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Ben McBee

Senior City Editor

Ben grew up in the Rogue Valley, attended the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, and has written for publications like 1859 Magazine and Portland Monthly. He enjoys hiking the PNW, football and futbol, wildlife photography, any manner of libation exploration, and of course writing for PDXtoday.

Suzhou's Gate to the East building sits on the edge of a blue lake, surrounded by city skyscrapers.
Travel and Outdoors
Portland’s sister city: Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
Historic gardens and towering skyscrapers fit together in the Jiangsu province’s most populous city.
February 15, 2024
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Ben McBee
Portland Timbers players Eryk Williamson and Diego Chara pose in the new Nature Unites jerseys in a forested scene, which is echoed by their shirts' design.
Sports
Portland Timbers unveil new ‘Nature Unites’ jerseys ahead of the 2024 season
The design features sprigs of evergreen trees that are native to Oregon, plus messaging in support of The Nature Conservancy.
February 14, 2024
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Ben McBee
A sunset at Neskwoin Beach where a woman has written Oregon in the sand
Travel and Outdoors
3 road trips to see Oregon’s natural beauty
Fall in love all over again with the state known for being an absolute stunner.
February 14, 2024
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Ben McBee
A kitchen stage is set up in Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square for Feast, a food festival that started in 2012. An audience watches to people behind the counter cooking something.
Events
Asked: Which canceled event or festival would you bring back to Portland?
We’re feeling sentimental about the occasions that brought us together, but somehow ceased to exist.
February 9, 2024
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Ben McBee
A person wearing several rings and cozy clothes knits using a yellow ochre yarn while sitting on a futon. There are string lights draped around them.
Culture
Answered: Your favorite Portland hobbies
It appears PDXtoday readers are a creative bunch; this is what they do to relax and/or express themselves.
February 9, 2024
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Ben McBee
An aerial drone shot shows the Oregon Convention Center in the foreground as the sun sinks low over Portland's West Hills.
City
Decode the code: Flying a drone for recreational use
There are several steps to take in order to become a responsible hobbyist pilot.
February 7, 2024
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Ben McBee
Live Wire Radio hosts Luke Burbank (right) and Elena Passarello (center) interview Ari Shapiro on stage in front of a bright red curtain. There are microphones in front of them, as well as a table laden with a water bottle, laptop, and a stack of books. Behind them, musicians sit in the dark.
Events
Play the birthday song: Live Wire Radio is turning 20
The long-running variety show was started in 2004 by two Portlanders with no radio experience; now it’s broadcast weekly on OPB.
February 7, 2024
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Ben McBee
A rendering shows a potential design for a future penguin enclosure outside. The penguins stand around a spacious outdoor enclosure surrounded by trees and observers.
City
The future of the Oregon Zoo will be shaped by the Portland public
Metro will put a new 15 year, $380 million bond in front of voters this May.
February 5, 2024
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Ben McBee
Three watercolor paintings sit side by side in triptych formation. The left shows rugged stripes of green with pen drawing, the middle shows a sunset sky background against the Vaux's swifts at Chapman Elementary, and on the right is a branch with two oranges.
Culture
Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing activity.
February 2, 2024
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Ben McBee
A procession of people holding illuminated lanterns and dazzling LED lights, wearing shiny funky outfits, marches down the street while a MAX train speeds by in the background. The parade is part of the Portland Winter Light Festival.
Events
The Portland Winter Light Festival shines bright in the dark
Each year, the event builds community and adds some sparkle to the dark winter months with illuminating art installations across the city.
January 31, 2024
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Ben McBee
The Portland Bureau of Transportation's pothole repair crew works on a large patch in the street.
City
Filling in the cracks on how potholes are patched in Portland
Keeping our city’s roads smooth is a monumental task, but you can pitch in.
January 31, 2024
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Ben McBee
A child in a pink jacket and beanie navigates a rope and beam feature at the new playground in Errol Heights Park. An adult waits nearby to catch the child if they fall.
City
Errol Heights Park Project finishes, bringing inclusivity and improved access to nature in SE Portland
Upgrades to the 16-acre site in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood include a new playground and wildlife viewing spots.
January 30, 2024
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Ben McBee
A hiker wearing a rain jacket walks along the Buxton Trussle, a 80-foot high bridge on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The bridge is level with trees and you can see a wooded January hillside in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Hike of the Month: Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Hikers, bikers, and horse riders can all enjoy this 21-mile path that winds its way along a former railroad bed through the scenic forested foothills of the Oregon Coast Range.
January 26, 2024
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Ben McBee
An English style cottage sits among trees on the left of a street with no sidewalk, where a green minvan and red car are parked on opposite sides of the street.
City
Welcome to Maywood Park, the enclave city located within Portland
It’s likely that you’ve never have heard of it, but about 829 people live on this 0.17 square miles of land, incorporated as a result of a historic clash with the Oregon Highway Commission.
January 24, 2024
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Ben McBee
Jessie Fleming stands on the sideline of a soccer field wearing a blue jersey next to a referee holding a digital board.
Sports
Portland Thorns to pay record fee to sign Canadian midfielder Jessie Fleming
The club will surpass the NWSL transfer high mark to bring the talented 25-year-old over from Chelsea FC.
January 23, 2024
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Cambrie Juarez
Towering redwoods in Portland's Hoyt Arboretum reach high into the fog.
Culture
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Plus, check out the runner-ups.
January 22, 2024
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Emily Shea-Owen
US 7th Fleet band performs at Sapporo Snow Festival on a stage made of snow.
Travel and Outdoors
Portland’s sister city: Sapporo, Japan
Set your sights on Hokkaido’s capital, which has rich sporting history and ramen culture, plus reasons to visit during all four seasons.
January 18, 2024
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Ben McBee
Popcorn overflows from a clear glass bowl with Kiggins Bowl written in old fashioned red lettering on the outside.
Life’s a movie with these Portland area popcorn brands
Whether you’re partaking in National Popcorn Day on January 19 or simply looking for a salty or sweet snack, this is the place to start.
January 18, 2024
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Ben McBee
Assorted seaweeds sit on a plate with blue swirly designs.
Events
Ride the regenerative seafood wave with Winter Waters
The second annual series raises awareness about farmed sea vegetables through culinary experiences.
January 16, 2024
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Cambrie Juarez
A three story cabin is covered in feet of snow and surrounded by equally covered trees.
Real Estate
Escape the cold and cozy up in these cabin rentals near Portland
Sometimes a change of scenery is a must.
January 16, 2024
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Ben McBee
An aerial shot shows a new neighborhood with a playground and outdoor recreation center nearly completed in Pleasant Valley, a neighborhood in Gresham.
Live
Predicting Portland real estate trends for 2024
Interest rates are set to fall, but what will prices do? Hear from one local expert.
January 12, 2024
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Ben McBee
A rendering shows the design for Darcelle XV Plaza.
City
Darcelle XV Plaza will bring a sparkle to downtown Portland
Preliminary renderings show features like an outdoor stage and chandelier that will honor its namesake drag queen.
January 10, 2024
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Ben McBee
The US Bancorp Tower's windows reflect pinks of a sunset.
Culture
Pantone Color of the Year aesthetics in Portland
Peach Fuzz is the name, and kindness and tenderness are its game.
January 10, 2024
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Katie Molck
A large crowd drinks and socializes at the outdoor music venue, Music Yard.
Play
Give these Charlotte live music venues a listen
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
January 9, 2024
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Ben McBee
A top down view of runners putting their feet into a circle on pavement decorated with a geometric chalk design.
Sports
Group runs to join no matter your pace
Whether you’re in it for the sweat or the socialization (or a little bit of both), there are plenty of options around Portland.
January 8, 2024
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Ben McBee
Two people pose outdoors on the truffle hunting/meal tour.
Food
Shuffle out of town to try the new Truffle Trail
Indulge in curated experiences centered around the flavorsome fungi this Feburary through March in Newberg and Dundee.
January 8, 2024
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Ben McBee
A packed crowd at Mississippi Studios from the stage's point of view
Events
Portland Music Month rocks the Rose City
Each January, MusicOregon curates more than 100 shows to cultivate a healthy music ecosystem and support local independent artists.
January 4, 2024
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Ben McBee
Aji dulce pepper salad from Tartuca is plated on a black dish with a white puree and fennel.
Food
Vegan Dining Month is back and very delicious
Support local restaurants and a good cause.
January 4, 2024
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Ben McBee
Little Crater Lake shines ultra blue, reflecting the surrounding forest.
Culture
PDXtoday’s 2023 wrapped
From how to cheer on the hometown teams to an immersive art experience, here is the content that our readers flocked to this year.
December 21, 2023
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Ben McBee
An above table view shows people passing around dishes during a traditional Kwanzaa feast.
Culture
Kwanzaa festivities to enjoy in Portland
The annual African American and pan-African celebration runs Dec. 26-Jan.1, culminating with Karamu, a communal feast.
December 21, 2023
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Ben McBee
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