Nearly 80,000 people have signed up for 2016, spurred in part by the threat of a large tax penalty.
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.
Colleagues, students remember Wells woman who died alone
The attorney for Lucie McNulty, whose body was found in her home two years after she died, said he drafted her will before she left Buffalo for Maine.
Former New York teacher retreated from world before death in Maine
But a long-ago music student who became a composer recalls that Lucie McNulty of Wells, found dead after two years, taught music with zeal and got good results.
Wells woman died alone, and wasn’t discovered for 2½ years
Police made several previous well-being checks but didn’t enter the home until numerous factors – her unpaid taxes, returned mail and disconnected phone – gave them sufficient cause.
When lottery jackpots jump, it’s Maine’s lucky day
Typical government revenue from a Powerball drawing is $30,000, but the last total was about $725,000, and another mini-windfall is likely Wednesday.
His spat with the flag ladies over, Jamie Roux speaks out
Roux, 29, was profoundly affected when he lost his father to 9/11 and, for him, the flag ladies and their supporters represented the opposite of his own worldview.
Court dismisses order protecting Freeport Flag Ladies from critic
A judge finds insufficient evidence that James Roux III, whose father died in the Sept. 11 attacks, intimidated the women.
Judge urged to dismiss lawsuit filed by Rockland tenant told to give up gun
Harvey Lembo, who shot an intruder in September, says he shouldn’t have to turn over his firearm. The NRA has taken an active interest in the case.
Fire destroys used-car dealership in Bridgton
A car caught fire in a garage at Ovide’s Used Cars and spread to 15 other cars parked on the site.
Drug agents break up meth lab in Washington County
The search of a mobile home in Wesley uncovers the 54th meth operation in Maine this year,