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.
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Latest Stories
A proposal to extend Oregon’s eviction ban faces an uphill battle in the Senate
Some Democratic Senators are skeptical of the proposal, which could doom its chances at passage.
‘OPB Politics Now’: Kate Brown’s proposed budget and emails in Portland City Hall
Gov. Kate Brown dropped a $25.6 billion proposal this week for how the state should spend its limited dollars in the next two years.
Gov. Kate Brown wants to delay voter-approved addiction treatment funding
The governor says she does not want to siphon money for treatment away from other priorities.
Gov. Kate Brown’s budget proposes prison closures and cuts to healthcare providers
The budget proposal also expands services in many areas, and prioritizes communities of color.
Majority of Oregon counties will still have restrictions after ‘freeze’ ends
The governor's office said Brown will outline health and safety measures that will take effect after Oregon's current two-week coronavirus "freeze." Watch live at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
New fund for Black Oregonians faces mounting legal pressure
Created in July to help people impacted by COVID-19, the Oregon Cares Fund now faces two federal lawsuits.
Oregon lawmakers unveil proposal to extend eviction ban and compensate landlords
The proposal would allow qualifying tenants to escape eviction for nonpayment until June 30. They'd be required to pay back rent the next day.
‘OPB Politics Now’: A possible ‘catastrophic’ special session and a battle for House speaker
In this episode, we discuss the possibility of a special session to deal with the ongoing pandemic and the battle for House speaker.
Oregon lawmakers considering first-ever ‘catastrophic’ special session next month
If Gov. Kate Brown declares a catastrophic emergency due to the coronavirus, lawmakers could likely convene the only remote session in state history.
Oregon’s budget picture holds steady, but coronavirus looms
Economists say Oregon's economy is stable and will continue to grow slowly. But lawmakers differ on near-term steps to help those most impacted by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.