A Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram analysis of newly released details going back 14 years shows DHHS had contact with most of those families before the children were killed.
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.
New COVID-19 cases climb again, and Maine hospital counts hit 7-month high
Wednesday’s total of 433 new cases was the highest single-day count in 4 months, and 150 people with COVID-19 were hospitalized.
Gov. Mills to increase Medicaid payments for residential treatment of substance use disorder
Tuesday’s announcement came on International Overdose Awareness Day. The state lost a record 502 people to drug overdoses last year, and the numbers so far this year suggest that will be eclipsed.
Virus transmission increases as Maine reports 475 new cases over 3 days
Ten of Maine’s 16 counties reported high transmission rates over the last 7 days, with some of the highest figures in counties with low vaccination rates.
Agencies that care for vulnerable and older Mainers seek delay in vaccination mandate
Representatives from groups providing home health and other services sent a letter Thursday to Gov. Mills asking for a 45-day extension of the Oct. 1 deadline.
Breakthrough cases and hospitalizations aren’t cause for alarm, experts say
More vaccinated people are being hospitalized, but many have underlying health problems, and the overwhelming majority of COVID patients have not been vaccinated.
Acton man falsely accused in 2016 incident is awarded $90,000 in damages
A federal judge rules that John Charron was a victim of ‘classic malicious prosecution.’
Maine reports 287 new COVID-19 cases, highest daily total since mid-May
State health officials are reviewing 1,700 positive test results received this week and warned that case numbers will rise.
Maine EMS board seeks to ease vaccine mandate, fearing needed workers will ‘walk away’
Dozens spoke Monday during an online meeting of the Maine Board of Emergency Medical Services, most opposing the requirement set this month by Gov. Janet Mills.
Positive test rate for COVID-19 increases as Maine reports another 185 cases
Transmission remains high throughout much of the state and country.