The Echo
The Echo is the official newsletter of the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution created and produced by incarcerated people. It's mission is to serve the incarcerated community by providing monthly news and other important information, while highlighting the human experience in the carceral setting.
2025 Print Issues
Staff members
Phillip Luna, Editor-in-Chief
Phillip Luna was born in Antioch, California and is of Hispanic and white heritage. He is the editor of both The Echo and 1664 and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also written for the Prison Journalism Project and PonyXpress. During his incarceration, Phillip has facilitated a beekeeping program, earning a Journeyman certification from the Washington State Beekeepers Association. He has also facilitated Roots of Success, an environmental literacy course, and has an apprenticeship through the Department of Labor to become a certified technical educator in environmental literacy. In his spare time, he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English. Phillip has been incarcerated since 2015.
Christopher Ainsworth, Staff Writer
Ainsworth was born in Portland, Oregon and is of Italian and Scandinavian decent. He began writing in high school when he discovered an affinity for poetry and could be found performing at open mic nights at any number of Portland bars in his 20s. He later started a photography busines for events, bands, and music festivals. His love for writing was briefly forgotten until he began attending a writing workshop in 2023, Pony Xpress, who published his poetry. Since early 2024 he has been a journalist writing for The Echo, something he believes has had a positive impact on his life.
Kurtis Thompson, Staff Writer
Thompson grew up in Medford, Oregon with his mother and sister. His artistic interest began in his early years and carried into the present when he started at The Echo in 2024. He believes he’s discovered his purpose in the written word. Thompson is a Christian who knows he’s not better than anyone, and cares about people no matter their background. He believes everyone has a story and a purpose, and wants to write about them so others know. Thompson has been married, had two amazing children, is a huge gaming and anime nerd, and his favorite food is a good authentic ramen bowl.
James Paulk, Correspondent
Paulk joined The Echo in January 2025. He is finishing a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is in an apprenticeship to become a certified technical educator through the Department of Labor. He is passionate about fitness and nutrition and is certified as a trainer and nutritionist through the International Sports Science Association. He enjoys time with his family, writing, and helping others. James has been incarcerated since 2007 and goes home at the end of 2025.
Antonio McCaw, Correspondent
McCaw joined The Echo in January 2025. He 25 years old and has lived in Oregon most of his life. He enjoys reading, listening to music, and has taught himself Polish and Latin. Upon his release, he plans on travelling and moving to Europe.
Shahid Baskerville, Correspondent
Baskerville joined The Echo in January 2025. He has already written many things such as poems, four novels, and song lyrics. He recently sought out The Echo in hopes of learning to learn yet another piece of the powerful pen. He believes we all are students at life and with much to learn. He is also a self-proclaimed Scrabble king.
Jacob Harper, Correspondent
Harper is originally from the Olympic Peninsula. He migrated to the Willamette Valley and graduated high school from Junction City. A life-long lover of the written word, he has worked both as a freelance journalist and for a small paper publication. He also enjoys vintage cars and motorcycles.
Shane Anthony Goins, Correspondent
Goins is from Northeastern Ohio and joined The Echo in February 2024. He became a writer because he wanted to explore the possibility of becoming a reporter/journalist upon release and felt like there’s more happening centered around incarceration that people in the free world don’t hear about. Writing for The Echo has given him the tools he needs to succeed and the creativity he never knew existed.