Morgan Womack

Staff Writer

Morgan covers breaking news and public safety for the Portland Press Herald. Before moving to Maine in 2024, she reported for Michigan State University's student-run publication, as well as the Indianapolis Star and Michigan Public. She's passionate about telling human-centered stories and battling for access to public records. As someone who grew up on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Morgan feels at home in Maine's natural scenery.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Portland man arrested, accused of gunfire on Grant Street

by Morgan Womack May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

The 31-year-old man faces one count of reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News, Schools and Education

Family of Deering High teen ‘mistakenly’ detained by police say he was racially profiled

by Daniel Kool and Morgan Womack May 13, 2025May 14, 2025

The student was released shortly after he was apprehended by South Portland police officers. The department has not provided details explaining why they detained the 16-year-old.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Man shot in Biddeford says he was defending himself, trying to disarm suspect

by Morgan Womack May 12, 2025May 12, 2025

The 34-year-old man charged in the shooting faces one count of reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Biddeford man arrested after being seen with gun near high school

by Morgan Womack May 9, 2025May 9, 2025

A student reported the incident, which occurred during morning drop-off, spurring lockdowns at the schools as a protective measure.

Maine, News, Religion and Values

Mainers witness selection of new pope as white smoke rises in Vatican City

by Morgan Womack, Joe Charpentier, Zoe Schaedle and Amy Calder May 8, 2025May 9, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will become Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after the conclave election.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Last suspect in Morrill’s Corner fight turns himself in to New Hampshire authorities

by Morgan Womack May 8, 2025May 9, 2025

Kristofer Haken, 46, had been wanted by Portland police for more than 5 months when the U.S. Marshals Service issued a new warrant for missing his court dates.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

Portland man convicted in Woodford Street murder asks Maine’s high court for new trial

by Morgan Womack May 6, 2025May 7, 2025

Damion Butterfield, 25, took a deal at the last minute of his December 2023 trial.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News

U.S. marshals join search for 7th suspect wanted in deadly Morrill’s Corner fight

by Morgan Womack May 6, 2025May 6, 2025

The federal agency issued a warrant for the arrest of 46-year-old Kristofer Haken on Tuesday. One man has been sentenced to prison for his role in the attack, while five other suspects are awaiting trial.