The tension that has been building in recent years between an energized, aggressive progressive movement and more moderate city officials seems to have spiked in the last 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 inMaine, News
Portland council decides not to require masks in public settings to fight COVID-19
Instead, city councilors decide to reinforce public education and outreach, encouraging everyone in the city to take steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
advertisement
Posted inMaine, News
Portland makes closures for outdoor dining permanent, eyes remake of iconic Old Port streets
City Manager Jon Jennings says his staff is recommending a project to remake Wharf and Dana streets in the Old Port using money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Posted inMaine
City Council deadlocks on indoor mask mandate in Portland
The 4-4 vote means the proposal does not pass, but it does not go away either.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine’s top court says work on energy corridor may continue during appeal
The supreme court ruled this week that work on the New England Clean Energy Connect line may go on as it considers an appeal of a judge’s decision that vacated the lease for a key stretch of state-owned land.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Sen. King urges Biden to open northern border to vaccinated Canadians
In a letter to the president, Angus King and seven other U.S. senators highlight the economic and emotional strains the closure has on states like Maine.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Teenager charged with setting fire at a Dunkin’ in Windham
The fire on July 28 caused about $25,000 in damage at the Dunkin’ on Roosevelt Trail in Windham, according to the Maine State Police.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland health officials recommend that city restore indoor mask mandate
Portland would become Maine’s first municipality to revive a requirement that people wear masks in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status.
Posted inMaine, Nation / World, News
Ticket agent struggles with guilt, trauma over two decades
The American Airlines agent who gave two of the 9/11 terrorists their boarding passes from Portland to Boston is haunted by that unthinkable day.
Posted inMaine, Nation / World
Falmouth nonprofit seeks ways to help after earthquake in Haiti
Konbit Sante Executive Director Rupal Shah says she has been in contact with partners in the Caribbean nation, offering assistance in the aftermath of the 7.2-magnitude quake that hit there Saturday.