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…
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.
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…
The Madison Season 1: Paramount+ Premiere This Weekend
The highly anticipated new drama series, “The Madison,” is set to make its debut on Paramount+ this weekend, promising a…
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…
James Blake Defies Industry Giants With New Indie Album
Key Takeaways Independence Achieved: James Blake has officially transitioned away from the traditional major label system, citing a need for…
Judge Blocks Oregon Gov’s Union Project Mandate
Key Takeaways A Marion County Circuit Court judge ruled Governor Tina Kotek’s executive order (EO 24-02) illegal. The order sought…
US Tightens AI Chip Export Rules, Nvidia & AMD Stocks Slide Amid Global Control Push
The United States is set to enact stricter export rules. These new regulations target advanced artificial intelligence chips. This news…
Oregon Senate Shifts Gas Tax Referendum to May Primary Amid Fierce GOP Opposition
Oregon’s Senate has passed a key bill. This happened on February 24, 2026. Senate Bill 1599 passed by a narrow…