Neither Republican Sen. Susan Collins, the top Senate appropriator, nor independent Sen. Angus King would discuss the funding impasse this week.
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, News, Politics
Gov. Janet Mills says red flag ballot initiative is wrong for Maine
In an opinion column, the state’s top Democrat stated her reasons for voting against Question 2 on the fall ballot.
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Posted inCommunity, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine property taxes are high. What can lawmakers do about it?
A new task force met for the first time to issue recommendations for easing the property tax burden. Finding a solution could be tricky.
Posted inLocal & State, New England, News, Politics
Chellie Pingree says ICE blocking lawyers; calls for tour of southern Maine facility
The 1st District congresswoman said officials have been denied entry to U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement offices.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, News, Politics
Susan Collins blasts Democrats for ‘poison pills’ that may cause a shutdown
Rep. Jared Golden was the only House Democrat to support a continuing resolution drafted by Republicans to fund the federal government for another month to allow annual spending bills to be finalized.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland citizenship ceremony brings relief amid immigration crackdown
The country’s intense immigration enforcement and divisive political rhetoric weighed on Wednesday’s ceremony as 50 people from 28 countries were naturalized as American citizens.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
How MaineCare has grown — and become a budget buster in the process
Lawmakers already plugged an unexpected $118 million deficit in the program this year. Cuts at the federal level may force tough decisions about services, eligibility and funding for next year and beyond.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Epstein’s birthday book includes letter believed to be signed by George Mitchell
The former U.S. senator’s letter is tame compared to others in the child sex abuser’s 50th birthday book from 2003, some of which included suggestive and lewd comments and drawings, including one thought to be from President Donald Trump.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills, weighing Senate run, declines to criticize Susan Collins
Mills fielded questions during public events in Kennebec County that could easily have been mistaken for a campaign swing.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, News
Maine not included in DOJ’s northern border crackdown
The announcement that federal officials will increase efforts to fight human smuggling at the northern border come as encounters with noncitizens significantly lag behind previous years in New York, Vermont and Maine.