Key positions that were not filled during the LePage administration remain vacant even as the need for them increases.
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, Maine, News
No confirmed coronavirus cases among 20 tested in Maine so far
Gov. Janet Mills says she believes the state is as prepared as it can be for the spreading virus, but urges Mainers to take ‘common-sense precautions.’
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News
More Mainers tested as coronavirus lab opens but state CDC leaves questions unanswered
Maine has no confirmed cases of the virus, but state officials aren’t releasing detailed information about the numbers of tests conducted, negative test results or how many Mainers are being monitored.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine lags the nation for in-state testing for coronavirus
Maine is 1 of 5 states that have been sending samples to Atlanta for testing, but the state CDC says it has received new equipment and will be authorized to do its own testing by Monday.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine Republicans win court order to petition at Portland polling locations
City officials initially told the state Republican Party it couldn’t collect signatures for a people’s veto on the use of ranked-choice voting in presidential primaries.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill aimed at lifting shroud of secrecy covering police surveillance advances
Rep. Charlotte Warren introduced the measure after the Maine Sunday Telegram reported that state police are using a provision in Maine law to conceal whether they are using technologies capable of mass surveillance of citizens.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Team of developers buys Portland’s old Mercy Hospital for future housing
Northern Light Mercy Hospital will continue to operate at 144 State St. over the next 2 years, while the developers work on a detailed plan.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Portland leaders cautious as they review complex proposal for eastern waterfront
It includes a request for a 20-year property tax break worth an estimated $127.8 million to help finance the redevelopment of the former Portland Co. railroad factory.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Solar collective could provide Portland with cheaper, cleaner electricity
A city official estimates that joining a consortium with other large-scale electricity users, such as L.L. Bean and Nestle Waters, could save the city roughly $500,000 a year.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland councilors consider banning rental fees to ease burden on home hunters
Advocates say Portland would be the first city in Maine to bar landlords from charging application fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to an apartment search.