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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 inNews

Councilor Smith Walks Back Her Statement Amid Public Outcry

The call for an open carry firearms policy for councilors came after protesters disrupted a Portland City Council meeting. Smith is calling for increased security measures.
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Updated: 9:28 pm February 20 This story has been updated with additional reporting since it was first published.  After signaling a desire for a new policy that would allow city councilors to bring loaded firearms to City Hall, Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith says she “denounces violence” but wants additional safety protocols for her and […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Oregon Judge Extends Tear Gas Restrictions, Eric Trump’s Shady Attempt to Profit Off a Government Contract, and What Are the Odds Of a Timbers Win?

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

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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Judge Extends Temporary Restraining Order in Class-Action Suit Against DHS

A restraining order that heavily restricts the use of tear gas by federal agents will remain in effect for at least another two weeks.
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A federal judge extended a temporary restraining order (TRO) that bars federal agents at Portland’s ICE facility from using tear gas on protesters for another two weeks.  US District Judge Michael Simon issued the order on Tuesday, February 17, the day the TRO was set to expire. According to the initial order, agents are prohibited […]

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Portland Protesters and Journalists are Suing Trump and the DHS. Oregon’s Attorney General Just Stepped in to Help.

Dan Rayfield’s office submitted evidence and testimony in support of a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for federal agents’ excessive force and First Amendment violations.
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Earlier this month, plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) got a win after a judge issued a temporary restraining order against federal agents.  That lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Oregon on behalf of protesters and journalists, alleges federal agents have violated their First Amendment rights and used excessive […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Leach Botanical Garden at Risk, Dems Dodge Indictment, and New Yorkers Defy Trump’s Order to Remove Pride Flag From Stonewall Inn

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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 sunshine and a high of 55 […]

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Man Fatally Shot By Police in NW Portland

Police say the victim tried to shoot security guards at a grocery store five days earlier, leaving behind a shotgun with shells containing “threatening” messages naming Donald Trump.
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UPDATE: February 11: The victim has been identified as 57-year-old Erik Sherrer. Portland Police officers shot and killed a man inside a Northwest apartment complex Thursday morning, February 5. According to police, officers tried to serve a warrant on Erik Sherrer, 57, who pointed a handgun and tried to shoot at two security officers on […]

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How a Portland-Based Psychiatrist Ended Up in the Epstein Files

The prolific sex trafficker met with and allegedly solicited help from Dr. Paul Conti to treat a young woman in his inner circle.
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In 2015, a Portland-based psychiatrist wrote a curious email to Jeffrey Epstein. “Jeffrey, I found the time spent with you to be enjoyable and fascinating, and I appreciate your hospitality.” The email came from Dr. Paul M. Conti, a psychiatrist and author in Portland who’s been praised by clients like Lady Gaga and Tommy Hilfiger […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Judge Restricts Tear Gas in Portland, Trump Flirts With Election Meddling, and Former First Lady’s Ex Jailed For Murder

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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! Ignore what Punxsutawney Phil predicted earlier this week because […]

Posted inNews

Councilors Want City to Move Faster on Enforcement of New Detention Center Fee

A recently adopted detention center impact fee aims to fine property owners whose tenants, like ICE, pollute surrounding areas with tear gas and other chemical agents.
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Portland City Councilors Angelita Morillo and Mitch Green are asking the mayor and city administrator to expedite enforcement of a new detention center impact fee.  In a joint letter sent to Mayor Wilson’s office Tuesday, January 27, the councilors reminded him that the detention facility fee legislation went into effect on January 2. The new […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Councilors Shoot Down Proposed Foie Gras Ban, ICE Director Ordered to Appear in Court, and Dems Demand Kristi Noem’s Ouster

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

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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Portland Officers Who Clashed With Anti-ICE Protesters Identified

Officer who was filmed punching a protester on January 9 was previously named in a lawsuit stemming from a 2020 protest. Another officer was reassigned after recent remarks made on camera triggered complaints and internal review.
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A Portland Police officer who was filmed punching a protester earlier this month during an anti-ICE protest was also named in a lawsuit years earlier by a different protester who was injured by police. Records obtained by the Mercury indicate Tyler Brunelle was the officer recorded using force on a protester who was already on […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Woodburn Activists Successfully Thwart ICE, Usha Vance is Preggers, and Trump Delivers Racist Tirade

Avatar photo Courtney Vaughn

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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