Your Daily Guide

Specifics — and Unanswered Questions — on School Closings

Portland Public Schools’ staff offered some details this week about why they chose to target specific schools for closure (and why others will remain open). The state of facilities was a factor: for example, they chose to keep Sitton Elementary open because it’s better for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act than nearby James John Elementary. Other factors included how many kids lived near a school. [Oregonian / City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: Some questions remained unanswered, including whether the school board, which appeared divided on the issue at the first public meeting on the proposals, will even approve the school closings. [Oregonian]

Early 2027 for Doug Fir Lounge Reopening?

Doug Fir Lounge, which moved out of its longtime location in the basement of the Jupiter Hotel in 2023, has now filed for a liquor license — aiming to open next February or possibly even sooner. Its new location is in the former home of Le Bistro Montage on Southeast Morrison. [Oregonian]

A New Regional Target To Decrease Homelessness

Regional leaders approved a plan to decrease homelessness in Multnomah County by 10% over the next two years. It’s the first time there’s been a specific target. To do so, they plan to move 12,350 people into housing by June 2028— which would be 27% more people than were given housing in the last two years. [Oregonian]

Portland’s Vista Bridge just turned 100 years old, and the city invited residents to share their memories in an exhibit called “Visions and Vistas.” This display is at the corner of Southwest Columbia and 17th Avenues

“This is a very cool exhibit in Goose Hollow,” wrote reader Mary Pags, who sent in the photo and idea for last week’s scavenger hunt. “Kind of a hidden treasure!” (The scavenger hunt stumped all our readers.)

Here’s another tricky one. This week’s scavenger hunt comes from reader Brian Finlayson:

Do you know where this tree is?

Please click here to submit the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll reveal the answer and shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!