The three candidates for governor wade in on expanding online educational opportunities in Maine
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.
LePage takes advantage of bully pulpit in governor’s race
On the trail or not, the governor uses the power of the incumbency to control the message. Meanwhile, his rivals look for other ways to muscle into contention.
Brunswick man sentenced to 3 years for assaulting girl and mother
Darrell McCauley, who is developmentally disabled, has a long history of criminal behavior.
Bates students return from break to somber campus
Hundreds gather at a memorial service for John Durkin, who was hit by a train while studying overseas last week.
Drug treatment funding in Maine is falling, but demand is greater than ever
The number of people seeking treatment for opiate addiction has increased 15 percent since 2010; funding has decreased by 7 percent during the same period.
Document-shredding lawsuit describes abusive atmosphere at CDC
A woman who worked for the state Center for Disease Control and Prevention says in the filing that many coworkers were fearful of management.
Bates College student reported missing in Rome
John Durkin, an economics major from Rye Beach, N.H., is on a study-abroad program in Italy.
Cold case squad would fight for Maine families seeking answers
Family members of loved ones who have been killed testify in favor of a bill to create a new investigative unit, but cost remains a barrier.
Maine House follows Senate in rejecting ‘religious freedom’ bill
The bill sought to affirm constitutional protection for the right to worship, but opponents say it was unneeded and would open the door to legal discrimination.
Human trafficking bill receives support in Maine Legislature
The bill would give courts power to vacate prostitution convictions for those who were forced into the sex trade.