A gunman opened fire at two locations last week, killing 18 people in the worst massacre in Maine’s history. He then kept the entire state on edge for two full days before he, too, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. One nightmare is over, but the recovery has only begun.
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, Religion and Values
Jewish leaders in Portland on alert amid heightened tension
Synagogues are increasing security measures as more antisemitic flyers and rhetoric are appearing in the community.
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Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World
Sen. Collins joins bipartisan delegation visiting the Middle East amid rising tensions
The Maine Republican is one of 10 senators on the trip, which is expected to include a stop in Israel.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Sen. Collins planning ‘solidarity’ trip to Israel with other members of Congress
Maine’s senior senator announced the trip during a conversation with The Washington Post on Thursday, but no details were immediately available.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
State ethics director recommends against investigating Senate president’s house purchase
Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, has been accused of misstating his primary residence in filings but denies he did anything wrong and says the claims are politically motivated.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News
Grandson of Bangor teacher and former state senator among those killed by Hamas
Howard Trotsky’s grandson Aryeh Ziering was a captain with the Israel Defense Forces.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine’s members of Congress frustrated but not without hope after recent chaos
In interviews with the Press Herald, Angus King, Susan Collins, Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden reflected on the near-shutdown of the federal government followed by the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy – and what happens next.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Golden and Pingree vote with House majority to remove Speaker McCarthy
The Maine Democrats joined other members of their party in voting to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which means the Republican leader did not get enough support to keep his job.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Two men arrested in Sanford stabbing
Derrick Roberts-Poulin and Jordan Roberge, both 21, have been charged with robbery and elevated aggravated assault.
Posted inLocal & State
Thousands of federal employees in Maine prepare for shutdown
Based on the last two shutdowns, roughly 40% will be furloughed and 60% will have to work because their jobs are considered essential. None of them will get paid during a shutdown.