Some of the thorniest and most divisive policy issues of the session stand between Maine lawmakers and their plan to adjourn on June 18.
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
Portland-to-Auburn railway trail project advances in Legislature
The bill appears on track to be approved, but funding for the 26-mile, multiuse trail is a potential obstacle.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
‘Barnburner’ expected in Golden-LePage matchup in Maine’s 2nd District
While there is still time for other candidates to emerge, Rep. Jared Golden and former Gov. Paul LePage are on a collision course that could have national implications.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Golden and Pingree blast Republican budget after narrow approval in House
The bill now goes to the Senate, where Maine’s Susan Collins and other Republicans have expressed concerns about Medicaid cuts and other proposals.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
2 Republicans jump into 2026 Maine governor’s race
State Sen. James Libby of Standish and David Jones, a Falmouth real estate broker, announced this week that they’re seeking the Republican nomination for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Posted inUncategorized
Maine abortion prescribers may be able to remove names from pill bottles
The proposal is intended to protect health care providers from possible harassment or legal action by states that restrict access.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine may pull out of compact to choose presidents based on national popular vote
The House voted to withdraw from a multistate compact to eventually award Electoral College votes to winners of the presidential popular vote, and the Senate tabled the bill Wednesday.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Rep. Laurel Libby regains right to vote in House from Supreme Court
The nation’s highest court sides with the Republican lawmaker who was blocked from voting after she identified a transgender student athlete in a critical social media post.
Posted inNews, Politics
Maine congressional leaders slam Trump’s plan to accept $400M plane from Qatar
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, Angus King, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree said Trump’s plan to accept a luxury jet from Qatar presents a national security threat and would likely require massive investments before it could be used.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Hannah Pingree to step down from Mills administration
Pingree has been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate for governor and said Thursday she is ‘exploring’ future options.