Release of the strip, which dissects land now used for a parking lot near City Hall, will clear the way for potential development.
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, Politics
Governor’s explanation elicits approval, ridicule, and silence
Though some of Maine’s Republican leaders say it was appropriate, others say it didn’t go far enough. Meanwhile, three of the state’s four members of Congress haven’t commented on the governor’s racially charged remark.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland brewery’s appeal to sell snacks in tasting room is tabled
The Zoning Board of Appeals’ action buys time for the city to draft guidelines for accommodating the burgeoning craft beer scene in Portland.
Posted inLocal & State, News
LePage in spotlight for saying drug dealers impregnate ‘white girls’
Hillary Clinton issues a sharp rebuke and national news media react after the governor tells an audience that drug dealers come to Maine from New York and Connecticut and ‘half the time they impregnate a young, white girl before they leave.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland’s denial of snack sales leaves Maine brewery holding the pretzel bags
Allagash Brewing says food would offset the alcohol consumed by tasting room visitors, but a Portland official says that’s not allowed under zoning rules.
Posted inLocal & State
Casco Bay islanders concerned about five-month loss of elevator at ferry terminal
The repair job at the Portland ferry terminal’s parking garage will create a difficult climb for some.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Portland’s departing state senators set off a chain reaction
Sen. Justin Alfond says he’s considering running for governor, as would-be replacements line up for his seat.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council passes measure to prevent loss of housing
An ordinance originally adopted in 2002 is changed to help ensure that developers replace any housing units they remove or pay into a city housing fund.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State
Portland club’s expansion could spell end of graffiti wall
Asylum’s owners aren’t saying how their addition might affect a street-art hot spot.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New stormwater fee takes effect in Portland on Friday
The fee is designed to generate revenue to help the city pay for $170 million in upgrades to its stormwater system over the next 15 years.