Emily Figdor defeated fellow activist Jeanne Swanton, who had the backing of Portland’s political establishment.
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 inElection 2018, Local & State, Local Elections
Three Portland city councilors re-elected, one narrowly
At-large Councilor Nicholas Mavodones barely defeats challenger Joey Brunelle once all votes are counted Wednesday morning, and Belinda Ray and Spencer Thibodeau win handily.
advertisement
Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, News, Politics
Re-election in reach for 2 incumbent Portland councilors
Belinda Ray and Spencer Thibodeau hold big leads while Councilor Nicholas Mavodones trails Joey Brunelle.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland adopts resolution in response to synagogue massacre
The City Council unanimously approves a statement condemning ‘bigotry, discrimination, or hate from whatever the source.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Chairwoman of Portland school board presses for universal pre-kindergarten
In her State of the Schools address, Anna Trevorrow recounts successes in the district and says expanded pre-K would ‘help make a difference to all students.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland’s solar array is about to power up, a year late
The solar farm built on a closed landfill will produce enough energy to power City Hall and Merrill Auditorium.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
District investigating Mt. Ararat students’ reports of illness after party
The students told a school nurse that they were feeling ‘off’ after eating baked goods at the party Wednesday.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
Mercy Hospital building emerges as latest prospect for Portland shelter
West End resident M. Curt Sachs has proposed using the building on State Street as a homeless shelter, neighborhood health clinic, soup kitchen and transitional/affordable housing complex.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mavodones has 6-1 fundraising advantage in Portland City Council race
Reports filed Friday give voters their first comprehensive look at campaign finances in City Council and School Board races.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland boosting patrols at houses of worship in wake of Pittsburgh attack
Interim Chief Vern Malloch says the department received requests for added patrols after the Saturday morning tragedy.