Looking for a free, no-strings-attached hug from a middle-aged woman? Deering Oaks is the place to be Saturday. Carol Hasbrouck and Joyce Claflin of St. Petersburg, Fla., will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., arms open. Why did they come all this way to give hugs? Well, that’s not the only reason they […]
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 inNews
Well-respected community member at center of prostitution scandal
THOMASTON — Mark Strong Sr. lives in an 1800s-era sea captain’s home on Knox Street, halfway between Thomaston’s small downtown and the St. George River. He grew up in the house, which has been in his family for years. His wife, Julie, sells antiques from an attached barn.
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Posted inNews, Politics
Feds still mulling LePage’s Medicaid waiver request
Gov. LePage would like to remove 24,000 low-income parents and 1,800 elderly people from the program, as well as all 19- and 20-year-olds.
Posted inNews
Maine teens feeling pinch of tougher driving restrictions
In the first six months they had their driver’s licenses, Danielle Kane, Maddie Richardson and Eden Monsen of Brunswick had to live with certain restrictions.
Posted inNews
Welfare cuts shift costs from state to towns
A 60-month cap on federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, benefits that was pushed for by Gov. Paul LePage and the Republican-controlled 125th Legislature brought Maine in line with other states and helped reduce welfare dependence, supporters claim.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
LePage administration OKs raises for DHHS caseworkers
The increases are awarded despite a wage freeze for state employees that has been in effect since 2009.
Posted inNews, Politics
LePage slows down east-west highway study
The decision comes after a state senator asks to suspend a feasibility analysis because of residents’ concerns of losing their property.
Posted inNews
Further protests unlikely, but prices please no one
CAP-PELE, New Brunswick — Jean-Pierre Cormier stood on the dock at Aboiteau Wharf Wednesday in this southeastern New Brunswick fishing town. A dozen or so fellow lobstermen stood with him and chatted about the weather and where to go for lunch.
Posted inNews
Lobster fishermen ‘all in the same boat’
Even as an agreement averts a looming crisis in New Brunswick, lobstermen in Canada and Maine remain at the mercy of processors
Posted inNews
Lobster again flowing into Canada
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick — Maine lobster flowed back into Canada on Friday, one day after a judge ordered protesters to stop blocking access to processing facilities.