Historic preservation officials respond favorably to an initial look at the plans for the four buildings located at 10 Exchange St.
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.
LePage helps present grant to Portland nonprofit that aids at-risk youth
State agencies give LearningWorks $350,000 to educate teens and young adults who have dropped out of school.
House would raise restaurant-license fees
The Maine Restaurant Association opposes the proposal, which heads to the Senate.
Maine House votes for more restaurant inspectors
The mostly party-line vote means the bill could be rejected in the Republican-controlled Senate, however.
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.
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.
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.
Poll finds rising interest in run for Portland mayor
But it’s difficult to conclude much else from the private survey that has released only selected results.
Portland City Council approves allowing 1,000-foot water slide on Franklin Street in August
The ‘Slide the City’ event will take place Aug. 1 and will require the closing of parts of Franklin and other roads for several hours.
Friends of Congress Square Park receives $100,000 grant
The Southwest Airlines Heart of Community grant will come in the form of amenities for the park and technical assistance from the Project for Public Spaces.