📱 PPS’s new 'off and away all day' policy

No Phones at PPS Schools

Portland Public Schools adopted a policy this week requiring that phones be “off and away all day.” Grant and Cleveland high schools and Beaumont Middle School already require students to lock away their phones, though it’s not yet clear when or how the policy will go into effect at other schools. [Willamette Week]

Farmworker Pay Increase

As of Jan 1., Oregon farmworkers earn overtime pay after working 48 hours in a week. Farmers say that's forcing them to cut workers’ hours, but Oregon farmworkers on average make only $34,120 a year. [OPB]

Layoffs at REI

The outdoor retail company REI laid off 428 workers nationwide on Wednesday, including 24 staff members in Oregon. The company is shutting down its Experiences division, which offered classes, tours, and events after losing millions of dollars a year on it. [OPB]

Budget Woes for New City Council

On the Friday news roundup, the new City Council could be facing a $70 million budget gap by the time they pass next year’s budget. Labor contracts and healthcare costs have risen, along with the costs of staffing an expanded City Council. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Last week’s hunt was for the mural at Bicho’s, a new restaurant, serving Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine, that opened in November on North Mississippi Avenue. The walls feature two murals, by artist Nicky Kriara.

A shoutout to two readers who replied with the correct response: Lydia Caballero and Lindsey Fox.

Thanks to reader Heather Harrington for this week’s scavenger hunt:

Do you know the location of this castle-like building? As always, email me your answer. The first 10 readers with correct answers will be included in the shoutout next week. Also, I always enjoy what you know about the location, or any anecdotes and memories of the spot.

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