A newly reported measles case has raised the alarm about community spread in the Valley.

Why it matters: The disease is extremely contagious and can be deadly, especially in babies and young children. About 90% of unvaccinated people contract measles when exposed.

The big picture: An ongoing measles outbreak that began last August along the Arizona-Utah border is responsible for most of the state's measles cases, which hit a 30-plus-year high last year. But since the start of the year, unrelated cases have popped up in the Valley as well.

• This comes as childhood vaccine rates dropped nationwide during the COVID pandemic.
• Maricopa County's rate dropped from 93% in 2018 to 89% in 2024, the Washington Post reported.

The latest: A new local case was reported last week, with a possible exposure at an Arizona Youth Sports basketball game in Mesa on April 11.

• People who were at the game in the Highland Junior High gymnasium between 2 and 5pm are encouraged to watch for symptoms through May 2.

Threat level: This is the sixth case in Maricopa County this year, and the third one that can't be traced to another known case.

• "This highlights the ongoing risk of local transmission and the importance of vaccination and early symptom recognition," per a county public health department news release.

Between the lines: Measles symptoms typically develop one to three weeks after exposure, so officials encourage people who may have come into contact with infected patients to watch for fever, congestion, rashes or red, watery eyes for 21 days.

Other known metro Phoenix exposure points:

• Costco (Ellsworth Road in Queen Creek): April 3, 11am–2pm
• Walmart (Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek): April 4, 8:15am–10:45am
• Generation Church Queen Creek: April 5, 8:45am–12:30pm

Tell an East Valley neighbor

It's almost time to kick off your shoes and take a walk through nature on the Barefoot Trail, which has new attractions that might get you to make multiple visits this year.

State of play: The Barefoot Trail west of Flagstaff, near Bellemont just off Interstate 40, is opening for its third season on May 6.

What's new:

• Schools and youth groups can book field trips and camps for "outdoor experiences designed to support movement, exploration, and group engagement."
• They'll have themed events, live music on Saturdays and guided outdoor yoga.
• They're now accepting Education Savings Account funds for tickets and passes and will have educational booklets available for purchase to "provide hands-on learning opportunities focused on grounding and reflexology, ideal for school groups and homeschoolers."

What they're saying: Leah Williams, who founded the trail, said in a press release that they're "leaning into what people are asking for: more opportunities for kids to be outside, to move, to play, and to experience something different together."

Zoom in: It's touted as the first "grounding" park in the U.S.

• Grounding is a practice in which people walk barefoot in nature to absorb the Earth's natural electrical charge.

Take a hike

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly's clash with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears to have been good for fundraising.

Why it matters: Kelly isn't just a senator with a re-election in 2028 — he's a potential presidential candidate, and his campaign war chest will serve him well if he decides to run.

• He's got more cash on hand than any of his potential opponents for the Democratic nomination.

By the numbers: Kelly raised nearly $13 million last quarter and has more than $22 million on hand, per his latest FEC campaign finance report.

PS: If you squint, you can see Arizona's junior senator, Ruben Gallego, made the chart, too.

• He's got a cool $1.9 million in the bank.

See the money

🏀 Top-seeded Oklahoma City trounced the Suns 119-84 last night in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs' first round. (Arizona Sports)

• The Suns earned the 8th seed after beating Golden State in the play-in tournament Friday.

🐘 President Trump sought to rally Republicans at a "Build the Red Wall" rally hosted by Turning Point at Phoenix's Dream City Church on Friday. (KJZZ)

🚫 Gilbert residents are fighting a proposed Target store at Higley and Ocotillo roads. (AZcentral)

🤑 Gov. Katie Hobbs has nearly $7.2 million in the bank for her re-election campaign, GOP candidate Andy Biggs has more than $1.1 million on hand and Republican David Schweikert has just $86,000 after the first quarter of 2026. (Arizona Mirror)

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Welcome to another edition of "Where in the Valley?"

How it works: We show you something cool. You tell us where it is.

• The first reader who names the spot gets a shoutout in the newsletter.

You tell us: Where in the Valley can you find this mural?

No one gave us the correct location for last week's contest.

• The sculptures are outside Artes Imports furniture store in Mesa, on Alma School Road near Broadway Road.
• A couple readers gave locations elsewhere in Mesa, so the city must be a hotspot for similar sculptures.