Dirk VanderHart
Dirk VanderHart covers Oregon politics and government for OPB. Before barging onto the radio in 2018, he spent more than a decade as a newspaper reporter—much of that time reporting on city government for the Portland Mercury. He’s also had stints covering chicanery in Southwest Missouri, the wilds of Ohio in Ohio, and all things Texas on Capitol Hill.
Dirk’s byline has appeared in USA Today, The New York Times, The Houston Chronicle, The Columbus Dispatch, The Oregonian, and more. He’s got a journalism degree from Michigan State University.
Send Dirk the best story ideas.
Latest Stories
Judge blocks Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s requirement for union labor on many state projects
A coalition of contractors has argued the move is an unconstitutional power grab.
Oregon bill to give striking workers unemployment pay passes Senate
A bill that would make Oregon a pioneer in the practice squeaked through the Senate on Thursday.
Oregon budget writers offer up a spending framework — and a lot of uncertainty
The state might have enough money to fund core priorities. Or it might be scrambling to fill holes left by federal cuts.
Oregon cities unveil a new poll as they press for stronger anti-camping laws
They're hoping state lawmakers will be moved to act by a Friday deadline, but opponents say existing law is adequate.
Deputies refuse to attend Portland civil commitment hearings without their guns
Multnomah County deputies' decision to pull security services from the Unity Center has forced the sensitive hearings to go virtual.
Oregon bill to block release of legislative research gets skeptical hearing
Senate Bill 555 could ensure that data lawmakers use when crafting bills is kept under wraps.
Citizen-driven ballot measures could become more rare under proposals taken up by Oregon lawmakers
Critics of the state's initiative petition system say it gives too much say to the Portland region.
'OPB Politics Now': Why Portland and Multnomah County’s budgets are so bleak but Oregon’s is stable
It's budget season in the government world and the overall outlook varies widely depending on where you look.
Bill to grant striking Oregon workers unemployment checks moves forward
Senate Bill 916 has been one of the most hotly debated bills of this year's legislative session.
Oregon Democrats propose major new spending as part of budget ‘rebalance’
A handful of budget bills proposed by Oregon state lawmakers would steer more than $420 million out the door for social services, wildfire and more.