In an era of disquiet, the 19-year-old Muslim emerges as a formidable voice for the community.
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
Maine’s high hunger rate persists even as national rate falls
A new study shows that 16 percent of the state’s households experience food insecurity, the third-highest rate in the country.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council will consider regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb, VRBO
The council’s Housing Committee votes 3-0 to recommend regulations including a 300-unit limit on short-term rentals in homes that aren’t owner-occupied.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
LePage breaks with Maine’s attorney general to support Trump’s immigration ban
The governor tweeted Tuesday that Janet Mills ‘speaks for herself’ in opposing Trump’s temporary ban.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland-based immigration lawyers facing questions they can’t answer
Legal wrangling over President Trump’s immigration ban has created uncertainty and confusion among visa holders and refugees trying to enter the U.S.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Protesters say ‘immigrants are welcome here’ as 1,500 rally in Portland to oppose Trump’s order
The crowd shows support for Maine’s Muslims and immigrants in response to the president’s suspension of refugee programs and admissions from seven Muslim-majority nations.
Posted inLocal & State, News
As Mainers celebrate legal marijuana, where does new law draw the line?
Organizers of the ‘End of Cannabis Prohibition Party’ at the Gold Room in Portland on Monday night drop plans to include edibles after running into confusion about what is allowed under the new law.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
For Mainers at swearing-in, Trump’s inaugural address is ‘wonderful, inspiring’
Supporters of President Trump say they felt lucky to be there for his inauguration.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Idea to allow noncitizen immigrants to vote in Portland faces hurdles
It needs support from city residents and possibly state legislators, and a similar initiative failed locally in 2010, but Mayor Strimling hopes times have changed.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Merchants in downtown Portland look for panhandling solution
A business group will explore ways to curb the practice, which it says makes people feel unsafe, but past restrictions have hit roadblocks.