But as unruly behavior declines, some fear the homeless are being unfairly targeted.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State, News
As Portland seeks compensation for shelter costs, Maine welfare directors tell towns not to pay
General Assistance administrators claim the city is misinterpreting ordinances in an effort to collect money for people who go to Portland’s emergency shelters from other communities.
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Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Rumford man pleads guilty to Social Security fraud
Raymond J. Brenneis, 59, received benefits from 2011 to 2017 for which he was ineligible, and faces up to five years in prison.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Nation & World
Florence likely to disrupt flights to and from Portland jetport
American Airlines and Delta flights are most likely to be affected, a jetport official says.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland approves new condos along Franklin Street
Verdante is the second 6-story condominium project approved by the city along the east side of Franklin Street.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland’s plan for new shelter in Nason’s Corner is put on hold as councilors consider alternatives
City councilors ask for more analysis and additional siting options after intense opposition to the proposed site on Brighton Avenue.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Model homeless shelter is ammunition for both sides in Portland conflict
Opponents of Portland’s plan for a new shelter point to tensions in Montana – site of a facility that has garnered praise from officials here.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland defends plan for homeless shelter in Nason’s Corner neighborhood
The city provides new information about alternatives in advance of a community forum Saturday.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland’s former assistant manager cites ‘differences of opinions’ in resignation letter
Mona Bector leaves without any severance package after three months in the post.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council gives firefighters 1-year contract extension
City Manager Jon Jennings says the deal was made to give Portland time to conduct a review of the department that could impact future contract negotiations.