John Littlefield spent 10 days in the hospital after Portland’s 2012 “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” fireworks display went wrong.
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
LePage vetoes study of tar sands oil
The bill calls for an examination of the risks of piping the controversial oil through the state.
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Posted inNews
Portland bistro probed as possible source of food-borne illness
Petite Jacqueline is described as a ‘commonality’ between a food handler and a patron who fell ill.
Posted inNews
Portland stuck in its own permitting quagmire
Efforts to speed Portland’s process, including studies, have little effect, with approvals taking up to 148 days and complaints rolling in.
Posted inNews
Judge orders release of Portland fireboat investigation
The Press Herald challenged the city in court after Portland refused to release public documents following a high-profile crash involving civilians.
Posted inNews
Portland council approves city budget
Municipal and school spending will increase the tax rate by 3.1 percent — if state spending holds.
Posted inLife & Culture, News, Politics
Pro-marijuana group ties legalization to Portland beer fest
An organization is distributing literature which argues the drug is safer than the alcoholic drinks being touted at the festival.
Posted inNews
Maine Senate: No local sales taxes allowed
Municipal leaders want the revenue opportunity, but others say it would be discouraging to tourism.
Posted inLocal & State, News
LePage on plastic foam ban: Don’t be ‘nanny’
He co-signs a letter to Portland councilors as a task force urges them to prohibit polystyrene use.
Posted inNews
Portland’s new slogan inspires mix of bravos, boos
City and business leaders laud its versatility and simplicity, but online communities and a local expert aren’t impressed.