City councilors will take up the resolution on April 25 that would prohibit municipal money being spent on nonessential travel to those states.
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
Portland considers raising age for buying tobacco to 21
Retailers would feel the impact and some are not on board, but several young smokers support the idea.
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Posted inBusiness, Lifestyle, Local & State, News
Portland’s Asylum nightclub plans $9.1 million expansion and renovation
A second story would be added for conferences and events and the club would change its name to Free Street Live.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. LePage’s family dog dies after third bout with cancer
Baxter, an 11-year-old white and brown Jack Russell terrier mix, had been part of the governor’s family for nearly a decade.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Amid talk of opening Office of New Americans, Portland loses immigrant services
Two refugee support offices are closing and that seems like a contradiction, critics say, but city officials don’t see it that way.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland imposes $500 fee on breweries with tasting rooms
The City Council also adds a new licensing requirement for tour operators.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland seeks better ways to integrate immigrants into the economy
A City Council subcommittee will hold a hearing Tuesday on a proposal to create an Office of New Americans.
Posted inLocal & State, News
As brewery tasting rooms thrive in Greater Portland, traditional bars in a froth
Makers of craft beers are accumulating revenue – and new fans – by selling their product where it’s brewed. But questions of fairness could prompt some changes.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Demand for housing in Portland leads to mass eviction in Parkside
A company that plans to renovate a Grant Street apartment complex is forcing out dozens of tenants, many low-income or mentally disabled, into ‘a very high-priced market.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland bags its ban on snack sales at breweries, but a toast may be premature
Allagash Brewing and others soon will be allowed to offer prepackaged foods in tasting rooms, but officials may require a license and a $500 annual fee.