Courtney Vaughn

Courtney Vaughn

Courtney Vaughn is the news editor at the Portland Mercury. She appreciates your news tips and musings. Reach out at cvaughn@portlandmercury.com or on Twitter.

Recent Articles

Portland Mayor Wheeler Says He Won't Seek Another Term

Addressing questions about a reelection bid, Wheeler says city's current challenges will require all of his focus over the next 15 months.

The First Portland Area Detox Center Funded By Measure 110 Will Open Soon

It’s the first drug withdrawal center in the Portland metro region to focus on fentanyl addiction, and proof that Measure 110 efforts are paying off

Portland City Councilors Will Lobby For Change in State Law to Pave Way For Criminalization of Drugs

City leaders blame a loophole in state law for the scourge of fentanyl and meth addiction on Portland's streets. Experts caution a repeat of the failed War on Drugs.

News Aug 30 4:45 PM

The Race For Portland's Next City Council Has Already Begun

As the city gears up for a new government structure and a 12-person council, candidates are kicking off campaigns for a pivotal 2024 election.

News Aug 30 10:00 AM

2024 Election: Portland City Council Candidates Already Scrambling For Public Campaign Dollars

With new City Council districts confirmed, campaigns are already underway for 12 council seats.

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News Aug 24 12:11 PM

Defendant Sued By Andy Ngo Says They Never Received Legal Summons Before Being Ordered To Pay $100,000

A Portlander is fighting the justice system after a right-wing blogger won a legal judgment against them for failing to appear in court. They say they never received proper legal notice.

News Aug 22 8:32 AM

Rapid Response Bio Clean Settles Lawsuit With Man Whose Property Was Thrown Away During Homeless Camp Sweep

Portland's contracted homeless campsite removal company was recently ordered to pay damages in another lawsuit stemming from the same 2020 sweep.

News Aug 19 8:37 AM

Public Apology Issued To Former Commissioner Hardesty After City Settles Lawsuit Over False Claims Leaked By Police

City of Portland agrees to pay Jo Ann Hardesty $5,000. Claims against police union and officers remain unresolved.

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News Aug 9 12:22 PM

Jury Rules Against Andy Ngo in Activist Lawsuit

Right-wing media figure sought damages stemming from attacks in Portland.

News Aug 7 10:04 PM

Portland Police Bureau Identifies Cops Who Killed Legacy Hospital Gunman

Three officers involved in July 22 fatal shooting remain on leave. The incident is the second deadly police shooting of 2023 in Portland.

News Aug 3 3:26 PM

Nearly 11,000 Oregonians Want City Leaders To Shore Up Portland Street Response

Petition shows outpouring of support for crisis response program, but budget constraints and employee morale still threaten its success

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News Jul 27 8:38 AM

Police Delay Release of Information After Fatal Shooting of Hospital Gunman

Three Portland police officers fired at a suspect. It could be weeks before their names are published. Accountability advocates say the policy is out of line with other agencies and PPB's own internal directives.

News Jul 26 11:11 AM

Report: Company Hired to Board Up Properties Violated City Contract and Swindled Business Owners

Portland ombudsman says lack of city oversight led to multiple contract violations and billing discrepancies, costing vandalized businesses thousands.

News Jul 21 2:12 PM

Tusitala "Tiny" Toese Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for 2021 Proud Boys Brawl in Portland

Prosecutors asked judge for lengthy sentence, citing Toese's history of violence and arrest at politically-charged riots led by the Proud Boys.

News Jul 17 5:53 PM

Portland's First Temporary Mass Shelter Site Will Open This Month

Pods at the Clinton Triangle in Southeast Portland are a far cry from initial plans to corral up to 250 people in tents.

News Jul 14 3:34 PM

Gun Violence, Arts Tax, and Homeless Services: City Auditor Reveals What’s Going Under the Microscope

Portland City Auditor's Office will focus on auditing government functions that will have the greatest impact on residents.

News Jul 12 8:18 AM

Portland Police Officer Apologizes to Photographer Struck in the Head With Baton During 2020 Protest

Court dismisses assault charge against officer after restorative justice process leads to public apology.

News Jul 7 4:15 PM

Portland's O'Bryant Square to Be Renamed Darcelle XV Plaza

Dormant pocket park on Southwest Harvey Milk Street will honor legacy of famous drag performer.