Portland Book Festival 2026: Ke Huy Quan Set to Headline Week-Long Event
The literary world is turning its eyes toward the Pacific Northwest as the Portland Book Festival has officially unveiled its…
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.
Dining Solo: Why Bar Nouveau Is Portland’s Best Hideout
Solo dining has evolved from a functional necessity into a curated lifestyle choice, particularly in a city as gastronomically focused…
Oregon Governor Race Intensifies as Campaign Sprint Begins
As the Labor Day holiday concludes, Oregon’s gubernatorial contest has officially entered its final, high-stakes phase. With less than two…
Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State: The 2026 Gameday Breakdown
The atmosphere at Autzen Stadium is reaching a fever pitch today as the No. 2 ranked Oregon Ducks kick off…
Oregon’s Economic Comeback: Growth Finally Hits National Pace
For nearly three years, Oregon’s economic trajectory was defined by a persistent, frustrating divergence from the broader national narrative. While…
The $3 Trillion Data Center Boom: AI’s New Infrastructure
The landscape of global digital infrastructure is undergoing a historic transformation, with JLL Research projecting total global data center investment…
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Deadly Strike and Territorial Claims Fuel Global Alarm
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, has become the flashpoint of a severe international security…
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…
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…