Massive Prison Payout Highlights Dismal Financial Picture for State Insurance Fund

Escalating liabilities soar faster than lawmakers appropriate money to pay settlements.

By Nigel Jaquiss

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Spotlight: Eric Fruits and Joe Cortright

6/30/2026 - Two economists have sharply different takes on the recommendations by Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council.

Prosperity Council’s Report Challenges Kotek to Signal That Oregon Is Open for Business

6/25/2026 - The 15-member panel of business and labor leaders proposed four modest tax code changes, replacing the Climate Protection Program, and some less controversial reforms.

Six Oregon Cities Have Some of the Highest Rates of Alcohol-Induced Death in the Nation for People 65 and Over

6/23/2026 - An aging population, lack of rural treatment and health care, low alcohol taxes, and a pervasive drinking culture all contribute to the high death rates.

Oregon Journalism Project is a nonprofit news initiative for the state of Oregon.

Our mission is to inform, engage, and empower Oregonians with the kind of data-driven and solution-seeking investigative reporting that makes a significant impact at the state and local levels — serving no agenda other than a pursuit of the truth.

Prosperity Council Likely to Streamline State’s Economic Development Agency

6/17/2026 - The agency missed its job creation target nine out of the past 10 years. The solution: a lower target.

Air Conditioning Is Becoming More Vital to Oregon’s Public Health and Safety

6/16/2026 - The recent heat wave forebodes a dangerous summer for vulnerable groups.

Oregon’s Aging Population Poses Challenges for Economic Revival

6/10/2026 - Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council will propose fixes later this month.

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