In Lewiston, an alleged arsonist deemed incompetent to stand trial likely will go free and may not get services. Authorities say it’s the price we pay for deinstitutionalization.
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, Politics
LePage says he’d like to blow up Press Herald
Maine’s governor makes the comment during an event Friday at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, and later says it was joke.
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Posted inNews
Lewiston fears release of mentally disabled arson suspect
The case of Bryan Wood – ruled incompetent to stand trial – shows officials are limited in how long they can keep mentally disabled threats off the streets.
Posted inBusiness, News
What do Mainers hunger for? More product details
It’s a no-brainer, right? Just tell us what’s in our food and where our clothes are made. But some manufacturers say: Not so fast.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
In shipwreck simulation, Maine kids use math, science to ‘survive’
They don’t have to eat bugs or fend off predators, but they must use their smarts.
Posted inNews
Maine crashes put focus on loose golf cart rules
Safety controls are scattered at a time when more of the slow-speed vehicles are operated off golf courses.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Kennebunk Zumba sex scandal made into TV documentary
The TLC network show interviews many of those involved in the infamous Zumba saga.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Golf cart accident injures 5 on Maine island
The rollover occurred on Sebago Lake’s Frye Island, where many seasonal residents use golf carts.
Posted inNews
Closing of South Portland church underscores Maine trend
The closing of First United Methodist Church on Brown’s Hill is the latest sign of declining membership in many denominations in the nation’s least religious state.
Posted inNews
Railroad executive puzzled by police raid
After a train crash kills 47 people and destroys much of a Quebec town, Ed Burkhardt says the company is cooperating with the investigation, which remains limited to Canada.