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 on Twitter.

Recent Articles

Police Drone Pilot Program to Lift Off Next Week

Portland Police say the drones will aid in crash and crime scene investigations—but won't be used to surveil citizens.

City Council Approves Daytime Camping Ban; Legal Challenges Could Arise

Portland leaders are facing questions about the city's ability to police unsanctioned homeless sites.

Portland City Employees Form New Workers Union

More than 700 professional workers are now eligible to join an independent union for Portland employees.

News Jun 2 4:31 PM

Public Opposition to Gunshot Detection Program Convinces City To Reverse Course

Mayor and police chief abandon plans for gunshot detection technology, opting for gun violence reduction training and partnerships instead.

News Jun 1 7:30 AM

Critics Call Proposed Camping Ban "Impossible to Comply With"

Portland City Council expected to vote June 7 on ordinance that would prohibit daytime camping.

— Advertisement —
News May 31 10:43 PM

City Settles Class Action Disabilities Lawsuit Over Blocked Sidewalks

The lawsuit's primary plaintiff railed against homeless services, as well as Portland progressives.

News May 26 4:49 PM

City Leaders Lambast Joint Office of Homeless Services, Call For Heightened Budget Scrutiny

Multnomah County chair says county should kick in $20 million toward city’s mass alternative shelter sites.

News May 25 2:50 PM

Portland City Council Will Consider Public Camping Ban Ordinance That Would Fine, Jail Unhoused Residents

Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposed ordinance would heavily restrict public camping to nighttime hours only, while also prohibiting fires and gas stoves.

— Advertisement —
News May 18 2:43 PM

Portland's $7.1 Billion Budget Will Boost Police and Reduce Utility Rate Increases

Despite growing list of deferred infrastructure maintenance projects, Mayor Wheeler cuts taxes and fees.

News May 17 7:25 AM

Fire Destroys Downtown Portland Apartment Building

Firefighters say residents initially ignored alarms before massive blaze left them displaced.

— Advertisement —
News May 11 3:14 PM

Prism Health Center Closes Temporarily After Threat to Clinic

Staff said the clinic closed out of catution after a patient in mental distress made verbal threats.

News May 11 8:04 AM

Peterson Says He’s Officially Out of the Portland School Board Race—Again

After radio silence, the candidate reiterated his withdrawal from the Portland Public Schools race for Zone 3.

News May 8 3:51 PM

Portland School Board Candidate Waffles on Withdrawal Statement, Confusing Voters a Week Before Election

Derrick Peterson's campaign manager resigned last week, amid reports of candidate's ties to Christian Nationalist groups.

News May 3 10:28 PM

Portland School Board Candidate Withdraws From Race

Derrick Peterson drops out of PPS race two weeks before election, after alleged ties with Christian nationalist groups surface.

News May 2 11:51 AM

Oregon Secretary of State Resigns Amid Ethics Questions About Cannabis Consulting Work

Shemia Fagan announced her resignation Tuesday, May 2 after reports of a private consulting job with a company under audit by the state

News May 1 10:10 AM

Civic Life Office Turns Down Portland Neighborhood Group’s Bid for City Funds

Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. asked for a reinstated contract. The city cited charter reform as grounds for denial.