AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Updates: The Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters saw rapid shifts as thunderstorms pushed it east, prompting expanded Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices and additional “Be Ready” zones, while crews got a brief weather break to reinforce lines. Public Safety: After Multnomah County’s third drowning in 10 days, officials are urging life jacket use and safer water habits, noting cold glacier-fed water can shock swimmers. Health Care (Southern Oregon): A $6 million Oregon Health Authority grant will help Jackson and Josephine County health centers train and recruit advanced practitioners, aiming to boost rural primary care access. Local Government: Clackamas County Sheriff Angela Brandenburg announced she’ll retire July 27, with the sheriff seat up for election this November. Oregon Culture & History: Ursula K. Le Guin’s Portland home has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Food Recall: Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics children’s fruit puree pouches sold at Target, Kroger and Meijer are recalled over possible soft plastic strands; consumers are told to return or discard affected barcodes. Education & Housing (Eugene): A 272-unit, 1,002-bed student housing project is moving forward near the University of Oregon on a former PeaceHealth hospital site.

Wildfire & road safety: Oregon officials are warning drivers to expect rapidly changing conditions as smoke, lightning, and new fires disrupt travel, with ODOT, OEM, DEQ and OHA urging people to prep cars, plan routes, and carry emergency kits. Central Oregon evacuations: The Akawa Butte Fire prompted upgraded “Go Now” notices north of Sisters, with multiple roads closed and the Red Cross running a shelter at Sisters High School. Albany-area fire: A 10-acre Riverside Fire near Albany triggered a Level 2 “be set to go” warning as smoke was visible on UO Hazard Lab webcams. Heat and health: Lane County health officials are pushing cooling-center use, hydration, and heat-illness watch as temperatures and wildfire smoke raise risks. State corrections: An audit says Oregon prisons—including the Oregon State Penitentiary, built in 1866—are nearing end of functional life, with major safety and infrastructure problems. Local government: Pendleton council swore in new Ward 2 Councilor Joseph Hull and approved a city manager contract renewal with a pay raise and expanded benefits. Business & jobs: Intel plans another round of data-center chip division cuts after earlier large reductions. Community spotlight: Jefferson County Fair opens in Madras amid smoky skies, highlighting 4-H and local agriculture.

Oregon Corrections Oversight: A new audit from the Oregon Secretary of State says the Oregon State Penitentiary is projected to become functionally obsolete soon, citing serious health-and-safety risks like failing infrastructure, extreme summer heat, and outdated systems; auditors recommend DOC plan to move adults in custody out of the highest-risk prisons. Wildfire Response: The Chute Fire in California remains at 83.5 acres with 1% containment as crews focus on building containment lines in steep terrain, with a Type 3 incident team taking command. Local Transit: Clark County unanimously backed extending light rail from the I-5 Bridge project to Vancouver’s Library Square, aiming to close a funding gap that currently ends the line at the waterfront. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A is notifying customers in Oregon and other states after a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed personal and account data tied to Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts. Community & Culture: Hundreds gathered in Eugene to remember Marion Malcolm, a longtime Lane County social justice organizer and mentor. Economy & Innovation: NSF awarded 12 new Regional Innovation Engines nationwide, including efforts aimed at accelerating critical technologies and regional job growth.

Portland Arena Funding Fight: The Portland Trail Blazers’ long-running Moda Center upgrade standoff is stuck in politics and paperwork, with state money approved but conditions like a long-term lease still blocking progress. Wildfire & Smoke Readiness: Oregon Department of Forestry crews are on alert for lightning-driven starts as dry conditions persist, using radar and aircraft to track storms and shift resources fast. Public Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged past 4,000 across 41 states, with Oregon listed among states not reporting cases in the latest update. Community & Safety: A vigil in Oregon’s farmworker union service center mourned people killed in ICE-related shootings, including two recent deaths in Texas and Maine. Local Health Alerts: Douglas County reported two more rabies-positive bats, bringing the year’s total to 19 positive bats statewide. Elections Watch: Oregon’s secretary of state pushed back on Trump election threats, arguing Oregon elections are secure. Business/Workforce: Klamath Community College and partners are stepping in to retrain workers after the Jeld-Wen mill closure in the Klamath Basin.

Portland Arena Fight: The Portland Trail Blazers’ long-running standoff with city, county and state officials over Moda Center upgrades is still stuck—money is approved, but officials want “strings,” including a long-term lease deal. Ballot Access Watch: Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28, which would sharply expand animal-killing bans, failed the first signature check and may need a second verification round to reach November. Wildfire & Health: Smoke is worsening air quality in the Tri-Cities as Oregon and Eastern Washington fires burn hotter, with officials urging masks and reduced outdoor strain. Rural Health Funding: Douglas County is set to get more than $5 million to expand dental training and access through Aviva Health’s rural workforce push. Local Governance: Deschutes County voters may soon decide whether commissioners are elected by district instead of “at large,” a move that’s already sparked contention. Business/Tech: Oregon’s public agencies are using drones more than ever—Oregon’s aviation registry now lists 1,172 public drones. Sports (Oregon ties): A Wilt Chamberlain Lakers warmup jacket found at a Portland Goodwill sold at Sotheby’s for $89,600. National Courts: A federal judge paused Paramount’s Warner Bros. merger after a multistate antitrust challenge that includes Oregon.

Oregon Wildfires: Oregon’s fire season is in full swing, with 25 active blazes burning more than 350,000 acres and thousands under evacuation orders; officials warn hot, dry weather could push growth early this week, though thunderstorms may bring some relief later. Court Watch: A federal judge ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks while states’ antitrust challenge moves forward. Local Sports: Klamath Falls Falcons are headed back to the American Legion state tournament for a shot at back-to-back titles and a regional berth. Portland Pro Basketball: The Trail Blazers lost Matisse Thybulle to the Lakers on a one-year deal. Oregon Culture/Collectibles: A Wilt Chamberlain warmup jacket bought for $3.07 at a Portland Goodwill sold for $89,600 at Sotheby’s. Health Policy (Indiana, but national impact): Indiana is moving toward hospital price caps for job-based plans, using tax-exempt status as leverage. Education/Community: Oregon’s public health school initiative is drawing scrutiny over its “Fat Justice” approach to anti-fat bias.

Antitrust & Media: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the $110 billion Paramount–Warner Bros. merger while a multistate antitrust lawsuit plays out, with a preliminary-injunction hearing set for Aug. 3. Oregon Justice: Lane County’s murder conviction was overturned after Oregon’s new forensic law cleared the way to challenge discredited bite-mark science. Energy & Courts: Oregon AGs joined a coalition challenging the Pentagon’s freeze on routine wind project reviews, arguing it violates federal law and could raise power costs. Wildfire Response: Crews pushed mop-up deeper on the East Evans Creek Fire, reporting 8% containment and continued structure protection around Shady Cove and nearby communities. Public Safety: Police arrested a man after he was recorded driving 127 mph on Hwy. 14, with charges including OWI. Consumer Protection: AG Jay Jones announced a multistate settlement with 23andMe over its genetic data breach, resolving bankruptcy-related claims. Work & Economy: A report highlights how “career protection” is changing job searches, with workers planning for layoffs and investing in new skills.

Wildfire & health: Oregon smoke is worsening air quality in western Idaho, with officials warning residents to stay indoors and use proper filtration (HEPA or MERV 13+), plus run HVAC fans during smoke events to cut indoor particle levels. Central Oregon fire response: The Oak Fire west of Redmond prompted immediate evacuations, while Deschutes County and state teams continue unified command work on fast-growing central Oregon blazes including Akawa Butte and Brewer. Local governance/arena politics: Portland and the Trail Blazers remain “very far apart” on a proposed 20-year Moda Center lease, with the city offering $600 million in public renovation funds tied to conditions like union labor and cost caps. Oregon environment & energy law: Oregon AG Brown co-leads a lawsuit challenging EPA actions targeting affordable clean energy for low-income households under the Solar for All program. Tech & jobs: Intel is using ASML’s $400 million next-gen High NA EUV machine at its Hillsboro, Oregon site to produce part of Panther Lake chips. Sports (OSU): OSU men’s soccer hosted a sold-out World Cup watch party as the program shifts into a new season in a new conference.

Oregon Wildfire Watch: Air quality alerts are still up in parts of Oregon as Canadian smoke drifts south, with officials warning people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity in affected areas. State & Local Libraries: Keizer Community Library officially earned state recognition, a milestone tied to years of local work and new funding prospects. Oregon Community Safety: Lane County’s cold-case volunteer team is continuing to push leads on decades-old murders and missing persons, including recent solves using DNA testing. Antitrust & Entertainment: Oregon is among states suing to block a Paramount-Warner merger, arguing it could squeeze local movie theaters and raise costs for viewers. Public Health & Aging: A new Minnesota law lets nursing homes serve alcohol at resident social events, a sign of how elder-care rules are shifting nationwide. Tech & Security: Reporting says Iran used telecom and ad-tech vulnerabilities to target U.S. troops, raising new concerns about mobile network weaknesses.

Wildfire Response: Oregon fire crews are stretched as multiple large blazes burn with evacuations and road closures in effect, while the Oregon Department of Forestry sends additional incident management teams to help manage fast-growing fires across central and eastern counties. Air Quality & Heat: Smoke is driving unhealthy air alerts in parts of Southern and Eastern Oregon, and forecasters warn that hot temperatures and storm chances could keep conditions volatile. Central Oregon Fire Marshal Action: The state fire marshal has invoked an emergency conflagration act, assigning incident management teams and task forces as fires remain at 0% containment. Legal Fight Over Media: Oregon and 11 other states filed a federal lawsuit to block the Paramount-Warner merger, arguing it would reduce competition and raise costs for audiences. Tech Policy: The EU carved out exemptions from user-replaceable battery rules for wearables and other device categories, a move that could shape what Oregon consumers see next. Community & Education: RiverBend High School in Oregon’s youth custody system earned Cognia accreditation, and Eugene opened Santa Clara Community Park with a pet parade.

Wildfire Update (Oregon): The East Evans Creek Fire in southern Oregon has grown to 13,999 acres with 8% containment, as crews keep control lines holding and prepare for hotter, drier weather. Public Safety: Oregon’s emergency management also activated statewide coordination as multiple fires burn across the state, with red-flag conditions and evacuations affecting communities. Outdoors (Oregon): A guide ranks the best public beaches in the Columbia River Gorge after visiting both Oregon and Washington sides, focusing on access, scenery, and water-friendly spots. Local Sports (Oregon): The Register-Guard is asking readers to vote for its multi-sport Athlete of the Year from Eugene-Springfield-area nominees. Climate/Health: Commentary warns that extreme heat is a predictable summer danger, with health impacts that can overwhelm local systems. Tech/Policy: A federal judge is set to decide the future of Oregon’s new package recycling law by late August.

Wildfire Response in Southern Oregon: The East Evans Creek Fire is at about 8% containment as crews strengthen lines and prepare for hotter, drier weekend weather; Shady Cove has declared a state of emergency and a community meeting is set for Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Shady Cove Gym. Evacuations & Local Impacts: In nearby Weston, evacuees spent the night in Pendleton after power shutoffs tied to the Lower Dry Creek Fire; officials say residents should have evacuation plans ready. Public Health Watch: A new COVID subvariant, “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1), is driving rising emergency visits in 27 states, with Oregon among those monitoring a summer wave. Oregon Community & Culture: Gladstone is getting help rethinking tourism through a UO public relations capstone, while the Friends of the Klamath County Library keeps early literacy moving with popular storytime events. Sports (Oregon ties): Oregon State baseball added SEC outfielder Blake Brookins for 2027.

Obituary: Eugene lost civil rights activist and union leader Ibrahim Coulibaly, 52, remembered for his “contagious” laugh and for decades of work with groups including the NAACP and SEIU 503. Friends say he brought West African roots into his advocacy, and he leaves a son and daughter. Transportation: Metro Council reallocated MTIP funds to keep Portland’s I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project moving after federal grant funding was rescinded, adjusting budgets across multiple phases and bridge and deck work. Community & culture: Oregon’s 4-H Wagon Train camp is back for a week of mule-drawn travel along historic routes including the Barlow Road, with families learning leadership and teamwork since 1982. Public safety: Smoke from Oregon and Central Washington pushed air quality in Spokane and toward Spokane Valley into hazardous territory overnight, with conditions expected to improve but still linger. Health & environment: Oregon’s pesticide training program helped drive pesticide-related bee deaths to zero confirmed cases since 2020, while researchers continue tracking wild bees.

Oregon Elections: Gov. Tina Kotek and Secretary of State Tobias Read pushed back hard on President Trump’s election claims, saying Oregon’s vote-by-mail system is secure and that repeated audits and court rulings haven’t found widespread fraud. Ballot Access: A controversial Oregon initiative to criminalize animal slaughter and effectively ban hunting and fishing failed its first signature verification round, with organizers moving to a second, larger check. Wildfire Response: Jackson County and Shady Cove declared a local state of emergency as the East Evans Creek Fire surged past 11,000 acres, prompting Level 1 emergency operations and closures tied to smoke. Public Health: West Nile virus was detected in mosquito testing in Eagle Point, urging residents to avoid peak mosquito hours and use repellant. Local Economy & Community: Bend’s Powder House opened Base Camp, a new food truck pavilion and taphouse on the west side. Sports & Culture: Portland sent a first-draft term sheet to the Trail Blazers as talks continue over a Moda Center renovation and the team’s future in Oregon. Science & Health: OSU researchers reported a sugar-coated nanoparticle approach that boosted survival in a glioblastoma mouse study by 50%.

Wildfire Update (Southern Oregon): The East Evans Creek Fire is now estimated at 11,551 acres and remains 5% contained, with spot fires still driving tough conditions for crews; Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized four additional Type 1 strike teams to expand structure protection around Ramsey Creek, Trail and Shady Cove. Public Safety (Roseburg): A 64-year-old Roseburg man died after his kayak overturned on the North Umpqua River near Amacher Park; deputies say he was underwater about a minute before CPR began. Local Crime (Scappoose): Police are searching for Manuel Magana-Moon, accused of firing shots into the air during a Wigwam Tavern robbery attempt; a vehicle tied to the suspect was later found empty after a crash. Community & Science (Corvallis): OSU’s Kaleidoscope Festival and the Graand Kinetic Challenge bring family-friendly STEAM activities and human-powered sculpture races to PRAx and beyond. Oregon Economy (Jobs): Oregon’s unemployment rate held at 5.2% in June, according to the latest state figures. National Policy (Environment): Earthjustice is suing to block a Trump administration rule change that would narrow what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.

Wildfire Response: Oregon is sending more firefighters and incident management teams as multiple Southern and Eastern Oregon blazes grow, including the East Evans Creek Fire nearing 7,800 acres and prompting land closures. Public Safety & Travel: I-84 West partially reopened after a semi-truck fire shut the highway near Multnomah Falls, with delays expected. Data Centers & Local Control: Oregon residents are pushing a charter amendment to limit data center size to 25 megawatts, while Metro Vancouver buys land near Minnekhada Regional Park to expand habitat. Health & Science: Oregon State researchers report sugar-coated nanoparticles that may help deliver treatment across the blood-brain barrier for deadly glioblastoma in mice. State Politics: The U.S. House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate. Consumer Protection: Oregon’s neighbors announced major 23andMe settlements over the genetic data breach, totaling $18 million in one state’s bankruptcy-claim deal.