An Oregonian on Trump’s Cabinet is under investigation

First 2 Cases of Measles in 2026

Oregon health officials have identified two cases of measles — the first of the year — in Linn County (south of Salem). Last year, the state saw only one case. [KOIN]

• Major outbreaks: But there were major outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. last year. Measles cases have increased as vaccination rates have declined. [Johns Hopkins University]
• Vaccine update: The CDC recommends a measles vaccine for anyone 6 months or older as the best way to protect against the highly contagious disease. [CDC]
• Boosters needed? Adults, particularly those born between 1957 and 1968, may also want to get a booster shot. [NPR]

$13.6B Cost of New Interstate Bridge

The cost of replacing the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River has more than doubled since 2022 — when the cost was estimated to be $6 billion. In August, consultants completed “highly detailed, updated cost estimates for the project,” Willamette Week reports. But the project team failed to provide the new $13.6 billion estimate to a meeting of legislators from Washington and Oregon last month. [Willamette Week]

Portland Reacts After the Federal Agent Shot 2 in Portland

Listeners weigh in after the shooting by the federal agent in East Portland. The two people who were shot have since been released from the hospital and are now in detention. Luis David Nino-Moncada, the driver during last Thursday’s encounter, faces charges for aggravated assault of a federal officer. Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, the passenger, has been charged with illegally coming to the U.S. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Today we have some recommendations from your fellow readers:

After I ran suggestions for restaurants Portland needs in 2026 that lamented the city’s lack of good hot dogs, readers defended their favorite spots:

• “We have a good hot dog joint, Franks-A-Lot on Burnside. Best Chicago Dog ever! And they have vegan dogs, so you can accommodate everyone in the family.” — Sally McEntire
• “I was born in the Midwest. I appreciate a really good hot dog/kielbasa/sausage, especially with all the toppings. Franks-A-Lot has been a place my family and I have gone to for years! They are family run, have a fantastic and delicious menu, not just dogs but sides as well — and they are a Portland staple that need our support!!” — Marta
• “Someone was lamenting the lack of normal hot dogs in this town, and I am not quite as embarrassed as I should be that I know not one — but two — hot dog places! First there's Zach's Shack on Hawthorne, they have been around forever and are a very Portland Place™️. Loud music, pinball, and cheap hot dogs! Then there's Franks-A-Lot on Southeast Burnside, (in the Whole Foods parking lot). They are a drive-through place that has the biggest, most obscene-looking corn dog I've ever seen! The people at Franks are some of the nicest people and are a great sport about accidental innuendos about ordering a large hot dog.” — Ash
• “Bike Or Bar, on Southeast 7th just north of Division, satisfies this. They have a selection of amazing hot dogs with loads of legit toppings along — with a NA or alcoholic beverage of choice. They even offer vegan dogs. It is a great space, the owners are friendly, and totally worth stopping by.” — Brooke

And we received some more suggestions for restaurants Portland still needs:

• “What Portland really needs is an old-school East Coast bakery. The kind that has poppy seed hard rolls, heavy crumb cake, cheese danish and real rye bread.” — Kasey C.
• “Portland is full of Mexican street food venues or food trucks, but we would welcome an authentic Mexican cuisine restaurant that serves real Mexican dishes which you can't find in Portland. To name a few examples, filete a la tampiqueña, chiles en nogada, enmoladas, and perhaps some northern Mexican dishes like discada, queso fundido, machaca, and real authentic burritos (unlike the local versions of them).” — Enrique Sánchez-Mejorada

I asked for your ideas for how to enjoy the months of winter gloom:

• “Misty walks to the Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum are like a scene out of a Twilight movie.” — Rebekah G.
• “A running coach once told me there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. My response to going out in the rain is that it's only water and I'm going to go home and take a shower anyway.” — Fay

📲 Your turn: What do you do to enjoy winter (despite the gloom)? We’re still looking for suggestions — both indoor and outdoor activities.

📲 As always, I welcome your suggestions and feedback. You can always hit respond on this email.