Some people jumped from second-story windows to escape the blaze that claimed five lives.
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
Five dead in house fire on Portland’s Noyes Street
One survivor is badly burned after the early-morning fire and fire officials say the cause and the indentification of the bodies will take time.
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Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Candidates for governor mount final push for the Blaine House
U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud rallies women in Portland, Gov. Paul LePage visits businesses in central and southern Maine, while Eliot Cutler focuses on Bangor area.
Posted inElections, News, Politics
Angus King switches endorsement from Cutler to Michaud
The independent senator announces his decision on the same day that Eliot Cutler urges Mainers to ‘vote their conscience’ in the gubernatorial election.
Posted inElections, Maine Governor's race, Politics
On the campaign trail: U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud thrives on one-on-one campaigning
The Democrat logs a 14-hour day, traveling more than 115 miles for events in five towns in Maine’s sprawling 2nd Congressional District.
Posted inMaine Governor's race, News, Politics
Hillary Clinton tells Michaud supporters that ‘Maine needs a fresh start’
The prospective 2016 presidential candidate is the latest nationally prominent figure to campaign for Maine’s Democratic candidate for governor.
Posted inElections, Maine Governor's race, News, Politics
Nine things you might not know about Hillary Clinton
The former secretary of state and first lady will headline a rally in Maine for Mike Michaud on Friday.
Posted inPolitics
Maine’s congressional representatives visit FairPoint picket line
Democratic U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud express their solidarity with the striking workers Friday.
Posted inMaine Governor's race, Paul LePage, Politics
Governor candidates on the issues: Welfare and immigration
How would the candidates address assistance levels, fraud and waste, and work requirements?
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Governor's race, News, Paul LePage, Politics
Debate Fact Check: Medicaid, gun, Ebola claims miss the mark
Maine’s three gubernatorial candidates repeated claims they made in the two previous debates and unveiled a few new ones in their first televised debate Wednesday night in Augusta. Here’s how some of their statements stood up to a Portland Press Herald fact check. 1. Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud misstated the facts Wednesday when the […]