The project, which could face a Planning Board vote Tuesday, could be overturned with city approval, which a court did for a separate case.
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
Asylum seekers, Maine advocates protest change in aid rules
The LePage administration wants to stop providing General Assistance to some immigrants awaiting work permits. Opponents call the change illegal and racist.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland considers shopping bag fee: 10¢
It would apply to grocery and convenience stores, and seeks to reduce waste and litter. But critics see drawbacks.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland program to move 110 homeless into homes
The city’s new financial assistance program comes as the city’s homeless shelters are overflowing.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland panhandling legal challenge filed
It’s unknown when the U.S. District judge will rule on constitutionality of the Portland ordinance.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Judge rules against rezoning Portland West End church
The city has yet to decide whether to appeal the decision, and the developer will let the city take the lead on the case, a spokesperson says.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine tax relief gets local in light of state cuts
Portland will consider joining a handful of communities that provide property tax rebates to certain residents.
Posted inNews
Portland mayor to head trip to Japan
Mayor Michael Brennan will lead a delegation for the 30th anniversary of Portland’s first sister-city partnership.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Immigrant backers join forces to oppose LePage rule change
The governor wants to keep asylum seekers from receiving state-funded General Assistance money.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage proposal would end assistance to asylum seekers
Portland officials say a General Assistance rule change could leave many immigrants without shelter or food.