Margaret Peters, who was 56, couldn’t find an affordable apartment in the city and ended up in a condemned building that she was desperate to leave.
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
In reversal, Portland councilors will air issues between the mayor and manager in public
The decision follows the Portland Press Herald’s formal objection to any closed-door meeting to discuss a staffing request by Mayor Ethan Strimling.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland seeks donations for program that puts panhandlers to work
Public contributions are needed to further the effort, which pays $10.68 an hour for cleaning up parks and public spaces.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland developer shifts apartments to condos, signals upscale rentals cooling
The 25 High Street project’s 63 units will be sold rather than leased, becoming the latest aborted plan to add rental housing in the city.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Closed-door council meeting to focus on tension between Portland city manager and mayor
But questions are already being raised about whether the discussion should be held in public.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
Interactive ‘wall’ sculpture in Old Port park raises doubts, but wins city approval
Portland officials approve a temporary art installation with pieces the public can move around and transform.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Work on Portland’s Fort Gorges will start with new mission in mind
The city hopes to make the fort accessible for historical tours, musical and theater performances, and other public events.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland stormwater project will disrupt State Street traffic for months
The construction project will snarl traffic on a major thoroughfare in the city throughout the summer.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Cruise ship arrives in Portland with 4 passengers needing medical help
The passengers aboard the Celebrity Summit had unrelated injuries and medical conditions requiring a trip to a hospital.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Parking in Portland just got pricier but a new app will soon let you buy more time
The city is about to roll out a mobile app that alerts people when their meter is about to expire and let them pay for another hour online.