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.
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 inLocal & State, News
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.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland picks New York City artist to create Congress Square artwork
Sarah Sze will design a piece of public art in conjunction with a landscape and architecture firm.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local & State, News
Are Maine State Pier concerts too loud? We checked.
The number of complaints is down from last year, but a Press Herald analysis shows sound levels have been about the same.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland’s housing boom is still going strong
Responding to rising demand, developers have several rental and condominium projects in the works around downtown, and two more proposals for Bayside.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Clock restoration signals changing times for Portland’s Woodfords Corner
The restoration of the Odd Fellows Building clock marks the beginning of more sweeping change in the busy area.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Fans of Portland park take dim view of condo project planned on Munjoy Hill
Residents hope to negotiate changes with the developer of a complex on Sheridan Street that would block scenic views from Fort Sumner Park.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Trump draws supporters, protesters as he courts Maine voters at campaign rally in Portland
The Republican candidate pledges to address terrorism and the dangers of immigration, alleging crimes by the state’s Somali refugees, and mostly stays on message in a packed Merrill Auditorium.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Project at Portland Co. site involves moving historic brick building
The former storehouse is in the way of a needed street extension, developers say in requesting permission to move it 230 feet.