Critics say report on child’s death sidestepped state’s failures

Randy Billings Portland Press Herald

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.

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Published
May 26, 2023

Critics say report on child’s death sidestepped state’s failures

A legislative committee heard emotional testimony about the state’s oversight of 3-year-old Maddox Williams, who was killed in 2021.
Published
May 25, 2023

Lawmakers may study hospital ‘facility fees’ before restricting them

Ann Woloson, executive director of Mainers for Affordable Health Care, said she supports creating a task force to study the issue and balance the needs of patients and hospitals.
Published
May 24, 2023

Impacts of federal debt default could spread through Maine’s workforce, economy

The state has a lot of federal workers, and a lot of retirees and veterans who collect benefits. The biggest worry, though, seems to be in the unknown. The U.S. has never defaulted on its debts.
Published
May 22, 2023

Proposals to protect digital privacy draw opposition from tech companies, business groups

Lawmakers are considering bills to prevent the use or sale of a range of personal data. Opponents say Maine’s rules would be too burdensome on businesses.
Published
May 18, 2023

Maine parties spar over spending, tax cuts as budget talks heat up

Republicans say continuing to increase state spending as many families struggle to meet basic needs is ‘not a good sell’ for Democrats.
Published
May 17, 2023

Lawmakers clash over gun bills, but make little progress on legislation

The fate of several gun safety bills remain in limbo after split committee votes, with legislators on both sides of the aisle accusing the opposition of being intransigent.
Published
May 15, 2023

Effort to restore parole in Maine appears unlikely after committee vote

The bill was rejected 6-5 by the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and faces ongoing opposition from Gov. Janet Mills, a former prosecutor.
Published
May 12, 2023

Efforts to protect gender-affirming care draw impassioned testimony at State House

Two bills elicited more than 4 hours of remarks from members of the public, including one that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to begin taking puberty blockers and hormone therapy without their parents’ consent.
Published
May 11, 2023

Explosion, fire in truck parked outside Blaine House in Augusta not considered suspicious

A loud explosion was reported before flames engulfed the bed of a pickup parked alongside the governor’s mansion.
Published
May 10, 2023

Gov. Mills unveils new spending plan to address housing shortage, homelessness and other needs

The governor said her nearly $900 million change package, which does not propose any tax relief or reform, addresses ‘pressing needs,’ such as homelessness, food insecurity and the lack of affordable housing.