The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 8-3 in favor of recommending the confirmation of retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Diane L. Dunn, who would be the first woman to hold the post.
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, Politics
Expenses on meals, travel and more add up for Maine’s part-time Legislature
Maine’s 186 lawmakers received about $1.7 million in reimbursements during the last legislative session, including $155,000 for the 10 legislative leaders.
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Posted inLocal & State
Child protection office criticized again in new report as lawmakers take up reforms
Members of the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee will continue their review of the office and begin discussing possible reforms on Friday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Republican lawmaker files resolution to impeach Bellows for disqualifying Trump
While impeachment of the secretary of state is highly unlikely, some Republican lawmakers said her decision to keep former president Donald Trump off Maine’s primary ballot has energized Republican voters.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Hundreds rally at Maine State House for stricter gun laws
Some also called for protecting Second Amendment rights as Maine lawmakers returned for a new session that is expected to focus on gun safety in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston in October.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers propose bills to expand tribal gaming
Lawmakers will hold public hearings Wednesday afternoon on proposals to grant tribes exclusive access to all Internet gambling and to open the door for a tribal casino.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Fire marshal’s office committed ‘flagrant violation’ of union contract, labor board finds
The Maine Labor Relations Board concluded that an unnamed lieutenant in the Fire Marshal’s Office made changes to mileage reimbursements and the way employees swap shifts without going through the collective bargaining process.
Posted inLocal & State
State police determine that Bar Harbor death was not suspicious
Police provide few details but say there is no danger to the public.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine welcomes 1st babies of 2024
A Bangor hospital appears to have delivered the state’s first baby of the new year.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine foster families say pressures are overwhelming
Problems in the state’s child welfare system are spilling over into the foster care network, leading to a decline in licensed homes and adding more strain to other front-line workers trying to keep Maine children safe.