👎 Canceling a release party for AI-generated music

First Measles Case at a Portland School

For the first time this year, there’s a measles case at a Portland school. But despite the contagious disease’s presence in a building with 849 students, health officials are optimistic they can contain the disease’s spread. That’s because Centennial Middle School has a 95% vaccination rate — which, for measles, is considered the minimum needed for containing a potential outbreak. [OPB]

• Facts: The vaccine is effective at preventing cases and blocking the spread, which is important because measles is the world’s most contagious respiratory virus. Unvaccinated folks who come into contact with a contagious person have a 90% chance of getting measles. [OPB]
• High number of anti-vaccine folks: Oregon has the third-highest percentage of schoolchildren who aren’t fully vaccinated because their families have opted out for personal or religious beliefs. (Only Idaho and Utah have a higher opt-out rate.) That means some communities — unlike Centennial Middle School — aren’t protected against an outbreak. [Oregonian]
• Your neighborhood’s vaccine rate: You can look up your local schools’ vaccine rate to get a sense of your community’s risk. The elementary school closest to my home, for example, falls just below the 95% threshold for measles vaccines. [Oregon Health Authority]
• Who’s at risk? Most people can protect themselves by getting the vaccine. Babies who are too young to get the shot, and people with some health conditions, like cancer, cannot.
• Worst measles year: Outbreaks are ongoing across the United States, with about 1,700 cases so far. Oregon, too, is on track for the most measles cases in decades, including 2024, when there were 31 cases. So far this year there have been 14 identified cases in Oregon. [Oregon Health Authority / Oregon Capitol Chronicle]

AI CD Release Party Cancelled at Music Millennium

Music Millennium canceled a CD release party this week after community pushback: The album, “AI,” was largely created with artificial intelligence. Longtime Portland musician Brandon Carmody says the album was his attempt at creating "arena-sized" music. Music Millennium owner Terry Currier says employees complained, and he heard rumors of a protest. [Willamette Week]

Abortion Coverage Law Ruled Unconstitutional

Oregon Right to Life has successfully challenged an Oregon law that requires health benefit plans cover abortion and contraception. A federal judge ruled the law threatens the First Amendment’s protections for the free exercise of religion. The ruling’s impact isn’t clear yet — the judge will now weigh a remedy, which ranges from overturning the state law to requiring the state to broaden the exemption for religious employers. [Oregonian]

Best Portland Baker

Amateur bakers get ready for “The Big Portland Bake Show”! It’s an in-person, locals-only version of the “Great British Bake-Off,” to be hosted and judged by Pix Pâtisserie. A live audience will be welcomed to the events. [Oregonian]

• Aspiring contestants can register for an interview — the first step toward appearing in the bake-off — starting May 4 at 8 a.m. [Pix Pâtisserie]

Each week, we include favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city:

• 👽 Exoplanetary | Today | “Join the sensational locally created science-fiction audio drama epic, Exoplanetary, for their first solo appearance anywhere! At OMSI's Empirical Theater! April 16th!” — Michael B.
• ☕ Lionheart Coffee | Beaverton | “Their rotating selection of locally roasted specialty coffee is outstanding, and they're passionate about supporting the community and making Beaverton better.” — Jason P.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!