AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Safety: Oregon aviation and emergency officials are warning drone operators not to fly over or near active wildfires, saying unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to ground and can bring steep fines and prison time. Youth Hunting: ODFW is offering free upland bird hunts for youth under 17 who’ve completed hunter education, with sign-ups required in advance for events across Oregon from mid-September through late October. Local Money Back: Multnomah County taxpayers may be owed refunds averaging about $615 from the Preschool for All program after taxes were withheld even though income didn’t meet the threshold. Community & Planning: DirectLink is celebrating completion of its area-wide fiber expansion with Fiber Fest events in Canby and Mount Angel on Sept. 2. Public Art: Portland’s “Wildwood: Follow the Crows” trail puts 30 crow sculptures around the city through Oct. 30, with proceeds benefiting OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Crime & Courts: A Jacksonville logging and construction owner was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for tax evasion and fraud, ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.

Oregon City Jail Death Investigation: New video obtained by FOX 12 shows a woman repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” before her death in Clackamas County Jail, renewing scrutiny after the medical examiner ruled homicide. Local Justice & Courts: A private music teacher in Oregon City, accused of raping and sexually abusing a child, was arraigned in Clackamas County court. Public Safety on Oregon Roads: An ODOT worker was seriously injured and a stranded motorist killed in a crash on I-84 near Arlington, highlighting hazards for roadside crews. Wildfire Recovery & Community Impact: Klamath County held a fire town hall with U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz as Wrights Spring Fire recovery planning continues. Health Policy in Oregon: An OHSU-led study finds Oregon’s regulated psilocybin services are linked to major drops in anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Business & Infrastructure: Portland reopened lanes on Naito Parkway after Centennial Mills demolition reduced collapse risk, though the sidewalk and bike lane stay closed. Oregon Tech Sports: Oregon Tech opened its men’s soccer season with a 3-0 shutout of Simpson. Sports Spotlight: Oregon’s football opened with a 53-8 win over Stoughton, while Oregon Ducks defenders Brandon Finney Jr., Matayo Uiagalelei and A’Mauri Washington landed on the Bednarik Award watch list.

Wildfire Relief Fight in Oregon: A federal judge blocked DHS from holding Oregon disaster money hostage over Trump’s “pronoun” and anti-DEI demands, ruling there’s no link between gender-ideology conditions and recovery grants for Salem’s flood-damaged infrastructure. Local Economy & Jobs: Genentech plans a roughly $750M Hillsboro expansion adding a device fill-finish facility, aiming for about 450 jobs and device manufacturing that could start commercial operations in 2031. Transportation Watch: ODOT warns it may cut nearly 200 maintenance positions in the 2027-29 budget cycle, saying staffing cuts could worsen Oregon’s highway and bridge deterioration as severe weather and wildfire response demands grow. Wildfire Conditions: Fire weather remains elevated in parts of the region, with gusty winds and dry air keeping risk high. Oregon Ballot Step: An Oregon constitutional amendment initiative tied to hunting, fishing, ranching and natural-resource heritage cleared the first signature hurdle toward a 2028 ballot. Public Safety/Health: Oregon’s SNAP work-rule exemptions are in the spotlight again, with reporting that many recipients may qualify.

Wildfire Weather Watch: Oregon could see thunderstorms and lightning this weekend (Aug. 21-22), but forecasters say it’s likely “dry” and not a setup for major new fire growth. Local Health Fight: Marion County has filed to change Oregon Health Authority rules for residential mental health treatment facilities, saying the state mandates raise costs and endanger staff and patients. Central Oregon Mental Health, Outdoors: Healing Reins in Tumalo is expanding equine-assisted and outdoor-based therapy, with fall registration now open. Water Rights Under Pressure: Central Oregon irrigation users are facing cutbacks after the driest winter on record, with officials curtailing rights back to 1900. Public Safety Reminder: Oregon officials warn drone operators not to fly near active wildfires—unauthorized flights can ground firefighting aircraft. School Safety Policy: Oregon’s school district will start the year without a school resource officer after the village and district couldn’t finalize an agreement. Courts & Records: St. Helens will pay $81,000 in a public records lawsuit over police department access disputes. Community Calendar: Volunteers are being urged to count pollinators this weekend to help track bee and butterfly declines.

Local Labor Action: Healthcare technicians rallied outside Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin, accusing the hospital of “stall tactics” in contract talks and pressing the new CEO to join bargaining. Public Assistance Update: Oregon DHS says 93% of SNAP recipients facing work/activity rules may qualify for exemptions, urging people not to assume they’re ineligible and to report life changes quickly. Workforce Watch: Oregon lost about 4,100 jobs in July, but the unemployment rate stayed steady around 5.2%. Safety & Justice: Eugene police arrested an alleged stalker after a week-long investigation involving a GPS tracker, disguise, and violations of a stalking protection order. Family Tragedy: Jackson County investigators are probing the death of a 2-year-old toddler found deceased after an early-morning search in rural Central Point. Wildlife Moment: An osprey fell from a nest near the Columbia River; a driver stopped to help and got it to wildlife rehab. Sports Tech: SportsBug renewed its deal with Learfield and the University of Oregon to keep real-time, no-delay radio play-by-play for Ducks games.

College Sports Legal Fight: A Louisiana court granted a temporary restraining order to former Ole Miss players and others, including Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson, potentially letting some NFL-bound athletes return for a fifth college season if released by Sept. 1. Local Permitting & Livestock: The owner of Southern Oregon Livestock Auction is pushing for permanent commercial permits to keep local ranchers’ access to sales, arguing the right approvals create long-term stability and reduce repeat paperwork for cash-strapped agencies. Public Safety: Neighbors in Springfield are urging street-safety changes after a crash injured four pedestrians at Oregon Ave. and S 35th St., citing speeding and repeated wrecks at the intersection. Wildfire Readiness & Response: The Nevada Air National Guard is deploying a C-130 tanker system to Oregon to help fight fires, with crews working to get the aircraft ready for drops. Gun Law Backlash: New research on Oregon’s Measure 114 finds firearm background checks spiked after the 2022 election and stayed elevated months later, reflecting a rush to buy before restrictions took effect. Weather: Hotter days are ahead with highs in the mid-90s to around 100, plus lingering haze and elevated fire danger Saturday from mountain thunderstorms.

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.