Roughly 80 people have been arriving per week since Jan. 1, putting the city in a dire situation and in need of more help, officials say.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland’s staff shortages drain morale, overtime budgets
Among its 1,481 positions, the city has 253 vacancies, a number that can be felt in day-to-day operations across many departments. And just like any business, the municipality is struggling.
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Posted inLocal & State
Portland launches search for new police chief
A job posting went live Wednesday and an initial review of applications is planned for March 20.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Former Portland burrito shop owner was fatally stabbed, court records say
Residents of the apartment building at 263 Cumberland Ave. said they called 911 after they heard fighting and cries for help.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland police investigating fight over ‘It’s OK to be white’ banner outside City Hall
Richard Ward said he was punched in the face, and then he pepper sprayed the person who attacked him on Monday.
Posted inLocal & State
Counterprotesters show up to condemn ‘It’s OK to be white’ banner in Congress Square
Several dozen people descended on the square Friday to push back on the banner that former City Council candidate Richard Ward has been displaying.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland receives more than 60 applicants for open city manager job
The City Council will review applications between now and April, when they plan to bring finalists in for interviews.
Posted inLocal & State
Scarborough BMV to reopen following water damage from extreme cold weather
The office was closed for a week after a roof drain above the ceiling broke, sending water cascading into the building.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Department of Public Safety names new state fire marshal and MDEA director
Richard McCarthy has been nominated to serve as the next state fire marshal and Richard Desjardins has been appointed as the new director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland board approves 179-room hotel for major project next to City Hall
The 179-room hotel with nine condos and 75 parking spaces was approved unanimously, but the developer says it’s too soon to say when construction might start.