
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

‘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.
Oregon Legislature adjourns 2025 session as Democrats’ transportation plans stumble
State lawmakers didn't pass a signature transportation package but they did tackle other topics.

Oregon Democrats’ major transportation bill is dead
According to four sources within the Legislature, Democrats acknowledged Friday morning they do not have the votes to pass House Bill 2025. The sweeping bill would have hiked an array of taxes and fees in order to generate billions for much-needed road projects.

Oregon Democrats move revamped road funding bill toward crucial floor votes
After tweaks that reduced its price tag, HB 2025 found at least one Republican supporter.

‘OPB Politics Now’: Salem drama reaches fever pitch as sine die looms
The end of Oregon's 2025 legislative is nearing.

Oregon Democrats unveil new road funding plan, as time runs short
An amendment to House Bill 2025 posted Wednesday would do away with a proposed tax on car sales that comprised the single-largest piece of the transportation bill, while simultaneously increasing another tax.

Oregon bill making it easier to forcibly treat — and release — people with mental illness moves forward
After years of attempts, an effort to address civil commitment rules in Oregon is moving forward.