Lookout PM: Measles reported in Albany, Lebanon

Good evening,

Two cases of measles were reported less than an hour’s drive north of Eugene, in Albany and Lebanon. The reports are concerning to Lane County public health officials, especially since the measles vaccination rate in parts of Lane County is well below the level they say is safe for “herd immunity.” Ashli Blow reports.

If you hear the term “transfer portal” and think it’s from a sci-fi flick — you know, a big air-lock thing with sliding doors that go “whoosh” — skip to the next item. Otherwise, you’ll want to check out sportswriter Tyson Alger’s update on the Ducks: Just off a heartbreaking loss in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Oregon landed a proven top-flight quarterback in Dylan Raiola, formerly of Nebraska, who arrives in Eugene via, yes, the “transfer portal.”

Less than three weeks remain before nearly 100,000 Lane County Medicaid members, who have been served by PacificSource for insurance purposes, are shifted to Trillium. Some 15,000 to 25,000 of those have doctors, therapists or clinics that not part of Trillium’s network. Trillium officials say they are “making positive progress” bringing more providers into their network but offered no specifics. Ashli Blow is following this ongoing story.

Lane County is looking at a new approach to build more affordable housing: The county would identify land, buy it, shepherd it through any necessary land-use paperwork and approvals, and then sell it to a developer to build housing. The county is forming a task force to work out the details. If you’re interested in participating, check out Ben Botkin’s story.

A Eugene man named Clarke Chaos Zyz was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for a bank robbery and an attempted bank robbery committed on the same afternoon in September. Jaime Adame has the story.

In our opinion section, today:

A guest column from Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon looks back at the renewal of that city’s downtown: an accomplishment of neighbors, businesses and local leaders over 25 years.

A letter-to-the-editor writer agrees with the Lookout editorial board that leadership at Springfield Public Schools has been working to stifle questions and criticism.

What do you think? Send a letter to the editor (350 words or less, please): lte@lookoutlocal.com

Have a news tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com

Your chance to help shape our work:

Finally, a reminder for those of you who want to come in and meet some of the Lookout staff and give us a piece of your mind about what we should be doing more of (or less of): We have two “Lookout Listens” sessions coming up. Space is limited, so click the links below to register if you are interested.

The first is 12:30 p.m., Jan. 15
The second is at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 28, and this one is especially for people who are fans of the arts and culture scene.

Both sessions will last about an hour.

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DAILY DIGEST

Measles cases in Albany, Lebanon concern Lane County health officials

By Ashli Blow

The cases in Linn County, less than an hour’s drive from Eugene, come as measles vaccination rates in parts of the Eugene-Springfield area remain below the 95% level needed for herd immunity, increasing the risk of spread.

Oregon locks in its next quarterback with Dylan Raiola signing

By Tyson Alger

Oregon found its quarterback of the future in Dylan Raiola. When he takes over depends on what Dante Moore does next.

OHA, Trillium won’t say if Medicaid network gaps closed for 15,000-plus

By Ashli Blow

With nearly 100,000 Lane County Medicaid members served by PacificSource being shifted to Trillium on Feb. 1, some 15,000 to 25,000 have doctors or clinics that not part of Trillium’s network. Trillium officials say they are “making positive progress” bringing more providers into its network but offered no specifics.