Is Oregon hostage to Measure 57? (Argus Observer) PORTLAND — In March, the Oregon Department of Corrections expects to welcome the first of what will become known as its “Measure 57 inmates.” The timing of their arrival could not be worse.

Dow plunges on news recession began in Dec. 2007 (AP via Yahoo! News) Most Americans sorely knew it already, but now it's official: The country is in a recession, and it's getting worse. Wall Street convulsed at the news — and a fresh batch of bad economic reports — tanking nearly 680 points. With the economic pain likely to stretch well into 2009, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Monday he stands ready to lower interest rates yet again and to explore ...