Those who know won’t say, and those who don’t know want to keep it that way.
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.
Maine State Police may be spying on you
Privacy advocates worry that law enforcement monitors innocent residents, and Maine is one of only two states that won’t reveal whether it’s using this advanced technology.
Portland asks court to dismiss lawsuit challenging rejection of clean election initiative
The dispute is over whether a clean elections program can be decided by referendum, or whether the question must go to a charter commission.
Portland pays out $141,000 to groups that helped asylum seekers
City officials announce that they are distributing the donations to 11 groups who helped the city accommodate nearly 450 asylum seekers last summer.
Portland panel to vote on first phase of ambitious waterfront redevelopment
The first phase of the Portland Foreside development includes a mix of new buildings, including the renovation of the remaining historic buildings, one of which is slated to become a public market.
Portland gets $750,000 federal grant for new waterfront park
Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins announce that the city will receive money to go toward Portland Landing, a $16 million project planned for the eastern waterfront.
Saturday’s warmth sets high-temperature record in Portland
Mainers were making the most of the warm weather, and the Eastern Promenade Trail was buzzing with activity.
Portland officials highlight potential uses of face-scanning technology
Four city department heads downplay flaws and potential misuse ahead of a scheduled City Council vote on a proposed ban.
Bathhouse and sauna project aims for ‘thermal delight’ in Portland
Washington Baths, currently under construction, plans to provide a ‘communal bathing experience’ and massage services to the general public sometime next fall.
Portland has plans to smooth Old Port streets’ rough edges
Wharf and Dana streets in the Old Port could be facing a makeover to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and local businesses.