More trains to Seattle

Portland’s Deadly Traffic Toll

Portland traffic fatalities are nearing last year’s record toll. As of Nov. 28, 66 people had died; in all of 2022, 68 people died in crashes. The vast majority of the city’s past fatal crashes (69%) involved the use of drugs or alcohol, and speed was a factor in 42%, according to data from the five years ending with 2021. [KGW]

Amtrak to Run 6 Round-Trip Trains to Seattle

Amtrak will start to operate six daily trains round-trip to Seattle beginning on Dec. 11. That’s up from four. [KPTV]

• Related: The tickets go on sale today.

25 Years After a High School Shooting

Before Columbine, a 15-year-old Oregonian killed his parents and went on a shooting rampage at his high school. This long read focuses on his sister’s unwavering support over the last quarter century as her kid brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and sought to get his sentence commuted. The odds may be slim because he was not among the 73 juvenile offenders granted clemency by former Gov. Kate Brown before she left office. [New Yorker]

City Hall’s Wonky Land Deal

City Hall tried to purchase a mobile home park to protect residents from eviction, but there’s a problem with the deal. That’s part of the weekly news round-up. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🎭 ODDitease | Friday | 9 p.m.

Local performers put on an absurdist show with video art. [$17.12, Richmond]

🎥 The Lord of the Rings Trilogy | Friday - Sunday | Various Times

Watch the extended versions of each film on the big screen. [$8 per Film, Central Eastside]

🎄 Decemberville | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

There’ll be arts and crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and screenings of “Elf.” [Free Admission, Sellwood-Moreland]

🎄 Good Market | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

This pop-up shop features wares from Portland State School of Design students and alums. [Free Admission, Lloyd District]

🎥 Screening of ‘Microaggressions’ (Season 2) | Saturday | 3:30 p.m.

Watch the six episodes of the Portland-made show’s second season. There’s a Q&A with the filmmaker and cast afterward. [Free, Southeast Clinton Street]

🍺 Portland Holiday Brew Fest | Saturday - Sunday | Various Times

Celebrate with more than two dozen holiday or winter beers and ciders, all from the Northwest. Four samples included in the ticket price. [$38.09+, Downtown]

🎄 Holiday Makers Market | Sunday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Check out the gift possibilities from local artists. [Free Admission, Humboldt]

📚 Holiday Cheer | Sunday | Noon - 4 p.m.

Celebrate Oregon’s literary talents over hot cocoa. Their books will also be available for your holiday gift list. [Free Admission, Downtown]

🦙 Fa La La Llama | Sunday | 2 - 4 p.m.

Celebrate the season by getting a holiday photo with the llama and visiting North Williams and Vancouver businesses. [Free Admission, Humboldt]

🎥 Draw Hard: ‘Die Hard’ & Drawing Night | Sunday | 5:30 p.m.

Before you watch the 80s action flick, draw with cartoonist Jack Kent. [$16, Richmond]

A New Burnside Bridge, A Messy City Land Deal, and No More Teachers Strike

This week’s news includes the immediate aftermath of the Portland teachers strike, a wonky city land deal that might displace 35 families, and the complications from the Burnside Bridge replacement. Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel discusses the updates with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni.