AGP Executive Report

College Sports & Antitrust: A new federal antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s $20.5 million cap on revenue-sharing, arguing it violates state NIL laws in 17 states and seeks damages for affected players. Election Data Fight: Homeland Security is backing off a plan to share mail-voter data, saying it’s now preliminary and tied to USPS rulemaking. Housing & Homelessness: U.S. Catholic bishops warn the housing crunch is turning into a crisis for families, citing severe shortages of affordable rentals and limited housing assistance. Oregon Economy: NFIB says Oregon small-business optimism fell in May, with uncertainty rising and inflation/fuel costs weighing on owners. Local Business & Jobs: Les Schwab is laying off 70 Bend headquarters employees as it says it’s restructuring to better support stores. Energy Tax Ruling: A federal court vacated an IRS notice that had limited the “5% Safe Harbor” for wind and solar tax credits. Public Safety/Community: A Southern Oregon food drive raised $76,383 for hungry families, enough for hundreds of thousands of meals. Sports: A Texas Tech quarterback eligibility fight is sparking Big 12 backlash after a judge granted a temporary injunction.

Softball Spotlight: Kim Ng is steering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League into its second season with MLB backing, ESPN airing 50 games, and Portland’s new Cascade team joining the league’s six-city lineup. Oregon Health & Safety-Net: All 36 Oregon counties approved updated County Financial Assistance Agreements with the Oregon Health Authority, prioritizing people most at risk of hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, or behavioral health crises. Federal Courts & Energy Policy: A federal judge struck down an IRS rule limiting wind and solar tax credits, sending guidance back after finding the change lacked adequate explanation. Homelessness During Big Events: Ahead of the World Cup, some host cities are pushing housing-first approaches, while many rely on existing programs without new tournament-linked funding. Public Safety Case: An Oregon mother in Keizer faces charges after police say she tried to kill her three children with carbon monoxide. Local Governance: Benton County commissioners appointed Rick Crager as county administrator. Tourism Leadership: Travel Oregon named Kate Sinner as its next executive director, starting July 6.

Health Insurance Rates: Oregon insurers have filed proposed 2027 individual and small-group health rates, kicking off a public review process through July 13; the weighted average increase is 17.5% in the individual market and 17% in small group, with the Oregon Reinsurance Program helping keep hikes lower than expected. Local Governance: Salem City Council will hold a public hearing Monday on its 2027 budget and state revenue sharing, giving residents a chance to weigh in before a final vote later this month. Energy & Courts: A federal judge struck down IRS guidance that tightened tax-credit rules for wind and solar projects, a move that could affect affordability as credits are set to expire soon. Public Health & Environment: A new report links Parkinson’s disease to pesticide exposure, warning farmworkers and nearby communities are at risk—coverage focused on Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. Oregon Economy: Eugene and Springfield business leaders met with Sen. Jeff Merkley to discuss how rising prices and shifting federal policies are squeezing local customers and payrolls. Education & Community: OSU’s class of 2026 is set to graduate after a look back at barrier-breakers in the school’s history, including early milestone alum Alice E. Biddle. Arts & Tech: OSU is preparing an extended reality theater in its new innovation complex, aiming to turn research data into immersive experiences. Business/Local Pride: Revity Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to Granite and Father McGivney seniors. Science: Sea star researchers report a surprising “baby boom” after a massive die-off. Transportation: Washington and Oregon transportation commissions discussed tolling plans for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, with tolls expected to start in summer 2028 and final rates due late 2027.

Oregon Schools: Oregon School District picked Edustaff as its official substitute staffing partner, aiming to keep classrooms covered with screened, credentialed substitutes and cut admin burden. Cannabis Policy: High-potency cannabis is driving fresh state debate over psychosis and addiction risks, while lawmakers consider whether a new law could end the THC drink craze. Local Housing/Construction Dispute: A Crook County contractor dispute over an accessory dwelling unit has moved from mediation to civil court, after a homeowner alleged a $10,000 deposit wasn’t refunded and work never started. Energy & Reliability: A regional energy report warns the Northwest could face a reliability gap without more dispatchable power, with the shortfall projected to grow unless policy and supply change. Banking Footprint: Fifth Third plans to permanently close 81 branches after its Comerica acquisition, reflecting continued shift toward digital banking. National Politics: Senate action would fund ICE for the rest of Trump’s term, after a fight over a controversial payments fund. Oregon Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a longtime Oregon Republican, died at 93.

Aviation & Service: Fairchild Air Force Base’s SkyFest 2026 drew crowds with an F-16 Viper Demonstration Team show, plus big transports like a C-5 and a WWII-era B-17, celebrating the nation’s 250th and honoring troops overseas. Ocean & Climate Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative—900+ ocean sensors—after major funding cuts, with Oregon-area instruments being removed as scientists warn the timing could worsen what’s already a volatile ocean outlook. Civil Liberties: The Senate failed to extend the FISA Section 702 surveillance program, with seven Republicans joining Democrats, setting up another fight next week. Public Safety: New speeding cameras on a Sherwood street reportedly caught 1,045 drivers over the limit in two weeks. Health Care: Oregon’s nurse staffing law enforcement is hitting PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with nearly $500,000 in proposed fines. Politics: Former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations, died at 93. Wildfire Preparedness: Lane County urged businesses to plan now for above-normal fire risk. Local Economy: PGE is seeking a large data-center rate increase, and Hillsboro is preparing for traffic impacts as an In-N-Out nears opening.

Oregon Ballot Fight: A new Oregon initiative would criminalize hunting and fishing statewide, with backers pushing the measure as animal protection while hunters and anglers gear up to defeat it. Federal Food Funding: A judge blocked Trump SNAP funding restrictions in a lawsuit by 20 states and DC, arguing the conditions could disrupt nutrition help for low-income families. Deschutes County Politics: A sheriff candidate says he was placed on paid administrative leave amid misconduct allegations, escalating tensions ahead of the election. Oregon Health Costs: Medicaid spending data show sharp local jumps in services—Pendleton dental payments rose to $252,739 in 2024, and surgery-related bills climbed in Gresham. National/Global: The U.S. moves to dismantle ocean monitoring sensors used to track El Niño and AMOC, while researchers report progress and open questions in editing human embryo genes. Obituaries: Former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood died at 93, ending a career marked by a major sexual misconduct scandal.

SNAP Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in federal nutrition funding in 20 states and DC, pausing USDA SNAP-related restrictions while the lawsuit plays out. Oregon Policy Push: Oregon lawmakers’ new batch of laws takes effect this week, including steps meant to shield residents from federal actions and ease cost-of-living pressure. Local Economy & Health: The Oregon Clinic opened a new Beaverton specialty pavilion, expanding cardiology, surgery orthopedics, pulmonary and sleep medicine under one roof. Tribal Development: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde began major construction at tumwata village, a mixed-use redevelopment at the former Blue Heron mill site aimed at housing, commerce, cultural tourism and restored river access. Food & Community: Lents International Farmers Market returns for its 21st season Sunday, June 7, with local vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and SNAP/EBT support. Public Safety Funding: Portland faces a staffing-and-budget crunch as critics warn 911 response reliability is slipping amid proposed police cuts. Science & Climate: Federal moves to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative could remove more than 900 deep-sea instruments, including off Oregon, as monitoring shifts.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in SNAP funding, pausing requirements while a lawsuit by 19 Democratic-led states and D.C. moves forward. Oregon Economy: In Eugene, Sen. Jeff Merkley heard from Lane County businesses about thin margins and higher costs tied to inflation and federal policy shifts. Local Health & Safety: Salem opened its first sobering center and expanded detox and clinic services downtown, aiming to give people a non-jail option. Transportation Tolls: Oregon and Washington officials say Interstate Bridge tolling could still hit a $1.5B revenue target despite early traffic losses, while critics warn tolling only I-5 could push drivers to I-205. Higher Ed: The University of Oregon faces a major budget crisis, with plans to cut $65 million and close dorms amid enrollment declines. Labor: The NLRB ordered Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center to bargain with healthcare technicians seeking union recognition. Portland Politics: City officials will review residency allegations involving Salem council candidate Betsy Vega after election results are finalized.

Salem Council Eligibility: Salem city officials say they’re reviewing residency irregularities allegations against council candidate Betsy Vega, with the city recorder and attorney set to decide after election results are formally declared. Data Centers & Energy Costs: Portland General Electric filed to implement Oregon’s new data center rate class under the Power Act, with large-load data centers/crypto mining facing a 29% energy-cost jump starting June 10, while residential rates drop 1.3%. Climate Court Setback: A federal appeals court rejected a youth-led climate lawsuit challenging three Trump executive orders, saying the plaintiffs didn’t show a clear link between the orders and their alleged harms. Health Insurance Shakeup: Providence Health Plan plans to exit most of its insurance business in 2027, leaving about 400,000 Oregonians and Southwest Washington residents scrambling for new coverage. Local Grants: Seventy-three Southern Oregon nonprofits will split $2.25 million in Walker Fund grants aimed at education, family stability, health, and youth programs. Education Wins: Oregon high schoolers dominated National Merit top-tier scholarships, with 26 students earning $2,500 awards this spring. Wildlife Concern: Residents in Bend report finding multiple dead raptors, raising questions about possible harm from rodenticides.

Oregon Politics & Accountability: A Portland-area county’s race-based housing spending is under scrutiny after internal data showed outcomes for homeless minorities worsened even as “equity-focused” trainings rose, with officials saying they don’t track whether culturally specific providers produce better results. Local Governance: Portland City Council passed a ban on force-fed foie gras sales, with a complaint-based enforcement process and fines up to $5,000 per violation. Environment & Recreation: Oregonians are pushing back against new paddleboard and kayak permit requirements tied to invasive-species prevention, arguing the rules add friction for non-motorized recreation. Public Health & Science: Researchers at the University of Oregon unveiled an AI model that reads DNA like a language to reconstruct ancestry and evolutionary history, potentially speeding up population genetics work. Wildlife Watch: Gray whale deaths continue to mount along the West Coast, with reports citing dozens of fatalities this year and Oregon among the affected states. Business & Community: Eugene’s hotel market is seeing growth fueled by university investment, events, and a tech sector boost, supporting steady demand.

Utility Rates & Data Centers: Portland General Electric filed for POWER Act rate changes that would raise electricity costs for large data centers by 29% while cutting rates for residential (down 1.3%) and small business (down 3.7%), with a June 10 effective date pending OPUC approval. Consumer Protection: A new Oregon law (HB 4116) takes effect June 5 to close a loophole that let some internet lenders charge above Oregon’s 36% cap by “exporting” higher out-of-state rates. Local Food Access: El Torito Supermarket is moving into a long-vacant Rite Aid building in downtown Salem, using $470,000 in city grants to bring a full-service grocery to an area described as a food desert. Transportation Condition: A new analysis finds 6.1% of Oregon’s major roadways are in poor condition, underscoring ongoing repair needs as federal road funding faces expiration pressure. Behavioral Health: Gov. Kotek and partners finalized updated behavioral health agreements for all 36 Oregon counties, replacing a 30-year model with clearer expectations and accountability. Earthquake & Safety: A 4.1 quake rattled the Las Vegas area, while Oregon also saw strong West Coast seismic activity. Tech & Privacy: Amazon’s Ring faces a class-action alleging its “Familiar Faces” feature collected facial data without consent. Predatory Lending: Oregon’s new consumer finance protections target high-interest loan practices tied to the federal deregulation loophole.

Energy Costs: Georgia drivers are set to feel higher gas prices now that the state’s temporary gas tax break expired June 2, ending months of roughly 33 cents-per-gallon relief even as national prices ease. Health Policy: States are racing toward a Jan. 1, 2027 deadline for Medicaid work requirements after federal guidance came out, but Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says the rollout is too complicated and could leave eligible people without coverage. Oregon Economy & Power: Avista says it has an agreement with a “large load” customer seeking up to 125 MW starting in 2029 and a path to 500 MW by 2032, raising questions about data-center growth and costs. Environment & Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, meaning major ocean monitoring off Alaska, Washington, Oregon and elsewhere will go dark as instruments are recovered. Public Safety & Justice: Oregon’s drug decriminalization debate continues as a new study challenges the “failed experiment” narrative around Measure 110.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, with instruments off Oregon set to go dark as soon as June 16—sparking alarm among scientists who say the data is crucial for tracking climate and ocean change. Local Justice: A Portland-area man accused of killing women and dumping their bodies was arraigned on a fifth murder charge, with his defense entering a not-guilty plea. Housing & Costs: Oregon lawmakers and coastal officials are pushing DEQ to pause penalties tied to Pacific Seafood’s wastewater fines as the company appeals. Transportation Policy: A University of Oregon study finds cities regulate new shared mobility in wildly different ways, with fees and liability driving the biggest compliance burdens. Wildfire & Forest Work: Eastern Oregon’s Malheur National Forest signed a 20-year restoration deal aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat, including major timber and fuels work. Community & Safety: AAA warns Oregon teen drivers face the deadliest stretch of summer, and Oaks Park’s 2027 drop tower naming contest is underway.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including a planned June 16 removal of a buoy off Oregon, threatening long-running climate and ocean data used for storm forecasting and fisheries. Local Business & Community: Caring for Others, a family-owned Oregon in-home care provider, is expanding with new locations in Medford (Rogue Valley) and Lincoln City (Central Coast). Oregon Culture & Events: Astoria’s Clatsop County Historical Society is bringing “Short Circuit” (Johnny 5) back for a two-day 40th anniversary celebration with cast appearances and a museum exhibit. State Politics & Policy: Oregon Gov. Kotek is sending her chief of staff to lead a troubled state transportation agency as lawmakers keep wrestling with road-funding and messaging after failed gas-tax efforts. Legal/Academia: Oregon Law professor Rebekah Hanley won a national award for innovative work in legal writing education, including early AI integration.

Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices eased as crude fell on hopes of a U.S.-Iran deal, with Oregon’s average dropping 10 cents to $5.20 a gallon. Federal Policy & Environment: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, including in-water monitoring off Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, drawing vows from lawmakers to fight. Local Economy & Wildfire Prep: Lane County urged businesses to get ready for a potentially tougher 2026 fire season, pointing to dry fuels and low snowpack and recommending wildfire and smoke planning. Oregon Transportation Funding: Oregon’s road-funding crisis persists after Measure 120’s collapse, with ODOT warning emergency fixes only cover the current budget cycle. State Government: Gov. Kotek reappointed Roberta Lavadour to the Oregon Arts Commission. Business & Infrastructure: Avangrid finished its Tower Solar project in Morrow County and connected it to the grid. Community Updates: Sweet Home approved a $43.9 million budget and took first steps toward a sidewalk project on Mountain View Road. Sports & Local Talent: Sweet Home players Luke Rosa and Dillan Davis signed to play football at Lewis & Clark.

ICE Plates Fight in Oregon: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE agents, following a DOJ lawsuit and citing concerns about “chaos, violence and even death.” The DMV had paused new plates in April and said ICE has 51 sets still in circulation. Oregon Economy Watch: Oregon’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% through early 2026, with jobs largely “moving sideways” as growth concentrates in private healthcare and social assistance. Higher Ed Budget Pressure: The University of Oregon Board of Trustees discussed $65 million in budget cuts over coming years, with officials not ruling out impacts to tenured faculty. New Oregon Laws Start June 5: A package of measures kicks in to push back on federal overreach, including minimum-wage protections for homecare and domestic workers and limits on data sharing with immigration enforcement. Water Worries in the Gorge: Poor snowpack is raising stakes for irrigation this summer, with some districts urging conservation as reservoir-fed streams face low flows. Tech & Jobs Angle: A report highlights surging demand for “physical security” workers at AI data centers as opposition to new facilities grows. Local Events: Eugene Beer Week returns as a 10-day Lane County celebration starting May 29.