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.
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PublishedDecember 10, 2021
Pandemic fuels rising reports of anxiety and depression among Maine students
As the pandemic continues to disrupt normal routines, students are finding it more difficult to learn and interact with their peers, according to school-based mental health workers statewide.
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PublishedDecember 9, 2021
Critical investigative report reignites calls to close Long Creek youth prison
Advocates came closer than ever to closing the state’s only youth prison during the last legislative session, winning support in the House and Senate, only to face a veto from Gov. Mills.
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PublishedDecember 7, 2021
Long-term state revenue projections ‘volatile,’ Maine lawmakers told
The words of caution come as the Legislature prepares to debate what it should do with $822 million in additional revenue being projected for the current two-year budget.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2021
Big hats, high spirits: Christmas Prelude returns for 40th year
Throngs of people – both masked and unmasked – crowd sidewalks, Kennebunkport’s village square and local businesses Saturday. The event is marked by s’mores, campfires, live music in bars and may other festivities.
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PublishedDecember 2, 2021
Eliminating single-family zoning among ways to increase housing opportunity, state commission says
Recommendations from the Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions include eliminating single-family zoning, allowing in-law apartments as a matter of right and removing municipal growth caps.
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PublishedDecember 1, 2021
Sara Gideon donates $3.5 million in leftover campaign cash to help low-income families
The money, from her unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate, will go to the nonprofit Maine Equal Justice, which provides financial assistance to low-income parents earning degrees and professional certifications.
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PublishedNovember 24, 2021
State will use federal funds to give bonuses to direct care workers
The federal government has approved Maine’s request to use $126 million in American Recovery Act funding to give bonuses to new and existing workers providing home- and community-based health services.
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PublishedNovember 23, 2021
Economic growth, federal funds drive increase in state revenues
Gov. Mills says she will propose using some of the added revenue to help Mainers struggling with increased costs of electricity, home heating fuels, gas at the pump, and other necessities.
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PublishedNovember 22, 2021
What’s next for the more progressive Portland City Council?
With progressives soon to have a two-thirds majority, proposals such as universal basic income and participatory budgeting, where neighborhoods make some of their own spending decisions, could gain traction.
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PublishedNovember 17, 2021
New council will reconsider approval of Portland’s shelter licensing program
City Councilor Pious Ali made the request to reconsider the decision after the measure passed Monday on a 7-1 vote.
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