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

UPDATE: City Commissioners Abandon Plans to Terminate Joint Homeless Response Agreement With Multnomah County

A Portland City Council discussion that could've ended a collaborative agreement, without a backup plan in place, has been scrapped a day after the election. The move would've cost the city more than $40M.

How Portland Became a Roller Derby Mecca

Rose City Rollers commemorates 20 years by hosting the sport’s global championships on their home turf.

Rubio Campaign Didn’t Violate Election Rules, Auditor’s Office Says

Two complaints involving Carmen Rubio yielded no findings of wrongdoing, but the investigations highlight a rivalry between Rubio’s supporters and those backing Rene Gonzalez

City Council Race 2024 Oct 23 4:32 PM

Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates

Here's who wants to be Portland's next mayor.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 22 2:15 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 4

These candidates are running in the district composed of Portland's west side and some Southeast neighborhoods.

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News Oct 21 10:55 AM

Auditor's Office: Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Rules and Tried to Obstruct Investigation

A re-determination by the Portland Auditor's Office finds city commissioner used taxpayer funds to benefit his campaign. Investigators say Gonzalez and his staffers lied about key documents and tried to interfere with the investigation.

News Oct 17 5:48 PM

In a Stealth Move, Portland City Council Signals Intent to Sever Homelessness Agreement With Multnomah County

Without buy-in from Commissioner Carmen Rubio or Mayor Ted Wheeler, three city leaders asked for an ordinance to cancel a recently renewed intergovernmental agreement.

Election Guide 2024 Oct 16 3:36 AM

What to Expect From Portland’s New Government

How will Portland’s new crop of leaders tackle a revamped system and problems that have been building for decades?

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News Oct 15 8:57 AM

Sisters of the Road Will Resume Property Search After Prior Purchase Falls Through

The organization’s executive director is departing as the nonprofit scraps plans to reopen its cafe in the former House of Louie building.

News Oct 11 8:17 AM

Body Camera Footage Shows Officers Firing 30 Rounds Into Suspect's Car

Portland Police Bureau IDs officers who shot, injured a 24-year-old robbery suspect during a shootout in Woodlawn. One of the officers is no stranger to using force.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 8 4:36 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 3

These candidates are running in the district that encompasses most of Southeast Portland east of the river to I-205.

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News Oct 3 4:16 PM

Portland Elections Division Issues Warning Letter to Gonzalez Campaign Over Political Sign

A large sign supporting Rene Gonzalez for mayor left out a fine print financial disclosure. A separate investigation into his use of taxpayer funds was recently reopened.

News Oct 2 3:31 PM

Portland Auditor's Office Will Take Another Look At Gonzalez's Potential Campaign Finance Violation

Citing new information, auditors will revisit their prior determination of insufficient evidence of illegal activity related to Wikipedia edits

News Sep 30 8:55 AM

Controversial Dark Money Group, People For Portland, Dissolves Amid State Elections Investigation

The political organization known for its aggressive billboards says its election law violation had 'nothing to do' with decision. Another investigation is still active.

News Sep 25 6:15 PM

Judge: Portland’s New Police Accountability Board Must Be Operational In a Year

While the new community-led police oversight system is finally on track, some commissioners are furious at a federal judge's decision to postpone board selection until a new council is in place.

News Sep 16 1:57 PM

Auditors Determine Insufficient Evidence that Rene Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Laws

Despite "exceedingly close call" Portland Auditor's Office says commissioner and mayoral candidate's use of taxpayer money to alter his Wikipedia page isn't a definitive violation. Secretary of State will investigate other potential violations.

News Sep 9 7:17 AM

Police ID Officer Who Shot a Man in the Portsmouth Neighborhood

Nicholas Morales remains on leave after shooting and injuring Robert Seeger near a North Portland apartment complex on Aug. 24. Video footage of the incident was released Sept. 9.

News Aug 29 2:30 PM

Portland Police Sergeant Placed on Leave After Drunk Driving Arrest

Sgt. Patrick Mawdsley was arrested for impaired driving in Minnesota in July while off duty. In 2015, he grabbed a woman by the throat during an altercation at a wedding.