PORTLAND — Brooke Hidell, of Casco, has lived near the Crooked River for much of his life. He has fished and taught others to fish there. He understands the river’s role as a feeder into Sebago Lake, the main source of drinking water for residents of Greater Portland.
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.
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Many suggestions offered to spare increase in turnpike tolls
AUBURN — Increase tolls on out-of-staters, but leave Maine residents alone. Bring equity to Maine’s toll system by charging a flat rate per mile traveled. Turn over turnpike operations to the Maine Department of Transportation and eliminate tolls entirely. Start collecting tolls on Interstate 295 instead.
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Residents have their say on Maine Turnpike toll increase plan
At the first of three public hearings this week, central Maine residents express skepticism about the need for an increase, and seem concerned about equity.
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Groups raise alarm over possible tar sands pipeline
Environmental groups protest the possible flow of tar sands crude oil from Montreal to Portland even though no firm plans have been made to involve Maine.
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Public hearings on Turnpike toll hikes slated
PORTLAND — For several decades, ridership on the Maine Turnpike increased like clockwork by an average of 2.5 to 3 percent every year. Toll revenue did the same.
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Report: Pilot error, engine failure caused Biddeford plane crash
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the pilot failed to maintain proper speed in part because of engine failure caused by improperly installed parts.
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Maine holds off on insurance exchange for ruling
Even with the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in doubt, many states are positioning themselves to be ready with at least one provision of the federal law: setting up insurance exchanges.
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Health exchange decision could hurt state
Even with the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in doubt, many states are positioning themselves to be ready with at least one provision of the federal law: setting up insurance exchanges.
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Live cam catches ospreys hatching on Maine coast
The first of three chicks hatched a little before noon today. The other two hatchlings are expected later in the day.
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Turnpike plans toll hike
The Maine Turnpike Authority has proposed a $26 million toll increase, largely to continue paying down debt associated with a massive widening project on Interstate 95 from several years ago, Director Peter Mills announced Friday.