Rep. Tiffany Roberts says she’s testing the waters for what would be Pingree’s first primary challenge as an incumbent congresswoman.
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 inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
How MaineCare has grown — and become a budget buster in the process
Lawmakers already plugged an unexpected $118 million deficit in the program this year. Cuts at the federal level may force tough decisions about services, eligibility and funding for next year and beyond.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Epstein’s birthday book includes letter believed to be signed by George Mitchell
The former U.S. senator’s letter is tame compared to others in the child sex abuser’s 50th birthday book from 2003, some of which included suggestive and lewd comments and drawings, including one thought to be from President Donald Trump.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills, weighing Senate run, declines to criticize Susan Collins
Mills fielded questions during public events in Kennebec County that could easily have been mistaken for a campaign swing.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News
Maine not included in DOJ’s northern border crackdown
The announcement that federal officials will increase efforts to fight human smuggling at the northern border come as encounters with noncitizens significantly lag behind previous years in New York, Vermont and Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Trump administration to release AmeriCorps funding
Maine was one of more than two dozen states challenging the administration’s deep cuts to the national service volunteerism program.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Susan Collins says Trump’s $4.9 billion clawback request ‘a clear violation of the law’
After passing a bill this summer that eliminated $9.4 billion in spending approved by Congress, the Trump administration is looking to cut additional foreign aid, bypassing Congress through a ‘pocket rescission.’
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Janet Mills says decision on challenge to Susan Collins may come in November
Maine’s governor told reporters Wednesday that she’s ‘seriously considering the run.’ It’s the strongest indication yet that she may seek her party’s nomination against the 5-term Republican next year.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine Gov. Mills’ once-stable Cabinet starting to see more departures
It’s not unusual for top administrative officials to depart near the end of a governor’s second term in office.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Protesters disrupt Susan Collins’ ribbon cutting in Searsport
A group of demonstrators greeted Maine’s senior senator, but the event remained civil.