By Emily Scarvie
(PORTLAND, Ore.) Hello Portlanders! It's Tuesday, March 8 - Here's your daily round up of all the news happening in the City of Roses.
1. Portland teens die of suspected fentanyl overdoses
In the last two days, two Portland teenagers have died from suspected fentanyl overdoses. Portland police said both high schoolers had suspected fentanyl pills, known as “M30s,” in their possession. One of the teenagers died Sunday and the other died on Monday.
“The loss of the life of a child is beyond tragic, especially when it is suspected to be through something that is so preventable,” Acting Chief Mike Frome said. “We will do everything we can to further this investigation, but we also need the community’s assistance in spreading the word that these illegal pills can kill. Even just one pill is lethal.”
Police released a photo of the pills and asked the public to contact police if they come across them. Authorities are investigating the teens’ deaths and working to track down the source of the pills.
2. Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program extends its deadline
In an effort to give more people a chance to seek help, the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program has extended its deadline to apply. The portal will remain open for new applicants until Monday, March 14 at 11:59 p.m.
OERAP has so far paid $285 million in federal emergency rental assistance to over 40,000 Oregon households. Thanks to an additional $13 million in funding, around 1,900 more households will receive assistance.
Decisions are based on who needs the assistance the most, not on a first come first serve basis. OERAP has said there will be enough funding to cover everyone who is eligible.
3. Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum lifting masking and vaccination requirements on Saturday
Starting Saturday, visitors at the Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum will no longer be required to wear masks. The statewide indoor mask mandate will be lifted at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. The Oregon Health Authority is still recommending face coverings indoors for people at higher risk for COVID-19.
Officials with the Moda Center say they will also remove mandatory COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements, but they still strongly recommend guests be vaccinated, stay updated on boosters and evaluate their health before attending events.
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