The $1.7 million worth of property will probably be needed to pay damages to a victim’s family, says the judge in a case that reveals new details about Maine’s deadliest fire in 40 years.
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
Portland’s fire-safety task force sees education, training as priorities
Meanwhile, a group of landlords will hold a second forum Thursday to discuss fire safety in their buildings after last month’s fatal blaze on Noyes Street.
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Posted inLocal & State
Portland fireboat crews complete enhanced training program
The higher level of navigation training, to U.S. Coast Guard standards, comes after two accidents that did a total of $140,000 in damage.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland City Council swears in two new members
After Justin Costa and David Brenerman are sworn in, the council approves pay raises for two city unions.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland ponders immigration reform’s impact
As executive action staying deportation of some illegal immigrants raises questions, Mayor Brennan is invited to a summit.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Safety issue was raised before fatal accident at Cape transfer station
Councilors were planning a 2015 review of the facility where an SUV pushed a retired town public works director into a compactor.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Housing for homeless planned near Morrill’s Corner
Avesta advances its efforts to get those with chronic illnesses off the streets with a proposal for a 30-unit apartment building in Portland.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
City attorney’s opinion on raising minimum wage in Portland: It’s legal but risky
She comes to a different conclusion than Gov. LePage, while also noting concerns about enforcement or litigation if passed by the City Council.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland appoints fire safety task force in wake of deadly blaze
The panel will begin meeting Dec. 3 and hopes to have a final report ready in February.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Fire officials tell landlords tenants’ safety is top priority
At a forum held in response to a fire that killed six people in Portland this month, property owners are told they shouldn’t be satisfied with just meeting codes.