Japan Ends Lethal Arms Ban in Historic Pacifism Pivot
In a move that marks the most significant departure from its postwar security framework in eight decades, Japan has officially…
Author: Ben Hardy
Hello, I'm Ben Hardy, a dedicated journalist for Willamette Weekly in Portland, Oregon. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Master's degree from Stanford University, where I specialized in multimedia storytelling and data journalism. At 28, I'm passionate about uncovering stories that matter to our community, from investigative pieces to features on Portland's unique culture. In my free time, I love exploring the city, attending local music events, and enjoying a good book at a cozy coffee shop. Thank you for reading my work and engaging with the stories that shape our vibrant community.
Oregon Cuts Patient Protections: New Law Raises Charity Care Bar
Governor Tina Kotek has signed into law House Bill 4040, a controversial measure that significantly alters how Oregon’s nonprofit hospitals…
Block 15 Brewing Wraps PDX ‘Attack the Block’ Takeover
Block 15 Brewing has officially concluded its immersive ‘Attack the Block’ tap takeover at Portland International Airport (PDX), wrapping up…
Oregon Softball’s New Wave Fuels Early Season Success
The Oregon Ducks softball team is reaping the benefits of a transformative recruiting class, with newcomers making an immediate impact…
Spring Blooms Early: Lake Oswego and Neighbors Awaken
Spring is in full bloom across the tri-city region of Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Wilsonville, as local landscapes burst…
Juno Awards 2026: The Absentee A-List Sparks Debate
As the Canadian music industry prepares for its annual showcase, a notable silence echoes from the red carpet: global superstars…
Inside PureCipher’s SecureMCP: The Trust Fabric of the Agentic Economy
The global economy is on the precipice of a transformation so profound that it has been described as Economics 2.0,…
Smokiez Edibles Expands Nationwide with New CBN Sleep Aids
Key Takeaways Smokiez Edibles, a family-owned cannabis brand, is expanding its CBN product line nationwide. The new product line includes…
Portland’s Best St. Paddy’s Pubs: Where to Celebrate Now
Key Takeaways Kells and Paddy’s Lead the Pack: The iconic block parties on SW 2nd Avenue remain the epicenter of…
April 2026: The Streaming Binge That Defines the Year
The streaming landscape in April 2026 is defined by a rare convergence of cultural heavyweights. As the industry faces a…