The shooting deaths of five police officers in Dallas followed the deaths of two black men by police officers in Minnesota and Louisiana
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions. Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Group seeking $12 base wage posted jobs paying $10 an hour
The Maine People’s Alliance insists the pay level in the ad was an error, but a critic of raising the minimum calls it a ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ moment.
Safe from terrorist violence, a new Mainer builds a very American life
The Somali native whose journey was documented in the NPR series ‘This American Life’ reflects on his new home.
Opiate abuse crisis touches 6 out of 10 Mainers, poll results reveal
A newspaper poll suggests 780,000 residents know someone who has used heroin or abused painkillers, and shows disagreement over the primary causes: Dealers, disease, moral failing or something else?
Pingree leads comfortably, Poliquin and Cain virtually tied in congressional races
A Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram poll shows the Democratic 1st District congresswoman with a 20-point lead over her opponents, while Poliquin, the Republican 2nd District representative, has just a 41-40 edge over Cain.
Federal official says LePage’s threat puts food stamps at risk
Gov. Paul LePage’s threat to stop running the program if sugary drinks and candy remain eligible purchases could leave nearly 200,000 Maine recipients without benefits.
Four arrested on drug charges in Oxford County
The arrests come eight months after police investigated the overdose death of a teenager from Harrison.
Gov. LePage’s threat risks suspension of food stamp assistance
He says the state might end its role in the program, which could halt benefits, if it’s not allowed to prohibit purchases of sugary drinks and candy.
Biddeford man to serve five years in prison on drug charges
Anthony Lacomb, 30, led a group of people who imported cocaine and oxycodone from Rhode Island to Maine, according to federal prosecutors.
Portland becomes first community in Maine to raise minimum age to buy tobacco
The City Council votes unanimously to increase the age from 18 to 21.