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Good morning, Northwest.

Top Oregon Democrats yesterday introduced their plan to renovate the Moda Center in hopes of keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland.

We start today’s newsletter with OPB’s Dirk VanderHart on what the public funding plan would look like.

Also this morning, a Sisters High School program teaches students how to build guitars.

Here’s your First Look at Tuesday’s news.

—Bradley W. Parks

Oregon Democrats push plan to renovate Moda Center, woo new Blazers owner

Democratic leaders in Oregon, including the governor, made their opening pitch yesterday on how to help pay for renovations to the Moda Center.

The bill introduced in the state Senate would direct income taxes paid by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and other employers in the Rose Quarter away from the state’s general fund and into a new arena improvement fund, among other changes.

It’s a glimpse into legislative efforts to keep the Blazers, who are in the process of being sold, in Portland. (Dirk VanderHart)

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3 things to know this morning

• As more Oregonians install small-scale home-based solar systems, state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would establish guidelines around what’s known as “balcony solar.” (Monica Samayoa)
• Oregon lawmakers heard overwhelming opposition yesterday to Senate Bill 1599, a Democratic proposal that would speed up a vote on gas taxes and other road fees. (Dirk VanderHart)
• Last week, the National Institutes of Health approached OHSU about transitioning the nation’s largest primate research facility into a sanctuary. In a unanimous vote yesterday, OHSU’s board gave a green light to explore that plan. (Amelia Templeton)

Headlines from around the Northwest

• Multnomah Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards joins county chair race (Alex Zielinski)
• Eugene plants itself — and Oregon — into international vegan contest (Brian Bull)
• Umpqua National Forest to end cash payments at many recreation sites (KLCC staff)
• Camara has a career night, and the Trail Blazers use a 49-point third quarter to top 76ers 135-118 (Associated Press)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Oregon State University professor says toxic masculinity can be measured
• End-of-life care often missing in curriculum of US medical schools, Washington State University study reveals

High school students in Central Oregon build custom acoustic guitars from scratch

Two decades ago, a community effort produced a new woodworking class at Sisters High School that still strikes a chord with its students and teacher.

In this class, a select group of students become luthiers — artisans who repair or build string instruments like violins or, in this instance, guitars.

To help run the program, the school district partners with the Breedlove Guitar Company and the Sisters Folk Festival.

“It’s so important to have a program like this,” said teacher Jason Chinchen said. “It gives students another aspect of life and another way for them to see themselves, a different place where they can be good at something or be learning something new.” (Emily Hamilton)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/10/moda-center-renovation-first-look/