AGP Executive Report

College Sports: No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Texas kick off their College World Series paths Saturday, with Texas coming off a Super Regional win over Oregon and Georgia riding SEC momentum. NBA Finals: The Knicks host the Spurs in Game 5 tonight in San Antonio, with Jalen Brunson’s Game 4 comeback setting the tone; ABC and ESPN Unlimited carry the action. State Budget & Commemorations: Washington won’t participate in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, citing steep costs and pointing to local alternatives. Oregon Coast & Wildlife: A 38-foot gray whale washed ashore near Newport and is believed to have been killed by orcas, with researchers collecting samples as more whales strand this spring. Ocean Science: The Trump administration is dismantling major deep-sea monitoring gear, including the Coastal Endurance Array off Oregon and Washington, stunning OSU scientists. Local Civic Life: Eugene-area students propose an Oregon law to protect peaceful protest while improving public transparency around policing. Cost of Going Electric: A new report says EV insurance costs can erase gas savings, with EV premiums averaging far higher than comparable gas cars. Health & Safety: A Springfield woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unemployment fraud involving stolen identities and misused benefits. Environment & Energy: Oregon’s role in a broader fight over ocean monitoring and climate research continues as federal moves threaten long-running data collection.

Politics & Elections: Trump is turning 80 amid fresh scrutiny over fatigue and a renewed push to claim election fraud in California without evidence, a move analysts warn could shape the 2026 midterms. Courts & Rights: A Supreme Court decision avoided a direct answer on whether Congress can tax unrealized wealth, leaving big questions for high-net-worth Americans. Oregon Courts & Ethics: Oregon’s ethics commission opened a full investigation into former Portland Community College president Adrien Bennings over possible conflicts tied to a trademarked slogan. Local Crime: Lake Oswego police arrested Emmanuel Coa after a search turned up hundreds of stolen checks and thousands in cash tied to mail theft across the Portland metro. Oregon Housing: Portland’s Housing Bureau issued a floodplain notice for a Broadway Corridor affordable housing project with 231 units. Community & Health: A Springfield woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced for $27,500+ in unemployment fraud. Environment & Agriculture: Lake County officials say Mormon cricket fears eased after meetings with federal and local agencies. Business: Rebound Orthopedics agreed to a $2.5 million settlement in a data breach class action. Culture: Portland Book Festival will expand to a full week in November.

SNAP Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food assistance in the Farm Bill, warning recent cuts are driving hunger and adding costs to states. Local Housing & Food Access: A longtime East Salem church will keep serving the community by partnering with a community action agency to expand affordable apartments and its food pantry. State Ballot Push: Oregon animal-rights petitioners hit a key milestone for a November ballot measure that would ban hunting and fishing, submitting more than 126,000 signatures toward the 117,000 needed. Public Health Rule Change: Oregon is backing off a rule requiring adults to directly supervise kids under 14 at public pools, moving to temporary signage and a fall public process. Energy & Data Centers: Avista paused processing a 500 MW data center energy request while seeking broader policy and community alignment. Oregon Outdoors: Lake County officials say Mormon cricket fears eased after a meeting with federal and land managers, with pests expected to be more nuisance than threat. Community Spotlight: Ashland volunteers will make their 100th Green Bag pickup for the Ashland Community Food Bank. Safety: Salem police shooting suspect Jose Luis Anguiano is in stable condition after an officer shot him; the officer is on administrative leave.

Housing & Homelessness: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Val Hoyle unveiled the DASH Act, pushing down-payment tax credits, landlord incentives for low-income renters, and more construction subsidies to tackle Oregon’s housing crunch and homelessness. Local Government: Madras is moving forward with a public meet-and-greet for its top city administrator candidates as it searches for a permanent replacement after a resignation and interim leadership. State Policy & Health: Oregon Health Authority updated guidance for youth outdoor activities during wildfire smoke, saying smoke can harm kids at lower levels than previously thought. Courts & Tariffs: Oregon and other states are back in federal court defending a win against Trump’s tariffs, though an appeals court allowed some fees to stay while the case proceeds. Environment & Science: The Ocean Observatories Initiative is being dismantled by the Trump administration, raising concerns about long-term ocean data gaps. Public Safety: A statewide network outage hit multiple Oregon agencies, including DMV and ODOT online services, before systems were restored. Business & Energy: Endurance Energy raised $54M to pursue offshore geothermal power from undersea volcanoes off Washington and Oregon. Sports: Keyshawn Strachan won NCAA javelin silver in Eugene, and Oregon’s air-quality and outdoor-safety guidance comes as summer heat ramps up.

Oregon Politics & Courts: Oregon’s AG Brown joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration “culture war” changes to federal contractor rules tied to DEI, arguing the rushed shift would force states to break federal antidiscrimination law and bypass required federal processes. Local Governance: Oregon is also resisting a court order involving housing trans prisoners, as federal pressure mounts. Energy & Environment: A new Oregon Public Broadcasting report says Oregon and Washington lag other states in getting wind and solar onto the grid, pointing to Bonneville Power Administration’s unique setup as a key bottleneck. Gun Safety: More states are moving to restrict 3D-printed firearms and untraceable guns, tightening rules on digital design files and manufacturing. Economy & Cost of Living: Hawaii is considering pausing its gasoline tax as pump prices surge, a reminder of how energy costs are hitting the Pacific Northwest. Business & Tech: Oregon’s data-center debate continues as regulators and communities weigh water and power impacts.

World Cup Transit: SEPTA says it’s ready for the post-match rush at Philadelphia’s NRG Station, with extra B subway service every 4–5 minutes and a plan to move about 55,000–57,000 trips—while warning fans to expect longer travel times. LGBTQ+ Community: Salem’s Pride parade and block party returns June 13, with a slower march meant for accessibility and reflection on decades of local progress. Housing & Rent: Washington’s rent-increase cap is showing early benefits, but critics worry it could discourage small landlords and affordable construction. Corrections & Rights: Oregon attorneys are fighting a federal court order that could increase the number of transgender women housed in the state’s only women’s prison, amid claims of abuse and retaliation. Forests & Jobs: A new management strategy for Oregon’s Blue Mountains national forests could more than triple commercial logging over the next two decades, with public comment expected soon. Local Business: Oregon’s Survival Garden Seeds was named 2026 Pacific Northwest Small Business of the Year. Public Safety: Washington County fire agencies start a high-fire burn ban Monday, limiting outdoor burning while allowing small recreational fires.

Health & Food Safety: “Dirty soda” drinks are trending, but doctors warn they can pack 250–400 calories and 55–70 grams of sugar, with added ingredients raising blood-sugar spikes—especially risky for people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes. Local Business: Plumb Line launched in Portland to help HVAC, electrical, and plumbing owners improve profitability, cash flow, forecasting, and planning for growth or succession. Privacy vs. Security: Congress is racing to renew FISA Section 702, with lawmakers deadlocked over privacy protections and concerns tied to the Trump administration’s spy leadership pick. Weather & Sports: World Cup matches across the U.S. face heat, humidity, and storm risks, with scientists warning that wet-bulb conditions could push some games beyond safety limits. Oregon Public Safety/Health: A Keizer mother is accused of trying to poison her three kids with carbon monoxide in a car “sleepover” plot; the children were found alive and cleared after treatment. Oregon Outdoors & Wildlife: A proposed Oregon ballot measure would criminalize many hunting, fishing, ranching, and animal husbandry activities by removing key exemptions, threatening the state’s rural economy and wildlife management. Local Construction Bids: Clackamas County posted multiple paving and park project bid opportunities, with electronic submission deadlines in late June and early July.

College Sports & Antitrust: A new federal antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s $20.5 million cap on revenue-sharing, arguing it violates state NIL laws in 17 states and seeks damages for affected players. Election Data Fight: Homeland Security is backing off a plan to share mail-voter data, saying it’s now preliminary and tied to USPS rulemaking. Housing & Homelessness: U.S. Catholic bishops warn the housing crunch is turning into a crisis for families, citing severe shortages of affordable rentals and limited housing assistance. Oregon Economy: NFIB says Oregon small-business optimism fell in May, with uncertainty rising and inflation/fuel costs weighing on owners. Local Business & Jobs: Les Schwab is laying off 70 Bend headquarters employees as it says it’s restructuring to better support stores. Energy Tax Ruling: A federal court vacated an IRS notice that had limited the “5% Safe Harbor” for wind and solar tax credits. Public Safety/Community: A Southern Oregon food drive raised $76,383 for hungry families, enough for hundreds of thousands of meals. Sports: A Texas Tech quarterback eligibility fight is sparking Big 12 backlash after a judge granted a temporary injunction.

Softball Spotlight: Kim Ng is steering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League into its second season with MLB backing, ESPN airing 50 games, and Portland’s new Cascade team joining the league’s six-city lineup. Oregon Health & Safety-Net: All 36 Oregon counties approved updated County Financial Assistance Agreements with the Oregon Health Authority, prioritizing people most at risk of hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, or behavioral health crises. Federal Courts & Energy Policy: A federal judge struck down an IRS rule limiting wind and solar tax credits, sending guidance back after finding the change lacked adequate explanation. Homelessness During Big Events: Ahead of the World Cup, some host cities are pushing housing-first approaches, while many rely on existing programs without new tournament-linked funding. Public Safety Case: An Oregon mother in Keizer faces charges after police say she tried to kill her three children with carbon monoxide. Local Governance: Benton County commissioners appointed Rick Crager as county administrator. Tourism Leadership: Travel Oregon named Kate Sinner as its next executive director, starting July 6.

Health Insurance Rates: Oregon insurers have filed proposed 2027 individual and small-group health rates, kicking off a public review process through July 13; the weighted average increase is 17.5% in the individual market and 17% in small group, with the Oregon Reinsurance Program helping keep hikes lower than expected. Local Governance: Salem City Council will hold a public hearing Monday on its 2027 budget and state revenue sharing, giving residents a chance to weigh in before a final vote later this month. Energy & Courts: A federal judge struck down IRS guidance that tightened tax-credit rules for wind and solar projects, a move that could affect affordability as credits are set to expire soon. Public Health & Environment: A new report links Parkinson’s disease to pesticide exposure, warning farmworkers and nearby communities are at risk—coverage focused on Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. Oregon Economy: Eugene and Springfield business leaders met with Sen. Jeff Merkley to discuss how rising prices and shifting federal policies are squeezing local customers and payrolls. Education & Community: OSU’s class of 2026 is set to graduate after a look back at barrier-breakers in the school’s history, including early milestone alum Alice E. Biddle. Arts & Tech: OSU is preparing an extended reality theater in its new innovation complex, aiming to turn research data into immersive experiences. Business/Local Pride: Revity Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to Granite and Father McGivney seniors. Science: Sea star researchers report a surprising “baby boom” after a massive die-off. Transportation: Washington and Oregon transportation commissions discussed tolling plans for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, with tolls expected to start in summer 2028 and final rates due late 2027.

Oregon Schools: Oregon School District picked Edustaff as its official substitute staffing partner, aiming to keep classrooms covered with screened, credentialed substitutes and cut admin burden. Cannabis Policy: High-potency cannabis is driving fresh state debate over psychosis and addiction risks, while lawmakers consider whether a new law could end the THC drink craze. Local Housing/Construction Dispute: A Crook County contractor dispute over an accessory dwelling unit has moved from mediation to civil court, after a homeowner alleged a $10,000 deposit wasn’t refunded and work never started. Energy & Reliability: A regional energy report warns the Northwest could face a reliability gap without more dispatchable power, with the shortfall projected to grow unless policy and supply change. Banking Footprint: Fifth Third plans to permanently close 81 branches after its Comerica acquisition, reflecting continued shift toward digital banking. National Politics: Senate action would fund ICE for the rest of Trump’s term, after a fight over a controversial payments fund. Oregon Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a longtime Oregon Republican, died at 93.

Aviation & Service: Fairchild Air Force Base’s SkyFest 2026 drew crowds with an F-16 Viper Demonstration Team show, plus big transports like a C-5 and a WWII-era B-17, celebrating the nation’s 250th and honoring troops overseas. Ocean & Climate Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative—900+ ocean sensors—after major funding cuts, with Oregon-area instruments being removed as scientists warn the timing could worsen what’s already a volatile ocean outlook. Civil Liberties: The Senate failed to extend the FISA Section 702 surveillance program, with seven Republicans joining Democrats, setting up another fight next week. Public Safety: New speeding cameras on a Sherwood street reportedly caught 1,045 drivers over the limit in two weeks. Health Care: Oregon’s nurse staffing law enforcement is hitting PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with nearly $500,000 in proposed fines. Politics: Former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations, died at 93. Wildfire Preparedness: Lane County urged businesses to plan now for above-normal fire risk. Local Economy: PGE is seeking a large data-center rate increase, and Hillsboro is preparing for traffic impacts as an In-N-Out nears opening.

Oregon Ballot Fight: A new Oregon initiative would criminalize hunting and fishing statewide, with backers pushing the measure as animal protection while hunters and anglers gear up to defeat it. Federal Food Funding: A judge blocked Trump SNAP funding restrictions in a lawsuit by 20 states and DC, arguing the conditions could disrupt nutrition help for low-income families. Deschutes County Politics: A sheriff candidate says he was placed on paid administrative leave amid misconduct allegations, escalating tensions ahead of the election. Oregon Health Costs: Medicaid spending data show sharp local jumps in services—Pendleton dental payments rose to $252,739 in 2024, and surgery-related bills climbed in Gresham. National/Global: The U.S. moves to dismantle ocean monitoring sensors used to track El Niño and AMOC, while researchers report progress and open questions in editing human embryo genes. Obituaries: Former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood died at 93, ending a career marked by a major sexual misconduct scandal.

SNAP Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in federal nutrition funding in 20 states and DC, pausing USDA SNAP-related restrictions while the lawsuit plays out. Oregon Policy Push: Oregon lawmakers’ new batch of laws takes effect this week, including steps meant to shield residents from federal actions and ease cost-of-living pressure. Local Economy & Health: The Oregon Clinic opened a new Beaverton specialty pavilion, expanding cardiology, surgery orthopedics, pulmonary and sleep medicine under one roof. Tribal Development: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde began major construction at tumwata village, a mixed-use redevelopment at the former Blue Heron mill site aimed at housing, commerce, cultural tourism and restored river access. Food & Community: Lents International Farmers Market returns for its 21st season Sunday, June 7, with local vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and SNAP/EBT support. Public Safety Funding: Portland faces a staffing-and-budget crunch as critics warn 911 response reliability is slipping amid proposed police cuts. Science & Climate: Federal moves to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative could remove more than 900 deep-sea instruments, including off Oregon, as monitoring shifts.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in SNAP funding, pausing requirements while a lawsuit by 19 Democratic-led states and D.C. moves forward. Oregon Economy: In Eugene, Sen. Jeff Merkley heard from Lane County businesses about thin margins and higher costs tied to inflation and federal policy shifts. Local Health & Safety: Salem opened its first sobering center and expanded detox and clinic services downtown, aiming to give people a non-jail option. Transportation Tolls: Oregon and Washington officials say Interstate Bridge tolling could still hit a $1.5B revenue target despite early traffic losses, while critics warn tolling only I-5 could push drivers to I-205. Higher Ed: The University of Oregon faces a major budget crisis, with plans to cut $65 million and close dorms amid enrollment declines. Labor: The NLRB ordered Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center to bargain with healthcare technicians seeking union recognition. Portland Politics: City officials will review residency allegations involving Salem council candidate Betsy Vega after election results are finalized.

Salem Council Eligibility: Salem city officials say they’re reviewing residency irregularities allegations against council candidate Betsy Vega, with the city recorder and attorney set to decide after election results are formally declared. Data Centers & Energy Costs: Portland General Electric filed to implement Oregon’s new data center rate class under the Power Act, with large-load data centers/crypto mining facing a 29% energy-cost jump starting June 10, while residential rates drop 1.3%. Climate Court Setback: A federal appeals court rejected a youth-led climate lawsuit challenging three Trump executive orders, saying the plaintiffs didn’t show a clear link between the orders and their alleged harms. Health Insurance Shakeup: Providence Health Plan plans to exit most of its insurance business in 2027, leaving about 400,000 Oregonians and Southwest Washington residents scrambling for new coverage. Local Grants: Seventy-three Southern Oregon nonprofits will split $2.25 million in Walker Fund grants aimed at education, family stability, health, and youth programs. Education Wins: Oregon high schoolers dominated National Merit top-tier scholarships, with 26 students earning $2,500 awards this spring. Wildlife Concern: Residents in Bend report finding multiple dead raptors, raising questions about possible harm from rodenticides.