Dirk VanderHart
Reporter | Oregon State Capitol CorrespondentDirk VanderHart is JPR's Salem correspondent reporting from the Oregon State Capitol. His reporting is funded through a collaboration between public radio stations around the Northwest called the Northwest News Network. 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.
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Like so many things in the era of coronavirus, Oregon's annual State of the State was a virtual event this year. -
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.
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The order will last at least two weeks and also restricts private gatherings and worship services. Some businesses and schools will be allowed to continue operations.
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State Rep. Janelle Bynum will mount a rare challenge to House Speaker Tina Kotek when Democrats vote on leadership next week. Senate President Peter Courtney is expected to cruise to another term.
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Steve Trout stepped down on Friday. Days earlier, he sharply criticized the secretary of state's office for a "lack of vision and leadership."
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Measure 107 would amend the Oregon Constitution to explicitly allow campaign contribution and spending limits.
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It's the second time in two months Brown has used an emergency declaration to prepare for possible political violence in Portland.
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The emergency declaration was scheduled to lapse on Nov. 3, though an extension was widely expected.
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At least six have reduced the number of places where voters can submit their ballots because of the pandemic. Others have expanded.
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Treasurer Tobias Read and challenger Jeff Gudman are squaring off in a rematch of the tight 2016 race.
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Democrats believe there's a chance a "blue wave" year could give them larger majorities in the House and Senate. But Republicans have plenty of opportunity to make up lost ground.
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A state representative is among the chief petitioners in proposals to open up lawmakers to lawsuits and require cities to crack down on unlawful protests.
