AGP Executive Report

Immigration Crackdown Fallout: A new report says children across the U.S. were harmed by tear gas and pepper spray during Trump-era immigration enforcement, raising fresh questions about how safely families are being handled. Oil vs. Military Readiness: Military leaders and lawmakers are pushing back on Trump’s Gulf and Southern California oil-drilling plan, warning it could interfere with major training areas. Memorial Day Travel Costs: AAA and other trackers peg gas prices at a four-year high heading into the holiday, with prices likely to stay elevated as global oil risks linger. Local Safety Push: Eugene is ramping up traffic-safety enforcement after multiple road deaths, targeting its most dangerous corridors. Oregon Outdoors: Oregon Parks and Recreation is reminding campers how to build and extinguish safe campfires during peak season. Education in Corrections: Central Oregon Community College will award its first associate degrees to students at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution. Wallowa 250 Plans: Wallowa County is gearing up for its America’s 250th celebration, with local groups lining up events and funding requests.

Memorial Day travel pressure: Oregon is gearing up for a record-heavy holiday—AAA expects about 620,000 Oregonians to travel, with 505,000 driving, even as regular gas averages just above $5.35 and some people say they’re skipping trips to the coast. Immigration/airport risk: DHS is weighing cuts to customs processing at “sanctuary city” airports, which could disrupt international arrivals at major hubs and may include Portland International Airport. Coast must-see: A 70-foot blue whale skeleton is now open to visitors at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Local travel perks: The Sunset Springs Fountain on Hwy 26 is drawing crowds again for fresh spring water. Road safety: Lane County’s safety corridors on Marcola and Clear Lake roads start May 25, with doubled fines for speeding. Weather: Warm and sunny most of the weekend, then cool rain arrives by May 25—especially for mountain campers.

Gas Prices Spike: Seattle-area drivers just saw an all-time high of $6.05 a gallon as Iran tensions rattle oil markets, with AAA also flagging Memorial Day fuel costs at the highest level in four years. Conservation Fight: Oregon conservation groups are challenging a Mount Hood land swap tied to the Mount Hood Meadows ski resort, arguing it breaks public-input and land-protection rules. Wildlife & Health: A new report says allergy seasons are worsening across the West Coast and Inland Northwest, while a separate lawsuit targets pygmy rabbit protections as sagebrush habitat shrinks. Local Travel Safety: Bend agencies are urging safer e-bike riding after a rise in crashes and serious injuries. Memorial Day Plans: Oregon’s holiday calendar is ramping up, with major ceremonies and flag placements at Willamette National Cemetery and the Portland Rose Festival kicking off Friday. Sports Countdown: College football’s 100-day countdown is on, with Week 0 set to begin the 2026 season.

Unclaimed Property: Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue published a fresh list of people and businesses tied to 2025 unclaimed money and safe-deposit box contents—if you recognize a name, you can file a claim online or by phone. Wildlife Watch: Seattle Aquarium researchers are studying bluntnose sixgill sharks that seem to return to Puget Sound and even use it as a nursery—despite the species usually living thousands of feet down. Power & Fire Prep: Pend Oreille PUD is using an Oregon-based helicopter with an aerial saw to speed vegetation trimming along power lines and cut wildfire risk. Oregon Alerts: Jacksonville police reported a cougar sighting near Rich Gulch and Britt Gardens; officials ask hikers to stay calm, keep pets close, and report aggressive behavior. Local Travel/Events: Portland’s Rose Festival kicks off Friday with a merged Grand Floral + Starlight parade, plus waterfront fireworks and expanded runs. Safety on Two Wheels: Eugene is rolling out more bike-safety steps after multiple bicyclist deaths, including planned roundabouts at high-crash corridors. Sports & Community: The Trail Blazers confirmed “significant” business-side layoffs as new ownership restructures.

Blue Mountains Forest Plans: The U.S. Forest Service is gearing up for a big public input push—this month it will release a draft environmental impact statement for updated management plans covering the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, and Malheur national forests, kicking off a 90-day comment period with in-person meetings across Northeastern Oregon (June 1–11). Portland Trail Blazers: The team confirmed business-side layoffs as part of a restructuring under new ownership; local reporting puts the cuts at 70+ employees, with critics saying the process targeted higher salaries. Public Health Watch: New research suggests Oregon’s measles risk may be undercounted—wastewater testing found the virus far more widely than official case numbers. Road Safety: A Lebanon man died in a head-on crash near Redmond on Highway 126, with two serious injuries reported. Travel Notes: Memorial Day closures are in effect across Clatsop County and nearby cities, with libraries and some facilities shutting down Monday.

Measure 120 Defeat: Oregon’s controversial transportation ballot measure is already being called a fast loss—by about 83% “no” to 17% “yes” with most ballots counted—aimed at doubling vehicle registration fees, raising title fees, and increasing the gas tax. Gas Prices & Travel Pressure: AAA says Memorial Day drivers are facing the highest gas prices since 2022, with Oregon listed among the priciest states as oil and demand keep pressure on pumps. Air Travel Boost: Oregon airports are set to receive nearly $19 million in federal funding, including $13+ million for Portland International Airport runway and taxiway pavement improvements. Local Politics (Central Oregon): Deschutes County Position 4 shows Rick Russell leading early over Chet Wamboldt. Community & Safety: A young black bear was spotted in a Newberg neighborhood but wildlife officials say it’s not an immediate threat and should move on. Outdoor/Local Life: Cave Junction leaders are pitching the town as more than a stop before the Oregon Caves, with arts, parks, and tourism upgrades.

Oregon Primary Live: Oregon voters are choosing a Republican nominee for governor to face Gov. Tina Kotek, plus a new labor commissioner and a Measure 120 gas-tax proposal for roads and bridges—polls close at 8 p.m. Election Watch: Across the country, primaries are also underway in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, with live results tracking key races. Gender-Affirming Care: Transgender plaintiffs scored preliminary wins in three separate cases—Colorado ordered Children’s Hospital Colorado to resume care for minors, Kansas blocked enforcement of its ban, and a Connecticut judge kept coverage limits from being applied categorically. Local Planning: Deschutes County is weighing rezoning along Highway 20 near Sisters, with critics warning it could undermine farmland and scenic-view protections. Community & Travel: KeizerFEST wrapped up after four busy days, and Central Oregon nature author Robert Macfarlane is set to visit Sisters June 3. Wildfire Readiness: Oregon’s Klamath-Lake fire season is set to begin May 22 as conditions stay dry.

Housing Reset: Home Forward’s new interim director, Michael Buonocore, started Monday promising a “reset” after years of criticism over vacancies, safety issues, and a travel-spending uproar tied to former CEO Ivory Mathews. Elections Watch: With Oregon’s primary tomorrow, Republican governor candidate Christine Drazan hit Medford, pitching lower taxes and costs, education improvements, and a shift away from a housing-first approach to homelessness. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices in four years, and Washington hit an all-time high—Oregon drivers are already among the priciest markets. Wildfire Timing: Fire season begins Friday for Klamath and Lake counties, with new restrictions on debris burning. Tourism Moves: Seaside is offering grants for destination events and public art to boost year-round visits. Outdoor Picks: Wallowa Lake was named a top local landmark, and Oregon State Parks is reminding campers about safer campfire rules.

Memorial Day Fuel Crunch: AAA says Memorial Day travelers will face the highest gas prices since 2022, with the national average around $4.51 and oil still elevated—so expect prices to keep nudging up through the weekend. Forest Service Shake-Up: The Trump administration is making sweeping changes to the U.S. Forest Service, including closing nearly all regional offices and cutting research funding, sparking a fight over whether public lands will be protected. Road Safety Push: Lane County is doubling fines on Marcola Road and Clear Lake Road for two years, aiming to curb speed and impaired-driving crashes. Tragedy on the Road: A truck hit and killed an 18-year-old walking in the travel lane on Highway 97 near Klamath Falls, and a separate head-on crash on Highway 30 killed a Rainier man. Local Travel Flavor: Stumptown Coffee’s original Belmont-area spot is set to reopen with a new cafe from founder Duane Sorenson. Oregon Hazards Reminder: Oregon emergency managers marked Mount St. Helens’ anniversary by highlighting lahar risks and planning a statewide preparedness exercise in October.

Amtrak Upgrade in the Pacific Northwest: Amtrak’s first next-generation Airo trainset has arrived in Seattle, kicking off a nationwide rollout that will eventually bring 83 new trainsets to major routes—good news for travelers riding the Amtrak Cascades corridor that links Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. Oregon Coast Fun: Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers is gearing up for more beach glass-float treasure hunts, with 3,000+ floats planned in 2026 and special drop dates starting June 1. DOJ vs. Voting Records: The U.S. DOJ is pushing back in a legal fight over unredacted voter registration files in West Virginia, arguing it has the right to access election records. Sports Spotlight: Oregon men’s golf tees off May 18 at the NCAA Columbus Regional under Casey Martin, while Oregon softball’s season ended in Eugene. Weather Watch: A winter storm warning is in play for parts of the West, including Oregon, with hazardous conditions possible.

Crater Lake Spotlight: Crater Lake—Oregon’s only national park and the deepest lake in the U.S.—sits in the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama and can reach 1,949 feet, with the rare Mazama newt found nowhere else; Transit Upgrade: Amtrak’s first next-gen Airo trainset just arrived in Seattle, kicking off a Pacific Northwest rollout that will eventually add more capacity and modern accessibility on the Eugene–Portland–Seattle–Vancouver corridor; Gorge Travel Update: The East Multnomah Falls Viaduct reopened after seven months of restoration, bringing the Historic Columbia River Highway closer to full summer flow; Weekend Sky Watch: Northern lights may dip farther south than usual this weekend, with Oregon among the possible faint-glow states; Local Fun & Community: Need a new buddy? Eugene’s Greenhill Humane Society is featuring adoptable dogs like Flare, and Oregon’s outdoor calendar stays packed with spring events.

Wildfire readiness hit by USDA rules: Washington and other western fire officials say new USDA conditions tied to federal funding are adding red tape right when communities need faster, more fuel-reduction work—warning that a “devastating wildfire” is still “a matter of time.” Historic Gorge road reopening: The Historic Columbia River Highway is back east of Multnomah Falls after ODOT finished the East viaduct restoration on U.S. 30—now open to vehicles under 35 feet and bikes, with summer flaggers for final touches. Transit upgrade: Seattle got the first next-gen Amtrak Cascades Airo trainset, with more capacity and bigger accessible restrooms rolling in this fall. Outdoor planning: Blue Pool’s new trailhead and 2-mile route are set to open in 2027 to handle crowds safely. Community & culture: Sandy’s debut season in girls flag football ends with an Elite Eight trip; and Southern Oregon’s Polish festival returns at Paschal Winery with more vendors and live music.

Historic Gorge Drive Reopens: The Historic Columbia River Highway is back open east of Multnomah Falls after crews finished the last major East Multnomah Falls Viaduct repairs—expect flaggers for final summer touch-ups, with limits for longer vehicles and bikes. Wildfire Readiness: Oakridge State Airport will close June–July for a $2.6M runway rebuild, aiming to reopen before peak fire season. Trail Upgrade: Blue Pool’s new 2-mile access trail and 100-car parking area are set to open in 2027, designed to cut the long overflows that have plagued the current trailhead. Coast Nature Moment: Extremely low “neap” tides May 17–19 (and again June 15–16, July 14–15) should expose more tide pools for beachcombers. Health Watch: CDC is monitoring 41 people for possible hantavirus exposure after a cruise outbreak, with Oregon’s doctor among those involved.

Public Safety & Environment: A tanker crash near McKenzie Bridge sent diesel and thousands of gallons of milk into the McKenzie River, but early containment is expected to protect Eugene’s drinking water while agencies monitor fish impacts. Outdoor Life: An 80-year-old Jefferson Wilderness hiker was found alive after multiple days near Duffy Lake, with a helicopter on standby for transport. Wildfire Readiness: Oregon Department of Forestry restrictions kicked off in Jackson and Josephine counties, banning debris burning and fireworks near protected lands and tightening campfire rules. Wildlife Conservation: Oregon’s legislature approved long-term funding for imperiled wildlife by raising the transient lodging tax, with Gov. Kotek expected to sign soon. Coastal Culture: A 70-foot blue whale skeleton is finally being installed at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport after a decade of restoration. Travel Buzz: A new SeaPort Airlines route adds TSA-free flights from Redmond to Portland, Seattle, and Spokane this summer.

Downtown Salem redevelopment limbo: “The Pit,” a long-abandoned bank site downtown, is still stuck after nearly nine years—FT LLC wants a surface parking plan but zoning and permitting are in the way. Fire season rules kick in (Jackson & Josephine): Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District starts fire season at 12:01 a.m., with bans on debris burning and fireworks near protected land, plus limits on smoking and open fires. McKenzie River spill response: A tanker crash near Belknap Springs sent diesel and thousands of gallons of milk into a creek feeding the Upper McKenzie; crews contained it and drinking water impact isn’t expected. Nursing shortage pressure: Senior living operators warn of a “massive” incoming shortage of nurses and CNAs, pushing more training and pay/benefit fixes. Outdoor weekend picks: REI’s Memorial Day Anniversary Sale runs May 15–25, and Bend’s SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle (50th year) turns into a runners’ race with Max King among the favorites. Sports on deck: NCAA softball regionals begin Friday with 64 teams chasing super regionals.

Wildfire Legal Battle: Wildfire survivors are asking the Oregon Supreme Court to revisit a ruling that could derail their PacifiCorp case, after a procedural flaw was found in a class action decision and concerns were raised about one judge’s past ties to PacifiCorp. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a G1 solar storm could bring aurora as far south as parts of the northern U.S. on Friday night into Saturday, with a new moon helping visibility. Higher Ed Shake-Up: Portland Community College’s president, Adrien Bennings, is leaving effective May 15, with an acting president stepping in while the board finalizes separation terms. Outdoor & Travel: Oakridge’s firefighting-support airport will close for runway reconstruction in June and July, reopening before peak wildfire season. Coast & Nature: A decade-long effort is ending with a rare blue whale skeleton display coming to OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. Community Events: Southern Oregon University’s beach volleyball team is set for a national-title parade and trophy celebration Monday, May 18.