She restored her agency’s fiscal health as DHHS commissioner for Gov. LePage, but critics say she also tore a hole in the social services safety net.
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 inMaine
Portland sets record high temperature, but the warmth won’t last
The warm weather is expected to move out this evening, though, to be followed by several days of seasonable temperatures.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Collins joins Democrats in backing measure to halt Trump administration’s short-term health plans
But the measure still fails on a 50-50 vote, leaving intact lower-cost health insurance plans that critics say don’t protect people with pre-existing conditions
Posted inMaine, News
Sex offender’s job at Cumberland church with day care facilities raises alarm
But some urge fairness for night custodian Eugene Weir, a man ‘who has paid his debt.’
Posted inMaine
Children playing in woods find woman’s body near North Yarmouth home of missing teacher
Though officials are awaiting positive identification and would not say whether they believe it is Kristin Westra, her husband posted to Facebook, saying ‘My heart was crushed today.’
Posted inMaine, Politics
Collins says Trump’s mocking of Kavanaugh accuser was ‘just plain wrong.’ Sen. King says it made him ‘sick’
The two Maine senators react to the president’s remarks about Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault when they were in high school.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Donald Trump Jr. appears at fundraiser in Portland for Republican candidates
The president’s eldest son attends an event whose guests include Gov. LePage, U.S. Senate candidate Eric Brakey and 1st District candidate Mark Holbrook.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
Memorial to Abenaki leader killed in 1756 unveiled in Westbrook
Chief Polin, who championed saving the Presumpscot River, had walked to Boston to make his case.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Mogul’s empire ignites fight over Boothbay Harbor’s coastal identity
Some residents see a visionary in Paul Coulombe, who seeks a zoning change to redevelop the working waterfront; others see a villain eroding the town’s seaside charm.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Vandals damage hayfield with vehicle at Shaker farm
Repairs will need to be done by hand at the last remaining Shaker community.