Oregon Journalism Project
107 posts
Judge declines to dismiss Douglas County elections case
Plaintiff Todd Vaughn’s challenge of his May defeat in a race for Umpqua Public Transportation District board remains…
October 3, 2025
Elections expert explains why federal government doesn’t need Oregon voters’ private data
By James Neff Two weeks ago, President Trump’s Department of Justice, in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, sued Oregon and…
September 25, 2025
Canadians and other international tourists shun Oregon this summer
By Khushboo Rathore Spending by international travelers to Oregon this summer has dropped sharply, down 21% this July…
September 24, 2025
Oregon’s early child care crisis impacts all but two of the state’s 36 counties
By Khushboo Rathore Oregon Journalism Project When Courtney Eggleston gave birth to her son, she knew…
September 23, 2025
Secret Stash
Oregon’s public workers in the dark on which private investments in their PERS fund actually made money. …
September 15, 2025
Economic hotspot: Oregon state hiring
Oregon gained state government workers in the past year while manufacturing ranks fell By Khushboo Rathore Oregon Journalism…
September 11, 2025
OJP HOTSEAT: John Tapogna
One of the state’s leading economic observers says Oregon’s growth is over By OJP Staff As Oregon’s political…
September 9, 2025
State defers action on Ross Island penalty
At issue is Ross Island Sand and Gravel’s failure to comply with its agreement with the state to…
September 3, 2025
More questions arise about state investments in private equity
The Oregon Investment Council faces tough questions from lawmakers, unions and advocates. An email shows the former state…
September 1, 2025
New study finds PGE’s efforts to restore Deschutes River aren’t working
A peer-reviewed paper says measures to mitigate harms from dams have “resulted in a net reduction in water…
August 26, 2025
Edtl out, election certified in Douglas County
Umpqua Public Transportation District CEO Ben Edtl submitted his resignation on Aug. 13. BY NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon Journalism…
August 21, 2025
ODOT’s most persistent critic says the state could solve its road-funding crunch — by scuttling some projects
Economist Joe Cortright says the state agency is misleading lawmakers and the public about its budget. BY NIGEL…
August 20, 2025
Updated: Oregon cries poverty, but its transportation spending is typical of western states
An OJP analysis of five recent years’ spending figures show that Oregon falls roughly in the middle of…
August 20, 2025
Six Oregon tribes blast Kotek’s office and out-of-state tribes
As tribal tensions rise, the governor is caught in the middle. By Nigel Jaquiss Oregon Journalism Project In…
August 18, 2025
Why Oregon’s governor had to intervene on pumpkin patches
The latest rulemaking dispute is part of long-standing tensions over land use. By Khushoo Rathore Oregon Journalism…
August 15, 2025
Meek demands Wagner resign as Senate president
Friction inside the Senate Democratic caucus erupts as lawmakers prepare for special session. BY NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon Journalism…
August 15, 2025
Drazan testing waters for 2026 run
Signs indicate she is considering a rematch against Gov. Tina Kotek next year. BY NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon Journalism…
August 13, 2025
Mysterious ballot measure to privatize liquor sales crosses another threshold
The effort now has a certified ballot title but lacks a website or political action committee. BY NIGEL…
August 8, 2025
Kotek will not veto Willamette Falls appropriation
A former congressman called the $45 million appropriation a “slush fund,” while a key trade union urged Kotek…
August 7, 2025
Off Target
How the managers of Oregon’s $100 billion pension fund ignored expert guidance and lost big. By James Neff…
August 5, 2025
Judge in PacifiCorp wildfire trials wants to quadruple court’s pace
Many victims of the 2020 wildfires still await resolution of their damages. BY JEFF MANNING Oregon Journalism Project…
August 5, 2025
Secretary of State opens investigation of Umpqua Public Transit District’s response to May election
The district’s CEO disputes one of the results and won’t pay his district’s share of election costs. This…
August 5, 2025
Ballot initiative seeks to repeal new permit fees on standup paddleboards and kayaks
Lawmakers recently levied fees on the human-powered vessels to raise funds to fight invasive species. By Nigel…
August 1, 2025
Kotek threatens to veto money for tribal acquisition at Willamette Falls
Two Oregon tribes opposed funding for a trust that includes four other tribes. BY NIGEL JAQUIS Oregon…
August 1, 2025
OBRC: Big layoffs at glass plant will not imperil Bottle Bill
Despite a partial shutdown, Owens Brockway will continue taking Oregon’s glass for recycling. BY NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon…
July 30, 2025