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 find her on Bluesky @courtneyvaughn.

Recent Articles

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.

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.

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.

News Feb 5 6:22 PM

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.

News Feb 4 9:45 AM

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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News Jan 29 11:30 AM

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.

News Jan 22 1:43 PM

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.

News Jan 16 8:45 AM

East Portland Man Ambushed by Unidentified Armed Men in Tactical Gear and Unmarked SUV

Video footage shows three men in plain clothes rushed in to pry a man from his vehicle in a case of mistaken identity.

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News Jan 11 1:05 PM

"Sometimes Criminals Get Shot": Portland Police Officer Defends Minnesota Shooting of Renee Good

Portland cop pulled from protest duty after remarks, while the Police Bureau reviews another incident involving an officer punching a protester during an arrest.

News Jan 9 8:30 PM

After Border Patrol Agent Shoots Two People In Portland, Oregon AG Vows to Investigate

Update: Homeland Security identifies man and woman shot and injured during an encounter with immigration agents in East Portland. Oregon officials are imploring DHS to leave the state.

News Jan 8 8:49 AM

Update: Still No Council President After Full Day of Deliberation and Votes 

Public awaits zephyr of white smoke from council chambers announcing who holds the gavel in 2026

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News Jan 8 8:00 AM

New Lawsuit Seeks $1.18 Million For Man Imprisoned For an Overdose Death That Never Happened 

Man who pleaded guilty to drug charges says he served a full prison sentence that was based on false information about a fatal overdose.

Mercury 2025 Recap Dec 30 1:30 PM

Mercury 2025 Recap: Portland City Council's First Year

We asked councilors to reflect on their achievements and give us a sneak peek at what's to come in 2026.

News Dec 30 7:20 AM

Despite DOJ Intervention, Portland Police are Still Killing People in Mental Health Crisis

A grand jury declined to indict officers who used deadly restraint on a man with schizophrenia in June. His family is weighing legal options.

News Dec 29 4:30 PM

One of Portland’s Few Black-Owned Music Venues is Facing Eviction

The Heights owner claims predatory lease terms left him in default. His landlord says payments were missed even after a rent reduction. 

News Dec 17 3:00 PM

Portland Students Walk Out of Class to Protest ICE Activity

Lincoln High School students marched from their campus to City Hall, where they rallied against recent abductions and deaths in ICE custody.

News Dec 9 5:00 PM

Portland Police Officer Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges

Jimmy Pryce, a 27-year employee at Portland Police Bureau, faces a criminal trial in Clackamas County.