Sales were an estimated $60 million to $75 million in 2014, tax revenue was $4 million to $5 million, and both could rise if lawmakers expand access.
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
Ocean scientists report ‘unprecedented’ spike in sea level off Portland several years ago
Casco Bay waters rose by 5 inches during a peak period in 2009-10, and more extreme fluctuations are likely, increasing the threat of coastal flooding.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Judge strikes down Maine law allowing residents to buy drugs from foreign pharmacies
The statute conflicts with federal law, she says in a ruling that blocks purchases of often-cheaper medicines and hands a win to the state’s pharmaceutical groups.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Snowstorm moves in to southern Maine; 4-6 inches expected
Portland urges motorists to park off the street during the storm, although it does not declare an official ban.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gorham treasure hunter may lose salvage rights to Cape Cod shipwreck
Greg Brooks, who has been salvaging the Port Nicholson since 2008, has lost a new business partnership over revelations of forged documents and may be forced to abandon the treasure search.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Four arrested in Portland on charge of engaging a prostitute
The men each responded to an ad on the website Backpage.com, police say.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Westbrook police follow footprints to find suspect in vehicle break-ins
Franklin LeClair of Steep Falls is found hiding in a parked car that was not his. Police believe he may have burglarized several vehicles.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
Health care sign-ups in Maine jump to nearly 75,000 in 2015
That’s a 69 percent increase in the second year of coverage as residents take advantage of ACA premium subsidies.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland makes it clear to property owners: Shovel your sidewalks
City officials are serving notice to scofflaws as complaints from pedestrians pile up.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine names new veterans’ services director
Adria Horn, an Army reservist and staff member for Sen. Susan Collins, will replace Peter Ogden, who retires in June.