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D I R K V A N D E R H A R T
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Dirk VanderHart is a politics reporter for Oregon Public Broadcasting. With a background in print journalism — and nearly a decade in radio — Dirk focuses on political power, public policy, and how the two intersect for good or ill.
Some of my work
Politics
OPB — With ICE (maybe) waiting in the wings, Newport sits in limbo
Audio/digital feature on how secretive planning by immigration officials upended a town on the Oregon coast.
OPB — Everybody hates Portland: The city's compounding crises as political X-factor
Analysis of how Portland’s tanking reputation scrambled political talking points.
OPB — What does a crypto tycoon want with Oregon's new congressional district?
When crypto magnate Sam Bankman-Fried began spending big on a political unknown, we asked 'why?'.
OPB — How controversy over Oregon’s first lady unfolded in emails among Gov. Tina Kotek’s staff
A dive into thousands of public records that exposed a scandal in the Oregon governor's office.
Investigations
OPB — As ‘placeholder’ bills surge in Salem, what you see isn’t always what you get
Watchdog investigation into Oregon lawmakers’ growing use of a problematic legislative trick.
OPB — Pay to play? Out of state law firms reap big rewards of Oregon campaign checks
In 2019, I noticed out-of-state lawyers pouring big money into Oregon political races. Here's why.
OPB — A workplace dispute reveals major flaws in legislature's harassment policies
Oregon's attempt to better protect political aides from harassment wound up leaving some feeling victimized.
Audio
OPB — Grand Old Podcasts: Oregon Republicans have a new messaging strategy
Stuck in the minority, the GOP in Oregon has a new strategy for finding relevance.
OPB — In independent push for governor, Betsy Johnson sizes up her audience
A look at the curious, doomed gubernatorial candidacy of one of Oregon's most distinctive politicians.
NPR — As climate warms, algae blooms in drinking water supplies
Nationally broadcast audio story about how climate change is posing new threats to drinking water.
NPR — GOP lawmakers in Oregon continue walkouts, despite Democrats' attempts to end them
A radio feature that clued in a national audience to how legislative walkouts were reshaping Oregon politics.
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