The City Council approves the distribution of $1.9 million in federal money, with none for the Portland Community Health Clinic.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, News
Group asks Portland council to consider extending parking meter hours until 9 p.m.
The bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee wants to use some of the extra revenue for projects, but businesses say it would be bad for customers and workers.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Poll finds rising interest in run for Portland mayor
But it’s difficult to conclude much else from the private survey that has released only selected results.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland City Council approves allowing 1,000-foot water slide on Franklin Street in August
The ‘Slide the City’ event will take place Aug. 1 and will require the closing of parts of Franklin and other roads for several hours.
Posted inBusiness, News
Friends of Congress Square Park receives $100,000 grant
The Southwest Airlines Heart of Community grant will come in the form of amenities for the park and technical assistance from the Project for Public Spaces.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Complaints few as Portland adapts to plastic bag fee
Some store owners are surprised by how many shoppers remember to bring their reusable bags.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Body of missing Edgecomb woman found
The body of Lynn Crink, 74, was spotted in the Sheepscot River by a couple walking their dog in Wiscasset, police say.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage backs bill to thwart minimum wage proposals in Portland, Bangor
The legislation, sponsored by the Senate’s assistant majority leader, is likely to be referred to committee Tuesday.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland’s bag fee goes into effect: Will consumers change their behavior?
Some wonder if the city’s 5-cent charge – small compared to other places – will fulfill its aim to spur use of reusable bags and reduce litter.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland mayor meets with Gov. LePage to discuss docked shelter payments
Mayor Michael Brennan and the governor discuss their disagreement over General Assistance funding for Portland’s shelters, along with education and workforce issues.