Dirk VanderHart
@dirquez.bsky.social
Artist, dog-lover and avid reader.
The campaign hoping to refer Oregon's newly passed gas tax increase to next year's ballot now says it has more than 150,000 signatures -- roughly double of what it needs. #orpol
November 25, 2025 at 11:37 PM
The campaign hoping to refer Oregon's newly passed gas tax increase to next year's ballot now says it has more than 150,000 signatures -- roughly double of what it needs. #orpol
There are new signs of life for a rumored immigrant detention center in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal defense contractor seeks hundreds of coastal Oregon hotel rooms, city of Newport says
It’s just one recent sign that interest over an immigrant detention facility on the coast hasn’t faded.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
There are new signs of life for a rumored immigrant detention center in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Dirk VanderHart
Four of Oregon’s top lawyers are “highly concerned” about immigration officers stopping a group of teenagers at gunpoint in October and, last week, arresting a high school student on his lunch break.
Oregon attorney general, county prosecutors warn federal officers that excessive force will be investigated
Elected prosecutors from Oregon’s three largest counties along with Oregon’s attorney general say they’ll investigate federal law enforcement officers when their actions appear criminal.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Four of Oregon’s top lawyers are “highly concerned” about immigration officers stopping a group of teenagers at gunpoint in October and, last week, arresting a high school student on his lunch break.
That was quick.
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
U.S. Coast Guard must return rescue helicopter to Newport, judge rules
The temporary order comes just three days after a lawsuit challenging the removal
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 AM
That was quick.
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
There is growing evidence ICE is planning a new detention center on the Oregon coast. The latest: an ICE contractor is hiring "detention officers" in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal contractor is looking to hire ICE detention officers in Newport
It’s the latest sign U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcment is planning a major new facility on the Oregon Coast.
www.opb.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
There is growing evidence ICE is planning a new detention center on the Oregon coast. The latest: an ICE contractor is hiring "detention officers" in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
New: Speculation that ICE might be planning a new facility on the Oregon coast kicked off last week, when a federal contractor told Newport officials it would assist in a federal mission at the city's airport scheduled Dec 1. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Inquiry from defense contractor spurred concern about ICE facility on Oregon Coast
A letter to the City of Newport last week suggested that unspecified federal operations are planned for December.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 10:24 PM
New: Speculation that ICE might be planning a new facility on the Oregon coast kicked off last week, when a federal contractor told Newport officials it would assist in a federal mission at the city's airport scheduled Dec 1. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Newport officials raise alarm about possible new ICE facility
Rumors have spread since last week that the Trump administration is planning an outpost on Oregon's central coast.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a ruling that President Trump lawfully called the National Guard into Portland.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
October 29, 2025 at 12:07 AM
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a ruling that President Trump lawfully called the National Guard into Portland.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
Gov. Tina Kotek has not announced her reelection bid yet. But her campaign is tweeting this out on the morning Christine Drazan will announce her own gubernatorial run.
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
October 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Gov. Tina Kotek has not announced her reelection bid yet. But her campaign is tweeting this out on the morning Christine Drazan will announce her own gubernatorial run.
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
State Rep. Christine Drazan just pursued -- and won -- an open Senate seat, even though she plans to run for governor.
That may seem confusing until you realize Senators can raise political cash during legislative session. Reps cannot. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
That may seem confusing until you realize Senators can raise political cash during legislative session. Reps cannot. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Republican Christine Drazan appointed to Oregon Senate
The former house republican leader is expected to announce she’ll run for governor in 2026.
www.opb.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
State Rep. Christine Drazan just pursued -- and won -- an open Senate seat, even though she plans to run for governor.
That may seem confusing until you realize Senators can raise political cash during legislative session. Reps cannot. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
That may seem confusing until you realize Senators can raise political cash during legislative session. Reps cannot. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Dirk VanderHart
President Donald Trump is sending 300 California National Guard members to Oregon after a judge blocked the administration from deploying that state’s guard to Portland, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
apnews.com/article/nati...
apnews.com/article/nati...
California governor says Trump is sending 300 California National Guard members to Oregon
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration is sending 300 California National Guard members to Oregon.
apnews.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
President Donald Trump is sending 300 California National Guard members to Oregon after a judge blocked the administration from deploying that state’s guard to Portland, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
apnews.com/article/nati...
apnews.com/article/nati...
Way before Tom Dundon was the potential savior of one of Oregon's most beloved institutions, the state accused him of being a car loan shark. (My words not theirs.)
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Before Tom Dundon agreed to buy the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon accused the company he created of predatory lending
In 2020, Oregon sued Tom Dundon’s former company for allegedly preying on Oregonians through high-interest car loans they couldn’t afford in a case involving more than 265,000 borrowers nationwide.
www.opb.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Way before Tom Dundon was the potential savior of one of Oregon's most beloved institutions, the state accused him of being a car loan shark. (My words not theirs.)
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
New: According to staff, the Senate floor session scheduled for tomorrow is likely to be delayed again -- by perhaps weeks -- because Sen Chris Gorsek can't make it to the Capitol.
Gorsek has been battling health problems, but is needed to pass a tax package. #orleg #orpol
Gorsek has been battling health problems, but is needed to pass a tax package. #orleg #orpol
September 17, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Notable #orleg news. State Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, says she won't run for re-election. Instead she's seeking a seat on the Clackamas County Commission.
Hartman does not have many positive things to say about legislative politics in her announcement.
Hartman does not have many positive things to say about legislative politics in her announcement.
September 9, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Notable #orleg news. State Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, says she won't run for re-election. Instead she's seeking a seat on the Clackamas County Commission.
Hartman does not have many positive things to say about legislative politics in her announcement.
Hartman does not have many positive things to say about legislative politics in her announcement.
NEW: State Rep. Cyrus Javadi is now a Democrat.
After a decisive vote in favor of Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation tax package on Monday, Javadi will seek reelection next year as a member of the majority party. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
After a decisive vote in favor of Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation tax package on Monday, Javadi will seek reelection next year as a member of the majority party. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Oregon state Rep. Cyrus Javadi switched political teams, registers as a Democrat
The move comes after Javadi took a tax vote this week that infuriated some Republicans.
www.opb.org
September 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
NEW: State Rep. Cyrus Javadi is now a Democrat.
After a decisive vote in favor of Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation tax package on Monday, Javadi will seek reelection next year as a member of the majority party. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
After a decisive vote in favor of Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation tax package on Monday, Javadi will seek reelection next year as a member of the majority party. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
New: A vote on the Gov Tina Kotek's transportation package is expected to be delayed by two weeks, with Sen. Chris Gorsek out for health reasons. #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Oregon Democrats put special session on hold amid key senator’s absence
Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, is unable to come to the Capitol because of unspecified health struggles. His vote may be needed to pass Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation funding bill.
www.opb.org
September 3, 2025 at 1:03 AM
New: A vote on the Gov Tina Kotek's transportation package is expected to be delayed by two weeks, with Sen. Chris Gorsek out for health reasons. #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
There are a LOT of rumors in Salem right now, but this much feels clear: The Senate is not likely to vote on the transportation bill tomorrow -- and maybe not until well after.
Sen Chris Gorsek, whose vote Dems may need, is unable to attend for health reasons. #orleg
Sen Chris Gorsek, whose vote Dems may need, is unable to attend for health reasons. #orleg
September 2, 2025 at 9:38 PM
There are a LOT of rumors in Salem right now, but this much feels clear: The Senate is not likely to vote on the transportation bill tomorrow -- and maybe not until well after.
Sen Chris Gorsek, whose vote Dems may need, is unable to attend for health reasons. #orleg
Sen Chris Gorsek, whose vote Dems may need, is unable to attend for health reasons. #orleg
Reposted by Dirk VanderHart
As Hartman said she would vote against the measure, Rep. Hoa Nguyen, who is undergoing cancer treatment and wasn't here earlier, came to the floor. It takes 36 votes to pass any tax measure, and there are 36 Democrats. Javadi, the only R to support the measure, could cancel out Hartman. #orleg
September 1, 2025 at 6:47 PM
As Hartman said she would vote against the measure, Rep. Hoa Nguyen, who is undergoing cancer treatment and wasn't here earlier, came to the floor. It takes 36 votes to pass any tax measure, and there are 36 Democrats. Javadi, the only R to support the measure, could cancel out Hartman. #orleg
Oregon Dems are signaling they will back off on some of their funding ambitions as they negotiate with Republicans.
Gov. Tina Kotek proposed doubling a 0.1% payroll tax for transit. Now Speaker Julie Fahey has an amendment that would sunset the increase after 2 yrs. #orleg
Gov. Tina Kotek proposed doubling a 0.1% payroll tax for transit. Now Speaker Julie Fahey has an amendment that would sunset the increase after 2 yrs. #orleg
August 31, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Oregon Dems are signaling they will back off on some of their funding ambitions as they negotiate with Republicans.
Gov. Tina Kotek proposed doubling a 0.1% payroll tax for transit. Now Speaker Julie Fahey has an amendment that would sunset the increase after 2 yrs. #orleg
Gov. Tina Kotek proposed doubling a 0.1% payroll tax for transit. Now Speaker Julie Fahey has an amendment that would sunset the increase after 2 yrs. #orleg
The GOP's "Big Beautiful Bill" doesn't just include federal tax cuts. Because Oregon automatically adopts the federal code, it could blow a $373M hole in Oregon's budget. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Federal tax cuts could blow a $373 million hole in Oregon’s new budget, economists say
The revenue forecast presents a choice for state leaders: Cut spending or effectively raise taxes.
www.opb.org
August 27, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The GOP's "Big Beautiful Bill" doesn't just include federal tax cuts. Because Oregon automatically adopts the federal code, it could blow a $373M hole in Oregon's budget. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
We finally have firm details for what the transportation funding bill being pushed by @tinakotek.bsky.social
would raise in tax revenue.
It's about $5.8B over a decade (and more after, as these taxes would continue). That's half a major bill that failed in June. #orpol #orleg
would raise in tax revenue.
It's about $5.8B over a decade (and more after, as these taxes would continue). That's half a major bill that failed in June. #orpol #orleg
August 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM
We finally have firm details for what the transportation funding bill being pushed by @tinakotek.bsky.social
would raise in tax revenue.
It's about $5.8B over a decade (and more after, as these taxes would continue). That's half a major bill that failed in June. #orpol #orleg
would raise in tax revenue.
It's about $5.8B over a decade (and more after, as these taxes would continue). That's half a major bill that failed in June. #orpol #orleg