Campaign finance reports filed Thursday showed the out-of-state forces shaping local issues.
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.
Maine’s automotive right to repair law, explained
84% of Mainers supported right to repair in 2023, but implementation has stalled over a series of disputes.
Angus King meets with Danish and Greenland officials amid Trump’s threats
Maine’s junior senator told the Press Herald that the president’s stated reason for wanting to own the Danish territory is ‘nonsense’ and ‘so clearly meaningless’ that it suggests ‘an ulterior motive.’
Cannabis opponents accused of misrepresenting Maine referendum
‘You have a right to lie under the First Amendment,’ Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said, noting there’s little she can do about the alleged trickery.
Maine House overrides Gov. Mills’ veto of ‘right to repair’ bill
The measure now heads to the Senate, which is scheduled to meet next week.
Gov. Mills to give tribes exclusive ability to offer online casino games
A national group vowed to launch a people’s veto to overturn the law at the ballot box.
Sen. Susan Collins breaks with Trump over Venezuela, reasserting War Powers Act
Maine’s senior senator was 1 of 5 Republicans who helped advance the Senate resolution in a rare rebuke of the president. Gov. Janet Mills says the vote was ‘a day late and a dollar short.’
Trump: Susan Collins ‘should never be elected to office again’
The criticism comes amid a tough reelection battle for Collins.
Maine lawmakers kick off a new session. Tensions are high.
Democrats unveil a slate of bills aimed at lowering everyday costs for families, while Republicans reiterate calls for accountability in a case of alleged fraud involving a health care services provider.
Gov. Janet Mills vetoes changes to Maine’s right-to-repair law
The governor allowed 52 bills to become law without her signature, while 7 others were recalled by lawmakers.