AGP Executive Report

SNAP Deadline: Oregon is bringing back SNAP interviews—starting June 1, Oregonians applying or renewing benefits must complete an interview with state human services staff, ending pandemic-era skips for many older adults and people with disabilities. Election Day Fallout: Across six states, Tuesday primaries are a real-time test of President Trump’s influence, with Kentucky’s Thomas Massie facing a Trump-backed challenger and Oregon’s governor race and Measure 120 gas-tax proposal also on the ballot. Courts vs. Education: Oregon’s AG William Tong is suing the U.S. Department of Education over a student-loan rule that would narrow access for professional degree programs, arguing it unlawfully blocks students in critical workforce fields. Environment & Logging: A federal judge blocked a Southern Oregon BLM logging plan after finding the agency overlooked protected old-growth trees. Wildfire Risk Map: New research says nearly half of Northwest communities face higher wildfire risk than previously thought once social vulnerability is factored in.

Oregon Primary Countdown: Oregon heads to the polls Tuesday, May 19, with Gov. Tina Kotek facing a crowded field for the Democratic nomination and Republicans also battling for their pick—plus Measure 120 on the ballot to raise or reshape fuel taxes for roads and bridges. Election Security Push: Oregon’s top election officials are set to brief voters on how they’re protecting ballots and election infrastructure amid heightened national scrutiny. Housing Reset in Portland: Home Forward’s new interim director, Michael Buonocore, promised a transparency reset after controversy over the agency’s former CEO and long-running complaints about vacancies and safety. Wildlife Watch: Oregon’s emerald ash borer appears to be emerging earlier than usual after a mild winter and warm spring, with a new early adult sighting reported in King City. Sports & Local Color: College baseball and golf regionals kicked off, while Oregon-area track and field stories kept rolling into the weekend.

Wildfire Watch: Central Oregon is tightening fire rules today, with “High” danger restrictions across Deschutes/Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville BLM—most open fires are off-limits except in developed campgrounds and designated wilderness. Invasive Species: Oregon forestry warns that a warm winter and spring are pushing emerald ash borer larvae to emerge weeks early, urging people to learn how to spot ash trees and report suspected infestations. Public Health: A new measles exposure site was flagged in Happy Valley (Providence Immediate Care, May 12), and OHA/Clackamas County are urging anyone there to check their risk with a provider. Politics & Policy: Oregon’s Tuesday primary is set against rising gas prices, with Gov. Tina Kotek facing challengers and Measure 120 on the ballot to raise gas taxes for roads and bridges. Community & Culture: Warm Springs’ Native Aspirations Coalition shared plans for upcoming health fairs, parades, and shelter openings. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select ice cream flavors in 17 states over possible metal contamination.

Oregon Legal Fight: The University of Oregon is suing former Ducks defensive back Dakoda Fields over a settlement payment, seeking the remaining $10,000 plus interest and attorney fees after he missed a discounted deadline. Softball Shockwaves: Oregon’s season ended at home with back-to-back NCAA Eugene Regional losses, including a no-hit loss to Mississippi State and an elimination defeat to Saint Mary’s—while Tennessee kept rolling, sweeping Virginia to earn a super regional. NCAA Super Regionals Set: The bracket is now locked for the best-of-three round starting May 21, with matchups like Alabama vs. LSU and Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State. Track & Field Sweep: Oregon men and women completed a Big Ten Outdoor “triple crown” sweep, winning all six available titles in one year. Energy & Industry: Federal funding is headed to Framatome’s Richland plant to expand uranium fuel production, part of a push for next-gen nuclear reactors. Recruiting Twist: Oregon lost 2027 cornerback Ai’King Hall to Miami, a quick flip after his Ducks commitment.

Rail Upgrade: Amtrak’s first next-generation Airo trainset has arrived in Seattle, kicking off a nationwide fleet overhaul that will eventually roll out 83 new trainsets—starting on the Amtrak Cascades line that links Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Northern Lights Watch: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora visibility farther south than usual this weekend, with Washington and Idaho among the best bets and Oregon possible for a faint glow. Wildfire Funding Crunch: Northwest fire officials warn that new USDA conditions are hampering federal wildfire support, adding red tape just as communities brace for another tough season. Oregon Health Research: OHSU scientists report that the cancer-linked MYC protein helps tumors repair DNA, potentially explaining why some cancers resist treatment. Softball Shock in Eugene: Mississippi State’s Alyssa Faircloth threw a no-hitter, shutting down Oregon 4-0 and forcing the Ducks into a do-or-die knock-out game. Big Ten Track: Oregon’s Benjamin Balazs won the men’s 3,000m steeplechase again at the Big Ten meet in Nebraska.

Disaster Preparedness: Newport’s Pathfinder exercise is putting hundreds of responders through a simulated Cascadia earthquake and tsunami, with a big focus on medical triage and coordination—especially since the coast is “isolated” and getting help in fast is the challenge. Oregon Sports (Softball): Oregon’s NCAA run hit a wall in Game 2 as Mississippi State’s Alyssa Faircloth threw a no-hitter, shutting down the Ducks 4-0 and forcing Oregon into a knockout rematch path. Oregon Sports (Track): Benjamin Balazs won the men’s 3,000m steeplechase again at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, taking the title in a tactical race. Transportation: Seattle welcomed the first next-generation Amtrak Cascades Airo trainset, a Pacific Northwest upgrade meant to boost capacity and accessibility starting this fall. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Oregon, over possible metal fragments—don’t eat affected lots.

Food Safety Recall: Straus Family Creamery is voluntarily recalling select organic ice cream flavors and sizes sold in 17 states, including Oregon, after the FDA flagged a possible risk of metal fragments; no injuries reported, and shoppers are told to check “best by” dates. Local Outdoors: A new trail to the Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls) is set to open in 2027, with a new 100-car parking area and a safer route designed to handle the crowds that have overwhelmed the current access. Health Watch: CDC says 41 people are being monitored for possible hantavirus exposure tied to a cruise outbreak, with Oregon among the states involved. Higher Ed Leadership: University of Idaho named Brian Kane dean of its College of Law, starting July 31, as the school’s enrollment continues to surge. Sports Spotlight: Oregon’s softball opened NCAA Eugene Regional play with a 5-1 win over Idaho State, powered by Ayanna Shaw’s grand slam.

Food Safety: The FDA announced a nationwide recall of Straus Family Creamery Organic ice cream in 17 states, including Oregon, after reports of possible metal fragments; affected pints and quarts are tied to specific “best by” dates and flavors, and consumers are told not to eat or return the product but to throw it out. Boating Safety: Oregon State Marine Board launched “Oregon Fit to Float,” rolling out free life jacket fittings and urging families to learn the right fit—plus a governor-signed proclamation marks May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week. Local Life: Central Oregon Coast’s 27th annual family fishing and carnival returns Saturday at Eckman Lake in Waldport, with free gear and instruction and thousands of fish released for youth anglers. Education & Accountability: Oregon’s Department of Education found Springfield School District science and social science curricula don’t meet state standards and says the district will adopt compliant materials next school year. Politics & Policy: Gov. Kotek’s Prosperity Council is still sparking debate over tax cuts, with one member pushing for a more aggressive stance.

Oregon overdose deaths: Oregon Health Authority says overdose deaths fell for a second straight year—about 1,100 in 2025, down from 1,500 in 2024—marking the first year-over-year decline since 2016, with fentanyl and meth still driving most cases. DOJ and voting records: The U.S. Department of Justice is pushing back in court, arguing it can access unredacted voter registration files held by West Virginia’s secretary of state as it investigates election-law compliance. Biometrics backlash: Senators are urging DHS to drop a proposed smart-glasses plan for immigration officers, warning it could enable covert biometric identification in public. Local public safety: In Keizer, a father was shot in the head near an In-N-Out drive-thru but drove his family to safety; police arrested two suspects and are hunting a third. THC drinks: A new federal rule aimed at hemp-derived intoxicating drinks could hit the fast-growing THC beverage market hard. Sports: Oregon hosts the NCAA softball Eugene regional, with the Ducks seeded 14th and set to open vs. Idaho State.

Oregon SNAP shake-up: Starting June 1, Oregon SNAP households must complete an interview to apply or renew benefits—ending the pandemic-era skip for many people. Wildfire justice fight: Wildfire survivors are asking the Oregon Supreme Court to revisit a ruling that could derail their PacifiCorp case and pause or cancel more than $1 billion in damages. Local governance: Portland Community College’s president Adrien Bennings is leaving, with the board approving a separation agreement and Katy Ho stepping in as acting president. Public safety drills: Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center and local responders are running hazmat decontamination drills Monday, including Oregon experts and a decon tent setup. Sports & community: Southern Oregon University is set for a beach volleyball championship parade Monday, while Wyden announces southwest Oregon town halls next week.

Hantavirus Update: An Oregon doctor tied to the cruise-ship hantavirus outbreak has been cleared to leave Nebraska’s biocontainment isolation after follow-up testing came back inconclusive-to-negative, shifting him to standard monitoring. Sports Spotlight: Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman earned a World Cup call-up as New Zealand ends a 16-year absence, while Portland Fire’s Sarah Ashlee Barker’s buzzer-beater win over the New York Liberty is still reverberating through practice. Oregon Community & Local Life: A Teen Turf volunteer keeps a “teacher voice” approach to homework accountability, and an Estacada company is shipping bridges in boxes for people who need a short, affordable crossing. Politics & Health Policy: Lawmakers push for protections as menopause awareness grows, and a congressional panel moved to block federal marijuana rescheduling. Odds & Ends: Powerball climbed again to about $70M for Wednesday’s drawing.

Powerball Buzz: The jackpot is up to $69M for Wednesday’s drawing (cash value $31.2M), with numbers 22, 31, 52, 56, 67 and Powerball 15 plus Power Play 2x. War Powers Showdown: The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a bid to curb war powers on Iran, voting 50-49—a split that shows growing GOP frustration but not enough votes to stop the measure. Public Health Update: The CDC says the hantavirus outbreak tied to a cruise ship still poses low risk to the general public, while monitoring continues for exposed passengers. Oregon Wildfire Readiness: Oregon is training more than 100 adults in custody at the South Fork Forest Camp to help with firefighting and mop-up as fire season ramps up. Local Governance: Marion County will mail supplemental ballots to south Salem voters after some races were left off original ballots. Sports (SOU): Southern Oregon is heading back to the NAIA World Series after winning its bracket title.

Butane Torch Burns: Portland doctors say severe burns tied to butane torches with locking mechanisms are rising, and they’re linking the injuries to people using torches instead of regular lighters. Gray Wolf Watch: Trinity County in California issued a proactive gray wolf alert for livestock and pets—even as state officials say there’s no current proof wolves are in the county. Oregon Voting Reminder: With the May 19 primary close, Oregon election leaders are urging voters to use official ballot drop boxes rather than mail. Health Care Capacity: Vancouver’s Haven Treatment Center has started admitting children to a new mental-health facility, drawing questions about readiness and licensing. Sports—Oregon on the Move: Oregon State baseball continues its push toward a regional, while Oregon softball is set to host an NCAA Eugene regional as the tournament field tips off. Local Arts: Eugene’s Concert Choir plans a May 30 “Gala of the Century” at McArthur Court, marking 100 years for both the choir and the venue.

Sports & Schedules: UCLA baseball kept its edge over Oregon in a key weekend matchup, while the Big Ten released 2026-27 men’s hoops opponents and locations—Michigan State’s slate includes tough home dates like Oregon and road trips featuring UCLA and USC. Local Justice Watch: A Grantsville officer is under investigation after a bodycam-linked call with former Eugene officer Martin Siller surfaced racist comments, with Eugene police saying Siller resigned after the incident. Community & Culture: A Rogue Valley resident has spent 12 years building Little Free Libraries, creating 18 custom spots to get kids reading. Elections & Voting: Oregon election officials and leaders held a town hall on voting access and security, urging Oregonians to use ballot drop boxes and reach out with questions. Tech & Energy: Oregon’s POWER Act is pushing data center customers to pay more for electricity growth costs, while PGE says residential rates should see relief. Odds & Ends: Mega Millions is at an estimated $232 million tonight.

Hunting & fishing shake-up: The Trump administration has moved to ease rules for hunting and fishing on federal lands in national parks, refuges, and wilderness areas, affecting dozens of locations nationwide—an approach conservation groups warn could harm habitat and trees. Elections & voting security: Oregon’s top election official says the state is resisting federal pressure tied to voter data and election security, insisting Oregon’s system is secure ahead of the May primary. Public accountability: Yamhill County Clerk’s Office rolled out a ballot return dashboard so residents can track ballots in real time while keeping voter privacy protected. Wildlife & environment: A new fish “helix” concept is being pitched as a way to help salmon move past dams without creating new farming problems. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s Brady Gaschke won medalist honors at the Battle of the Rock, and the Ducks are set to host an NCAA softball regional in Eugene. Local business & community: Schilling Cider says its KEEP IT WILD campaign raised $142,900 for wild-space nonprofits across more states.

Oregon Sports Spotlight: The Portland Trail Blazers teamed up with local artists and the Portland Street Art Alliance to create three murals and wrapped 47 utility boxes across Rip City neighborhoods, turning everyday infrastructure into neighborhood pride. College Athletics: NCAA softball bracket news is rolling in—Alabama is the No. 1 overall seed, but its regional draw still includes tough matchups. Local College Buzz: Eugene’s REAL Shows Network added “Find Your Place,” a locally hosted real estate and lifestyle series with host Tim Rist. Power & Cost Watch: Pacific Power filed for an interim electricity rate adjustment in Oregon, aiming to keep 2026 steadier while shifting changes into 2027. Road Safety: Redmond will activate seven red-light cameras May 15 as part of an automated photo enforcement rollout. Big Picture: The U.S. trade court fight over Trump’s 10% tariffs continues, with the administration asking to pause enforcement while it appeals.