Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.
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PublishedOctober 30, 2023
Sen. Angus King working on new gun control legislation
King and Sen. Susan Collins, who both oppose a ban on assault weapons, defended their votes last week to protect access to guns for military veterans who are unable to manage their finances.
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PublishedOctober 30, 2023
Red flag law, which Maine rejected, seen as best tool to remove guns during a mental health crisis
The Lewiston shootings have renewed the debate over the state’s less-restrictive yellow flag law.
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PublishedOctober 26, 2023
Maine’s gun laws back in spotlight after deadliest shooting in state history
The state’s yellow flag law didn’t protect Maine residents this week, and it’s likely to be one focus of the gun control debate expected to dominate the next legislative session.
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PublishedOctober 25, 2023
Maine asks for federal waiver to let asylum seekers go to work
Although there is no provision for such waivers, the request comes as advocates lobby Congress to support a bill sponsored by Rep. Chellie Pingree to shorten the waiting time for work permits.
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PublishedOctober 19, 2023
Maine’s 207 area code gets another 3.5 years
The state will continue to have a single 207 area code until at least 2032 based on the latest estimate.
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PublishedOctober 18, 2023
Frustrated lawmakers grill Maine’s child protection chief
They point to a report showing that the Department of Health and Human Services is getting worse at preventing repeated abuse and neglect of children.
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PublishedOctober 17, 2023
Mainers need a law to protect their digital privacy, advocates say, but businesses object
A legislative committee held a public hearing Tuesday on proposals to restrict the consumer information that technology companies can collect and sell.
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PublishedOctober 15, 2023
State failing to prevent repeat cases of child abuse, review finds
The recurring rate of child abuse in Maine is twice the national standard and getting worse, and caseworkers fail to adequately identify risks half the time, according to an internal review of the Office of Child and Family Services.
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PublishedOctober 11, 2023
DHHS again facing scrutiny as another child dies despite contact with the agency
The Office of Child and Family Services investigated a report of suspected abuse two months before 3-year-old Makinzlee Hanrahan was allegedly beaten to death.
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PublishedOctober 10, 2023
Gov. Mills’ post of encampment photos puzzles allies and critics alike
The governor removed a Facebook post that included photos of a Portland homeless encampment juxtaposed with more idyllic scenes of mountains, lakes, the coast and a county fair and words that asked “where in Maine are these spots?”
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