Rep. Ben Chipman defeats Rep. Diane Russell and Dr. Charles Radis in a primary for the District 27 state Senate seat.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, News
Few object after Portland parking company switches to ‘tickets’ and less ‘booting’
City and business officials say it’s more driver-friendly, although the practice has been criticized elsewhere and one person thinks it’s still ‘predatory.’
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Parking lot company easing policy on booting vehicles in Portland
Unified Parking Partners says vehicles that overstay their paid time will be issued ‘tickets’ the first three times and will be booted after that.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland forum to tackle public’s battles with developers
As new projects surge, GrowSmart Maine seeks to improve residents’ role in the early planning process to head off conflicts and lawsuits later.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council votes 8-1 to pass $236 million budget, close city-run health clinic
Activists aren’t placated by an amendment that will slow the transition of services from the India Street clinic to a nonprofit, showering chants of ‘Shame!’ on the councilors as they storm out of City Hall.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Portland council to decide fate of India Street clinic, city budget
Closure of the India Street Public Health Center has been the focus of debate since City Manager Jon Jennings released his budget plan at the beginning of April.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Congress Square redesign effort gets $25,000 grant
The city of Portland is in the process of selecting design and art consultants to redesign the busy intersection and improve the small, hard-scaped park at High and Congress streets.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers call for investigation of Maine wardens’ undercover raid in Allagash
Gov. Paul LePage says his office is working to verify the Maine Sunday Telegram’s report of a dramatic raid in which agents may have padded evidence, provided alcohol to people being investigated and flouted public records laws.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Activists gather as Portland council quizzes staff on plan to close India Street clinic
The India Street Public Health Center serves 1,600 patients who have HIV, STDs or drug addiction.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
More issues emerge for long-delayed ‘midtown’ project in Portland
City councilors will discuss sales deal modifications sought by the developer for the housing venture that failed to break ground in 2015.