Tim Lantz
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Articles by Tim Lantz
Merkley To NBA: Alarmed By Deepening Relationship With Rwanda
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., pressed the National Basketball Association on Monday regarding its continued commercial relationship with the Rwandan government, arguing the partnership contrasts with changing U.S. policy toward Kigali.
Holy Bat Beauty Contest! The Competition Gets Underway
MEDFORD, OR – The Bureau of Land Management is celebrating international Bat Week, Oct. 24–31, by hosting its annual 2026 Bat Beauty Contest to highlight the vital ecological role of winged mammals on public lands. The online contest features photos of bat contestants competing for votes on the BLM website, with daily matchups shared on the agency’s Facebook and Instagram channels throughout the week.
Portland Police Search For East Burnside Convenience Store Robber
PORTLAND, OR – Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on the afternoon of September 30, 2026. At approximately 3:34 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to a report of a gunpoint robbery at a convenience store located in the 10100 block of East Burnside Street. No injuries were reported during the incident. Image courtesy Portland Police Bureau. Investigators describe the suspect as a Black male in his teens.
FEMA Launches Online Oregon Flood Insurance Tool
BOTHELL, WA – Oregon residents now have a direct online option to purchase flood coverage as the Federal Emergency Management Agency launches a new self-service tool on FloodSmart.gov. The feature allows residents living in participating National Flood Insurance Program communities to obtain a quote and buy a policy completely online. Nationwide, nearly 22,700 communities participate in the program, including about 22,400 policyholders in Oregon representing $6.3 billion in coverage.
Clackamas County Weighs Data Center Freeze
Acquired Through MGN Online. OREGON CITY, OR – The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will host two upcoming public hearings to gather community feedback on a proposed temporary moratorium on data center developments across unincorporated areas of the county. The hearings offer residents an opportunity to weigh in on data centers in general and share thoughts on how local officials should regulate future facility proposals.
Taking Bite Out Of Mosquito Season: Clark County Seeks Applicants For Control Board
VANCOUVER, WA – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill an at-large opening on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees. The two-year term begins Jan. 1, 2027, and runs through Dec. 31, 2028. The Board of Trustees establishes policy, oversees expenditures, and approves service contracts for the mosquito control district. The board includes representatives from each city and town in Clark County, as well as three at-large members appointed by the county council.
‘No Kings’ Demonstrators Hold Rally And March In Portland
PORTLAND, OR – Police say thousands of people participated in a rally and march in downtown Portland on Saturday, October 17, to protest Trump administration policies. According to the Portland Police Bureau, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” day of demonstrations, people gathered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a large-scale free-speech rally and march.
Elephant Squashes 500-Pound Pumpkin At Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND, OR – An 18-year-old Asian elephant named Samudra took center stage at the Oregon Zoo, crushing a 500-pound pumpkin during the zoo’s 28th annual Squishing of the Squash. “This year, we decided to give Samudra the spotlight,” said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s Asian elephant area. “It was one big elephant vs. one big pumpkin.
Police: Active Shooter Situation At Bend Elementary School
BEND, OR – Police say there are “multiple victims,” including children, after an active shooter situation at at Silver Rail Elementary School. A spokesperson for police in Bend say the suspected shooter has been shot and killed, possibly by a bystander. This happened this afternoon around 1:00 p.m. Police say they will update the situation soon. A reunification center was set up at a nearby church where families have been told to gather. More about:
WA Ecology Dept. Hits The Road To Study Air Pollution
This vehicle is one of several which will be fitted with air monitoring equipment and Ecology branding. (Image credit: Spheros Environmental. Final branding design may differ). Courtesy Department of Ecology State of Washington. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Ecology is launching a High Resolution Mobile Monitoring study this winter to capture detailed, localized air quality data across more than 20 overburdened communities and participating Tribal Nations.
Oregon Hosts Wildfire Insurance Open Houses
SALEM, OR – Wildfires have affected communities across Oregon with increasing frequency, leaving many homeowners facing not only property damage but also challenges in securing or keeping homeowners insurance. Nonrenewals and limited market options have become real and growing concerns for Oregonians living in high-risk areas.
Designing Oregon’s Healthcare Future: Pacific University Professor Joins State Board
FOREST GROVE, OR – Pacific University Associate Professor of Public Health Rebecca Schoon has been appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek to Oregon’s Universal Health Plan Governance Board, charged with developing the state’s proposed universal healthcare system. Following her September 2026 confirmation by the Oregon State Senate, Schoon will begin a four-year term in January 2027.
Oregon’s 2026 Walk for Recovery Takes On Stigma Statewide
Oregon State Capitol. Courtesy Oregon State Parks. SALEM, OR – Reocovery from substance use and mental health challenges happens every day—and this year, communities across Oregon are taking to the streets together to make that hope visible. The 2026 Walk for Recovery was meant to deliver a message of resilience, community connection, and support to seven areas around the state: Klamath Falls, Rogue Valley, Bend, Lane County, Portland, Baker City, and Marion County.
OR Sen. Merkley Proposes Sweeping Reform Plan For ‘Dysfunctional’ Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced a bipartisan proposal Thursday to overhaul Senate governing rules, aiming to reduce procedural delays and break legislative gridlock. The lawmakers said their framework, titled “Save the Senate,” is designed to incentivize bipartisan cooperation, restore floor debate, and streamline the passage of legislation.
Washington County Expands Safe Sleep Program To Protect Infants
HILLSBORO, OR – Marking Safe Sleep Awareness Month, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team are celebrating five years of partnering with the national Cribs for Kids program. Since 2021, the initiative has provided free Cribette Kits—including portable cribs and sleep sacks—plus one-on-one education to over 1,600 income-eligible local families.
SBA Summer Storm, Wildfire Disaster Loans Available For Oregon Businesses
SALEM, OR – Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in 25 Oregon counties may qualify for low-interest, long-term SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans following severe storms and wildfires from July 15 through Aug. 24, 2026. The loans can provide up to $2 million in working capital for ordinary financial obligations that organizations cannot meet because of the disaster.
Oregon Voter Registration Deadline Fast Approaching: What You Need to Know
SALEM, OR – With the election just weeks away, officials from the Oregon Secretary of State is reminding residents to ensure their voter registration details are complete and up to date. Taking a minute to confirm registration details helps ensure ballots arrive smoothly, according toe Secretary Tobias Reed. Registration status and updates can be reviewed directly through the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division Portal.
OSU Scientists Say They’ve Turned Factory Steam Into Carbon Capture Superpower
CORVALLIS, OR – Oregon State University scientists have filed a patent application for a new carbon capture material, dubbed BVR-X, that turns moisture in factory flue emissions into an advantage. The findings, published in Angewandte Chemie, focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—crystalline, sponge-like structures that intercept carbon dioxide.
OR Gov Kotek Proclaims October Head Start Awareness Month
SALEM, OR – Oregon is officially recognizing October as Head Start Awareness Month following a statewide proclamation by Governor Tina Kotek. The Department of Early Learning and Care and the Oregon Head Start Association are joining communities across the state and nation to honor the program’s legacy of supporting young children, families, and early learning professionals.
Washington Litter Campaign Partners With Car Washes, Debuts New Ad
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Ecology is teaming up with local car washes this fall to give away free reusable car litter bags as part of its ongoing “Simple As That” campaign. The campaign, which launches Oct. 1 with statewide advertising and new business partnerships, aims to eliminate a primary cause of road trash. Department research identified not having a trash bag in the car as a top reason people litter.
Officials Urge Year-Round Wildfire Safety
Image courtesy Multnomah County. PORTLAND, OR – National Preparedness Month has come to and end, but Multnomah County and Portland Fire & Rescue are urging residents to stay proactive year-round. Officials emphasize that taking simple, incremental steps at home can significantly boost resilience against wildfires, smoke, and other emergencies. While National Preparedness Month takes place in September, the regional wildfire season typically spans from June through October.
Drivers And Transit Riders Face Sunday Portland Marathon Delays
PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Marathon is back this Sunday, Oct. 4, and TriMet will be working once again to keep buses and trains moving while thousands of runners take to Portland streets. Because the course crosses and overlaps multiple bus and MAX lines, riders should expect some detours, stop closures, and delays while the race is underway, particularly during the morning hours.
Hops Education, Sports Donations Reach Major Milestone
HILLSBORO, OR – The team owners say their Hillsboro Hops Fund has reached a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in total donations to organizations, programs, student-athletes, and families across the region. Since its inception in 2014, the fund has awarded more than 400 grants and scholarships. While the majority of support stays in Hillsboro and the Portland metro area, funding has also reached Astoria, Canby, Milwaukie, and Southwest Washington.
Sandy River Park To Remain Closed After Bear Sighting
SANDY, OR – According to one official on Friday, Sep. 25, the Sandy River Park will remain closed to the public until next week, pending further investigation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife into a black bear sighting. The closure was ordered on Thursday following a claim by fishermen that they spotted the bear shortly after entering the park. Reportedly, ODFW officials and Oregon State Police were going to search for the bear, but it is unclear if it was found or not.
Washington State’s Vancouver Food Pantry Forms Partnership To Fight Student Hunger
VANCOUVER, WA – The Cougar Food Pantry on the Washington State University Vancover campus was expanded in spring 2025 to address what officials describe as an increasing demand for food assistance. University data from the most recent end-of-year report showed that more than 40 percent of the student body accessed pantry services during the academic year and shopping visits increased by 89% from the 2024/25 to the 2025/26 academic year, going from 1,539 visits to 2,923 visits.
Clackamas County Grand Jury Determines Officers Justified Using Deadly Force
OREGON CITY, OR – Clackamas County officials announced on Tuesday that a grand jury has determined two police officers were justified in using deadly force against a man they claim shot them earlier this month. According to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Canby Police Sgt. Britton Nelson and Sgt. Allen Miller encountered 34-year-old Mario Francisco Mendoza Jr. on the night of September 3rd in the parking lot of the Canby Fred Meyer store. Sgt.
Gresham Police To Conduct Pedestrian Safety Operation
GRESHAM, OR – The Gresham Police Department will conduct a pedestrian safety operation on Tuesday, Sept. 22, along Southeast Powell Valley Road and Southeast Kane Drive. Running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the initiative utilizes a two-pronged strategy focused on public education and the enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. Police aim to increase safety awareness among both drivers and pedestrians. Warning signs will be posted along the roadway before motorists enter the designated safety zone.
Police And Prosecutors Use New System To Connect In Clackamas County
OREGON CITY, OR – The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office is the first agency in Oregon — and one of the first in the nation — to adopt an advanced system that allows law enforcement agencies to directly share reports with prosecutors. The new integration connects Mark43, a records system used by law enforcement, with PROSECUTORbyKarpel, or PbK, the records system used by the District Attorney’s Office.
Portland Woman Sentenced Following Death Infant Son
PORTLAND, OR – A Portland woman has been sentenced to 70 months in prison in connection with the 2023 death of her 22-month-old son. Kelsey Ashley Lynn Haws was sentenced September 15 after being convicted of criminally negligent homicide, attempted assault in the second degree and criminal mistreatment. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, paramedics were called to a Portland home on June 19, 2023, after the boy was found unresponsive.
- KXL
PORTLAND, OR – Portland police announced the arrest of two people following an investigation into suspected drug distribution in and around a Safe Rest Village in North Portland. The Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team began the investigation in September 2025 after receiving information that an individual living at the village in the 10500 block of North Portland Road was dealing drugs.
SOLVE Wraps Up Summer Waterway Cleanup Series
PORTLAND, OR – The environmental group SOLVE will hold the final event of its Waterway Cleanup Series on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at High Rocks Park in Gladstone. The cleanup runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 2 82nd Drive and will focus on beautifying the riverbanks of the Clackamas River. The event is a collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Clackamas County Offers Help
OREGON CITY, OR – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma and remind people that help is available. Clackamas County offers suicide prevention and mental health training to help community members recognize warning signs and learn how to respond. The county says you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Parkrose Mural Paint Party Still Happening, But Not Block Party
PORTLAND, OR – The weather forecast is changing plans for this weekend’s community mural celebration in Parkrose. The Community Mural Paint Party is still happening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parkrose School District Office, 10636 NE Prescott St. Families are invited to help paint the community mural. Available time slots are 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Light refreshments will be provided.
Less Than Half Of Oregon Hospitals Comply With Price Rules
UNDATED – A new report from Patient Rights Advocate says 43% of Oregon hospitals fully comply with the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule. The nonprofit reviewed 2,000 hospitals nationwide for its eighth annual compliance report. The federal rule took effect more than five years ago and requires hospitals to make pricing information publicly available. Patient Rights Advocate says nationwide compliance has increased by 28%, coinciding with increased federal enforcement.
ICE Launches OR Tipline For Commercial Driver’s License Fraud
UNDATED – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched a new tip line for people to report suspected fraud involving commercial driver’s licenses. Homeland Security Investigations says reports of CDL fraud can be made by calling 866-347-2423. The Department of Homeland Security says the effort is part of a broader federal crackdown on CDL fraud and unqualified commercial drivers. The announcement comes as Oregon has already tightened its rules for non-domiciled commercial licenses.
Gresham Police Seek Help Finding Missing 79-Year-Old Man
Gresham Police are asking for help from the public locating 79-year-old Toan Nguyen. Image courtesy Gresham PD. GRESHAM, OR – Gresham police are asking for the public’s help locating 79-year-old Toan Nguyen. Police say Nguyen was last seen just before 10 a.m. Friday, September 4, leaving his residence near Southeast 190th Avenue and Southeast Division Street in Gresham. Nguyen is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue pants.
Three Arrested In Portland Copper Theft Investigation
PORTLAND, OR – Three people have been arrested in connection with an ongoing Portland Police Bureau investigation into a large-scale copper theft operation. Officers responded August 25 to Vibra Specialty Hospital at 10300 Northeast Hancock Street after receiving a report of trespassing. The hospital closed in January and has since experienced repeated burglaries and significant copper wire theft, resulting in millions of dollars in estimated repairs.
New Oregon Fund To Help Food Banks Meet “Growing” Need
PORTLAND, OR – A new charitable fund has been established to help Oregon food banks and food-access organizations respond to growing demand as food insecurity rises across the state. The Mustard Seed Meals Fund, created through the Oregon Community Foundation, plans to provide grants that allow food banks and qualifying nonprofits to purchase food in bulk, with a focus on rural and lower-income communities.
U-S DOJ Sues Washington Over Immigrant College Tuition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Washington over state laws that allow some students who are not lawfully present in the United States to qualify for in-state college tuition and state financial assistance. The DOJ filed the lawsuit Thursday, alleging the Washington laws violate federal law by providing education benefits based on state residency that are not available on the same terms to U.S. citizens who live outside Washington.
Portland Parks Summer Free For All Wraps Up Soon
PORTLAND, OR – Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free For All is nearing the end of its 2026 season, but there are still free events ahead for Portland-area families. The annual program is designed to build community through free, inclusive and family-friendly activities that celebrate Portland’s diverse cultures and local artists, according to program supervisor Jarrell Hosley.
Officials Say Murders Near Forest Grove Highlight Domestic Violence Problem
FOREST GROVE, OR – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into a premeditated quintuple murder-suicide that killed three generations of one family, two friends and multiple family pets at a rural property outside Portland.
Dolly Parton Dead At 80
UNDATED – Country music legend Dolly Parton is dead at the age of 80. Parton rose from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to become one of the most influential voices in country music. Her hits include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Parton missed the opening of her new Dollywood NightFlight Expedition roller coaster debut on August 14, due to ongoin health concerns related to dizziness and dehydration.
Steiner Opposes EEOC Diversity Reporting Changes
SALEM, OR – Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner is urging the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to maintain corporate demographic reporting requirements that have been in place for more than 50 years. Steiner says eliminating the requirements would deprive investors of standardized and reliable demographic data and leave them blind to risks from discriminatory workplace practices. Steiner also cited her personal connection to the EEOC.
Zillow, Redfin To End Anticompetitive Apartment Advertising Agreement
OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and the Federal Trade Commission have announced a settlement with Zillow Group and Redfin Corporation aimed at restoring competition in apartment advertising. In a lawsuit, the Attorneys General from five states contend that on February 2025 agreement in which Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to shut down its multifamily rental advertising business and transfer its clients to Zillow.
Portland Offers Grants To Fill Vacant Storefronts
PORTLAND, OR – Prosper Portland, the city’s economic and urban development agency, is launching a new grant program aimed at filling vacant storefronts. The agency has $800,000 available in matching funds for eligible grocery stores, restaurants and retailers. Grants can cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, with maximum awards of $100,000 for grocery stores, $50,000 for restaurants and $25,000 for retailers. Applications opened Aug.
Portland Tennis Center To Get Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade Under New Partnership
PORTLAND, OR – United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest will take over operations of the Portland Tennis Center on Sept. 1 under a 25-year agreement with the City of Portland. The city will retain ownership of the facility, while USTA PNW will invest about $2.3 million in improvements, including a new tennis dome, replacement of the main building’s roof and ceiling liner, energy-efficient LED lighting, upgraded heating and cooling, backup power and modernized technology.
Student Move-In Day Arriving At University of Portland
PORTLAND, OR – The University of Portland will welcome hundreds of first-year students Thursday, August 20, as they move into residence halls and begin a long weekend of Fall 2026 Orientation activities. The university will hold two traditional “Confetti Cannon” welcome ceremonies Thursday. The first is scheduled for noon at Shipstad Hall, with University of Portland President Robert D. Kelly and university leaders joining students. A second ceremony is set for 1 p.m. at Corrado Hall.
Oregon Nurses Endorse Julia Brim-Edwards For County Chair
PORTLAND, OR – The Oregon Nurses Association has endorsed Julia Brim-Edwards for Multnomah County chair, adding the union’s support to a growing coalition of labor organizations backing her campaign. ONA represents more than 25,000 nurses and other health care professionals statewide. The union represents Multnomah County nurses and health care professionals who provide county health care services.
Oregon Expands Literacy Efforts For Very Young Children
SALEM, OR – Oregon is expanding efforts to improve early reading skills through a statewide network of more than 100 partner organizations. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care says the work is part of the Birth Through Five Literacy Fund, created through the state’s Early Literacy Success Initiative. The initiative directs DELC to implement Oregon’s first Birth Through Five Literacy Plan. Grants have gone to Tribes, early learning programs and regional Early Learning Hubs.
SOLVE Launches LOVE PDX After Citywide Cleanup
PORTLAND, OR – SOLVE, the statewide environmental non-profit organization based in Oregon that specializes in volunteer-driven ecosystem restoration and community cleanup initiatives, has launched LOVE PDX, a new initiative encouraging Portlanders to help protect and beautify local parks, streets, waterways, neighborhoods and public spaces. The launch came during Wednesday’s Pick It Up, Portland! cleanup, which marked the 10th anniversary of SOLVE’s citywide summer cleanup.
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