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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 inLocal & State, News, Politics
After upsets, newcomers to Portland City Council ready to make their mark
Pious Ali and Brian Batson defeated longtime incumbents Jon Hinck and Edward Suslovic
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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.
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 inLife & Culture, 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
Five-story condo development planned at Congress and Washington in Portland
The project by a Biddeford developer would include two first-floor retail or restaurant spaces on a vacant lot next to The Snug pub.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Arts group files plans for new performance hall in Portland, but still lacks funding
Friends of the St. Lawrence still must raise $10 million before the group can build a 400-seat center on Munjoy Hill.
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
Portland councilors finish with harsh words for Strimling
In further evidence of a schism with the mayor, two outgoing members and others criticize how he pushed his position on a city land deal.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland’s top municipal attorney, city clerk win big pay raises
The increases sail through approval at a busy City Council meeting and bring the employees in line with the market, one councilor says.