Dirk VanderHart
OPB
Portland, OR, United States
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Past articles by Dirk:
‘OPB Politics Now’: Milepost 5 and the challenges of affordable housing
Oregon leaders are pushing local governments to build more affordable housing and to build it quickly. But on this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, we’re going to look at the realities of actually managing that housing once it's built. We have a case study in how hard that can be: Portland’s Milepost 5. It started as an artist’s dream – but is now embroiled in a class-action lawsuit. → Read More
Bill would end controversial practice of paying state employees to travel back to Oregon
State employees who took advantage of remote-work provisions by moving away from Oregon will no longer get a free trip back to the Beaver State when traveling for work, under a bill on the move this year. → Read More
‘OPB Politics Now’: Whiskey scandals and cannabis taxes
On this week's show, we'll explain the unfurling scandal over rare alcohol and how state regulators may have abused their access. And we'll look at the growing call for changes in how Oregon spends cannabis taxes under Measure 110, the historic drug decriminalization law. → Read More
On Election Day eve, Oregon’s turnout is more sluggish than past years
The relatively slow pace of ballot returns doesn't mean Oregon voters won't turn out in sizeable numbers — just that they're not doing so yet. → Read More
Workplace complaint stalls against Tina Kotek, after committee deadlocks
Republicans on the House Conduct Committee said Kotek created a hostile workplace for another lawmaker in 2019. Democrats disagreed. → Read More
Phil Knight spends big to help Oregon Republicans regain power in state Legislature
The Nike co-founder has given to legislative races in the past, but never to this degree. → Read More
Oregon GOP taps a new leader after another chair resigns
Gresham restaurateur Justin Hwang is the new party chair. Oregon Republicans have had three different leaders since March. → Read More
Oregon lets schools ban guns on campus, but few districts have made that choice
Eight months after lawmakers granted schools the ability to issue blanket gun prohibitions, only about 13% of public school districts have put the policy change into place. More are in the process. → Read More
President Joe Biden is coming to Portland to tout infrastructure spending, raise money for Democrats
The president tapped Oregon as a stage as he makes the case for Democratic success. He'll also talk to private donors. → Read More
Yamhill County chair faces recall in Tuesday election
County Commissioner Lindsay Berschauer has been a fractious presence on the county board since winning office in 2020. Opponents say she's brought unacceptable partisanship to the job. → Read More
Oregon Legislature adjourns 2022 session with billions in new spending
After weeks of slow progress, lawmakers wound up adjourning three days earlier than required. → Read More
Oregon to lift masking rules March 19
The announcement comes as new COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases are plummeting in Oregon. → Read More
Harassing election workers could lead to prison under Oregon bill
The bill comes as instances of threats and harassment have spiked nationwide following the 2020 election. → Read More
Judicial panel upholds Oregon Democrats’ new congressional districts
The five-judge panel found there was no proof that Democrats had engaged in illegal gerrymandering. → Read More
Democratic lawmaker supports lawsuit challenging Oregon legislative maps passed by his party
As part of a new court challenge, state Rep. Marty Wilde, D-Eugene, says he was punished for suggesting he might challenge a sitting senator. → Read More
After slow start, redistricting proposals get moving in Salem
Lawmakers convened for a special session on Monday, but delayed action repeatedly. → Read More
Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek confirms to colleagues she’s running for governor
Four House Democrats said on Tuesday they'd been contacted by Kotek. The House Speaker becomes the most prominent candidate in either party to enter the race. → Read More
Oregon taxpayers could see record $1.9 billion ‘kicker’ refund next year
Thats the latest news from state economists. → Read More
Expelled Oregon lawmaker Mike Nearman could be among nominees for his old seat
Whether or not county commissioners would tap a person whod have no pull in the Capitol is uncertain. → Read More
Another Oregon Republican faces recall over gun-control bill
State Sen. Lynn Findley opposed Senate Bill 554. Some constituents say he should have walked out over it. → Read More