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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 inTop Stories 2023

The Biggest Portland Police News of 2023

Big police settlements, a new top cop, and whatever happened to oversight? All that and more in the biggest police stories of 2023!
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

This year was filled with major milestones and a few missteps from Portland police, who in October found themselves under new leadership. In 2023, the number of shootings by police was down from prior years, but efforts to form a new oversight system for reviewing uses of force and misconduct is already facing opposition from […]

Posted inNews

Update: Man Killed by Police in Mall 205 Target Parking Lot Identified as 33-Year-Old Tyrone Lee Johnson II

Police say they fired at a man who ran from them after trying to steal merchandise.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

January 30: This story has been updated to include the names of the officers involved. December 29: This story has been updated to identify the victim and clarify additional details. A man suspected of shoplifting from a Target store at Mall 205 was shot and killed by Portland police Wednesday afternoon. Police say East Precinct […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: US Climate Chaos, TriMet Ticket Price Madness, and Why 2024 Will Be the Year of the Worker.

Avatar photoAvatar photo Courtney Vaughn and Suzette Smith

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! Today marks the second day of Kwanzaa, the African American cultural celebration […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Another (Awful) MAX Train Stabbing, Blizzard Hits Central US, and Boxing Day Traditions For the Curious

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

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! Welcome back. We took the day off yesterday for the holiday, which […]

Posted inNews

Report: 315 People Died While Homeless in Multnomah County in 2022

The annual “Domicile Unknown” report shows a sharp uptick in deaths of residents living without stable housing. Some point to disconnects in local government as catalysts.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

Angela Boyd was creative. After moving to Oregon from California in her childhood, she went on to study journalism and communications at the University of Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, with an emphasis in advertising, marketing, and fine and applied arts.  Later, she honed her craft and became a sought-after wardrobe […]

Posted inNews

Update: Officer Who Killed Man Outside NE Portland Food Processing Plant Identified

The officer who shot 27-year-old Isaac Seavey in Northeast Portland on December 6 has been with the police bureau for 22 years. This isn’t his first fatal shooting.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

First published: December 6 Updated: December 21 Portland police say the officer who shot 27-year-old Isaac L. Seavey on December 6 is Officer Justin Clary, who’s been with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) for 22 years. Clary is assigned to PPB’s north precinct. The December 6 incident isn’t the first time Clary has fired at […]

Posted inNews

Jail Deputies Charged With Misconduct As Sheriff Orders Independent Reviews

Prosecutors say two Multnomah County corrections deputies failed to perform their job duties, contributing to two inmate deaths. Seven inmates have died in the county’s jails this year.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

This story has been updated to correct information about which inmate deaths were linked to the indictments, and provide more information about those who died in custody. Two Multnomah County jail deputies are facing misconduct charges over the deaths of two inmates at the Multnomah County Jail. Multnomah County Corrections Deputies James Brauckmiller and Michael […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Why Portugal Got Drug Decriminalization Right, Target Did Us Dirty, and Trump Booted From Colorado Ballot (for now)

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! It’s December 20. This is your gentle reminder that there are less than five days left to finish any holiday shopping, including food for any feasts. I’m not ready to arm wrestle anyone over the last Tofurky or the fattest sweet potatoes at the grocery store, so please do your shopping early […]

Posted inNews

Former City Commissioner Steve Novick Eyes Return to City Hall

Novick is running to represent District 3, after a former stint on Portland City Council.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

Steve Novick says he’s ready to return to Portland City Hall. On Friday, the former city commissioner announced his campaign for District 3, representing a broad swath of inner Southeast Portland that stretches east to I-205 and south down to the Woodstock neighborhood.  Novick served on Portland City Council from 2013 to 2017. He lost […]

Posted inNews

Governor Kotek’s Central City Task Force Plan, Developed Behind Closed Doors, Gets Mixed Reviews

Task force plan recommends major public policy changes, but the public was barred from providing input or attending meetings.
Avatar photoAvatar photo Courtney Vaughn and Taylor Griggs

This story has been updated to include additional input from the governor’s office. A plan presented by the governor’s task force which was intended to revitalize downtown is getting mixed reactions, after its members recommended criminalizing public drug use, and relaxing business taxes, among other measures.  The meetings have also raised concerns that the public […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Gov. Kotek Wants to Criminalize Public Drug Use, SCOTUS Could Decide Trump’s Fate, and Council Will Vote On the Return of Portland’s Elk Statue

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

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! If you’ve been following the news, you know it’s only Tuesday and […]

Posted inNews

Rene Gonzalez Announces Bid For Portland Mayor

Known for his conservative policies, Gonzalez is the second on council to announce a 2024 mayoral campaign.
Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez announced Thursday morning that he is running for mayor. Gonzalez is the second person on Portland City Council to announce a mayoral bid for the 2024 council race, after Commissioner Mingus Mapps launched his campaign for mayor earlier this year. Gonzalez and Mapps join Durell Kinsey Bey, a youth coordinator […]

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