A group of buildings on Forest Avenue could soon be demolished to make way for a CVS Pharmacy.
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 inMaine, 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.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Maine, 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.
Posted inMaine, News
LePage in spotlight for saying drug dealers impregnate ‘white girls’
Hillary Clinton issues a sharp rebuke and national news media react after the governor tells an audience that drug dealers come to Maine from New York and Connecticut and ‘half the time they impregnate a young, white girl before they leave.’
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland’s denial of snack sales leaves Maine brewery holding the pretzel bags
Allagash Brewing says food would offset the alcohol consumed by tasting room visitors, but a Portland official says that’s not allowed under zoning rules.
Posted inMaine
Casco Bay islanders concerned about five-month loss of elevator at ferry terminal
The repair job at the Portland ferry terminal’s parking garage will create a difficult climb for some.
Posted inPolitics
Strimling and LePage do lunch, talk policy over steak and potatoes
Portland’s new mayor and the governor meet at the Blaine House to discuss the relationship between Maine’s biggest city and the state government.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s shelters note decreases in admissions of homeless
The number trends downward as service providers and immigrant families increase efforts to keep people from entering shelters to begin with and longtime homeless are placed in permanent housing.
Posted inMaine, News
After 40 years, Portland City Council watchdog says he’s done
Robert Hains tells the council that he’ll ‘try to take up a new hobby,’ and says he’s looking forward to planning his vacations without meetings in mind.
Posted inMaine, News
State clears homeless camps off Interstate 295 as part of brush-removal project
As many as two dozen are dismantled for safety reasons, but advocates say it makes life harder for people who sleep outdoors.