Portland’s Culinary Pulse: August 2026 Dining Updates
Portland’s vibrant hospitality sector continues to evolve as August 2026 brings pivotal shifts to beloved staples like Mr. Chip and…
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.
Big Grass Fire Rages: 513,437 Acres Burned, Owyhee River Defense Urgent
Official reports on Sunday, August 9, 2026, confirm that the Big Grass Fire has expanded to 513,437 acres, maintaining a…
The Billionaires Tax: Oregon Senators Lead Fiscal Overhaul
Oregon’s U.S. Senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, have solidified their positions as the primary architects of aggressive ‘tax the…
Music Brief: Karol G, Stray Kids & The SZA-CoComelon Pivot
The music industry enters a period of intense fragmentation and high-value crossover as of August 7, 2026. This week marks…
Lobbying Shift: Oregon Healthy Alternatives Cuts Ties with Jefferson & Associates
The Oregon Healthy Alternatives Association has officially ended its federal lobbying relationship with Jefferson & Associates LLC, according to filings…
Elephant Garlic Festival Returns to North Plains: A Weekend of Flavor and Heritage
The North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival has officially returned, marking a signature summer weekend for the Willamette Valley. Running from…
Oregon Ducks Debut Elite Practice Fields at Hatfield Dowlin Complex
The Oregon Ducks have officially inaugurated their newly constructed outdoor practice fields at the Hatfield Dowlin Complex, signaling a high-stakes…
New 6.7-Mile Sunday Parkways to Transform St. Johns
On August 2, 2026, the city of Portland will transform its urban landscape as the Portland Sunday Parkways initiative debuts…
Little Woody Festival Pours Final Pint: A Bend Era Ends
After hosting barrel-aged beer enthusiasts and local brewers since 2009, the iconic Little Woody beer festival has officially announced it…
Starship Soars: SpaceX Successfully Deploys 20 Starlink Satellites from Texas
In a display of engineering prowess that is reshaping the future of global telecommunications and aerospace logistics, SpaceX has successfully…