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
Police Bureau Terminates Consulting Contract With Former Employee
Citing budget constraints, Portland’s police chief says he’s ending two contracts after questions from the Mercury about potential cronyism.
A no-bid contract between the Portland Police Bureau and one of its former employees will end early. During a May 16 phone call, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said that after questions from the Mercury about the scope of work and expenses related to a contract with Ferraris Investigations and Consulting, the contract will be […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: ICE Detains Asylum Seeker in Portland, Salem Mass Stabbing Suspect Arraigned, and Retail Employees Share Photos of Price Hikes Amid New Tariffs
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! It’s not even summer yet, but it may as well […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: What Portland’s Budget Says About the Council, Former Cop Escapes Prison, and Garfield’s Fur, Explained
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 to enjoy a three-day weekend. Summer […]
Posted inNews
Amended Budget Approval Underscores Rifts Among Portland City Councilors
Councilor Steve Novick says community centers are off the chopping block after Council agreed to divert $2M from police to parks.
With more than 120 proposed budget amendments and nearly 12 hours of deliberations, Portland City Council worked until midnight Wednesday to pass an $8.5 billion 2025-26 budget. The budget, which is scheduled for final adoption on June 18, includes additional funding for homeless shelter beds and public safety, but it also relies on deep cuts […]
Posted inNews
Power Moves: A Community Organization is Calling the Shots in One of Portland’s Oldest Neighborhoods
The Old Town Community Association has been a key driver of development and investment in Old Town. Much of it comes with financial gain to its members.
The Old Town Community Association maintains a close working relationship with the city’s economic development agency, Prosper Portland. Some worry that organizations like OTCA have held too much sway over the city agency’s financial decisions, to the benefit of OTCA’s board members.
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning News: Tearin’ Up Pavement, How Fringe Pro-Mortal Beliefs Led to Bombing a Fertility Clinic, and Election Day is Here!
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! Expect intermittent sunshine and rain showers today, with a […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Peacock Bully Behind Bars, Oregon Cold Case Solved, and Not Even God-Fearing Folks Want Trump’s White South African “Refugees”
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 inNews
Shoofly Vegan Bakery Employees Locked Out After Disputes With New Owner
Staff say paychecks were late twice in a row, and the business is no longer fulfilling wholesale orders with local cafes.
Update May 7: This story has been updated with new information about employee fundraising efforts. A popular vegan bakery in Southeast Portland has been closed since Friday, after employees walked off the job. Staff at Shoofly Vegan Bakery on SE Division say some hadn’t received their paychecks as of Friday, May 2. It wasn’t the […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning News: Real ID Deadline is Here, the OHSU/Legacy Merger is Canceled, and Could Portland’s Clean Energy Fund Bail Out its Parks Bureau?
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! It’s gonna get toasty today, with a high of […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Canada’s Surprise Left Turn, Oregon’s Clampdown on Cashless Businesses, and the White House Meltdown Over Amazon’s Tariff Transparency
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’s forecast says we’ll get sunshine later this afternoon through […]
Posted inCity Guide 2025
Be a Hero in Your City!
How to be civically engaged and care for your community in the age of Trump.
[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] For many, Donald Trump’s second term in office has been a dizzying descent into chaos. The unraveling of our federal government, and disregard for the Constitution is unconscionable. It’s also been a stark reminder […]