Platner is not just running ahead of Gov. Janet Mills for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. He’s possibly the most remarkable political story in the country. [Republished, with permission] Maine’s Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate, between the two main candidates of Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, has become perhaps the country’s clearest … Continue reading OPINION | A Maine reporter explains Graham Platner’s campaign success
Author: Randy Seaver
Randy Seaver is a veteran journalist who has been covering news and politics in the city of Biddeford, Maine for nearly three decades. He may be contacted at news@biddeford-gazette.com
OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford The Biddeford Gazette’s editor recently opined that Biddeford residents are being asked—again—to accept a familiar argument: rising taxes are unfortunate, but necessary, and worthy social programs like the McArthur Library should be shielded from scrutiny because they serve the public good. (City should fully fund McArthur Library’s budget request; Biddeford … Continue reading OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
It looks like spring is finally springing here in Biddeford. Spring is exciting and refreshing, but it also means we have to come out of hibernation and begin some hard tasks, including spring cleaning, yard work and the arduous task of preparing local, county and state budgets for the next fiscal year. The Gazette is … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
The McArthur Library on Main Street has been serving every citizen of Biddeford --regardless of income -- for nearly 125 years. They deserve our full support. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Many Biddeford residents – rightfully so – are very concerned about the city’s ongoing debate regarding next year’s municipal budget. Without even considering likely … Continue reading EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
[Contributed Story] A new 40-unit affordable housing community at 37 Barra Road marks Westbrook Development's first project in Biddeford and the first phase of a broader housing partnership with the city Westbrook Development Corporation (WDC), in partnership with the city of Biddeford, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Thatcher Brook Apartments, a new 40-unit … Continue reading Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
UNE nutrition students bring healthy-meal tips to Biddeford grocery shoppers
[Contributed Story] By DEIRDRE FLEMING STIRES | University of New England University of New England students majoring in nutrition hosted a “Cooking Matters” grocery store event for the Biddeford community at a local Hannaford supermarket on Friday, March 27. The students in UNE’s Nutrition program set up stations throughout the store where they taught curious … Continue reading UNE nutrition students bring healthy-meal tips to Biddeford grocery shoppers
Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
During Tuesday's public hearing about next year's municipal budget, a majority of those speaking supported increased spending and no cuts to social service programs By RANDY SEAVER | Editor More than 60 people – including many supporters of the McArthur Library -- packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to listen and speak at the … Continue reading Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
APRIL 6, 2026 Dear Editor: As I approach my 18th birthday, I would like to reflect on my experience in Scouts BSA with Scouting America. When I started as a Cub Scout, I was a goofy kid just wanting to have fun. But through my 11 years of scouting, I have learned more than how … Continue reading LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
NEWSLETTER | Brace for Impact
BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET Biddeford’s annual budget process is always important and often controversial, but this year the stage has been set for a very harsh reality and some (likely) very tense and frank community decisions. In case you missed it, you want to make sure to check out the Gazette’s exclusive coverage (including video) of … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Brace for Impact
FEATURE | A Trip Down Biddeford’s Memory Lane
A classic 1958 high school football game; an appreciation for the Dutremble family name, compelling headlines from the now deceased Journal Tribune. Join us for a fun look at the history that guides Biddeford today By RANDY SEAVER | Editor It is not lost on Chuck Cote of Biddeford that he has an almost inherent … Continue reading FEATURE | A Trip Down Biddeford’s Memory Lane
NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill
[ Contributed Story ] Gov. Janet Mills gave State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) one more thing to celebrate this Easter holiday weekend. On Friday, the governor signed a law a bill that Malon introduced earlier this year to help curb online gambling addiction. RELATED | Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction As amended, LD … Continue reading NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill
OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
By JILL (JC) NEWMAN | Biddeford On April 7, the Biddeford City Council will hear a statement from the reestablished 2026 Biddeford Cable Television Committee, which will speak in support of reviving the Biddeford PEG (Public, Educational, Government) Access Television station. Residents supportive of Biddeford PEG Access are encouraged to attend. The meeting will begin … Continue reading OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
Wave gauges deployed off the Saco shoreline join a growing network of sensors spearheaded by UNE researchers to inform coastal resilience planning for weather-beaten communities By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Researchers from the University of New England have installed specialized wave-monitoring equipment off the coast of Saco to better understand how a … Continue reading NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
NEWS | City, school officials discuss and react to budget increase requests
Members of the Biddeford City Council and School Committee engaged in a sometimes-tense joint discussion about the proposed city and school budgets for FY'27 By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated Wednesday in a sometimes-tense joint discussion about their respective, proposed budgets. Discussion centered upon … Continue reading NEWS | City, school officials discuss and react to budget increase requests
OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
City councilor explains the challenges and economic realities Biddeford is facing, asks for public input and guidance By BRAD COTE | Biddeford City Councilor Special to the Biddeford Gazette As I read the well-written piece by Emma Bouthillette, (Biddeford's looming budget; get involved) it got me thinking about the budget process and everything that goes … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
NEWS | City eyes new economic development director
City manager nominates a candidate with extensive experience in development and growth at universities and colleges By DANICA LAMONTANGE | City of Biddeford Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever is asking the city council to support her nomination of Brian Clark as the city of Biddeford’s next economic development director. Clark is a senior leader and … Continue reading NEWS | City eyes new economic development director
OPINION | Biddeford’s looming budget; get involved
Your voice and participation in the annual process are critical to developing a responsible city budget By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE | Special to the Gazette Since I just explained this in brief to a friend who is leaning into her civic engagement, I thought I’d share this with the readers of the Biddeford Gazette because the … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford’s looming budget; get involved
OBITUARY | Ann Charlene Campisi
July 30, 1934 - March 10, 2026 DENNETT CRAIG & PATE | Ann Charlene Campisi, 91, of Ocean Park, Maine, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine. Born Ann Charlene Vickery in Pittsfield, Mass., the daughter of Charles and Catherine Vickery. Charlene married Joseph S Campisi in … Continue reading OBITUARY | Ann Charlene Campisi
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 