Maine is 1 of 5 states that have been sending samples to Atlanta for testing, but the state CDC says it has received new equipment and will be authorized to do its own testing by Monday.
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, Uncategorized
Developer seeks tax break to build workforce housing in Portland
The four-story condominium building with small units is planned for Parkside, a residential neighborhood sandwiched between Deering Oaks and the West End.
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Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Portland overwhelmingly approves expansion of ranked-choice voting
Close to 80% of voters backed the proposal to use ranked-choice voting in all local elections.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine Republicans win court order to petition at Portland polling locations
City officials initially told the state Republican Party it couldn’t collect signatures for a people’s veto on the use of ranked-choice voting in presidential primaries.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill aimed at lifting shroud of secrecy covering police surveillance advances
Rep. Charlotte Warren introduced the measure after the Maine Sunday Telegram reported that state police are using a provision in Maine law to conceal whether they are using technologies capable of mass surveillance of citizens.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Wrinkle emerges in proposal to expand ranked-choice voting in Portland
If the expansion passes Tuesday, the process may need to be changed before a multi-seat school board race in 2022.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Team of developers buys Portland’s old Mercy Hospital for future housing
Northern Light Mercy Hospital will continue to operate at 144 State St. over the next 2 years, while the developers work on a detailed plan.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Maine, News
Mercy Hospital expansion gets green light from city
The operator of Portland’s Mercy Hospital plans to break ground this spring on the two-year $84 million project.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Portland leaders cautious as they review complex proposal for eastern waterfront
It includes a request for a 20-year property tax break worth an estimated $127.8 million to help finance the redevelopment of the former Portland Co. railroad factory.
Posted inMaine, Uncategorized
Portland votes to keep public comment rules
Nearly two dozen spoke against a proposal to move public comment on non-agenda items to the end of City Council meetings, and only offer it once a month.