Oregon
Oregon housing agency to again pause accepting Homeowner Assistance Fund applications – KTVZ
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Housing and Community Services announced Wednesday it will pause accepting new applications for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund program at 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday, May 31.
It said the pause will allow OHCS to process current applications in its queue and better project the amount of federal HAF funds remaining for homeowners.
The state previously paused at the end of 2022 for the same reasons and has been reopened to accepting applications since March.
“HAF is pausing again to make sure there are enough funds for qualifying homeowners who’ve already applied,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “The program will likely reopen once we process additional applications already in the queue. If you are a homeowner falling behind, we encourage you to reach out to a state-approved homeownership center right away.”
Homeowners who are most at risk of foreclosure and housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals (as defined by U.S. Treasury), or otherwise meet one of the additional eligibility criteria listed at oregonhomeownerassistance.org are encouraged to apply for HAF assistance before 4 p.m. PST May 31.
If a person has previously applied or begun an application, the pause will not impact them. Those who started their applications will still be able to access and complete them, and those applications that were previously submitted will still be processed. Applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments. They can opt in to email alerts as their application advances.
To serve the most at-risk homeowners, as an exception to this pause, OHCS will continue to accept new applications submitted by housing counselors on behalf of homeowners who are in a judicial foreclosure or forfeiture action or have a verified foreclosure sale date. If a person is in a judicial action or in a nonjudicial foreclosure and can provide documentation of a pending foreclosure sale date, they should apply before the pause or work with a free housing counselor to submit their application.
OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk eligible homeowners who have no viable workout options, and it will continue to operate HAF this way during the pause. As of May 12, 2023, OHCS approved 1,027 applications, totaling over $30 million of the $72 million budgeted for homeowners. In addition, 1,301 applications are currently being reviewed and 1,320 applications have been started but not completed for processing. At least 219 of the submitted HAF applications were or are in active foreclosure. The average award disbursed is nearly $30,000 per application.
Free help is available
During this pause, homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about budgeting tools and evaluation of options to keep their homes, such as modifications, adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage, or HAF. HAF may not be the best option for everyone, and it may prevent homeowners from servicer options available for different types of loans. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.
Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer to respond due to the holidays and remote working policies.
In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.
Avoiding fraud
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.
There are a number of common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.
To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.
Controversial world leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list is breaking tradition, as he has invited a number of controversial world leaders, signaling his continued alignment with right-wing figures.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Inauguration Day, when President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to the White House, will take place Monday.
Trump will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after the inauguration was moved indoors due to forecast cold weather in Washington, D.C. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was 40 years ago for President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Here is a list of Oregon politicians who told the Statesman Journal they will be attending or missing the inauguration as of Friday.
Is U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for U.S. secretary of labor and a former Oregon Republican Congresswoman, did not respond to the Statesman Journal’s inquiry on Friday asking if she would attend the inauguration.
Is Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is not attending the inauguration.
Is U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, is not attending the inauguration. A representative from Wyden’s office said the senator was hosting planned townhalls in Oregon over the weekend and would be visiting the Providence nurses on strike in Portland before returning to Washington, D.C., Monday for evening votes.
Is U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect her decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, will not attend the inauguration. A represent from her office said Bonamici will be gathering with immigration advocates, attending an MLK Day breakfast with community leaders and volunteering with an organization that serves homeless youth.
“I will not be attending the inauguration in DC this year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service and I will be spending it in Oregon with community members and organizations who are working to create a better future,” Bonamici said.
Is U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, an Oregon Republican, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect his decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, an Oregon Democrat, will attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, was unsure if should would be attending the inauguration when contacted by the Statesman Journal on Friday.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The first Powerball jackpot of 2025 was sold in Oregon and is worth $328.5 million, according to lottery officials.
The winner purchased the winning ticket in Beaverton on Thursday, Jan. 17, the Oregon Lottery said. The retail location will not be revealed until a winner has come forward.
The winning numbers for the Saturday drawing were: 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and Powerball 23.
The winner has a year to claim their prize, Oregon Lottery spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said. After the winning ticket is presented, “it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.”
Oregon lottery winners, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous, Mesaros said.
The winner will have a choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a lump-sum payment of $146.4 million, according to lottery officials, which are both options before taxes.
Last year, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon — a $1.3 billion jackpot — was split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Before Saturday, the most recent Powerball jackpot was sold in December in New York and was worth $256 million.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Fernando Cervantes Jr., a news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. Reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com
Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning has been a busy man.
But when you’re the man tasked with running one of the top college football programs in the country, burning jet fuel to shake hands and take photos is a big part of the gig. And Lanning was doing plenty of that last week.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Lanning returned home last week on a two-day tear recruiting some of the top 2026 prospects in the country.
Lanning’s known stops included Lee’s Summit on Jan. 16, where the Tigers have 2027 interior line prospect Zach Harsha (6-5, 260) and 2028 tight end Max Trillo (6-4, 225).
Great Day at Lee’s Summit High Today
Appreciate Head Coach Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon for coming to see the Tigers! #RecruitLS@CoachDanLanning @oregonfootball @lstigerfootball pic.twitter.com/DBFM8AwLzM— Recruiting LSTIGERFOOTBALL (@recruitLSFB) January 17, 2025
He was even busier the following day. He had stops at Raymore-Peculiar, where he visited with and offered four-star uncommitted running back DeZephen Walker (6-0, 205) who is believed to be heavily considering Kansas and Nebraska.
He also headed to Illinois, where he swung by Lincoln-Way East to visit with quarterback Jonas Williams, who agreed with the Ducks on Aug. 3, 2024,
A big thank you to the University of Oregon Ducks Head Football Coach Dan Lanning for coming to Lincoln-Way East today! pic.twitter.com/lruzNH6I2q
— Lincoln-Way East Football (@LWEastFootball) January 17, 2025
A trip to the Springfield, Mo. area was also on the docket, as Lanning traveled to Nixa High School to again meet with the country’s No. 1 2026 offensive lineman, Jackson Cantwell, on Jan. 16. The 6-8, 315 offensive tackle has offers from just about everyone in the country, though he has spoken highly of Lanning and his relationship with the Ducks coach – making Oregon one of the favorites for his services.
Nice to have @oregonfootball @CoachDanLanning & @UMichFootball @Coach_SMoore in Nixa, MO! @jcantwell2499 is bringing out all the stars. #TeamNixa #NSGB pic.twitter.com/bBlvB3Uy8j
— John Perry (@jperry_nixa) January 17, 2025
Cantwell was honored by the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 18 during their AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans after he was selected to represent the Chiefs at the ‘Nike Ones’ showcase during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.
Lanning concluded his trip with a little basketball in Hutchinson, Kan., where he watched Great Bend tight end Ian Premer (6-6, 215) – the top tight end in the 2026 class – take on Hutchinson. Premer, a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball, impressed with 22 points in the game.
Oregon 🏈 HC @CoachDanLanning is in Hutchinson tonight to watch Great Bend’s @IanPremer play hoops. @GBHS_Athletics @GreatBend_BB @sportsinkansas pic.twitter.com/AnYWMlxe6X
— Jason Lamb (@JasonLambTV) January 18, 2025
The Midwest swing adds to a busy month for Lanning, who also has been spotted with Utah No. 1 athlete Salasi Moa and recently secured a visit with top 2026 quarterback and Nashville native Jared Curtis.
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