The ads promoting marijuana as safer than alcohol have upset the people trying to prevent kids from smoking pot.
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
Developer’s plan for Munjoy Hill: 29 townhouses
Redfern Properties’ vision is an upscale, six-building complex, as Munjoy Hill surges in popularity.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Nicole Clegg stepping down as Portland spokeswoman
After six years at City Hall, she will take a position with Planned Parenthood.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland buses to display marijuana ads despite objections
The ads promoting marijuana as safer than alcohol have upset the people trying to prevent kids from smoking pot.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Instead of fining panhandlers, Portland police threaten jail
Critics say that’s too harsh and not part of a new city ordinance, but police say it’s an effective tool.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland buses to carry advertisements that back legalizing marijuana
The ads, which claim the drug is safer than alcohol, draw sharp criticism from anti-drug groups.
Posted inNews
Partners in hope: Assisting asylum seekers in Maine
Philanthropist Richard Berman and Hope Acts team up to aid our most vulnerable immigrants.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Hope House developer builds bastion against homelessness
Richard Berman sees the effort to welcome and shelter our immigrants as a spiritual matter.
Posted inNews
Portland restaurant inspections double, but failures decrease
The city has beefed up scrutiny, but the loss of a strict, controversial inspector and a falling non-compliance rate also affect the numbers.
Posted inNews
Controversial Portland health inspector resigns
Michele Sturgeon was criticized for failing city restaurants at a higher rate than previously had been done.