AGP Executive Report

Homelessness & Equity: A Portland-area county spent $17.6M on race-based housing programs, but internal budget data showed outcomes for homeless minorities worsened or didn’t improve—while “equity-focused” trainings rose, and officials said they didn’t track whether culturally specific providers produced better results. Local Business & Consumer Dispute: A Salem-area LEGO reseller says it’s ready to meet the family behind a viral “stolen” Star Wars collection claim, offering to return sets and drop related legal fights, while also shutting down its Salem store and parting ways with franchise owners. Recreation Rules: Oregon paddleboard and kayak users face new permit requirements tied to invasive mussel prevention, and a “Let Us Paddle” effort is pushing to put changes on the ballot. Public Safety & Policy: Portland City Council passed a ban on force-fed foie gras sales, with a 180-day compliance window and complaint-based enforcement. Oregon Sports: Oregon State named Kevin Griffin as athletic director, starting July 6. Weather: A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to boost chances of northern lights visibility, with Oregon mentioned in forecasts.

Local Kids & Inclusion: A Salem first grader, Aspen Nelson, kicked off a community fundraiser to build an accessible playground at Sumpter Elementary so students of all abilities can play together. Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Kotek and OHA finalized updated behavioral health County Financial Assistance Agreements for all 36 Oregon counties, replacing a 30-year model with clearer expectations and accountability. Coast Restoration: Near Florence, the Siuslaw Estuary was reconnected after 15 years, restoring tidal habitat for salmon, lamprey, shorebirds and native plants. Public Safety & Mobility: Eugene launched a new tool for reporting illegal e-moto and e-bike use, and Coos Bay’s Chandler Bridge will close June 12 and June 19-22 for painting repairs. Workplace Rights: The NLRB ordered Asante Rogue Regional to recognize and bargain with healthcare workers’ union after years of disputes. Disaster Aid: Clatsop and Wasco counties were added to Oregon’s federal disaster declaration for December storms, unlocking Public Assistance for 11 counties. Statewide Health/Animals: Oregon issued new rules after USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Texas, tightening animal movement and inspections into Oregon.

Portland Court Case: A man accused in the Portland area of killing multiple women was arraigned on a fifth murder charge, with prosecutors saying bodies were found across Oregon and into Washington in early 2023. Oregon Crime & Justice: The suspect, Jesse Calhoun, pleaded not guilty and remains in custody as the case adds more counts of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. State Politics: Oregon’s election-law fight is echoed elsewhere in the region as a retired Wyoming attorney asks the state Supreme Court to force recusal in a voter-record complaint. Sports (Oregon): Oregon baseball is set for NCAA Super Regionals against Texas, with Game 1 Saturday and a full best-of-three schedule released. Environment & Science: Scientists warn that U.S. ocean monitoring is going dark off the Pacific Northwest as major observatory sensors are dismantled, ending a decade of deep-ocean data. Local Culture: Eugene’s Forbidden Fruit Rocky Horror shadow cast returns for free public shows, and the Oregon Bach Festival announces its 56th season with a broader mix of American stories.

Coast Restoration: A breached levee at the Siuslaw Estuary is reconnecting the area to its estuary past, turning farmland back into habitat for salmon, lamprey, and wildlife after a barrier fell May 29. Marine Life: Orcas made a rare, dramatic appearance off Oregon’s coast, with reports of more than 40 breaches near Depoe Bay as they hunted harbor seals. Environment & Science: Oregon’s ocean monitoring network is set to go dark as the Ocean Observatories Initiative removes instruments off the coast under federal funding cuts. Public Health: Oregon expands its tobacco rules starting June 5 to cover nicotine pouches and other nicotine products, aiming to curb youth access. Local Safety: A 14-year-old pedestrian was killed in a crash in east Salem on SE Lancaster Drive; the driver stayed and cooperated. Politics & Courts: Plaintiffs are asking an Oregon appellate judge to be removed from a PacifiCorp wildfire case, arguing past work creates unfair bias. Community & Culture: The Oregon State Fair announced its summer concert lineup, including The Beach Boys and Weird Al.

Job Cuts in Higher Ed: Oregon readers may feel the ripple as universities nationwide announce layoffs and hiring freezes tied to budget gaps, enrollment dips, and rising costs. Transportation Costs: Republicans in Congress are pushing a national vehicle tax concept that would charge EVs and plug-in hybrids, shifting more road-funding work onto state DMVs. Local History & Community Events: Cannon Beach’s History Center kicks off a “Treasure Hunt” and hosts author talks this month, including a 2 p.m. lecture on Oregon politics and U.S. Sen. Richard Neuberger. Oregon Sports & Culture: Oregon football’s Dante Moore is set for the EA Sports “College Football 27” cover, and Oregon baseball’s Super Regional field is taking shape. Public Safety: A pedestrian was killed in a crash east of Salem, and police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in South Philadelphia involving a vehicle that ran a red light. Environment/Science: Scientists report millions of bacteria living in fog, and Crater Lake’s North entrance and West Rim Drive are now open earlier than usual.

Mental Health Courts: A federal judge changed Oregon State Hospital admission rules for defendants found unable to aid in their defense, with Marion County leaders warning it could mean more people stuck in local jails and more cases delayed. ICE License Plates: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon DMV to stop issuing undercover plates to ICE after a state review, while the Trump administration continues its lawsuit over the denials. Local Land Use: Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary expansion review got pushed back—county planners moved deliberations to June 25 and kept the written record open through June 4. Public Safety & Access: ODOT is keeping Highway 242 closed at the snow gate for cyclists and others while crews clear winter debris. Outdoors & Community: Lane County is upgrading the final half-mile of Mount Pisgah’s Summit Trail starting June 8 through July 1, with periodic closures. Sports Spotlight: EA Sports named Oregon QB Dante Moore on the cover of College Football 27. Health Watch: Oregon Health Authority says a cruise passenger exposed to hantavirus is under home quarantine through June 21.

Public Safety: A domestic violence incident in Sandy, Oregon left multiple people dead and an officer shot; the officer is hospitalized in stable condition and the suspect was detained after surrendering. Oregon Politics: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE, citing unlawful activity; the DMV had already paused new plates earlier this spring. Economy Watch: Oregon’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% through early 2026, with job growth largely “sideways” and uncertainty tied to trade and other economic turbulence. State Policy: New Oregon laws take effect June 5, including limits on data sharing with immigration enforcement and protections for workers and minors. Community & Culture: Eugene Beer Week kicks off May 29 with 10 days of events across Lane County. Sports (Oregon): Oregon baseball swept the Eugene Regional and is headed to the Super Regional, powered by strong starting pitching. Business/Tech: OMIC R&D installed a Shimadzu ultrasonic fatigue testing system to speed up materials research for manufacturers. Remembering: Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Adelman, a longtime coach including stints with Oregon’s NBA teams’ rivals, died at 79.

DMV & ICE: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon’s DMV to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE, saying agents have repeatedly violated state and federal law and that the move is needed to protect public trust and safety. Public Health: Oregon Coast Humane Society confirmed canine parvovirus cases in Florence, urging dog owners to vaccinate and avoid high-traffic areas if pets aren’t protected. Sports (local): Oregon baseball punched its ticket to NCAA Super Regionals with a 4-1 win over Oregon State at PK Park, while Oregon State’s season ended in regional play. Community & Culture: The Prefontaine Classic was named an Oregon Heritage Tradition, joining other long-running state events. Outdoors & Travel: Coast Guard coordinated a rescue of a disabled sailboat sailor nearly 500 miles off Oregon. Local Life: Portland opened Valhowla, its first downtown fenced off-leash dog park. Food & Business: A Portland delicatessen’s “Paris-style” chicken rotisserie is back next week with Bon Temps Poulet. Safety Alert: An AMBER Alert was issued for a 5-year-old abducted from Carson City.

Public Safety: Sandy, Oregon saw a domestic disturbance turn deadly, with multiple people killed and a Sandy police officer shot multiple times; authorities say the suspect was taken into custody after a standoff. Local Governance: Lane County’s budget is approved, but the fight over whether transient lodging tax money should fund public safety is still front and center. Higher Education: University of Oregon faces a $65 million deficit over the next five years, while new federal changes to student aid and repayment/forgiveness rules kick in July 1. Oregon Sports: Oregon baseball beat Oregon State 4-1 to advance to the NCAA super regionals vs. Texas, and Oregon State’s season ended in regional play. Community & Environment: Oregon State and the McKenzie Watershed Council are hosting a June 6 field tour on large-scale floodplain reconnection in the McKenzie River area. Business/Tech: A report warns Big Tech’s AI buildout is increasingly debt-financed, raising new stress for interest rates.

NCAA Baseball (Eugene Regional): Oregon kept rolling at PK Park, routing Yale 14-2 and shutting out Washington State 4-0, then set up a high-stakes Sunday elimination rematch with WSU after Beavers’ 9-2 win over Yale. OSAA Track & Field (Salem-area): Tualatin’s boys won the 6A/5A meet title run led by Auralleus Hicks, while Crater’s quartet powered a strong 5A showing at Hayward Field. Local Sports Spotlight: West Linn’s boys lacrosse season ended with a 9-7 loss to Sunset in the state championship. Oregon Education & Community: KLCC won two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including Overall Excellence. Oregon Policy Watch: A ballot push to ban hunting and fishing (IP-28) is moving closer to November. Workplace Rules: New June 2026 employment laws are expanding worker protections in Oregon alongside Illinois and Washington.

Oregon Sports: Oregon’s Eugene-area OSAA track and field state meets wrapped up today at Hayward Field, with finalists in 6A/5A/4A chasing team and individual titles. NCAA Baseball: Oregon and Washington State keep the Pac-12 rivalry going in the Eugene Regional after WSU’s Nick Lewis held off Oregon State 3-2, setting up today’s key winner’s bracket game. Transit: A new Amtrak Cascades train arrived in Seattle for testing on the Eugene-to-Vancouver corridor, with phased rollout expected to start this fall. Public Safety: A motorcyclist led a nearly hourlong, multi-county chase across I-84 and I-5 before being arrested in Polk County. Environment & Outdoors: Bag limits were removed for three eastern Oregon reservoirs likely to go dry, giving anglers more chances to catch fish before “deadpool” conditions. Health Policy: Gov. Kotek is leading a multi-state push against a federal Medicaid mandate rollout, warning Oregon could face major system and eligibility problems.

NCAA Baseball (Eugene Regional): Oregon opened the Eugene Regional by hammering Yale 14-2 at PK Park, then sets up a Saturday matchup with Washington State after WSU upset Oregon State 3-2. NCAA Baseball (Regional picture): With Oregon State one loss from elimination, the Ducks and Cougars meet at 6 p.m. Saturday, while Yale plays OSU earlier at 1 p.m. Sports (Tillamook arts): “The Miracle Worker” opens May 29 at the Barn Community Playhouse in Tillamook, running through June 14 with ASL interpretation at June performances. Public safety & courts (federal agents): The DOJ sued Oregon and three other states over policies blocking undercover license plates for federal agents, arguing it threatens safety and operations. Wildlife management: Federal barred owl removal plans are back in the spotlight as officials say it’s needed to protect the endangered northern spotted owl. Community & local grief support: Welding students in Eastern Oregon helped build a sunflower installation at Cason’s Place in Pendleton, supporting a grief nonprofit.

NCAA Baseball (Oregon): Oregon will host an NCAA regional at PK Park this weekend, with in-state rival Oregon State for the first time in the matchup’s postseason history; the Eugene Regional includes Oregon (No. 11 seed), OSU, Washington State and Yale, with OSU opening vs. WSU Friday on ESPNU and Oregon taking on Yale later that day on ESPN+. Local Sports (Salem-area): Oregon’s Holt Elementary teacher Ashley Reich was named the 2026 OnPoint Educator of the Year for grades K-5, winning a paid mortgage/rent year plus a $2,500 donation for her school. Public Safety: Oregon authorities say three people were arrested in Washington County after a retail theft probe tied to about $36,000 in stolen merchandise from Seattle-area stores. Health & Schools: Oregon Health Authority data shows a record high share of kindergarteners entering school without required vaccines on nonmedical grounds, raising measles and pertussis outbreak concerns. State Policy: Gov. Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a chaotic federal Medicaid mandate, warning states are being forced to overhaul eligibility systems without clear guidance. Courts/Immigration: The Trump administration sued Oregon and three other states over undercover license plate denials for federal agents.

Winter Parking Shift: Salem-area residents should note a broader Oregon-region trend: Stoughton, Wis., approved even/odd winter parking to replace “snow emergency” declarations, running Nov. 1–March 31 from midnight to 7 a.m. Federal Courts & Immigration: The DOJ sued Oregon and three other states over policies that deny undercover license plates to federal agents, arguing it’s unconstitutional and endangers officers. Salem & Local Life: Salem’s Capitol-area streets will see closures May 30 for the Oregon Right to Life March for Life rally and march. Public Safety: A Salem man was arrested in federal court on allegations of kidnapping and attempting to sexually abuse two campers in Tillamook County in 2024. Oregon Outdoors: ODOT says McKenzie Pass Highway 242 stays closed to cyclists during the spring off-season due to active tree-removal hazards. Sports: OSAA track and field state meet action continues in Eugene, with Dayton’s Hadley Hughes winning multiple events on day one.

I-5 Bridge Tolling Talk: Washington and Oregon transportation commissions will meet June 5 to review traffic and revenue analysis for future I-5 bridge toll rates, with public comment via Zoom and online options. Road Work Disruption: WSDOT will close the southbound I-5 to southbound I-205 ramp in Vancouver from 10 p.m. May 29 to 10 a.m. May 31 for pavement repair. SNAP Summer Help: Oregon Summer EBT returns with $120 per child for groceries during summer break; eligible families get benefits on their Oregon EBT cards, with an online application opening June 5. Wildfire Housing Milestone: Oregon’s 2020 Labor Day wildfire recovery is now complete for state-funded projects—261 homes across eight impacted counties are finished. Public Safety Hiring: Southern Oregon agencies host a law enforcement recruitment event May 29 in Phoenix (4–8 p.m.) at ETHOS Training Center. Eugene Regional Baseball: Oregon hosts the NCAA Eugene Regional with Oregon State, Washington State and Yale, starting Friday. Longview Disaster: A Columbia River contamination advisory follows a deadly Nippon Dynawave implosion in Longview, where officials say no survivors are expected.

Community Calendar: The Oregon Community Band returns for its 45th season with Tuesday night concerts at Waterman Triangle Park in downtown Oregon, starting June 2 at 7 p.m., with a TV-theme lineup and a rain backup at Oregon Middle School. Local Recognition: Madison-area CPA Victoria Thayer won Wisconsin’s “Woman to Watch” award, highlighting leadership and mentorship in accounting. Housing & Permits: A new look at 2026 manufactured-home rules on private land shows how zoning and permitting can vary widely by municipality, shaping what’s feasible for affordable housing. Public Safety Tragedy (Region): In Longview, Washington, officials confirmed a second death after a chemical tank rupture at a paper mill; recovery is shifting cautiously as nine others remain missing. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s baseball postseason is set with the Eugene Regional featuring Oregon, Oregon State and Washington State, bringing back a Pac-12 reunion for one weekend. Weather/Travel: Memorial Day park discounts and fee-free days are available at national parks, with pass prices and dates varying by site.