King and Sen. Susan Collins, who both oppose a ban on assault weapons, defended their votes last week to protect access to guns for military veterans who are unable to manage their finances.
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, Politics
Red flag law, which Maine rejected, seen as best tool to remove guns during a mental health crisis
The Lewiston shootings have renewed the debate over the state’s less-restrictive yellow flag law.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine’s gun laws back in spotlight after deadliest shooting in state history
The state’s yellow flag law didn’t protect Maine residents this week, and it’s likely to be one focus of the gun control debate expected to dominate the next legislative session.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Maine asks for federal waiver to let asylum seekers go to work
Although there is no provision for such waivers, the request comes as advocates lobby Congress to support a bill sponsored by Rep. Chellie Pingree to shorten the waiting time for work permits.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine’s 207 area code gets another 3.5 years
The state will continue to have a single 207 area code until at least 2032 based on the latest estimate.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Frustrated lawmakers grill Maine’s child protection chief
They point to a report showing that the Department of Health and Human Services is getting worse at preventing repeated abuse and neglect of children.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mainers need a law to protect their digital privacy, advocates say, but businesses object
A legislative committee held a public hearing Tuesday on proposals to restrict the consumer information that technology companies can collect and sell.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
State failing to prevent repeat cases of child abuse, review finds
The recurring rate of child abuse in Maine is twice the national standard and getting worse, and caseworkers fail to adequately identify risks half the time, according to an internal review of the Office of Child and Family Services.
Posted inLocal & State, News
DHHS again facing scrutiny as another child dies despite contact with the agency
The Office of Child and Family Services investigated a report of suspected abuse two months before 3-year-old Makinzlee Hanrahan was allegedly beaten to death.
Posted inLocal & State
Gov. Mills’ post of encampment photos puzzles allies and critics alike
The governor removed a Facebook post that included photos of a Portland homeless encampment juxtaposed with more idyllic scenes of mountains, lakes, the coast and a county fair and words that asked “where in Maine are these spots?”