More than 170 asylum seekers from Africa spend their first day in a makeshift shelter as more arrive and the city receives over $63,000 from over 700 donors.
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 responding to ‘a very critical emergency’ as scores of asylum seekers arrive
The city will set up 350 cots at the Portland Expo to provide temporary shelter, and USM’s president says he’s willing to open up a 200-bed dorm in Gorham through Aug. 7.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland Expo to serve as emergency shelter as influx of asylum seekers creates ‘a very critical situation’
Portland receives 86 asylum seekers from the southern border in 3 days, and the city manager says the city manager of San Antonio, Texas, told him to expect as many as 150 more to arrive soon.
Posted inUncategorized
Portland committee to grapple with unregistered short-term rentals
Warnings have been issued to nearly 145 property owners who have not registered their short-term rentals.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
Crowds revel in the 46th and final Old Port Fest (or is it?)
A group of local business owners gathers signatures in hopes of persuading Portland Downtown to keep the Old Port tradition alive.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors held 2 illegal meetings before considering shelter
Without notifying the public, a quorum of the Portland City Council attended 2 site walks this spring related to its decision about the future of the city’s homeless shelter.
Posted inLocal & State, News
State removes parcel near jail from potential land swap with Portland
City officials were considering the 10-acre County Way property for a new police station or a homeless shelter.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland council delays votes on working waterfront protections
The changes are aimed at protecting the water-dependent economy and averting a citizen’s referendum.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Residents raise objections to both of Portland’s proposed shelter sites
The City Council is expected to vote on a location for a new 150-bed shelter at its next meeting.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Homeless Portlanders worry new shelter will be far from downtown
City councilors on Monday will hold another public hearing about where to build a new 150-bed homeless service center.