🌱 Library Closures + Portland Saw 63 Traffic Fatalities In 2022

Morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Portland Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 53 Low: 38.
• Wednesday: Some sun, a shower or two. High: 52 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. Downtown Portland’s Central Library, the largest branch of Multnomah County Library, closed on Mar. 11 as it finishes up several renovations that were started last year. The library will reopen sometime before the end of the year. Other library branches that have closed for renovations include the Holgate and Midland branches while the Albina branch will also be closing temporarily for updates this week, and the North Portland branch is expected to close sometime in early April. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
2. The Portland Bureau of Transportation released its annual report on deadly traffic crashes in Portland on Monday. The report showed that Portland saw 63 traffic deaths in 2022, tying with 2021's rate, which was the highest in three decades. Other statistics included in the report showed that deaths of people in vehicles fell in 2022 compared to 2021, but fatalities from bikes, motorcyclists, and pedestrians fatalities increased. (KGW.com)
3. Two Oregon Democratic lawmakers joined advocates and healthcare professionals who spoke during an event on Sunday that aims to bring awareness and address fears related to a federal lawsuit that may ban the distribution of abortion medication mifepristone. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to its first hearing before a Trump-appointed U.S. District Court judge in Amarillo, Texas, this Wednesday. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum pledged to take action should the lawsuit rule to ban the medication. (KGW)

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Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Tuesday, March 14

• Chamber Music Northwest: Curtis On Tour At Alberta Rose Theatre (7:30 PM)

Wednesday, March 15

• New To Portland Tech Meetup At Good Coffee (8:30 AM)
• Close Encounters Of The Third Kind With Dark Horse Comics At Hollywood Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bring home a new furry family member today! Check out this roundup of pets available for adoption in and around the Portland area and learn more about pets like Zilio, Skye, Big Bear, and more. (Portland Patch)
• Looking for some great restaurants to try in Portland's North Tabor Neighborhood? Check out this roundup of dining destinations in the area. (Eater Portland)
• Portland's spring concert calendar is lining up to be a great time. Upcoming concerts scheduled for Portland include Carrie Underwood and her Denim & Rhinestones Tour, Tank and the Bangas, Masego, and more. (OregonLive)
• Join Portland Public Schools for its Black Student Excellence Expo of Mastery and Empowerment on Saturday, Mar. 25 at the Blazer Boys & Girls Club. (Portland Public Schools via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.