What would speed a downtown recovery?

How Long Will the School Year Go?

Because the teachers strike has lasted 10 days so far, there’s not enough time left in the planned school year to meet the state minimums for instructional time. There'll be no decisions on extending the school year till the strike is done, and it’s not clear if the state will be willing to waive the requirements. The district could use makeup days for snow cancellations — Feb. 19 (President’s Day), as well as June 12, 13, and 14. [KGW]

Elliott State Forest Breakdown

There’s a new obstacle in a years-long effort to safeguard the 82,000-acre Elliott State Forest. The idea was to create the country’s largest research forest to study, among other things, the impact of climate change. But Oregon State is no longer willing to manage the research forest, in part because the state plans to allow too much logging to keep the forest healthy, OSU officials say. [OPB]

Spitballing on Downtown Revival

Gov. Tina Kotek-led task force to revive downtown has some draft ideas, including more police and lower taxes. Also under consideration are creating more public art and public plazas, as well as state funding to build housing or encourage low-income Portland State students to live near campus. Kotek plans to reveal which ideas she’ll move forward with on Dec. 11. [Oregonian 🔒]

Making Police Oversight More Toothless

Portland City Council is filing down the teeth on the new police oversight board. It’s a round-up of this week’s news. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🌲 St. Johns Plaza Annual Tree Lighting | Friday | 5 - 7 p.m.

Yes, the Christmas season is starting in some quarters: Enjoy free hot chocolate and Cookie Monsterz cookies. Get a kit for an ugly sweater ornament and join in decorating the tree. [Free, St. Johns]

🎃 The Halloween Cultural Preservation Museum | Ongoing | Various Times

The Lloyd Center popup is still going. Check out all the classic Halloween kitsch. [$8, Lloyd District]

🎥 ‘Tove’ | Friday | 6 p.m.

This month’s screening at Nordic Northwest is a Finnish film from 2020 (with English subtitles) that tells the story of queer love after World War II. A real-life troll expert will present before the screening. [$15, Tigard]

🖼️ Wild Arts Festival | Saturday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Portland Audubon features nature-themed artwork and nature-inspired books. [$12.49, Downtown]

🪵 Made & Found Market | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A market for sustainably crafted goods includes new creations and heirlooms, as well as specialty secondhand and upcycled works. [Free, Northwest Portland]

💃🏻 'Dirty Dancing in Concert' | Saturday | 7 p.m.

A five-piece band and vocalists will perform in sync to the score of the 1987 classic. [$53.65+, Downtown]

🎁 Black Sunday: Gifts & Riffs | Sunday | Noon - 4 p.m.

Back after a three-year hiatus, the market offers the best from independent and local brands. [Free, Eliot]

🌍 Making Africa Fashion | Sunday | 2 p.m.

Join Dr. Christine Checinska, the curator of an ongoing PAM exhibit that highlights the artistic achievements of designers, stylists, and photographers from more than 25 countries. [$25, Downtown]

📚 ‘He/She/They’ | Sunday | 7 p.m.

Schuyler Bailar, a trailblazing trans member of the Harvard men’s swim team, has written a book that offers an essential framework for moving toward understanding and acceptance. [Free, Pearl District]

😆 Josh Thomas | Sunday | 8 p.m.

The award-winning Australian comic is coming through town. Even if you can’t make it Sunday, check out his TV show “Please Like Me.” [$34.23, Brooklyn]

No More Required Bar Exams, Teachers Strike Updates, and a Weakened Police Oversight Board

It’s the weekly round-up of news: The bar exam is no longer the only way to become a lawyer in Oregon. The teachers strike on the Portland Public Schools has continued. And the City Council is filing down the teeth of the new police oversight board. KBOO news director Althea Billings, City Cast director of newsletters Bryan M. Vance, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza discuss.