OPB’s First Look: Measles cases increase across Oregon

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Good morning, Northwest.

Oregon officials have confirmed 13 measles cases so far this year, with the most recent exposures occurring across the Portland metro area in the final days of March.

Today’s newsletter begins with OPB reporter Amelia Templeton’s report on what you need to know about the rise in measles cases in Oregon.

Here’s your First Look at Saturday’s news.

— Winston Szeto

FILE - A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is pictured at International Community Health Services, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Seattle.
*Lindsey Wasson / AP*

Measles cases in Oregon are ticking up. Here’s what you need to know

Twenty years after the United States officially eradicated measles, the virus is taking advantage of waning vaccination rates and spreading again.

The United States reported over 2,000 cases of measles and three deaths last year, and the outbreak has gained steam in 2026 with cases in more than half of the states and major outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Florida.

There’s been a small but steady stream of cases and public exposure announcements in Oregon. So far this year, 13 people have been diagnosed with measles, and hundreds of people may have been exposed in the past week.

OPB’s been reaching out to find out what your questions are. Here are some answers. (Amelia Templeton)

Learn more

Portland Fire General Manager Vanja Černivec speaks during a press conference after the Women’s National Basketball Association expansion draft, determining the debut roster for the new Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo teams, at the Hyatt Regency at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore., on April 3, 2026.
*Eli Imadali / OPB*

3 things to know this morning

The Portland Fire selected 11 players from other teams to build a roster for their inaugural WNBA season. Lynx forward Bridget Carleton was Portland’s top pick. (Kyra Buckley)
Yesterday, Oregon, Washington and 21 other states became the latest parties to challenge a new executive order from President Donald Trump that, if it stands, would reshape mail voting throughout the country. (Dirk VanderHart)
People who are lawfully in the United States but are not permanent residents can no longer receive temporary commercial driver’s licenses or learner’s permits in Oregon, state transportation leaders have ruled. (Bryce Dole)

The former LOGE Bend hotel sits empty in Bend, Oregon on April 3, 2026. The hotel shuttered suddenly in February and will reopen this summer as Trailhead Lodge, with a new operator. Mt. Bachelor announced it entered a long-term lease with the owners on April 2.
*Jen Baires / OPB*

Headlines from around the Northwest

Central Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor resort gets into the hotel business (Jen Baires)
Unemployment in Washington reaches highest rate since 2021 (Monica Nickelsburg)
As Washington lawmakers punt on school cellphone ban, some want more action (Nate Sanford)
Opioid overdoses decline in Oregon for the second year (Joanne Zuhl)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) goes to the basket as Portland Trail Blazers new owner Tom Dundon, second from right, watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Portland, Ore.
*Jenny Kane / AP*

Blazers fans feeling bullish ahead of first postseason appearance in 5 years

With just a handful of games remaining, the Portland Trail Blazers are poised to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021.

Built on a talented young core, the team has largely exceeded expectations, with a near .500 record and a level of play that some fans say they haven’t seen from the Blazers in years.

Young players like Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan have brought success on the court and energized the fan base.

Ahead of their game Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans, fans outside the Moda Center seemed optimistic about their team’s future.

“It looks like they’re just having fun,” said Dana Beck of Manzanita Beach. “They’re meshing like a team and they’re being competitive. They weren’t competitive for four years.” (Joni Auden Land)