Gregory Nisbet’s defense disputes the state’s allegation that the building was being used as a rooming house, which requires additional alarms and fire security.
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
Trial will ask whether Portland landlord is at fault in fire deaths
It would be a first in Maine if Gregory Nisbet is convicted of manslaughter over building conditions, and many will be monitoring the case closely.
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Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Portland landlord’s statements after fatal fire allowed as evidence in trial
Gregory Nisbet is due to go on trial next week on manslaughter charges related to the 2014 apartment building fire that killed six young adults.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Susan Collins cites 5-year-old who lived in Portland woods in Senate speech on anti-poverty bill
In introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act, she recounts the Maine Sunday Telegram’s ‘heart-wrenching’ story about Arianna and her family’s ordeal.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Story of 5-year-old living in Portland woods prompts flood of offers to help
Dozens of readers of the Maine Sunday Telegram article offer the girl’s family clothes, toys, furniture and other support.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland re-examines ways to serve homeless
City officials tour two shelters in Massachusetts as big changes to emergency food and shelter services are considered.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland secures more overflow shelter space
Now everyone who seeks shelter in the city should be able to lie down at night.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Meet Arianna, the little girl who lived in Portland’s woods
Dozens of people have lived homeless in the woods of Portland this year. One of them is a 5-year-old girl.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Ambitious plan would transform 10 acres of Portland waterfront
A $250 million master plan for redevelopment of the former Portland Co. complex envisions a gleaming six-block neighborhood with upscale housing, shops, restaurants, hotel rooms and a 220-slip marina.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland approves $375,000 tax break for ImmuCell expansion
The City Council votes 8-1 to help finance an expansion of the biotechnology firm, without restrictions sought by Mayor Ethan Strimling.