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.
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.
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.
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.
Maine’s new Catholic bishop greets faithful
The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley is installed as the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Portland.
Maine bill would save lives by stopping overdoses, supporters say
But Gov. LePage and other officials oppose expanding access to naloxone, or Narcan.
‘Reckless decision’ to sail into Hurricane Sandy sank the Bounty
The NTSB also blames poor repairs done at a Maine shipyard by the replica ship’s inexperienced crew for the 2012 accident off North Carolina that left two dead.
Maine attorney general sues Bangor-based used car dealer
The lawsuit alleges Glenn A. Geiser Jr. and his dealerships engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices.