A provision to allow some immigrant groups to qualify for welfare benefits is stripped from a budget deal Tuesday night.
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 council delays vote on senior housing project in Deering Center
Councilors appeared split late Monday over a zoning change to allow construction of 288 housing units. The proposal will be taken up again July 6.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland approves medical marijuana festival in Deering Oaks
The City Council votes to permit the New England Cannabis Farmers Market Festival, which organizers say won’t include marijuana or alcohol use.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council confirms Jon Jennings as new city manager
Jennings, a former president of the Maine Red Claws who most recently was assistant manager in South Portland, will start his job July 13 with a three-year contract.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland City Council again faces heated rezoning issue
Neighbors say rezoning the former convent property in Deering Center to allow double the housing units would hamper safety along Stevens Avenue.
Posted inLocal & State, News
South Portland administrator chosen as Portland’s new city manager
Jon Jennings, the former president and co-owner of the Maine Red Claws franchise, will take over at City Hall during a time of significant transition.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council committee endorses new site for public works
The move to Canco Road, a project that would cost more than $16 million, would free up downtown land now occupied by salt sheds, heavy equipment and industrial shops.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Advocates call for Maine legislators to help on immigrant aid
They seek a law making asylum seekers eligible for funds denied by the state, as cities weigh the impact of a court ruling.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council committee backs creation of housing safety office
The vote by the Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee supports ordinance changes designed to improve the safety of Portland’s rental units.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Rental inspection program suspended months before fatal Portland fire, new data shows
Confirmation of the fire department’s decision in 2014 comes as city councilors consider creating a housing safety office.