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.
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
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.’
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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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New Portland housing committee takes aim at city’s rising rents
The panel will meet for the first time Wednesday to get diverse perspectives on the city’s housing status and needs.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Citing safety concerns, Planned Parenthood clinic switches from volunteer greeters to paid staffers
The women’s health clinic in downtown Portland has been the focus of weekly protests since 2012, but recent events have raised security concerns.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
LePage says Portland’s new minimum wage violates federal law
The dispute over the law’s legality centers on the base wage for tip earners, which also caused confusion when the City Council adopted the new minimum.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Questions raised after city of Portland creates a new job: assistant to the mayor
Opponents of the elected-mayor position say they saw it coming, but others say the $55,000- to $75,000-a-year job is needed.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Demolition plan highlights history of Portland buildings
A group of buildings on Forest Avenue could soon be demolished to make way for a CVS Pharmacy.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Governor’s explanation elicits approval, ridicule, and silence
Though some of Maine’s Republican leaders say it was appropriate, others say it didn’t go far enough. Meanwhile, three of the state’s four members of Congress haven’t commented on the governor’s racially charged remark.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland brewery’s appeal to sell snacks in tasting room is tabled
The Zoning Board of Appeals’ action buys time for the city to draft guidelines for accommodating the burgeoning craft beer scene in Portland.