James Perry was arrested after he responded to a report of a possible drowning and police suspected he was impaired.
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 inElection 2018, Local & State, Politics
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul visits Maine to stump for Republican Eric Brakey
Brakey, a two-term state senator, is challenging independent U.S. Sen. Angus King.
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Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, News, Politics
Survey shows older Maine voters evenly split between Mills and Moody for governor
An AARP Maine poll of 804 voters older than 50 also indicates Sen. Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree have big leads among those voters, and Rep. Bruce Poliquin is in a tight race against a Democratic challenger.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Fewer foster parents on the front lines
A lack of resources and support has marred the experience for many of those who take in kids. Even as Maine reforms its child protection system, the need for placements will only continue to grow.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage urged to apologize for ‘disrespectful’ outburst at Republican lawmaker
In an unprecedented letter to the governor, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee says his actions – including calling a state senator a ‘repugnant human being’ – were undignified and disrespectful.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage’s proposed reforms to child protection system get mixed reaction at hearing
Bills to increase investment in caseworkers and foster families get support before a legislative committee, but lawmakers also hear complaints about systemic problems that have worsened because of the erosion in social services.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Challengers’ task: Portray Sen. King as out of touch
That’s no easy feat given the Maine independent’s popularity, but two millennial candidates are ready to tango on North Korea, guns and Trump.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
As critics question LePage’s plan to overhaul child protection system, its cost is pegged at $21 million
Bills submitted by the governor call for a series of changes, winning some praise but also drawing skepticism that extensive reforms are really needed.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage submits bills to overhaul Maine’s troubled system for protecting children
The proposals include adding 18 positions, raising workers’ pay and reducing the emphasis on family reunification, but the overall cost of the reforms remains unclear.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Carol Palesky, outspoken anti-tax crusader, ex-convict, dies at 78
The former Topsham woman led an unsuccessful effort to cap property taxes in Maine in 2004 – after serving two jail sentences.