Drew Johnson

Staff Writer

Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts, Drew grew up going to his family’s lake house in Denmark, Maine, learning to snow ski at Pleasant Mountain and water ski on Moose Pond. While he started as a “Vacationlander”, Drew adopted “the way life should be” motto and moved to Portland in 2021.

Maine, News

Portland garage fire spreads, damages multiple buildings

by Drew Johnson March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Traffic on nearby Forest Avenue came to a standstill Monday afternoon while first responders battled the flames on Castine Avenue.

Maine, News

Bath Iron Works, union reach tentative agreement

by Drew Johnson March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association will vote Saturday morning on the agreement, which the union says is an improvement over the offer it rejected ahead of striking this week.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Howland resident charged with arson in 2022 fire

by Drew Johnson March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

The 39-year-old arrested Friday is accused in connection with a fire that damaged the Howland Corner Store more than 3 years ago, and officials say they expect additional arrests.

Maine, News

Maine attorney suspended for allegedly taking advantage of a wealthy, vulnerable client

by Drew Johnson March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Peter Drum, 51, of Newcastle, was suspended from practicing law in Maine on Thursday following accusations that he coerced a client into giving him access to their financial holdings.

Business, Health, Maine, News

Applications for Maine’s new paid family leave program open Monday

by Drew Johnson March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

The program, which will start paying out benefits on May 1, provides up to 12 weeks of pay for Mainers to take medical, parental, military or safety leave.

Maine, News, Politics

Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate at forum by and for young Mainers

by Drew Johnson March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Just over 2 months from the Democratic primary, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Angus King III, Hannah Pingree and Nirav Shah fielded questions on everything from housing reform and health care to addiction and systemic racism.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Reward offered after unknown snowmobiler caused $20k in damage in Dayton

by Drew Johnson March 24, 2026March 25, 2026

Officials are offering $2,000 for info on a rider who ran over trees at Pierson Nurseries.

Maine, News

Bangor woman, Medford man struck while outside vehicles on I-95 in Maine

by Drew Johnson March 24, 2026March 25, 2026

Officials believe the 54-year-old man had stopped to assist an 18-year-old woman who had gone into the median in snowy conditions and was attempting to shield her when both were struck by a third vehicle.

Maine, News