Gov. Janet Mills called Democrat-proposed reforms for immigration enforcement ‘the bare minimum,’ while political newcomer Graham Platner said they’re ‘a surrender.’
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.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Nation / World, New England, News, Politics
Susan Collins brings home $425M to Maine as she gears up for tough election
The Republican senator’s funding prowess is a major reason she has been so hard to unseat, despite low approval ratings.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
What’s in the final budget proposal from Gov. Janet Mills?
The Democrat proposed a ‘three-part affordability agenda’ Wednesday, parts of which have drawn criticism from Republicans.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
In Maine U.S. Senate race, Democrats burn cash while Sen. Susan Collins stockpiles it
Democratic U.S. senators and governors are backing Gov. Janet Mills, while unions and progressive groups back political newcomer Graham Platner. Both trail Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in the money race.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, News, Politics
We read 750 mentions of Maine in the latest Epstein files. Here’s what we found.
Maine and former Sen. George Mitchell appear hundreds of times in the latest batch of files about Jeffrey Epstein, the powerful child sex trafficker.
Posted inElections, Local & State, New England, News, Politics
How Donald Trump handed Susan Collins a political win over ICE
Maine’s senior senator says the Department of Homeland Security ended ‘Operation Catch of the Day’ after she expressed her concerns about the sweeping operation.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Why Republicans walked out on Gov. Janet Mills’ State of the State address
At times, Maine’s two-term governor seemed to be speaking to primary voters as she seeks the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate against progressive firebrand Graham Platner.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Susan Collins says ICE operations in Maine, Minnesota should be paused
As Maine’s Republican senator faces increased pressure to speak out, several faith leaders protested outside her Portland office Tuesday, leading to 9 arrests.
Posted inNation / World, New England, News, Politics
Susan Collins wants ICE surge to stop for now in Maine, Minnesota
Maine’s senior senator said she made her appeal directly to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers consider divesting bill. Is it aimed at Israel?
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rafael Macias, D-Topsham, would apply to any country.