AGP Executive Report

Psychedelics Revival: A new push to expand psychedelic research and access is back in the spotlight after years of strict limits, raising fresh hopes for mental-health treatments. Tech & Learning Security: Canvas is reportedly hit by a major breach tied to ShinyHunters, while “zero trust” security spending keeps climbing—both are reminders that school tech and online tools need stronger protections. Portland Pride Space: Darcelle XV Plaza is set to open as a “Queer living room,” adding a stage, dog park, and standout public art to downtown. Immigration & Families: Oregon has thousands of pending family green card cases amid USCIS shifts, and new Oregon laws take effect touching immigration and affordability. Community & Culture: Oregon Heritage Commission grants are headed to museums statewide, and Spokane’s Playwrights’ Forum Festival debuts a youth-written play. Sports in Eugene: Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp shattered the NCAA 110 hurdles world record at Hayward Field, while Oregon’s Ben Smith won the men’s shot put title in 44 years.

Labor & Community Colleges: Klamath Community College classified employees are assessing a possible strike after filing unfair labor practice charges, citing bargaining-table issues, retaliation claims, and proposed wage/benefit cuts while the school raised tuition. Local Culture & Access: Portland’s new free Forest Park/Washington Park Express shuttle pilot aims to connect more residents to city parks without a car, funded by an ODOT grant. Historic Preservation: The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation meets June 25-26 at Tryon Creek State Natural Area to consider National Register nominations and grant recipients. Oregon Heritage Grants: Oregon Heritage Commission awards $75,000 to 13 museums statewide for preservation, interpretation, and heritage tourism projects. Wildlife & Indigenous Partnerships: Oregon Zoo welcomes Pacific lamprey back as part of a tribal-led restoration moving fish above dams. Education & Community Life: Tigard-Tualatin School District holds listening sessions on kids’ screen time and what families are seeing at home. Sports & Local Pride: Portland’s own Nicole “Sis” Bates joins the Portland Cascade as the AUSL expansion franchise’s newest pro softball star. Arts & Weekend Plans: Oregon Ballet Theatre closes its season with “The OBT Collection” and “OBT Encore,” plus Storm Large brings a new show to Portland Center Stage.

Local Food Relief: Sunshine Division opened a new free food market in NW Portland (Slabtown) designed for 100,000 households this year, letting families “shop” for fresh produce and pantry items by household needs. Community & Education: Lincoln High School students in Portland are recording assisted-living residents’ life stories through an oral history project at Rose Schnitzer Manor, turning everyday memories into lasting community history. Healthcare Workforce: Asante partnered with Western University of Health Sciences to bring third- and fourth-year osteopathic medical students to southern Oregon starting July 2026. Outdoor Culture & Conservation: Oregon’s Outdoor Heritage is in the spotlight as a radical ballot measure advances that would criminalize hunting, fishing, ranching and other regulated animal-related activities. Civic Rights: A lawsuit challenges a newly erected fence around the Eugene Federal Building, arguing it restricts First Amendment protest space. Immigration & Public Safety: ICE arrested a Honduran national in Portland after local officials declined an ICE detainer request. Sports (Oregon): Oregon track standout Simeon Birnbaum heads into the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field after breaking the collegiate 1,500 record. Religion & Politics: U.S. Catholic bishops plan to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with Portland’s Archbishop Alexander Sample describing it as a call to truth, justice, and charity.

NCAA in Eugene: The NCAA Outdoor Championships kick off June 10-13 at Hayward Field, with Oregon’s Eugene hosting men’s and women’s track finals plus field events—an all-hands moment for local sports fans. Wildfire watch: Fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties shifts to moderate starting Thursday, bringing new limits on open fires, chainsaw hours, and metal cutting. Education options: Mapleton School District approved a single-district charter plan (“Mapleton Community School”) to keep a public, open-to-all model while expanding programming and enrollment flexibility. Tribal sovereignty: Gov. Tina Kotek signed a proclamation returning sole civil jurisdiction to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, ending 73 years of shared authority. Community arts & culture: Photowalks TV released its Walkies Awards, naming 15 top U.S. walking routes—part travel guide, part smartphone photo inspiration. Public safety staffing: Warm Springs Police updated overnight non-emergency dispatch routing while staffing needs are addressed. Local business milestone: Pacific Office Automation marked 50 years in Beaverton and across its offices.

Buddhist Community Accountability: Maitripa College president Yangsi Rinpoche was placed on leave after sexual misconduct allegations from a former student/employee, with the college and Rinpoche denying the claims. Local Education & Safety: Salem-Keizer families say bullying, threats, gang activity, and racial bias aren’t handled early enough, pushing board leaders to tighten reporting and prevention. Oregon Tourism: Travel Oregon named Kate Sinner its next executive director, starting July 6, aiming to boost the state’s tourism economy. Arts & Community: A Portland-area Tony win for Oregon-connected talent highlights the region’s theater momentum, while a Eugene event brought “senior assassin” style chaos into the spotlight. Sports in Oregon: UNH distance runner Ruth White qualified for NCAA nationals at the University of Oregon, and Oregon’s recruiting continues with a Beach (WA) two-sport standout committing to play football in Eugene. Immigration Policy: Oregon AG wins court action overturning Trump’s $100,000 H-1B employer fee, with the administration expected to appeal. Everyday Life: Oregon ranks high for porch-pirate delivery theft, adding urgency to signature delivery and lockbox options.

Southern Oregon University: SOU President Rick Bailey says the university is “stable” while planning to cut about a fifth of its $100 million yearly budget, urging community support as commencement approaches. Mt. Ashland: The ski area is racing to replace aging Windsor and Ariel chairlifts, aiming to raise $1.87 million by May 2027 so both lifts can keep serving the Rogue Valley. LGBTQ+ Youth Support: Oregon Health Authority is highlighting summer resources for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families as school-based services become harder to access. Summer EBT: Oregon’s Summer EBT program starts rolling out $120 per eligible child for groceries, with automatic eligibility for many families and an application deadline of Sept. 1. OSU Graduation & Costs: OSU is set to graduate a record 8,785 students, while incoming students face tuition and fee changes for the fall term. Salem Community Life: Salem City Council holds a June 8 hearing on an $816.1M FY2027 budget that adds police and extends pilots for homelessness, trash, and mental health. Wildlife & Culture: A North Coast wildlife center shares how it rehabilitates wild “patients,” and Salem’s World Beat Festival founder Kathleen Fish reflects on nearly three decades of multicultural community building.

Outdoor Restoration: A new restoration approach is taking shape on Oregon’s McKenzie River, aiming to rebuild habitat by working with the watershed’s natural chaos. Travel & Culture: For America’s 250th, USA Today’s roundup spotlights 15 “see it in person” destinations, mixing roadside oddities, historic sites, and big views. Immigration & Local Rights: ICE operations at the Port of Astoria are raising alarms among Oregon sanctuary-law advocates, with questions about whether federal agents used port property improperly. Ballot Watch (Animals): Oregon’s citizen petition to ban hunting and fishing is gaining signatures and could land on the November ballot, with supporters pushing a “Humane Transition Fund” and opponents calling it extreme. Arts & Stage: This week’s arts picks include big musical nights like “Grease” and “Urinetown,” plus live music and more. Sports (Women’s Golf): Nelly Korda won the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera, while Gaby Lopez finished second in a major weekend for the sport. Community Spotlight: An East Oregonian reporter was honored by Oregon’s Department of Corrections for volunteer work supporting prison journalism.

Native Culture & Community: Oregon is represented in America’s 250th Time Capsule with a handcrafted Native American ceramic pin by Portland artist Lillian Pitt, featuring a Wishram pictograph/petroglyph figure tied to Celilo Falls. Pride & LGBTQ+ Life: A Pride reflection piece points to shifting national attitudes, with Gallup reporting continued declines in support for LGBTQ+ rights and gay marriage. Local Health & Education: Northwest nursing schools are leaning harder on simulation and virtual practice; Whitworth is launching a new bachelor’s nursing program starting fall 2027. Sports & Local Pride: Maeve O’Neill booked her spot at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, while Oregon’s NCAA baseball run continues after a Texas win in the Super Regional. Food Security in Oregon: A federal judge halted Trump SNAP funding restrictions tied to broad policy conditions, pausing enforcement as states challenge the rules. Outdoor Oregon: A Wallowa Lake hike story spotlights East Moraine views, wildlife, and wildflowers.

Ballot Watch: A new Oregon initiative would criminalize hunting, fishing, trapping and conventional livestock farming, with signature momentum and a clear clash between animal-rights organizers and rural anglers/hunters. Legal & Food Security: A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump SNAP funding restrictions in a lawsuit by 20 states and DC, arguing the conditions tied to gender and immigration policies could disrupt help for low-income families. Oregon Faith & Community: The Willamette Valley Oregon Temple in Springfield is set to be dedicated June 7, with an open house drawing 38,225 visitors and leaders calling it a “great unifier.” Culture & Wellness: The 12th International Day of Yoga is bringing big events to iconic U.S. landmarks, with Oregon community gatherings planned in Hillsboro. Real Estate & Design: Portland’s Dunthorpe High Hatch Estate—Prairie School architecture by William M. Whidden—hits the market for about $5.29M. Local Tribes & Development: Grand Ronde begins major construction at tumwata village, aiming to restore riverfront access while building a mixed-use district. Sports: Tobi Amusan won women’s 100m hurdles in Taiwan with a meet record 12.72s; Portland Fire look to rebound after a tough stretch. Remembering Bob Packwood: Former Oregon senator Bob Packwood died at 93, remembered for Senate influence and women’s-rights advocacy—alongside the scandal that ended his career.

Skywatch: Venus and Jupiter will appear as a close “cuddling” pair after sunset Monday and Tuesday, visible to the naked eye from Oregon cities. Local Government & Budgets: Springfield’s City Council approved a new 0.1% payroll tax for employers and workers starting as early as January 2027 to help close a budget gap, though it won’t restore library cuts. Tribal Culture & Development: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde began major construction at tumwata village on the former Blue Heron mill site, mixing housing, commerce, cultural tourism, and restored river access. Education & Community: Salem-Keizer Public Schools reported 2,946 graduates and $123M in scholarships, while Eugene’s South Eugene student earned a Seal of Biliteracy for miluk. Health & Safety: Columbia County is seeing low kindergarten vaccination rates with measles and whooping cough rising statewide. Immigrant Protections: Oregon expanded workplace protections for immigration status, aiming to prevent retaliation when workers update legal personal information. Arts & Food: “Taste of America” brought regional Northwest flavors to the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Outdoor Lifestyle: A beginner-friendly guide makes the case for camping in Oregon.

Oregon Summer EBT: The state’s Summer EBT program starts June 5 with $120 in food benefits per eligible child, aiming to reach about 360,000 kids during summer break. Public Health: Oregon school vaccination rates are slipping toward herd-immunity targets, with about 40% of schools below 90% and measles coverage lagging in many communities. Tribal Culture: The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians host “Honoring Whale” in Yachats on June 6, reflecting on a historic 2025 humpback harvest and the tribe’s ongoing relationship with the ocean. Local Business & Trade: KEITH Manufacturing in Madras earns a 2026 Global Trailblazer Award for expanding international markets. Education & Community: The University of Oregon Board of Trustees tackles long-term budget pressures amid declining out-of-state enrollment. Civic Watch: Salem officials will review residency allegations involving city council candidate Betsy Vega after election results are certified. Sports & Youth: Oregon-area student-athletes keep turning heads, from elite prep mile performances to scholarship wins and graduation celebrations. Energy Costs: A new national map shows where residential electricity prices jumped most, highlighting rising household pressure.

Food Security: Oregon Summer EBT kicks off June 5 with a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child, aiming to reach about 360,000 kids during summer break. Education & Community: Bend-La Pine Schools faces enrollment-driven budget strain, with a long-range forecast pointing to continued declines through 2035—raising tough questions about what programs look like next. Public Health & Environment: A new report links Parkinson’s disease to pesticide exposure, putting farmworkers and nearby communities at risk—an issue Oregon readers will recognize as agriculture and health collide. Wildlife Watch: Residents in Bend are seeking answers after multiple raptors died near First Street Rapids, raising concerns about possible poisoning. Local Life & Outdoors: Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend and State Parks Day bring free access and activities statewide, from ranger hikes to family-friendly events. Culture & Learning: Madras High School celebrates a record 39 students earning the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy, highlighting language programs and global opportunity. Sports & Youth: Run on the River in Astoria returns with half marathon, 10K and 5K—and Girls on the Run runners are making it a confidence-building milestone.

Portland Food Policy: Portland City Council voted 7-5 to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras, giving restaurants a six-month transition window (deadline Dec. 1) and setting fines up to $5,000 for violations. Local Elections & Community: A Lakeridge High alum and Lewis & Clark law student, Peren Tiemann, announced a Lake Oswego City Council run focused on housing, transportation, gun violence prevention, reproductive justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Higher Ed Under Pressure: Lane Community College approved a budget with cuts of about $4.2 million, including eliminating 20.5 positions and two degree programs, with concerns about reduced tutoring and student support. Workplace & Accountability: SAIF named Ian Williams interim president after CEO Chip Terhune resigned amid a sexual harassment investigation. Culture & Fun: Astoria is hosting the 40th anniversary celebration of “Short Circuit,” with reunions, screenings, and robot-themed events. Outdoor Lifestyle: A coast-to-coast Trans Am Bike Nonstop Race starts Sunday, June 7 in Astoria, with riders tackling 4,200+ miles unsupported.

Indigenous Campus Life: Penn State’s Indigenous Peoples’ Students Association is rebuilding Indigenous presence through projects like the Indigenous Student Garden, including a Gete Okosomin squash seed meant to reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and “positive growth.” Health & Work Safety: Texas farmworkers and nearby communities face ongoing pesticide exposure risks tied to Parkinson’s disease, with researchers pointing to environmental toxins as a major factor. Accountability in Pop Culture: Beaverton’s Vasana Montgomery apologized after “Love Island USA” removed her over resurfaced videos using a racial slur, saying she’s taking responsibility and learning from the harm. Immigrant Rights & Records: An immigrant rights group sued ICE seeking records about Palantir’s ELITE tool and how it’s used to target neighborhoods and people. Oregon Community Pride: A Salem first grader’s fundraiser helped launch an inclusive, accessible playground push at Sumpter Elementary so kids of all abilities can play together. Local Food & Learning: Clatskanie students wrapped up a seafood butchery program that teaches hands-on filleting skills and connects classrooms to Oregon’s coastal food system. Arts Access: Central Oregon’s Laura J. Harward Scholarship Fund awarded $54,000 to 27 graduating students, supporting a wide range of career paths. Sports Spotlight: Sunset High School won its first Oregon boys lacrosse state championship, beating West Linn 9-7.

Oregon Tobacco Update: Oregon Health Authority says the expanded tobacco law kicks in June 5, raising the age to 21 for nicotine pouches and other nicotine products and aiming to curb youth access. Housing & Equity: Portland City Council finally approved $2.5 million for two homeownership projects tied to past harms against Black Portlanders, ending months of “political football” wrangling. Early Learning Boost: Portland Community College is expanding its Child Development Center with Multnomah County’s Preschool for All, adding 20 preschool seats (plus an infant classroom) for 2026-27. Culture & Community: The Oregon Bach Festival launches its 56th season June 27–July 12 with a lineup that spotlights diverse American stories alongside classic Bach. LGBTQ+ Visibility: Newport hosts a Pride rally June 5, and Oregon’s Pride calendar continues to grow across the coast and metro. Public Safety & Justice: Oregon prosecutors say illicit massage businesses are hard to shut down because cases often hinge on high legal burdens and witnesses—storefronts can reopen elsewhere. Environment & Science: Scientists say an ocean observatory network off the Oregon coast is going dark as funding cuts dismantle parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative.

Tobacco Update: Oregon expands its tobacco rules to cover nicotine pouches, lozenges, gum and more starting June 5, aiming to curb youth access to flavored nicotine products. Ballot Watch: Animal-rights petition Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) has surged past the signature threshold to ban many common hunting, fishing and livestock practices by expanding animal-cruelty exemptions—now headed toward Oregon’s November ballot. Immigration & Privacy: Oregon’s governor orders an end to undercover license plates for ICE agents after DOJ action, while a separate privacy bill debate heats up as watchdogs urge lawmakers to reject a GOP data privacy proposal. Community & Pride: Bend Summer Pride returns to Drake Park Saturday in a shorter, volunteer-driven format, and Clatskanie’s Mural Festival brings artists to town June 5–20. Lifestyle Calendar: Oregon Community Calendar highlights June 4–14 events, from library programs to local fairs and workshops. Outdoor Culture: Queer Wine Fest wraps its run June 28 in McMinnville, celebrating LGBTQ culture with wineries, art and live music. Science & Environment: Ocean Observatories Initiative work begins to wind down key Oregon-area monitoring as funding cuts trigger a partial shutdown.