
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

On tap for Oregon special session: 6-cent gas tax hike, transit funding and more
Gov. Tina Kotek said Wednesday she expects her proposal will pass in the Aug. 29 session.
Gov. Tina Kotek delays ODOT layoffs and announces August special session
The governor’s announcement offered only hints of what a plan to fund roads might look like.

‘OPB Politics Now’: US Sen. Jeff Merkley is running for reelection, plus special session scuttlebutt
Oregon's junior senator announced his reelection bid.
Oregon’s Jeff Merkley will seek a 4th term in US Senate, ending speculation
The announcement scuttles speculation Merkley was getting ready to end his congressional career.

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ may take a major bite out of Interstate 5-Rose Quarter remake
The agency insisted last week there was no sign a $450 million grant was in jeopardy. It’s changed its tune.

Oregon Transportation Department says 10% of state road workers will be laid off by August
Agency leaders say they plan to scale back pothole repairs, road striping, litter pickup, snow plowing and other services as they work to close a $354 million funding gap.

‘OPB Politics Now’: Oregon Legislature wraps up a busy session punctuated by a transportation package failure
The 2025 legislative session ended with drama, intrigue and some finger pointing.

House passes Trump’s domestic policy bill. Here are 5 ways it will impact Oregon
Congressional Republicans have passed their sweeping domestic policy bill. In Oregon, the impacts of the legislation will be significant.

Oregon lawmakers failed to find billions for roads. Now what?
Layoffs appear certain. But a lot more could happen, too.
Oregon Gov. Kotek slams ‘disappointing’ legislative inaction on road funding
She says the state may begin layoffs next week.