PORTLAND — City councilors on Monday night approved the $236 million budget for fiscal year 2017. But public health-care services again took center stage, hijacking discussions about finances. Despite a recommendation in April by City Manager Jon Jennings to shift all city-funded India Street Public Health Center services to the Portland Community Health Center, the council […]

PORTLAND — Most of the city’s elementary schools and two middle schools will have new start and end times for the 2016-2017 school year. The School Department said the changes are necessary to allow school buses to get students to and from school “in a more timely manner.” A press release said some students this […]

PORTLAND — A new task force has until July 20 to present an ordinance to city councilors that could regulate pesticide and fertilizer use. The 12-member task force was approved Monday by the City Council, with Councilor Nick Mavodones Jr. as chairman. Other members include Dr. Joseph Staples of the University of Southern Maine, South Portland Stormwater […]

PORTLAND — The School Board is expected to announce the city’s next superintendent of schools on May 24. The board announced the two finalists for the position on May 2. Xavier Botana, an associate superintendent in Indiana, and Teresa A. Lance, an assistant superintendent in Colorado, were chosen after a national search led by Illinois-based […]

PORTLAND — There is no dearth of experience in the field of Democrats looking to replace state Sen. Anne Haskell in Senate District 28. Rep. Mark Dion is completing his third term serving House District 43. City Councilor Jill Duson has served Portland for almost 20 years on the Council and School Committee. Westbrook resident Ann […]

PORTLAND — Three Democrats, including two now serving in the Legislature, are competing to be the party candidate to replace state Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, in Senate District 27. District 39 state Rep. Diane Russell and District 40 Rep. Ben Chipman are joined by Dr. Charles Radis on the June 14 primary election ballot. Republican Mark […]

WESTBROOK — Planning officials from Westbrook and Portland are meeting this week for talks on the potential traffic and stormwater impacts from the proposed 500,000-square-foot Dirigo Plaza shopping center, which will straddle the city line.  At issue is how the site, formerly owned by Pike Industries, will impact surrounding traffic, especially at aging intersections that are […]