AGP Executive Report

SNAP Update: Starting June 1, Oregonians applying for or renewing federal food benefits must complete interviews with state human services staff—an end to pandemic-era flexibility for many people. Election Day Buzz: Voters in six states, including Oregon, are heading to the polls today, with Trump’s endorsements and revenge-tour politics front and center—Kentucky’s Massie vs. Trump-backed challenger is the headline. Sports Betting Watch: North Carolina lawmakers are floating a higher sports-betting tax as part of budget talks, while a U.S. Senate hearing is set to dig into how gambling growth is affecting sports integrity. Environment & Health: Virginia AG Jay Jones joins a coalition pushing back on an EPA proposal that would gut national limits on ethylene oxide pollution. Oregon Community: Westside Comic Con is debuting in Hillsboro May 23-24, bringing local creators, cosplay, and tabletop gaming to Washington County. College Football Talk: Ryan Day and Dan Lanning defend a 24-team College Football Playoff as “more opportunity,” comparing it to March Madness.

Justice, Oregon: A career offender with 166 arrests and 55 convictions was finally sentenced to life without parole in Washington County after a 2023 sex-related incident at a retail store—Oregon’s “revolving-door” justice cycle is getting a rare hard stop. Housing, Portland: Home Forward’s interim director promised a “reset” after controversy over high vacancy rates, safety complaints, and taxpayer-funded travel spending by the former CEO. Education, Eugene: The University of Oregon is facing a $65M budget gap as out-of-state enrollment drops, adding pressure across Lane County school finances. Business, Woodland: Consolidated Supply Co. signed the first confirmed lease for a big Woodland Industrial Park warehouse—developers say it’s not a data center. Health & science, Oregon: OHSU researchers are exploring a simple blood test approach for very early pancreatic cancer detection. Air quality, Pacific Northwest: Seattle-Tacoma ranks among the worst metros for short-term particle pollution as wildfire smoke worsens spikes. Sports, Oregon: Oregon’s May 19 primary election coverage ramps up, while Ducks and OSU sports headlines keep rolling.

EPA Rollback Fight: Oregon’s flavored-tobacco win is part of a bigger public-health push as AG Raoul leads a coalition of states challenging the EPA’s plan to gut national ethylene oxide pollution limits—an effort the coalition says ignores updated science on cancer risk. Oregon Courts: The Oregon Supreme Court upheld Washington County’s flavored tobacco ban, clearing the way for local enforcement. Local Economy & Outdoors: Umatilla County is inviting proposals to reopen Spout Springs, the long-closed ski area, with a May 20 deadline. Public Safety & Health: A voluntary recall is in motion for Straus ice cream sold in 17 states, including Oregon, due to possible metal contamination. Housing/Finance: VA interest-rate refinance loans in Oregon averaged $453,819 in Q1 2026, up 3.1% from the prior quarter. Softball Spotlight: Oregon’s season ended after back-to-back losses in its NCAA regional, while the tournament field is down to 16 teams. Food & Travel Buzz: Dutch Bros opened its first Chicagoland location, kicking off a fast suburban expansion.

Oregon Sports Shock: Oregon softball’s season ended fast at the Eugene Regional, with the Ducks dropping back-to-back elimination games—first a 4-0 loss to Mississippi State (no-hit), then a 5-4 loss to Saint Mary’s after a late comeback attempt. NCAA Softball: Super Regional matchups are now set, and Tennessee is rolling to another one after sweeping Virginia, while Oklahoma State punched its ticket with an 11-5 win over Stanford. Local Flavor: Florence’s Rhododendron Festival wrapped up with thousands at the Grand Floral Parade, giving a noticeable boost to small businesses. Legal Watch: The University of Oregon is suing former player Dakoda Fields over an unpaid settlement balance tied to a contract agreement. Coast Fun: Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers still has four special glass-float beach drops left in 2026, with the next big one starting June 1. Food Safety: Oregon stores are included in a nationwide recall of certain organic ice cream flavors due to possible metal fragments. Politics/Policy: Oregon’s AG is pushing to expand its antitrust team, aiming to close a federal enforcement gap.

Local Business Spotlight: Kent’s Bent Tree Coffee Roasters is drawing a loyal crowd with small-batch, self-roasted coffee—turning its North Water Street cafe into a seven-days-a-week destination. Big Tech/Power Backlash: In Utah, the fight over a massive 40,000-acre data center keeps heating up after county commissioners fast-tracked approval while blocking public comment, with critics warning about out-of-state control and power demands. State Funding Watch: Wisconsin’s State Building Commission just approved about $248M for local infrastructure and community development projects. Oregon Sports Shock: Oregon softball’s NCAA run took a hit—Mississippi State’s Alyssa Faircloth threw a no-hitter as the Ducks fell 4-0, forcing Oregon into a do-or-die knock-out game. Community & Culture: Sunday in West Seattle is packed with bridge closures, the West Seattle 5K, farmers market season, and a big slate of festivals and family events. Health & Safety: A new study links tinnitus to serotonin activity, and Oregon’s heat-running advice is simple: ditch pace pressure and run by effort.

Health Breakthrough: Scientists traced how serotonin—targeted by many antidepressants—can boost signals in the brain’s hearing system, helping explain why tinnitus can flare during treatment. Oregon Sports: Oregon softball’s NCAA run took a hit: Mississippi State’s Alyssa Faircloth threw a no-hitter as the Bulldogs beat the Ducks 4-0, forcing Oregon into a knockout game. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Oregon, due to possible metal fragments. Local Sports Spotlight: Oregon State baseball is in postseason limbo after splitting with Air Force, while OSU still ended the regular season strong and now waits for Selection Monday. Politics Watch: A new Oregon governor poll shows Republican Chris Dudley leading Tina Kotek 48% to 44%, just inside the margin of error ahead of the May 19 primary.

Oregon Environment: DEQ is asking the public for input on new rules to curb methane leaks at Coffin Butte Landfill near Corvallis, after years of dangerous emissions and a record $3.02M penalty. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery is voluntarily recalling organic ice cream in 17 states, including Oregon, due to possible metal fragments—no injuries reported. Local Outdoors: A new trail system to the Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls) is set to open in 2027, with a new 100-car parking area and a safer route away from today’s overcrowding. Sports Spotlight: Oregon softball opened the NCAA Eugene Regional with a 5-1 win over Idaho State, powered by Ayanna Shaw’s grand slam, while Oregon’s track teams chase a Big Ten triple crown at Nebraska. Entertainment & Community: Canopy Club in Urbana confirmed it’s closing with “last call” events this weekend.

FDA Recall: Straus Family Creamery is pulling select flavors of its organic ice cream in 17 states (including Oregon) after reports of possible metal fragments—check the “best by” dates on the affected pints/quarts. Oregon Wildlife Funding: Oregon lawmakers passed a bill to permanently boost conservation funding by raising the transient lodging tax to 2.75%, with Gov. Tina Kotek expected to sign soon. Local Schools Watch: Springfield’s K-5 science and social science curricula were found not to meet state standards, and Woodburn’s contract talks are still stuck after mediation with a strike threat hanging over the district. Courtroom Win for Forests: A federal judge halted a Southern Oregon logging plan near Yoncalla, forcing BLM to scrap the current proposal. Sports (Oregon + NCAA): Payton Burnham kept rolling in Arkansas’ regional; Stetson stunned Florida State; and Oregon-area prep baseball/softball results filled the Friday scoreboard. Portland Love Story: A couple got engaged at a Portland Fire game—one year after meeting at a Liberty preseason stop in Eugene.

Sports & Local College: NCAA softball is kicking off with Oregon hosting the Eugene Regional, where the Ducks (14th seed) open vs. Idaho State, while Oregon State baseball keeps rolling and Oregon plays USC in a key series. Recruiting Buzz: A 4-star wideout from Wyoming’s Derrick Martin Jr. is drawing major offers that include Oregon, and Hays High OL Gus Corsair has committed to the Ducks. Crime & Courts: An Oregon emergency room doctor was sentenced to prison for a 2024 hit-and-run that prosecutors say left a man for dead. Tech & Privacy: Lawmakers are pushing back on AI identity systems and DHS “smart glasses” for immigration officers, warning about covert biometric tracking. Weird-but-Real: A viral businessman faces federal charges in an endangered species harassment case tied to an attack on a Hawaiian monk seal. Oregon Weekend Picks: The Selco Pole Pedal Paddle hits tomorrow, plus the PPP’s 50th anniversary celebration is underway.

Wildlife Rescue: Oregon Zoo helped return 22 endangered northwestern pond turtles to the Columbia River Gorge after Washington biologists collected them as hatchlings—grown in a lab for nine to 10 months so they’re big enough to dodge predators. Health Care Upgrade: Legacy Health is replacing Oregon’s only burn center with a new, state-of-the-art Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel, opening June 3 with 16 suites, a wound care room, rehab space, and a pediatric play area. Courts & Utilities: Wildfire survivors are asking the Oregon Supreme Court to revisit a ruling that could derail their PacifiCorp case over 2020 fire damages. Local Leadership Shakeup: Portland Community College’s president, Adrien Bennings, is leaving effective May 15, with Katy Ho stepping in as acting president. Politics: Oregon’s GOP gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley is leaning into a new claim that Gov. Tina Kotek called him to stop his run—Kotek’s camp says it was just a cordial conversation. Sports: No. 7 Oregon State baseball kept rolling, beating Air Force 7-2 in its series opener.

Portland-area political mood shift: A new Oregonian/OregonLive poll finds 70% of Portland-area adults say Trump policies have directly affected them, mostly for the worse—cost of living, immigration enforcement fears, and tariffs top the list. Keizer shooting arrests: Two Salem men were arrested after an In-N-Out Burger drive-thru shooting in Keizer seriously injured a father while his kids were in the car. ICE protest trial: A Portland clarinetist accused of kicking or biting a federal officer during an ICE protest is now in the jury’s hands. Oregon sports recruiting: 4-star OL Gus Corsair from Hays High has committed to Oregon, choosing the Ducks over Miami and Vanderbilt. Weird-but-true Oregon lore: A stolen $7 lamp returned to Oregon City became a meme-worthy local celebrity. Public health watch: An Oregon doctor involved in a hantavirus cruise outbreak has been cleared to leave a biocontainment unit after inconclusive testing. Community calendar: This weekend’s Freeport-area events include a perennial plant sale and other fundraisers and live music.

PacifiCorp Court Fight: Oregon Supreme Court justices are being urged to reverse a decision that wiped out wildfire damages verdicts against PacifiCorp, with property owners arguing the ruling leaves no workable path for class trials. Public Health Watch: CDC says the hantavirus outbreak tied to a polar cruise ship still poses a low risk to the general public, while Oregon’s doctor involved is being monitored in Nebraska. Wildlife Tragedy: Another gray whale death was reported near Whidbey Island—19th case in Washington this year—amid signs starvation may be driving the unusual mortality. Reproductive Care Protections: Gov. Kotek signed new Oregon laws to backfill Planned Parenthood funding if federal support is cut, aiming to protect abortion, gender-affirming care, and preventive services. Entertainment Oregon: Laika’s stop-motion fantasy “Wildwood” drops a new trailer—crows, enchanted forests, and big battles included. Sports & Local Pride: Southern Oregon University’s Raiders punch their ticket to the NAIA World Series after a 10-2 win in the Ashland bracket.

Wildwood Buzz: Laika just dropped the first teaser for its stop-motion epic Wildwood—a dark fantasy rescue story set beyond Portland, with a murder of crows, talking animals, and a huge “from the hands that made Coraline” vibe. OSF Spotlight: Oregon Shakespeare Festival is staging You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!—a funny, tear-tinged family drama that turns climate dread into theater. Sports Pulse: The NCAA softball “Mayhem” era kicks off with the Eugene regional in play, while Oregon State baseball keeps pushing for a host spot. Oregon Politics & Voting: About 12% of Oregon voters have already returned ballots a week before the May 19 primary—ranked voting may be shaping the pace. Community Notes: Eugene’s Concert Choir marks its 100th year at McArthur Court with a May 30 gala concert, and Scappoose’s Outdoor Fun Festival returns June 6.

Shellfish Safety Shock: California just warned that paralytic toxin in coastal shellfish can’t be destroyed by cooking—so don’t eat mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from parts of the coast after testing found dangerous levels. Oregon Politics & Ballots: Washington County is at just 11.6% turnout one week before the May 19 primary, with drop boxes open 24/7 and strict deadlines for mailed ballots. Local Sports Buzz: No. 7 Oregon State kept rolling, beating Portland 8-3 in the final midweek game. Community & Culture: Gresham’s massive new library opens with a rooftop terrace and podcast studio, and Peabody’s drag bingo fundraiser packed the room for arts support. Tech & Training: Shoot 360 is launching a new Hillsboro location inside LA Fitness on May 16. Ethics Watch: A Grantsville officer is under investigation after a bodycam call allegedly included racist comments involving a former Eugene officer.

Oregon Spotlight: A new Oregon ballot tool is live—Yamhill County’s Election Ballot Return Dashboard lets people track ballots in real time, including drop-box and mail returns, signature issues, and turnout signals, while keeping voter privacy in mind. National Politics: The Trump administration is easing hunting and fishing rules across federal lands, including national parks and refuges, with critics warning it could change how ecosystems are managed. Outdoor & Culture: Journey is extending its “Final Frontier” tour with 40 new fall dates, including a Seattle stop at Climate Pledge Arena on Sept. 21. Business & Health: Benchmade named Ryan Coulter VP of Product as it pushes new product development and manufacturing. Sports: College football’s “wild West” is getting a public dressing-down from Steve Sarkisian, while Oregon recruiting buzz continues with 4-star OL Gus Corsair committing to the Ducks.

Portland Pride in Public Art: The Trail Blazers teamed up with local artists and the Portland Street Art Alliance to create three murals and wrapped 47 utility boxes with neighborhood designs across Rip City. WNBA Update: Sabrina Ionescu is sidelined with a left foot injury, so the New York Liberty will miss her Tuesday/Thursday matchups vs. the Portland Fire—Portland’s home opener crowd still set a WNBA expansion record. Sports Tourism Boost: Southern Oregon Open basketball in Medford drew nearly 200 teams and thousands of visitors, with organizers pointing to a $1M+ tourism impact last year. Softball Bracket Pressure: Alabama is the No. 1 seed in the NCAA softball tournament, but its regional draw includes USC Upstate, Belmont, and Southeastern Louisiana. Utilities & Healthcare Watch: Oregon regulators are taking longer on the Salem Health–Santiam merger, and Pacific Power filed a rate case with an interim plan affecting 2027 bills. Gas Prices: Diesel and gas prices remain volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting “lowest” week-ending May 2 deals. Powerball: Jackpot climbed to $57M ahead of Monday’s drawing.