancock College named Valerie Rachelle as the new artistic director and dean of PCPA, bringing her back to the conservatory after years leading major theatre organizations.