Oregon
Progressive slate poised to win seats on Oregon City School Board
Four of the seven seats on the Oregon City School Board were up for grabs Tuesday night and each seat drew several candidates interested in the job.
Partial election results as of 8 p.m. show the lone incumbent in the race, Pamela White, is poised to hold onto on Position 7 with 56% of the vote. Early results show Alex Halpern in the lead for Position 2 with 57% of the vote. Katie Wilson is in the lead for Position 5 with 64% of the vote. And Heidi Blackwell was slightly leading challenger Steve Riehl for Position 6 with 52% of the vote to Riehl’s 47%.
Halpern, Wilson, Blackwell and White ran on a collaborative slate called #Strong4OCSchools, advocating “progressive values and a firm belief that public education is essential.” The slate prevailed in early results with all four candidates edging out challengers.
White argued that schools should offer safe and inclusive environments, and said she would advocate for state of the art facilities where students can thrive and work to provide competitive employee compensation and benefit packages. She was endorsed by the Oregon Education Association and the district teachers’ union, as well as the Democratic Party of Clackamas County.
White faced a challenge from political newcomer and retiree Andy Holthouse who campaigned against comprehensive sex education, gay-straight alliance clubs, critical race theory and what he called “transgender ideology that promotes questioning gender assigned at birth by our creator.” Holthouse also said in a Voters’ Pamphlet that “political flags, banners and signs have no place on public school property.”
Halpern serves on the school board budget committee and is a parent-teacher association volunteer. His kids will spend the next 15 years in Oregon City schools, Halpern said in the Voters’ Pamphlet, and he believes it’s critical to recruit and retain the best possible staff to the district. He drew the support of the district’s teachers association as well as sitting school board members and the Oregon Education Association. His opponent, Jacqueline Arn, a former educator, said she wants to continue to be an advocate for parents and students. If elected, Arn said she would advocate for keeping politics out of schools, improving nutrition for students in need and supporting a parental “opt-in” options for certain curricula. She was endorsed by Oregon Right to Life.
The race for Position 5 saw communications professional Katie Wilson face off against Steve Masone. Wilson, who is endorsed by the state and local teachers’ unions, has a kindergartener in the school district and said that all students “deserve to attend schools that welcome and support them.” Wilson’s top priorities include dual language learning support and smaller class sizes for students. In the Voters’ Pamphlet, Masone described himself as a “tireless advocate” for the disabled and those who suffer from mental illnesses. He is the parent of an autistic child, the Voters’ Pamphlet said, and he has worked with national mental health organizations and trained in counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. As of 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wilson was a clear favorite in the race with 64% of the vote to Masone’s 36%.
Early results were in Blackwell’s favor for the Position 6 seat, which was the closest of the contested districts. Riehl, a business owner, said politics and classroom disruptions are getting in the way of student’s education. As a school board member, he said that he would focus on district transparency, keeping politics out of the classroom and emphasizing the voices of parents and children. Blackwell has decades of experience as a public school teacher and administrator and said she will take a “collaborative approach” to solving the district’s problems. Blackwell said she would prioritize extracurricular activities, community involvement and making schools feel safe and welcoming for students of all backgrounds, according to the Voters’ Pamphlet. Blackwell was endorsed by both the state and local teachers’ unions.
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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