Data released this week by the U.S. CDC showed a 27% decrease in drug deaths nationwide from 2023 to 2024. Fatal overdoses in Maine dropped by 20%.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine sees steep drop in Canadian visitors crossing border
From February through April, 166,000 fewer Canadians traveled by land to Maine. That’s 26% less than the same period last year.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education, Sports
Mt. Ararat principal plans more training, supervision after hazing investigation
But before his presentation Thursday, some players’ parents expressed frustrations that the investigation into the allegations was not neutral or complete.
Posted inLocal & State, New England, News, Politics
Janet Mills, other Northeast governors invite Canadian premiers to meet on tariffs and trade
The summit, a response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on U.S.-Canada relations, would be held in Boston at a date to be determined.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
US Border Patrol arrests 39 people over 10-day operation in Maine
The agency says most were undocumented immigrants from Central America.
Posted inBoys Hockey, Local & State, News, Sports, Varsity Maine
Hazing investigation into Mt. Ararat hockey team found pattern of ‘sexually inappropriate conduct’
A 2-page summary of findings was released Tuesday, more than 3 months after the allegations first surfaced.
Posted inLocal & State, News
In Saco, the anatomy of a housing proposal toppled by residents
A recent battle over a large housing development embodies how small groups of vocal neighbors can apply pressure to local planning officials.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Trump administration targets Maine again, this time on transgender policy in schools
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the U.S. Department of Education, which Trump wants to abolish, is investigating whether dozens of Maine school districts are violating or misusing federal privacy laws and infringing on parents’ rights.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Saco agency to establish state’s 1st locked residential psychiatric treatment center for children
Sweetser was awarded a $2 million contract from the state to build a center at its campus. It’s expected to open next April, filling a crucial gap in services for at-risk children, advocates say.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Schools and Education, Sports
In second investigation, Trump again finds Maine in violation of Title IX over transgender policy
Meanwhile, the Maine Principals’ Association has challenged the Trump administration’s findings from a separate federal investigation into the body’s rules regarding transgender athletes.