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

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.

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

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.

City Council Race 2024 Sep 18 7:52 AM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 3

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

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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.

City Council Race 2024 Sep 11 1:32 PM

Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates

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

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.

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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.

City Council Race 2024 Aug 21 12:59 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.

News Aug 19 8:57 AM

Portland Elections Office Investigating Rene Gonzalez For Using Taxpayer Funds on Wikipedia Edits

Records show Auditor's Office received three complaints over a $6,400 expenditure by the city commissioner's office to alter his Wikipedia page in the thick of campaign season.

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News Aug 12 4:40 PM

Attorneys Claim Plasma Donation Centers Illegally Discriminate Against Gay and Bisexual Men

Grifols USA, which operates two centers in Portland, faces a class-action lawsuit after an Oregon man was denied donation.

News Jul 24 11:03 AM

How Rene Gonzalez Found Common Ground With a Right Wing Provocateur

Over the span of 24 hours, the Portland commissioner and mayoral candidate managed to anger his most conservative supporters, while inflaming progressives over a recent nod to Andy Ngo.

News Jul 19 10:49 AM

Portland Emergency Dispatch System Impacted by Global IT Outage

City says 911 is taking calls manually, as other businesses and a local hospital report disruptions from the massive software outage

City Council Race 2024 Jul 18 12:45 PM

Here's Who's Running for Portland City Council in 2024

As the city gears up for a new government structure and a 12-person council, candidates are in the thick of campaign season for a pivotal November election.

News Jul 12 11:30 AM

Another Suspected Heat-Related Death Pushes Oregon's Tally into Double Digits

During a wave of excessive temperatures, medical examiners across the state are investigating at least 16 deaths that may have been caused by the heat.

News Jul 10 9:03 PM

Commissioner Rene Gonzalez Wants City to Rein in Public Comments Criticizing Police During Council Meetings

The city commissioner and candidate for mayor insists the city should no longer "platform abolitionists" by allowing comments about police brutality during council votes on legal matters.

News Jun 28 2:41 PM

What the Supreme Court’s Ruling Against Homelessness Means for Portland and Oregon

Portland must still abide by state law—policy which some experts say should be adopted by the entire nation.