What to do with ‘No School November'

Strike Support

More than 1,000 teachers and supporters marched through Portland on Saturday. A strike tomorrow seems more likely as Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers are still far apart in negotiations — on pay, prep time, and class size. One notable stat that helps explain why teachers care about getting more prep time: A Roosevelt High School chemistry teacher pointed out that she has 15 hours of work every time she wants to give all of her 180 students five minutes of feedback on their assignments. [KGW]

Oregon Experts: Earth ‘Under Siege’

“Life on planet Earth is under siege,” Oregon State University climate researchers wrote in a report published last week. The scientists tracked Earth’s “vital” signs such as temperatures, forest cover, and sea ice, finding unprecedented indicators of climate change. The scientists say it’s necessary to dramatically change course to address the problem before it’s too late. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports one necessary step they’re urging: “Coal consumption in particular must cease immediately, particularly in China, which accounted for more than half of coal-related carbon emissions in 2021.” [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

Potato Glut

This year’s harvest includes an excess of potatoes (the kind that are good for making french fries). That means 165,000 tons will need to be destroyed across the Northwest so that they don’t rot in the fields and cause diseases for next year’s crop. Dale Lathim, the president of the Potato Marketing Association of North America, says any Northwest food bank that’s willing to pick them up can also have them. [OPB]

• Related: Why Oregon is rightly the potato state. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

The Taylor Electric Building’s garage and parking lot on the Central Eastside are a canvas for muralists and graffiti artists. It recently got an upgrade, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Shoutout to Annamieka Davidson, who recognized the spot because she’d been there recently helping her friend and artist Alicia Schultz with her own new mural.

Do you know where this tree is? Email me. Guesses are welcome too!

🎃 Early Trick-or-Treating | Tuesday | Starting at 3 or 4 p.m.

Business districts across the region are welcoming trick-or-treaters, including Multnomah Village, Beaumont Business District, North Mississippi Avenue, Bethany Village, Downtown Troutdale, and Downtown Oregon City. Also offering treats for the young’uns: McMenamins Kennedy School and Lake Oswego Parks & Rec. [Free, Various]

👻 Boo in the Slough | Tuesday | 4 - 6 p.m.

Trick-or-treat along a half-mile stretch of stations set up near Whitaker Pond. And visit the resident bat and owl expert! [Free, Cully]

🎃 Halloween Skate | Tuesday | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Skate in your costume for half the normal price. Bonus! There’ll be free candy and arts-and-crafts too. [$11, Lloyd District]

The Tater Tot’s Oregon Origin Story

Tater tots are ubiquitous in Portland. You can get them specially seasoned and served with creative dipping sauces — or even as “totchos,” aka tater tot nachos. After all, Oregon invented the tater tot!  Food writer and OPB’s Superabundant newsletter producer Heather Arndt Anderson talks about Oregon’s starchy history and picks a few spots that excel in our state’s snack of choice.