Critics say the minimum staffing levels are unrealistic and an unfunded mandate that will further burden the state’s nursing homes, many of which are at risk of closing or downsizing because of worker shortages.
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
A lightly traveled border outpost in western Maine is getting a $95 million upgrade
Built in 1932, the station at Coburn Gore is 1 of 5 in Maine in line for overhauls with federal infrastructure funds. But the reasons for this crossing’s outsized expense aren’t entirely clear.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers endorse higher tax brackets for wealthier residents
Both the House and Senate this week passed a bill that lowers state income taxes for low- and middle-wage earners.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education
Bowdoin College student’s death ruled a suicide
Topsham Police Chief Marc Hagan said in a statement Tuesday that 20-year-old Qingyang Zhan, of California, took her own life Sunday morning.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Bowdoin College community shaken by student’s death
Authorities are awaiting autopsy results on Qingyang Zhan, a 20-year-old junior whose body was found in a parking lot in Topsham early Sunday. Police say there is no threat to the public.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Mild winter takes a toll on Maine’s outdoor sports, seasonal economy
The 2023-24 winter was devastating for the snowmobile industry and the communities that rely on visitors coming to enjoy Maine’s trails.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New affordable rental housing coming to Waterville and Hallowell as Maine makes strides to ease housing shortage
Gov. Janet Mills joined local officials Tuesday at a housing summit hosted by the Greater Portland Council of Governments focused on finding solutions to build more housing to ease the market and improve the workforce shortage.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland eighth grader wins state spelling bee for second year
Evan Trieu of St. Brigid School emerges among 14 finalists on Saturday at Bowdoin College. He won the state bee last year as well.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine gets $2 million federal grant for behavioral health in wake of Lewiston tragedy
The money will support the needs of those directly and indirectly impacted by the tragedy in Lewiston, Gov. Janet Mills said.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Army reservists tell commission more could have been done to help Lewiston gunman
Robert Card was a longtime reservist for a Saco-based unit. His colleagues became increasingly concerned about his behavior last year but took few steps to follow up on his mental health treatment.