Sales were an estimated $60 million to $75 million in 2014, tax revenue was $4 million to $5 million, and both could rise if lawmakers expand access.
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 inMaine, News
Ocean scientists report ‘unprecedented’ spike in sea level off Portland several years ago
Casco Bay waters rose by 5 inches during a peak period in 2009-10, and more extreme fluctuations are likely, increasing the threat of coastal flooding.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Judge strikes down Maine law allowing residents to buy drugs from foreign pharmacies
The statute conflicts with federal law, she says in a ruling that blocks purchases of often-cheaper medicines and hands a win to the state’s pharmaceutical groups.
Posted inMaine, News
Gorham treasure hunter may lose salvage rights to Cape Cod shipwreck
Greg Brooks, who has been salvaging the Port Nicholson since 2008, has lost a new business partnership over revelations of forged documents and may be forced to abandon the treasure search.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Four arrested in Portland on charge of engaging a prostitute
The men each responded to an ad on the website Backpage.com, police say.
Posted inMaine, News
Health care sign-ups in Maine jump to nearly 75,000 in 2015
That’s a 69 percent increase in the second year of coverage as residents take advantage of ACA premium subsidies.
Posted inNews
50 Maine Guard members headed to Massachusetts to help snow cleanup
Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker declared a snow disaster and mobilized his own national guard but also requested assistance from other states.
Posted inMaine, News
With snow piling up, is it time to hit the roof?
Worried Maine homeowners wonder whether they should shed the weight or just wait it out. The answer isn’t always clear.
Posted inCops & Courts, Maine, News
Legislation seeks to eliminate setting of bail for Maine defendants
Proponents say switching to a risk assessment system that frees more suspects would cut jail crowding and costs, but others have public safety concerns.
Posted inMaine, News
Forecast calls for smaller storm, but there’s nowhere to put more snow
Forecasters predict 8 to 10 inches in Greater Portland, and more up the coast and inland toward Augusta.