City officials tour two shelters in Massachusetts as big changes to emergency food and shelter services are considered.
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.
Meet Arianna, the little girl who lived in Portland’s woods
Dozens of people have lived homeless in the woods of Portland this year. One of them is a 5-year-old girl.
Ceremony to mark naming of Portland park plaza for ex-city manager
The City Council voted in June to honor 80-year-old John Menario, known for his urban renewal efforts from 1967-1976.
Ambitious plan would transform 10 acres of Portland waterfront
A $250 million master plan for redevelopment of the former Portland Co. complex envisions a gleaming six-block neighborhood with upscale housing, shops, restaurants, hotel rooms and a 220-slip marina.
Portland approves $375,000 tax break for ImmuCell expansion
The City Council votes 8-1 to help finance an expansion of the biotechnology firm, without restrictions sought by Mayor Ethan Strimling.
Portland gives nod to new use for old school in Riverton
The City Council gives initial approval to a plan to renovate the former Thomas B. Reed School so it can be used as a preschool for children with special needs.
Portland developer thinking big as he considers key parcel in Old Port
Tim Soley, who owns a number of buildings in the Old Port, is exploring many ideas – including a building 20 or more stories tall – on property near Union and Fore streets
Federal lawsuit seeks return of long-lost lens to Spring Point lighthouse
The beam-magnifying Fresnel, which vanished in 1960, is part of South Portland’s maritime history and is now estimated to be worth $250,000.
Portland police urge homeless occupants of ‘Tent City’ to move out
Police visit the encampment off Brighton Avenue and say they will begin issuing formal trespass notices Thursday.
Some say they’ll remain in homeless camp despite Portland police deadline
Given until Wednesday to leave the site off Brighton Avenue, occupants say they’d rather risk arrest than stay at a shelter or an overflow building.