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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 inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Landlord in deadly Portland fire gets 90 days for code violation
It’s believed to be the first jail sentence in Maine for a landlord’s ‘knowing’ inattention to a safety issue, putting others on notice after a blaze in Gregory Nisbet’s building on Noyes Street.
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Posted inCops & Courts, News
Sentencing postponed for landlord in Noyes Street apartment fire case
Landlord Gregory Nisbet was acquitted last month on six manslaughter charges stemming from a fatal fire two years ago, but faces sentencing for a misdemeanor code violation.
Posted inLifestyle, Local & State, News
Restoration aims to put the Parisian gleam back in neglected Portland fountain
The project is the first step in efforts to restore Lincoln Park – the city’s first public park – which was created as a firebreak after the Great Fire of 1866.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Plan for economic office for immigrants, people of color goes to Portland City Council
The office comes with an annual price tag of $260,000 and would be staffed by a director and two program managers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Outdoors
Shots heard ’round 3 Portland islands as annual culling of deer begins
The special hunts are a regular part of life on Peaks, Cliff and Great Diamond as the city thins the herds to keep the animals from becoming a nuisance.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
State to pay $1.3 million to Portland in settlement over disputed spending on homeless
The long-running dispute over General Assistance aid for certain shelter costs ends with reimbursement and changes in city billing practices.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland gets minor flooding at supermoon-influenced high tide
The water level was about 2 feet higher than normal, but there didn’t appear to be much damage.
Posted inLocal & State, News
City of Portland prepares to put prime Bayside land on the market
The 4-acre property now used by the Public Works Department has high development potential, and a sale could alter the neighborhood’s future.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland council delays decision on retail marijuana moratorium
Councilors cite concerns about taking the step on short notice, just one day before Mainers vote on legalizing pot.