Randy Billings

Press Herald

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Latest

Published
January 11, 2018

Portland landlord hit with $500,000 in fines for multiple violations in 5-unit building

A judge imposes the unusually large fines based on longstanding violations, including a lack of smoke detectors and obstructed exits.
Published
January 8, 2018

Portland pondering ‘necessary evil’ of property revaluation

Should the council go there, a third of the city’s real estate owners could see higher taxes, and the impact would likely be most felt on Munjoy Hill.
Published
January 4, 2018

Portland’s tough new ban on synthetic pesticides allows few exceptions

Hadlock Field, Riverside Golf Course and 5 athletic field will be the only exempt properties when the ordinance takes effect July 1, 2019.
Published
January 1, 2018

Woman hit by vehicle recovering from injuries, Portland police say

The driver is not currently facing any charges in the incident Saturday night on Forest Avenue.
Published
January 1, 2018

Developer files plans for condos at former site of Portland public works

Jack Soley’s project is the first of several proposals for the Bayside land to reach the permit application stage.
Published
December 27, 2017

Portland mayor continues push to lead City Council’s Finance Committee

Ethan Strimling again nominates himself to chair the committee, an idea already rejected by the council, while offering alternative committee assignments that may also face opposition.
Published
December 26, 2017

Opponents of Portland rent-control measure spent big to sway vote

Say No To Rent Control spent more than $285,000 in its effort, spending $21.24 for every vote it received.
Published
December 21, 2017

Attorney alleges racial profiling by state police in Portland traffic stop

In federal court, the lawyer for a Honduran man seeks a dismissal, but a state trooper defends his actions in stopping a van with a cracked windshield on I-295.
Published
December 18, 2017

New version of pesticide rules set for public hearing in Portland

City councilors will likely postpone action because of more than a half-dozen proposed amendments.
Published
December 13, 2017

Official admits Portland didn’t initially follow proper protocols in disclosing patients’ information

Communications Director Jessica Grondin says the city and USM worked quickly to remedy the situation after former HIV patients at a city-run clinic complained.

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