The Wabanaki ferry had about 207 people aboard when a Casco Bay Lines crew member spotted the men in the water near a capsized canoe off Peaks Island.
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 inCops & Courts, Maine, Uncategorized
Police seek Massachusetts man in York home invasion and shooting
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police say.
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Posted inMaine
Mayor calls on Portland council to restore spending that city manager wants cut
Among his proposals, Mayor Ethan Strimling wants to fully fund a local aid program for asylum seekers and to continue providing unlimited overflow space for people seeking emergency shelter.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
New abstract mural adds a dash of color to Portland’s historic Old Port
Will Sears’ mural overlooking Tommy’s Park is replacing a popular 1985 trompe l’oeil painting that depicted elements of an old post office and City Hall.
Posted inMaine, News
PSO will be back for Portland’s Fourth of July bash, which promises a bigger bang
Shamrock Signature is taking over planning for this year’s event, which will include the fund-raising Pops with a Purpose Gala on June 28.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland council votes 5-4 to reject earned sick time requirement
The majority believes a statewide policy would be better and that a local ordinance might inadvertently affect workers with existing paid time off benefits.
Posted inMaine, News
More asylum seekers arrive in Portland from southern border as city debates assistance
Portland’s human resources director criticizes comments by Mayor Ethan Strimling welcoming the arrival of more immigrants.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Developers’ plans would transform part of downtown Portland
Projects proposed by North River IV and J.B. Brown & Sons just west of the Old Port would convert 3 parking lots into apartments, offices, a hotel and retail stores with parking garages.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland council considers social services for non-citizens, homeless
A budget proposed by the city manager has prompted discussion about city resources devoted to 2 programs that provide shelter and aid to the groups.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Uncategorized
Plan would ban new restaurants and retail stores on Portland piers
The zoning amendments are being proposed to address concerns raised by fishermen and advocates that a construction boom of hotels and other tourist uses is threatening the future of the working waterfront.