A bill pending in the Legislature would expand the rights of tribes to offer non-sports betting options online, such as roulette and blackjack.
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, Politics
Farmworker minimum wage on track to become Maine law
A bill to extend the state minimum wage to agricultural employees has now been approved by the Senate and House of Representatives.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Republicans say Democrats broke law by denying hearing on ‘red flag’ gun initiative
The proposal, which is headed toward a statewide referendum this fall, would make it easier to take guns from people believed to pose a danger to themselves or others.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Poll finds Trump and Musk are unpopular in Maine, but opinions are mixed about federal actions
The Pan Atlantic Omnibus Poll also tested voter intentions for some rumored and declared candidates for governor.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers are still wrangling over state budget with weeks left in session
Some of the biggest issues facing state lawmakers remain unresolved, including the budget and thorny policy issues like transgender athletes, immigration enforcement and child care.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Five big issues looming over the final days of Maine’s legislative session
Some of the thorniest and most divisive policy issues of the session stand between Maine lawmakers and their plan to adjourn on June 18.
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.
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.