The money comes from the state’s share of nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funds, 75% of which has been spent or committed since 2021.
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 inBusiness
Maine unemployment rate increases for 5th straight month but remains historically low
The rate of 3.2% in December was the highest it has been in 22 months, according to state data, but is still below the national rate.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine’s beaches and coastal parks took a beating last week. Will they recover?
State officials say it’s still too early to tell how badly some areas were damaged and how long-lasting the impacts might be.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Hampden mail processing facility will stay open after Postal Service review
The federal agency told a major employees union in a letter last week that the facility in Hampden ‘will remain open and will be modernized.’
Posted inLocal & State
Lewiston shooting commission to hear public testimony from police, victims
The independent commission convened by Gov. Mills has scheduled 4 meetings through early March and is inviting Army personnel who served with shooter Robert Card to speak.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills declares civil emergency for coastal counties dealing with flood damage
The latest rain and windstorm and higher than typical tides caused heavy damage along Maine’s coastline, and a similar storm is likely to hit Saturday.
Posted inBusiness
FocusMaine wins $6.9 million Alfond grant to expand food economy jobs
The statewide workforce development group founded in 2016 has provided assistance to more than 180 Maine-based businesses in agriculture, aquaculture and biopharmaceuticals.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine lobster industry’s defamation lawsuit still pending as similar case in Massachusetts is dismissed
Five plaintiffs in Maine sued the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation last year after it urged consumers not to buy lobster over the right whale controversy.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Fund created for Maine businesses affected by pre-holiday wind and rainstorm
Grants of up to $10,000 to replace equipment or lost supplies will be available through the fund created by the Retail Association of Maine and the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association.
Posted inLocal & State
More than 132,000 Mainers enter 4th day without power as restoration efforts continue
The restoration effort is expected to last all week in some areas, as flooding remains a significant threat and temperatures are expected to plumment.