Randy Billings

Portland 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
September 15, 2018

As Portland seeks compensation for shelter costs, Maine welfare directors tell towns not to pay

General Assistance administrators claim the city is misinterpreting ordinances in an effort to collect money for people who go to Portland’s emergency shelters from other communities.
Published
September 13, 2018

Rumford man pleads guilty to Social Security fraud

Raymond J. Brenneis, 59, received benefits from 2011 to 2017 for which he was ineligible, and faces up to five years in prison.
Published
September 13, 2018

Florence likely to disrupt flights to and from Portland jetport

American Airlines and Delta flights are most likely to be affected, a jetport official says.
Published
September 12, 2018

Portland’s plan for new shelter in Nason’s Corner is put on hold as councilors consider alternatives

City councilors ask for more analysis and additional siting options after intense opposition to the proposed site on Brighton Avenue.
Published
September 10, 2018

Model homeless shelter is ammunition for both sides in Portland conflict

Opponents of Portland’s plan for a new shelter point to tensions in Montana – site of a facility that has garnered praise from officials here.
Published
September 7, 2018

Portland defends plan for homeless shelter in Nason’s Corner neighborhood

The city provides new information about alternatives in advance of a community forum Saturday.
Published
September 6, 2018

Portland’s former assistant manager cites ‘differences of opinions’ in resignation letter

Mona Bector leaves without any severance package after three months in the post.
Published
September 4, 2018

State revokes liquor license of downtown Portland bar

The action against Sagamore Hill was taken after the applicants removed the name of a minority owner who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in Pennsylvania, officials say.
Published
September 4, 2018

Democratic socialists back challengers for 2 Portland City Council seats

Councilors Nicholas Mavodones and Spencer Thibodeau are targeted by the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America as the national group becomes more active in elections, endorsing candidates in 20 states so far.
Published
September 2, 2018

Portland bills other municipalities for share of shelter costs

The city-run facility offers homeless people from all over a low-barrier refuge. Municipalities ought to help, city officials say, but some are pushing back.