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
May 15, 2015

LePage administration, cities debate aid for asylum seekers

The state maintains that federal rules allow it to bar General Assistance to those immigrants, but municipalities disagree.
Published
May 12, 2015

Portland council to interview 3 finalists for city manager

The city is looking to fill the position at a challenging time in its relationship with the state.
Published
May 11, 2015

Advocates for homeless to protest Portland shelter’s closure

The demonstration will precede a City Council hearing on plans to shut down one of the city’s emergency shelters and stop using hotels as overflow space for homeless families.
Published
May 7, 2015

Portland police to crack down on excessive motorcycle noise

Police will ask for ‘voluntary compliance’ but also may pull over motorcycles that lack an inspection sticker.
Published
May 7, 2015

Portland officials join their voices to denounce racism, bigotry

A news conference Thursday comes after several incidents in Portland and protests and tension around the country.
Published
May 7, 2015

Green Party says poll shows support for $15 minimum wage in Portland

The poll found that 55 percent of survey respondents favored a $15 an hour wage, according to the Greens.
Published
May 5, 2015

Looming assistance cuts lead to pleas at Portland City Council

Portland’s proposed budget would eliminate General Assistance eligibility for certain immigrants in order to comply with state policy.
Published
May 5, 2015

Nonprofit health clinic criticizes Portland’s grant allocations

The City Council approves the distribution of $1.9 million in federal money, with none for the Portland Community Health Clinic.
Published
May 4, 2015

Council approves new pop-up park on Federal Street

The small section of street next to the Press Hotel will be turned into a park from July 3 to Oct. 12.
Published
May 1, 2015

Group asks Portland council to consider extending parking meter hours until 9 p.m.

The bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee wants to use some of the extra revenue for projects, but businesses say it would be bad for customers and workers.

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