Why Amazon is scoring $1B in Oregon?

PPS Endorsement Reversals

In a highly unusual move, multiple leaders have reversed course and pulled their endorsement of former Multnomah County deputy sheriff Derrick Peterson for Portland Public Schools’ board after Rolling Stone reported on his ties to Christian nationalists. Those who’ve switched to supporting retired teacher Patte Sullivan include a city commissioner, at least two current Portland school board members, and the Multnomah County DA, as well as the editorial board of Willamette Week. Peterson has withdrawn from the race for a second time. [Rolling Stone/Oregonian]

$1B in Tax Breaks for Amazon

Murrow County, which is a small rural community in eastern Oregon, is awarding one of the state’s largest-ever tax breaks — to Amazon. The decision comes as the Legislature is eyeing reforms to the incentive programs that have benefited data centers while offering limited employment benefits. [Oregonian]

PPB to Enforce Traffic Safety

Portland Police Bureau, which has gone without a traffic safety division for more than two years, will return to enforcing traffic laws. PPB says they will prioritize the investigation of driving under the influence along with other key safety hazards. [KATU]

Oregon Farmers’ Billion-Dollar Tool: Native Bees

Rich Hatfield, a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society who’s studied native bees for 25 years, talks to the City Cast Portland podcast about all things apiary, from parasitic invaders to “tickle bees," and why native bees are so important to Oregon agriculture. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Creating an Edible Landscape | Thursday | 6 p.m.

In time for spring planting, this webinar from the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District will teach you how to landscape with berries, nuts, veggies, and other edible delights. [Free, Online]

'Cinderella' | Saturday & May 20 | Various

Northwest Children's Theater and School’s Youth Company Catalyst presents an original musical and tap-dancing version of the classic, for ages 5 and up. Limited tickets still available. [$15+, Downtown]

80s New Wave Video Dance Attack | Friday | 8 p.m.

This is a special New Wave & Alternative edition of the regular dance party, so you can expect videos from Depeche Mode, The Cure, A-ha, and Siouxsie & The Banshees. [$12, Humboldt]

How (and Why) Not to Kill Off Portland's Backyard Bees

All those springtime flowers — not to mention the food you’re eating — are all thanks to the work of bees. We’re not just talking about honeybees, either: Oregon has 600 species of bees. Today on the show, lead producer John Notarianni talks with Rich Hatfield, a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society who’s studied native bees for 25 years. We’ll talk about why they’re so important, how to protect them, and how to observe them out in the wild this season — without getting stung.