If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism […]
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 find her on Bluesky @courtneyvaughn.
Posted inNews
Portland City Council Adopts New Law Enforcement Mask Ban, ID Requirements
The city ordinance won’t give local police the authority to unmask ICE, but its supporters say it will help verify and prevent law enforcement impersonators.
When federal immigration agents started showing up for duty last year in plain clothes with their faces half covered, it stoked fear in immigrants. It also sparked concerns about accountability and transparency within the broader community. Still, an ordinance aimed at requiring police to display agency ID and keep their faces visible at all times […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: A Deadly Chemical Plant Explosion, the DOE’s War on Nursing, and a Suspected Portland Serial Killer is Charged Again
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Your future’s looking so bright, you’re gonna need shades! […]
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Reporting Live (Continued): City Council’s Contentious Budget Meeting
Shelter, parks, and city jobs are up for discussion.
Portland city councilors this week are meeting to discuss amendments to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget. The city is working to address a $160 million budget gap, and the proposed amendments seek to hold onto union jobs and instead cut management jobs, and stop Wilson’s proposal to divert Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) dollars to […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Oregonians Reject Gas Tax Hike, Senate Works to Block Strikes On Iran, and Guess Which Union is Targeting Portland’s Police Accountability Board?
If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism […]
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Cop Union Alleges City Councilor Interference in New Police Oversight System
Councilor Sameer Kanal was invited to present at a meeting of the Community Board for Police Accountability. The Portland Police Association is crying foul.
City officials say they’re evaluating complaints made by Portland’s largest police union against a city councilor. On March 19, Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, fired off a memo to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, City Administrator Raymond Lee III, and other top city administrative staff, alleging District 2 City Councilor Sameer Kanal had […]
Posted inNews
Portland City Councilors are Tearing into Mayor Wilson’s Proposed Budget. Here’s What Could Change.
Proposed changes could affect the city’s climate fund, city manager pay, policing, and more.
Facing a $160 million city budget gap, Portland city councilors are proposing a slew of amendments to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed 2026-27 budget that would trim top administrative pay, save a North Portland fire station, stop the mayor from raiding clean energy funds, and divert $10 million in police oversight funding to offset cuts to […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: The Latest Moda Center Funding Fight, Trump’s Laughable Plan To Lower Gas Prices, and the Video Game You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Hopefully you got outside and frolicked in the sunshine […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Portland Arts Tax Reform, Trump Airport, and Trauma Bonding Over Spirit Airlines Memories
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Enjoy another moderate May day, with a high of […]
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Portland’s Top Public Safety Leader Is Leaving
Bob Cozzie, deputy city administrator for the Community and Public Safety service area, is departing on May 18. He’s the second leader to leave the department in less than a year.
Bob Cozzie, the deputy city administrator for Portland’s Community and Public Safety service area, is leaving his role, the city announced Tuesday, May 5. Cozzie previously led the Bureau of Emergency Communications, which oversees the region’s 911 program, for seven years. He was tapped to lead the city’s Public Safety operations last June, after the […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: No More Tear Gas Restrictions, Blazers Need a Miracle, and Remembering The Ronettes’ Nedra Talley Ross
If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Exotic Animal Abuser Pleads Guilty, Whistleblower Fired After Questioning ICE Contracts, and a Portlander’s Horrific Trader Joe’s Orange Juice Encounter
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! We’re in for a windy, rainy day with a […]