The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee directed its investigative arm to closely examine oversight and safety in the wake of another round of high-profile deaths of children.
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, Maine Crime, News
Portland police charge man in drive-by shooting of home in Riverton neighborhood
Tony Semuhumuza, 23, of Westbrook was arrested and charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Two Sanford residents arrested for suspected fentanyl trafficking
The arrests of Scott Huff, 40, and Eva Valley, 30, on Saturday were the result of a four-month investigation.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Coast Guard promises full investigation into capsizing of Bath-based schooner
The Mary E, which is owned and operated by the Maine Maritime Museum, overturned Friday with 15 passengers and three crew members on board. All were pulled to safety.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine sticks to mask guidance as COVID-19 hot spots shift and cases climb again
The Maine CDC says residents can check its website for daily updates that identify the counties where indoor masking is recommended for all people. New cases hit 120 on Thursday.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine plans new COVID-19 vaccines program for public school students, staff
The state’s health and education departments announced a plan Wednesday to host free clinics, increase vaccine education and post vaccination rate data for schools starting Sept. 1
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine embraces new federal guidance on mask wearing, but confusion arises
Within hours of the state’s announcement, the U.S. CDC posted new data that changed the Maine counties where mask wearing is recommended.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine will consider new masking guidelines, as COVID-19 cases increase
Gov. Mills expects to announce Wednesday whether the state will change masking recommendations based on new federal guidance, which currently would affect York and Piscataquis counties.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine CDC reports 54 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, no additional deaths
Officials are watching rising case counts closely, both here and across the country, but fully vaccinated people remain well protected.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
State reports 106 new cases, most since May, 4 more deaths
The daily total raises Maine’s 7-day average to nearly triple what it was 2 weeks ago, adding to concern that another surge is upon us.