Only about 2,400 people live in the Lincoln County town of Whitefield, where a 54-bed recovery residence recently opened in spite of heavy opposition.
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, News
The Supreme Court rejected an opioid settlement that could have brought Maine $20 million. What now?
While the parties will now have to renegotiate a new settlement, Maine is expecting to receive about $235 million over the next 18 years from other opioid settlements.
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Posted inHealth
Mobile medical team aims to reduce overdose deaths in Greater Portland
The van is operated by Greater Portland Health, which serves vulnerable communities in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Dennis Hoey, longtime Press Herald reporter, dies at 69
Hoey, a Maine native, worked for the paper for nearly 40 years, many of them as its unflappable night reporter.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
More Maine school budgets got rejected or barely passed. Some fear it’s just the start
COVID-19 funds expired this year, and districts need to keep wages competitive in order to attract and retain workers – but taxpayers are pushing back, even if it means a decline in the quality of education.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Rare tornado watch issued for parts of Maine, but no twisters arrive
Sunday’s severe weather was still the most hazardous forecast Maine has had so far this year, a National Weather Service forecaster said.
Posted inBusiness
Portland Press Herald top editor stepping down for new role at Boston University
Steve Greenlee returned to the paper as managing editor in 2012 and took over as executive editor in 2021. He’ll be joining the faculty at BU in the fall.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Army reservists’ mental health oversight differs from active-duty troops, Lewiston commission told
Thursday’s appearance by an Army doctor was a chance for members to get clarity on what types of resources were offered to mass shooter Robert Card in the months before last year’s tragedy.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Conservative activist who fought Maine school districts over race, gender policies dies by suicide
Shawn McBreairty was involved in numerous lawsuits against school districts, and his rhetoric about equity in schools was often amplified by right-wing media members, including Tucker Carlson.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Monster truck at show in Topsham takes out utility wires during jump, sending patrons scattering
Two people were taken to the hospital, and several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said.