AGP Executive Report

Housing Watch: Oregon reversed a statewide decline in new housing, adding two years of growth and putting more than 50,000 future homes into the production pipeline, with Kotek crediting reduced red tape and local-private partnerships. Public Schools & Culture Wars: A Portland mother sued over alleged retaliation after she opposed a gender curriculum and an “intersex-inclusive” school flag change, claiming her child was assigned gender-identity discussions without notice. Olympic Sports: Eugene, Oregon will host the 2028 U.S. Olympic track and field trials at Hayward Field in a new six-day format. College Football (Oregon): Oregon enters the season No. 2 in the AP preseason Top 25, its highest-ever preseason spot, behind Ohio State. Food Safety: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits sold in 29 states, including Oregon, were recalled over possible listeria contamination. Local Sports: Portland Barbers booked the American Legion World Series title game after a semifinal win, aiming to bring home a rare Oregon championship.

College Football Buzz: Oregon opens the 2026 season at No. 2 in the AP preseason Top 25, its highest-ever preseason spot, with Ohio State at No. 1—Big Ten takes the top two for the first time in 65 years. Local Environment: In Oregon City, a watershed restoration project is using beavers plus large fir “log foundations” to help rebuild creek habitat for native fish like chinook and coho. Gun Policy Impact: A new study says Oregon’s Measure 114 led to a big jump in firearm purchases, estimating 78,000 extra background checks tied to the permit-to-purchase and magazine limits. Salem Homelessness Debate: Wallace Marine Park residents and service providers warn that ending camping by fall could push people into streets and underpasses, as city councilors respond to concerns. Oregon Sports & Events: Eugene will host the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Track & Field at Hayward Field, with TrackTown USA running the meet. Portland Food Fun: A vegan shop in Southeast Portland is rolling out Rugrats-themed ice cream specials for August.

Oregon Sports Spotlight: Oregon women’s soccer opened strong again, beating Gonzaga 3-0 at Papé Field for a second straight shutout, with goals after a late first-half red card and two more in the second half. Local Talent & Community: Portland hosted the Rockstar Energy Open, bringing top and up-and-coming skateboarders to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a weekend of finals and photos. Statewide Outdoors & Wildlife: Golden mussels were found on a boat intercepted at a Folsom Lake decontamination site—an Oregon-bound vessel was stopped before it could spread the invasive species. Health & Policy Watch: A new push to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers is gaining momentum as courts and regulators weigh pollution, noise, and worker health impacts. Business/Finance: AM Best upgraded California Casualty Group’s ratings, citing improved risk management and stronger capital position. Sports Betting Promotions: Polymarket launched a $20 “OREGON” referral bonus for new users with a $10 deposit, running through the end of August.

Portland Public Safety: A homeless man who broke into a Portland countertop business and was shot three times is now suing the owner for $10 million, claiming excessive force after the March 6, 2023 break-in escalated. Oregon Wildlife Enforcement: Oregon State Police seized an illegally kept pet alligator from a Gresham apartment aquarium and said it was transported to an approved reptile sanctuary. Rural Health Care: Sen. Ron Wyden’s “Reimagining Health Care for America” tour heads to Medford for an in-person hearing Monday, with a virtual session Sunday for rural Oregonians to weigh in on costs and access. Wildfire Response: The Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District faces transport limits that can delay care for Lane County patients, as officials work to address the gap. Sports—High School Football: Lake Oswego opens the 2026 season at No. 1 in Oregon preseason rankings, with West Linn at No. 2 and defending champs Silverton and Nelson among the early contenders. College Football—Oregon Ducks Buzz: Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt put Oregon at No. 1 in his preseason top 25, citing the Ducks’ roster. Community & Heritage: Volunteers are giving Pacific Grove’s historic Margruss swan boat its first makeover in years.

Oregon Sports Spotlight: Medford’s BG Gould hit 75 and the Rogue Valley turned out in force, with statewide sports figures sharing stories of the longtime icon. Oregon College Football: Oregon State’s fall camp got a jolt as senior linebacker Aiden Sullivan was booked on serious felony assault charges, with his attorney disputing the investigation timeline. PNW Weather & Wildfire Science: NASA is flying a modified U-2 to study wildfire-generated storms, including pyrocumulonimbus “fire clouds” that can bring lightning and extreme fire behavior. Health & Safety: Experts highlight acupuncture as a well-studied option for chronic low back pain, especially alongside active rehab. Community & Local Life: The Oregon Park District’s Catch the Wave aquatics team earned a five-star StarGuard Elite rating after an unannounced July audit. Food Recall: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits over possible listeria contamination, including distribution in Oregon. Sports Beyond Oregon: Portland’s Fire swept Seattle in the WNBA rivalry series, powered by Oregon graduate Holly Winterburn’s breakout performance.

Fisheries & Politics: A new look at Oregon’s coastal policy debate: a bycatch bill backlash that didn’t happen this time around is being framed as campaign strategy, with trawl interests reportedly treating Dan Sullivan’s approach as a shield while Mary Peltola’s stricter “where trawling is allowed” direction targets multi-species collapse. Habitat Restoration: Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge crews finished the first phase of a $1.5 million tidal wetland restoration meant to help coho and chinook recovery and protect shoreline habitat. Public Safety: An Oregon man is suing for $10 million after he says he was shot during a break-in at a Portland-area granite and marble business. Wildfire/Energy Planning: A federal power planning draft says the Northwest must add major new generation fast—citing data centers among the drivers. Health Care: Oregon data shows about 48% of children with ADHD received behavior treatment from 2020-2023, highlighting the role of therapy alongside medication. Sports (Oregon): The Standard Portland Classic saw Arpichaya Yubol take the lead, while Mariel Galdiano and Bianca Pagdanganan stumbled after strong starts. Community Calendar: Fiesta Mexicana returns to Woodburn Aug. 21-23 with food, music, dance, and a parade.

Oregon Energy Policy: The Energy Facility Siting Council will hold a public meeting Aug. 20-21 in Salem, with hearings and rulemaking on solar, cogeneration, carbon dioxide offset rates, compliance, and radioactive material transport fees. Public Health & Safety: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield leads a coalition suing over federal demands for personal data tied to 17 million commercial drivers, arguing it threatens privacy and exceeds authority. Local Water Quality: Hermiston is moving toward a long-term plan to remove PFAS from drinking water after detections in multiple sources, with an estimated $26 million price tag and state funding sought. Health Care & Vaccines: A new report highlights how vaccination still matters as measles cases rise amid shifting federal guidance. Community & Youth: Portland Public Schools is expanding a host-family program for homeless teens through nonprofit Second Home, aiming to keep students stable. Sports (Oregon): Kiara Romero, Oregon’s top women’s golfer, is turning pro after earning LPGA membership. Food Recall: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits are recalled over possible listeria contamination. Wildfire Watch: Fire updates continue for the Hagen Fire, including Level 3 evacuations in parts of Umatilla County.

CDL Privacy Fight: Oregon joined a 22-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to access state-held commercial driver license records, including Social Security numbers, arguing the federal demand oversteps authority and skips required steps. Wildfire Safety: A record wildfire season is driving a spike in firefighter entrapments, with federal data showing the highest year-to-date count in two decades and concerns about risk-taking amid staffing and suppression pressure. Local Fire Updates: Jefferson County has no Level 3 evacuations for the Rowe Creek Complex, though the fire keeps growing and smoke conditions can shift. Public Health Recall: Walmart shoppers are warned about recalled Marketside tomato soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination; the FDA says there are no confirmed illnesses yet. Oregon Ballot Watch: A Deschutes County ranked-choice voting petition missed the signature deadline and won’t appear on the November ballot. Portland Contract Scrutiny: A Portland-area recycling contractor is accused of greenwashing on government construction projects after Metro found recyclable material was improperly reported and dumped. Community & Sports: Cal Poly Humboldt men’s soccer begins preseason with a fresh schedule, while Oregon’s youth sports scene highlights new fall momentum.

Oregon Wildfire Mental Health: Oregon Health Authority is urging people to plan for the emotional hit from wildfire smoke and evacuations, noting stress, grief, sleep problems and trouble concentrating can follow smoke even without direct fire contact. Local Sports: Oregon women’s soccer opened its season with a 3-0 win over Portland State, getting a clean sheet and early goals from its revamped attack. College Football Recruiting: Oregon is pushing for a new quarterback target in the 2028 class, with four-star Tristin Gaines saying the Ducks are recruiting him hardest. Oregon Fire District Scrutiny: The Alfalfa Fire District board is facing resident grievances and questions about leadership and finances, including calls to change board rules and sell specific equipment. Oregon Energy Planning: The Northwest’s draft Ninth Power Plan would add thousands of megawatts of new power, storage, and efficiency by 2032, with public hearings starting in September. Oregon Tech & Business: Framatome’s Richland, Washington plant deal signals more momentum for domestic nuclear fuel supply, with Oregon-based NuScale tied to the effort. Community Calendar: Portland State University’s free Oregon Archaeology Roadshow heads to Hanley Farm in Central Point Aug. 20, with artifact ID and hands-on activities.

Wildfire & Public Safety: Oregon marked the dangers of the Wrights Spring Fire with flags lowered statewide for bulldozer operator Jason Ensign, killed Aug. 6 while fighting the blaze; firefighters report 5% containment as the fire expands to 52,531 acres in Klamath County, with multiple evacuation levels and Red Cross shelters open. Coast & Wildlife: NOAA says a humpback whale disentangled from Oregon fishing gear will likely die because its jaw was stuck open, a case expected to help prevent future entanglements. State Parks Policy: Oregon Parks and Recreation is restarting drone flights at 20 state park locations under new exceptions that took effect Aug. 8, after a statewide ban began May 1. Local Community & Housing: Central Oregon Gives 2026 is opening applications for nonprofits, and First Story is set to dedicate a Hayden Home for a Bend family Aug. 19. Health & Research: The American Lung Association Research Institute opened its 2027-2028 grant cycle, aiming to fund lung-health breakthroughs.

Portland Politics: Portland City Council voted 8-4 to approve a nonbinding term sheet for up to $120M in city-backed renovations to the Moda Center, starting formal talks with the Trail Blazers and aiming for a final vote in December. Wildfire & Safety: Gov. Kotek ordered flags lowered after bulldozer operator Jason Ensign died while building containment lines on the Wrights Spring Fire, underscoring Oregon’s ongoing wildfire risks. Public Health: Lane County says it will keep Oregon’s standard 17-shot vaccine schedule even after a Trump executive order lowers the recommended number and breaks MMR into separate shots. Local Courts: A La Grande man’s child sex crimes trial was postponed as defense seeks costly computer forensic work needed for a settlement conference. Environment & Animals: Rescuers freed a humpback whale from 3,000+ feet of fishing gear off Oregon, but NOAA says jaw damage likely means it can’t feed. Sports (Oregon angle): Oregon RB Jordon Davison practiced Wednesday after a report of a possible injury, with coach Ra’Shaad Samples saying he “practiced his butt off.”

Federal Health Policy: The Trump administration finalized a rule cutting Medicaid and CHIP funding for puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries for gender dysphoria in minors, affecting about 35.5 million children and shifting costs to states, families and private insurers—while Oregon Democratic attorneys general sue to block it. Wildfire Updates (Eastern Oregon): At a community meeting, incident commanders told Walla Walla and northeast Oregon residents the Paradise and Hagen fires will likely burn longer than their teams’ assignments, with plans meant to carry forward. Oregon Water & Environment: Madison Ranches agreed to a $6.2 million settlement over alleged groundwater pollution in the Umatilla basin, with funds aimed at helping residents replace or modify wells and connect to cleaner water. Public Safety: A 20-year-old tourist died after falling about 177 feet at Silver Falls State Park while posing for photos in a closed area. Sports (Oregon ties): Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper says he’s ready to finally play the way he wants after years of injuries, and Kiara Romero earned her LPGA card by winning the McCormack Medal. Lottery: Powerball hit $1 billion for Wednesday’s drawing.

Public Health Alert: Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County warned of a measles exposure at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center’s emergency waiting room in Gresham (Aug. 8, 9:18–11:24 a.m.), urging anyone there to check vaccination status and get an MMR shot if needed. Wildfire Impacts: Mt. Hood Meadows will close for the rest of summer as the Grasshopper Fire grows, with about 77,000 acres burned and containment around 20% as crews work to protect Highway 35. Local Safety & Crime: A Grants Pass man, Anthony Teal, was arrested after barricading himself in an RV bathroom during a standoff; Josephine County detectives will pursue further investigation. Health Care & Policy: Sen. Ron Wyden held a “Reimagining Health Care for America” hearing in Eugene focused on access to providers and a push toward Medicare for all. Environment & Water: Hermiston advanced a feasibility study and funding resolution to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from its municipal water system, citing detections above future EPA thresholds. Oregon Sports Spotlight: Incoming Ducks made waves at the U20 World Championships in Eugene, including Jaslene Massey’s silver in women’s discus.

Wildfire Watch: Oregon’s Hagen Fire has burned about 51,061 acres with only 11% containment, and Level 3 evacuations are in effect for parts of Umatilla County, with more areas on Level 2 and Level 1 “get ready” lists. Drought Update: The U.S. Drought Monitor says drought now covers about 91% of Oregon, with new “exceptional” drought showing up in Grant and Baker counties and extreme drought up to nearly 23% of the state. Evacuation Alerts: Deschutes County used a rare mass wireless emergency alert for a Level 3 evacuation near Bend, sending notifications to roughly 200,000 phones. Local Fire Response: In Lebanon, firefighters stopped a fast-moving brush fire from reaching a second home after a mobile home blaze spread uphill. Federal Pressure on Firefighting: Sen. Ron Wyden says Oregon crews have about half the staffing they need and is pushing for more federal wildfire support. School & Community: Oregon’s school board approved updates to an employee handbook, including training tied to ParentSquare for staff-student communication. Home Insurance: A new report finds premium growth is easing as insurers compete again, though costs remain historically high. Lottery: Powerball’s jackpot climbed to an estimated $975 million ahead of Wednesday’s drawing.

Oregon Scam Alert: Oregon officials say Spanish-speaking injured workers are being targeted with fake workers’ comp hearings—scammers push people to pay to get benefits, often using official-looking messages and even fake judges; DCBS says WCB never charges for hearings and doesn’t contact people via social apps, and urges victims to verify through the Ombuds Office. Local Education: CHS-Northwest in Lebanon held a white coat ceremony for 46 incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy students, marking the start of their patient-centered clinical training. Sports—Oregon Spotlight: Oregon offensive line coach A’lique Terry told media fall camp is about building cohesion among a new group, while discussing early progress and injuries. Wildlife & Land Use: A BC old-growth logging fight over Fire Lake raises questions about spotted owl protections after clearcutting moved forward despite prior designations. Sports—U20 Track: Kenya finished top in Africa and second globally at the World U20 meet in Eugene, Oregon, adding 11 medals on the final day.

Wildfire Watch (Oregon): The Rowe Creek Complex is at 84% containment but still active, with spot fires jumping lines near Ochoco Ranger Station Road and Highway 26 closed between mileposts 29.2 and 59.8. State Response: Oregon Air National Guard hand crews are continuing wildfire work on the Grasshopper Fire, shifting from structure protection to mop-up and patrol. Homelessness Funding (Oregon-related policy): Connecticut AG William Tong won a court order protecting federal homelessness funding after HUD tried to cap permanent housing support—another reminder that housing dollars can hinge on fast legal fights. Data Centers & Power Costs: Virginia regulators ordered Dominion Energy to directly assign transmission costs to data centers and other large load customers, a move that echoes Oregon’s ongoing debate over grid strain. Elections & Voter Rolls: A judge ruled states don’t have to hand over voter-roll records to the federal government, marking Trump’s 21st straight court loss on the issue. Sports (Oregon ties): Oregon is listed in the AVCA preseason top 25 for volleyball, and Oregon football begins fall camp with first practices underway. Lottery: Powerball climbs to an estimated $905M for Monday’s drawing.