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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.

A blue and black Steller's jay, a bird with a pointy crest, sits on a shiny silver bird bath filled with snow with a peanut in its mouth.
Travel and Outdoors
Calling all citizen scientists for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
The annual event helps the nonprofit monitor urban bird populations in Portland.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A woman poses with a cute small dog at The Rambler in Portland, Oregon.
Business
Dos and don’ts of dining out with your dog
Hear directly from a member of the service industry in Portland.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
An AI created image shows a Portland themed gingerbread house complete with a bicycle and roses.
Food
Take a bite out of the Portland gingerbread house of your dreams
See how AI imagines cookie Craftsman constructions in cities across the US.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A signed "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" poster shows Guy Fieri and his message to Matt's BBQ, which says "Keep smokin'."
Culture
Portland restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
The Mayor of Flavortown has gotten a taste of the Rose City on many occasions.
December 13, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A search bar that says "What did Portland residents google most this year?" overlayed on a photo of Portland with Mount Hood in the background.
City
What Portlanders googled this year
2023’s Google Year in Search is out — check out what Portlanders were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
December 13, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
A sunrise shows Portland at dusk and Mount Hood silhouetted against a cloudy orange sky.
Live
The zodiac signs as Portland neighborhoods
Your home, your favorite coffee shop, your daily commute aren’t just written in the skyline — they may be written in the stars.
December 11, 2023
 · 
Bella Rainey
Two photos (a close up and environmental shot) show the new Vanport History Audibox in Portland.
City
Vanport’s history told by two new audioboxes in Portland
The freestanding exhibits tell stories in the voices of original residents.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Several tall bronze statues supported by wood frames sit in a warehouse in Portland.
City
Help Portland City Council decide the fate of 5 statues removed during the 2020 protests
Your input will also help inform policy and decisions on future monuments and memorials in the Rose City.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
PDXtoday_TeamPhoto_Cambrie_Alaina_Ben
Culture
Happy 2nd birthday to PDXtoday
And to our readers, two of the biggest high-fives (high-ten?) for being there with us the entire way.
December 5, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A scene on the streets of downtown Portland during the 1920s shows pedestrians in long coats.
City
Portland decades: the 1920s
The 1920s saw the Rose City build important infrastructure in the face of a declining economy and threats to social justice.
December 1, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Homer the opossum poses in his Oregon Zoo enclosure.
City
Opossum lands at the Oregon Zoo after remarkable odyssey
Homer has quite the tale to tell.
December 1, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A close up shows two mini golf putters close to a hole.
Sports
Indoor fun and games to try with your friends
Whether you’re an ace on the mini golf course or bowl strikes like the best of them, these entertainment destinations around Portland offer a chance to heat up the competition when it’s chilly outside.
November 29, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Several people taste wine at a modern countertop with bottles and multicolored carafes in the background.
Events
Raise a glass with the Dundee Hills this December
Deck the Hills will bring 14 different wineries to the Pearl District.
November 29, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
SATXtoday: pumpkins
Travel and Outdoors
Here’s what to do with your fall pumpkins and leaves in San Antonio
Learn how to dispose of old pumpkins and leaves ahead of the holidays.
November 28, 2023
 · 
Adriana Christian
A Portland street car makes its way through snowy conditions with the arch of the Fremont Bridge in the near background
Live
Bundle up for our winter 2024 weather forecast for Portland
Prepare for winter weather with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
November 27, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
The Mile Post Sign in Pioneer Courthouse Square shows many different destinations and their distances from Portland.
Play
Take a trip around the world to visit Portland’s sister cities
Get to know the Rose City’s distant relatives.
November 21, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Old arcade consoles sit beside one labeled Polybius.
Culture
Polybius: the Portland arcade urban legend with infinite lives (and a few lies)
Rumors of mind control and “men in black” — what’s not to love about this weird tall tale?
November 17, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A massive cargo ship floats just off the ship yard at the Port of Portland.
City
Answered: Your responses about Portland’s priorities for the Carbon Reduction Program
You brought the energy for this poll.
November 17, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A fish eye photo of shooting stars across the night sky
Travel and Outdoors
Look to the skies for the Leonid meteor shower
The annual display has been occurring since early November, but will peak the night of Friday, Nov. 17 through the morning of Saturday, Nov. 18.
November 16, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
INDYtoday: INDY_Thanksgiving dinner_NOV23
Food
Indy suburbs as Thanksgiving side dishes
From green bean casserole to cranberry sauce, which iconic side does each suburb rep?
November 16, 2023
 · 
Shea Stapley
A storefront for Pacific Holiday in Portland shows a poster for Win Big.
Business
Small Shops Big Hearts makes holiday shopping a local affair with Win Big!
The campaign incentivizes Portlanders to buy gifts at small businesses with the chance to win raffle prizes.
November 15, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Various comics stand on a darkly lit stage at Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Festival.
Events
Join your fellow turkeys at the Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Fest
Get ready to laugh, giggle, and even gobble at Portland’s annual post-Thanksgiving event.
November 15, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Two people pose in front of a storefront with an ugly sweater cut out for the Light Up St. Johns campaign.
Events
Light Up St. Johns bring holiday cheer to North Portland
Window decorations, photo contests, and other family fun will illuminate the neighborhood.
November 13, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
Live
Give these Louisville 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.
November 13, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A person uses a broom to sweep up red and yellow leaves on the ground.
City
Hip hip hooray for Leaf Day
The annual service provided by the Portland Bureau of Transportation removes fallen leaves for free within certain districts.
November 9, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A crew of Willamette Riverkeeper volunteers poses during a work party on Ross Island
City
How much do you know about Metro?
The regional government encompasses Portland and the surrounding cities and counties and acts as a guide for healthy growth.
November 9, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Author Amy Butcher does a talk in front of an audience at Powell's Books
Culture
Would-be Portland novelists, take note: National Novel Writing Month is here
November is National Novel Writing Month. Sharpen those pencils. Your New York Times Bestseller may be on the charts soon.
November 7, 2023
 · 
Jonathan Shipley
A sign for the Portland teachers strike is duct taped to the front of a sign for Holy Ghost Bar in Southeast Portland.
Food
Buy a Portland Public Schools teacher a beer
With the strike and ongoing contract negotiations, several local bars and breweries are showing their support by offering teachers and educators a chance to blow off some steam at a discount.
November 7, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
Phil Neville does an interview with Sky Sports.
Sports
Portland Timbers reportedly close to hiring Phil Neville as new head coach
The Englishman would bring past controversies and a dubious record of success to a club currently reeling from back-to-back disappointing seasons.
November 3, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A windy and steep trail makes its way up Saddle Mountain's summit in Oregon.
Travel and Outdoors
Hike of the Month: Saddle Mountain
After a lengthy closure that brought new vault toilets and trail upgrades, hikers can once again make the trek to the top for sweeping views of the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Range.
November 3, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
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