AGP Executive Report

Portland Trail Blazers: The team fired newly hired play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell just hours after announcing him, after racist and sexist social media posts from his teen years resurfaced; the move leaves the season opener broadcast plans up in the air. Privacy & Tech: Three U.S. senators unveiled the “Ban Flock Act,” aiming to stop federal use of AI-powered surveillance cameras and automatic license plate readers tied to private systems. Holiday Film Buzz: Hallmark named Ashland, Oregon, a finalist in its 2026 Merriest Christmas Town contest, with the winner set to be revealed Oct. 31 and earning a shot to host a Hallmark movie shoot. Arts & Community: Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles received a $14.4 million bequest from Dorothy Field, including money already used to retire construction debt. Local Arts/Entertainment: A Cowboy Poetry and Western Art & Gear Show returns to the Alger Theater in Lakeview for its fifth year, featuring Ryan Fritz and other regional favorites. Oregon Sports: Oregon women’s soccer fell 1-0 to No. 10 UCLA in a heartbreaking finish, while Oregon volleyball topped No. 10 Purdue in a dramatic reverse-sweep at Matthew Knight Arena.

Housing Costs Hit Home: A new report flags Bend, Oregon among once-affordable retirement towns now priced out by migration and second-home demand. AI in Oregon Schools: Nvidia has paused its “AI ambassadors” effort in Oregon, leaving a state-funded program largely unmet. Rent-Pricing Legal Fight: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield’s RealPage case can move forward after a judge rejected attempts to toss the antitrust lawsuit over algorithm-driven rent hikes. Surveillance Tech Pushback: A bill dubbed the “Ban Flock Act” would block federal use of automated license plate readers, with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley among the sponsors. Arts & Community: Sunriver’s Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show returns Oct. 17 at SHARC, with Indigenous actress Tantoo Cardinal set for a Warm Springs screening of “Smoke Signals” on Oct. 9. Sports Calendar: Weekend listings and college football coverage ramp up, with Oregon State, Boise State, and other regional matchups driving the sports buzz.

Portland Arts & Sports Broadcasting: The Trail Blazers named Braiden Bell as their new TV play-by-play voice—then fired him about eight hours later after old tweets surfaced with racist and misogynistic views, with the team saying it has “zero tolerance” and promising a safer, values-aligned broadcast team. Oregon Health & Wellness: Oregon is setting rules for physical therapists’ use of dry needling, a technique aimed at easing muscle pain and trigger points without injections. Local Business & Tech: OpConnect opened its new Central Eastside EV charging HQ in Portland, pitching the expansion as support for net-zero goals and more local jobs. Community & Small Business: Avenue Foundation launched its Avenues of Impact program to back Portland-area BIPOC business owners with small grants plus coaching and mentorship. Music Spotlight: Grouper’s Liz Harris talks virality, streaming scams, and her “restorative” dream-pop trio—while reflecting on her solitary, boundary-pushing career. Film & Festivals: Pakistan selected the documentary-thriller “Hanging By a Wire” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature category, with a Bend Film Festival stop next week. Politics & Culture: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and allies are pushing to block demolition of the Kennedy Center, as Congress moves to require authorization before the landmark can be torn down.

Oregon Arts & Community: Oakridge’s first contested mayoral race in years pits incumbent Bryan Cutchen against Shawn Goddard, founder of a BIPOC art collective, as both candidates promise to tackle budget gaps and stalled projects. Campus Life: Southern Oregon University’s Week of Welcome keeps students connected with “Meet Ashland & Beyond,” a student club fair, and an on-campus job fair. Local Culture & Events: Portland Japanese Garden is set to spotlight a textile exhibition from an acclaimed Japanese studio, and Bend’s new art station is opening with classes starting. Sports & Entertainment: The Trail Blazers’ offseason buzz grows with Damian Lillard’s return and Ja Morant joining him, raising big questions about fit. Health & Safety (Oregon-relevant): A federal judge lifted a Lane Community College ban so a student can return for academic purposes, while the dispute continues.

Local Arts & Community: Bend’s Street Dog Hero fundraiser is turning into a full-on community event: Florio Tiramani plans a sunrise-to-sunset 12-hour nonstop run Oct. 4, with live music, vendors, and $1 beers to support local adoptions. Arts Calendar: “Baker Night at the Opera” returns Oct. 8 at the Baker County Fairgrounds, rescheduled from wildfire-smoke delays, with proceeds benefiting the historic Orpheum Theater. Public Art: Medford is getting a new downtown mural at the Bartlett-Middleford parking garage connection, built around “Connection” with regional wildlife and landscapes. Sports & Entertainment: Dave Pasch is stepping away from Cardinals radio after 24 seasons while adding NFL play-by-play at ESPN—plus Gonzaga and WSU both unveiled full 2026-27 schedules. Oregon Culture Spotlight: UO’s Knight Library is celebrating cursive and paper pleasures, with a Q&A-style look at how one retired librarian keeps analog art alive. Civic Life: Oregon DHS reminds students they may qualify for SNAP, with eligibility rules that can surprise people.

Culture Wars: A new wave of “gatekeeping” debate is getting extra loud as brands try to cash in on subcultures—Wendy’s even dropped an “emo” album as a reminder that corporate “edginess” often comes with a profit motive. Arts in Oregon: Black Box Gallery in Portland is hosting “Black and White: 2026,” featuring a curated Central Illinois photographer’s work running Oct. 1–25. Music & Community: Linfield Collaborative Music Ensemble premiered its first album, “Patterns of Wilderness,” with commissioned pieces tied to Oregon bird inspiration and ecological preservation. Film & Theater: The 1970s-style drama “The Weight” lands as a gritty Oregon-set gold-transport story starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. Sports Spotlight: Oregon’s Dante Moore injury and the USC hit fallout dominated headlines, while the Ducks still rallied past the Trojans 41–27—keeping the rivalry conversation (and controversy) front and center. Local Travel: Brand USA is pitching 2027 as a big travel year, highlighting Portland’s James Beard Public Market among major openings.

Oregon Politics: A record-shattering $10 million check from a California carpenters union PAC has landed in Oregon’s governor’s race, raising fresh questions about who’s funding what as Gov. Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan head toward their first debate Oct. 1. College Sports Law: The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act, but the House hurdles are still huge—especially around antitrust concerns and how quickly lawmakers can move. Oregon Arts & Community: Sisters Movie House & Café and ETC are rolling out October programming, from “Autumn Arts & Adventure” film nights to a touring “The Importance of Being Earnest” stop in Sisters. Local Culture: Bend’s new $5.5 million art station is open and classes are starting, adding another creative hub for Central Oregon. Food & Fun: Jacksonville’s Brickline Pizza Co. is winning fans with giant 24-inch New York-style pies, plus 25-cent pool games. Health & Safety: Federal student loan autopay enrollment got extended to Dec. 31, giving borrowers more time to lock in the interest-rate discount.

Oregon Sports Spotlight: Ducks QB Dante Moore says he’ll “be back soon” after a concussion from USC’s Desman Stephens II hit, with Oregon reporting clean CT/MRI results and backup Dylan Raiola leading the offense in the 41-27 win. College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed Sen. Maria Cantwell’s Protect College Sports Act (77-22), aiming to rein in “chaos” around transfers and NIL by setting national rules for revenue sharing and athlete compensation. Local Arts & Community: Eugene’s 4th Annual BRiGHT Parade celebrates local creativity and art, while Medford marks Dolly Parton Day and Ashland’s New Plays Festival unveils its 34th fall lineup. Arts & Culture (Oregon): Nina Schuyler explores river-based climate fiction in a craft-and-voice feature, and a Portland free-hugs golden retriever scout still draws crowds five years after his death. Health & Safety: Enterprise’s Wallowa Memorial Hospital is installing an MRI unit, with a community open house set for Oct. 21. Everyday Savings: Oregon families are among those using “Library of Things” programs to borrow costly items for free.

Oregon Arts & Culture: Repertory Dance Theatre’s 61st season kicks off with Legend & Lore, including a world premiere commission by Penny Saunders and restagings of major works. Portland Creative Scene: Portland’s fiber arts festival returns bigger than ever, and the Oregon Arts Commission awarded $150,000 in learning grants to 15 organizations. Music/Arts Leadership: Isaac Thompson, formerly CEO of the Oregon Symphony, is profiled as he begins his first year leading the Minnesota Orchestra. Sports (Oregon): Oregon’s QB Dante Moore is back in the spotlight after a concussion update following the USC hit, while the Ducks’ win over USC keeps the rivalry fallout and coaching chatter front and center. Community Events: Oregon Community Calendar listings run Oct. 1–11, plus more things to do across the state. Public Lands/Tech: Lawmakers push for transparency on data center approvals on public lands, as opposition grows over energy, water, and local impacts.

Oregon Football: Oregon’s Dante Moore suffered a concussion on a late hit vs. USC, but Oregon says MRI/CT scans were “clean” and there were no additional injuries; Dylan Raiola stepped in to help the Ducks beat the Trojans 41-27. USC Fallout: USC suspended LB Desman Stephens II for one game after the targeting ejection, and the hit sparked a major fan fight and online backlash. College Football Poll Watch: Florida surged to No. 8 in the AP Top 25, Mississippi State jumped to No. 16, and Oregon climbed to No. 15 after the USC win; Iowa rose to No. 14 after beating Michigan 20-19. Arts & Culture: Oktoberfest returned to Portland’s Oaks Park, and Corvallis’ 53rd annual Fall Festival drew tens of thousands for art, music, and family fun. Local Entertainment: Bruce Campbell says he left Hollywood for Oregon and now builds independent projects there. Community & Music: An Oregon-based activist helped launch Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT, an anti-ICE compilation album releasing Oct. 2. Sports Notes: The Blazers’ offseason swing on Ja Morant comes with real health and fit questions as Portland reshapes its rotation.

Oregon Football Fallout: Oregon’s Dante Moore was carted off after a late hit by USC LB Desman Stephens II, sparking a near-brawl and a week of backlash. USC later suspended Stephens for one game, while Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the play “disgusting,” and Moore’s injury update points to a concussion with a return expected later this season. Rankings Shake-Up: Florida surged into the AP Top 10 at No. 8 after beating Ole Miss, while Oregon climbed to No. 15 after its 41-27 win over USC; Penn State dropped out after a loss to Wisconsin. Recruiting Spotlight: Willamette dual-sport QB/RHP Zeke Thomas committed to Oregon State, adding a local talent pipeline for both football and baseball. Portland Arts: Ecotrust’s free noon concerts continue with the Ruslan String Quartet playing in the atrium alongside Hotlips Pizza. Music News: Portland bassist Jack Donovan remains hospitalized in Portland with pneumonia, forcing Elder to postpone remaining fall tour dates. Local Sports: Naselle and Ilwaco competed in the Three-Course Challenge cross country meet at Rilea Armed Forces Training Center.

Oregon-USC Football: No. 20 Oregon rallied after QB Dante Moore was carted off in a second-quarter injury from a late hit by USC’s Desman Stephens II, then Dylan Raiola stepped in and threw for 289 yards and two TDs as the Ducks beat No. 12 USC 41-27. Sportsmanship & Fallout: Lanning called the hit “disgusting,” players said it felt intentional, and Stephens was ejected for targeting—while fans also argued online about whether Moore’s slide contributed. Coaching & Culture Clash: After the win, Dan Lanning trolled USC’s crowd and football culture with a jab about going to Oregon instead of a Chris Brown concert, turning the rivalry into a full-on spectacle. TV & Pop Culture: The SNL season premiere was delayed in many markets because the Oregon-USC game ran long, with NBC viewers complaining about missing the opening moments. Food & Environment (non-sports): A new push for plastics-free alternatives highlights flax-based materials as a potential path away from synthetic fabrics that shed plastic fibers. Lottery: Powerball numbers for Sept. 26 were 14, 40, 52, 55, 57 with a Powerball of 24.

Oregon-USC Football (Tonight): The Ducks head to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a 7:30 p.m. ET NBC showdown with No. 12 USC, with forecasts calling for warm, dry weather and a cooler second half. Betting coverage leans Oregon’s way, with multiple previews pointing to a high-scoring game and Oregon favored by about a field goal. Rivalry Watch: Oregon’s “Storm LA” uniform combo is getting attention ahead of the Big Ten opener, and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit says the Ducks still look “searching for rhythm” despite the hype. Local Politics: Multnomah County District 2 voters will choose among seven candidates in November’s ranked-choice race, with profiles spotlighting community and housing experience. Art & Culture: Sasha Fishman’s “Lemniscata” brings water-driven, science-meets-sculpture vibes to Ruffin Gallery through Oct. 9. Streaming & Movies: Laika’s “Coraline” is set to hit HBO Max Oct. 1, timed with the studio’s next stop-motion feature “Wildwood” in theaters Oct. 23. Community & Homelessness: A Portland self-governed village, Dignity Village, is profiled as a rare fully self-funded, self-run model for managing conflict and daily life.

Oregon Politics & Voting: Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is set to bring the “Oregon Votes” town hall to Medford, with Sen. Jeff Golden, Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker, and Medford Mayor Michael Zarosinski on the panel. Oregon Sports: No. 20 Oregon heads to No. 12 USC in a high-stakes Week 4 matchup, with the Ducks looking to generate defensive pressure and prove they’re playoff-ready after an early stumble. Local College Sports: Corban’s No. 6 women’s volleyball team rallied past Oregon Tech in a five-set thriller to get back in the win column. Health & Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese; Oregon is among the affected states, and a recall is underway. Community & Family Fun: Dolly Parton Day was celebrated in Medford with music, crafts, and early-literacy efforts tied to the Imagination Library. Entertainment & Culture: A new Oregon-made film is headed to Salem Cinema, and an Astoria film mural is opening to rave reviews. Science & Society: Oregon State research links early-morning social media use with higher odds of depression, though it can’t prove cause.

Ducks vs. Trojans: No. 20 Oregon heads to USC for a primetime, high-stakes Big Ten showdown, with Dan Lanning and Lincoln Riley both treating it like a playoff preview. Portland Celebrates Dolly Parton: Portland officially declares 9/25 “Dolly Parton Day,” with drag performances and citywide events tied to her “9 to 5” legacy. UO Welcome Fest: Eugene and the University of Oregon team up for Ducks Downtown, featuring the Eugene BRiGHT Parade, pop-up markets, and a Taste of TrackTown food crawl. Eugene Housing Boom: The Mark Eugene breaks ground near UO, adding 1,002 student beds in phase one (2,275 total) plus retail and major amenity space. Arts Loss: Steven Sabel, founder of the Redlands Shakespeare Festival, dies at 55 after cancer surgery complications. Invasive Species Watch: A new look at the European green crab explains how the West Coast invasion is reshaping coastal ecosystems and aquaculture. Entertainment Industry Legal News: Oregon AG Rayfield joins a settlement push tied to Paramount/Warner Bros. antitrust claims, aiming to protect film and TV output.

College Football (Oregon spotlight): Week 4 is packed with ranked conference clashes, led by No. 1 Texas at No. 13 Tennessee (ABC), plus the big USC–Oregon marquee that’s already driving the sport’s biggest questions. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act is headed for a Senate vote next week, with BYU and Utah watching closely as the bill could reshape athlete leverage nationwide. Local Arts & Culture: Benton Museum hosts an artist reception for Davina Semo’s “Tender Shield,” while Portland horror author Keith Rosson’s vampire novel “Coffin Moon” is moving toward a TV adaptation at Paramount. Music & Performance: Portland’s Kenworthy celebrates 100 years with Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and the Oregon arts calendar keeps filling in with fall offerings. Community & Events (Southern Oregon): United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon holds a community conversation in Medford on healthcare, early childhood education, and child hunger. Sports Notes (Oregon): North Medford tops crosstown rival South Medford in a five-set volleyball thriller.