Mayor Shane Bouchard casts himself as a victim of the media, while Lewiston police and the Attorney General’s Office investigate allegations of criminal conduct against him.
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 inCops & Courts, Local & State
Former UMaine athlete due back in New York court Friday
Trevor Bates, who now plays football professionally, faces charges related to a Jan. 26 incident during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer.
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Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Citing new evidence, man convicted of 1994 murder in South Portland keeps fighting for another trial
Found guilty in 2002 of killing Tammy Dickson, Foster Bates has maintained his innocence and is making a third request for post-conviction review.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Sen. Collins says she won’t support Trump’s EPA nominee
She expresses concerns over actions Andrew Wheeler has taken as acting administrator.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine seeks flexibility in Medicaid spending to address opioid, mental health issues
The state plans to apply for a federal waiver that would eliminate a ban on using Medicaid dollars to pay for care at substance use disorder treatment facilities with more than 16 beds.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills administration will increase supplemental food stamp benefit for working Mainers
The monthly amount for those who work 30 hours per week, or 20 hours if they have a small child, will jump from $15 to $50, paid for with federal funds that went unspent by the LePage administration.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education
Should Maine students have to learn cursive? Some lawmakers think so.
A public hearing was held Thursday on Rep. Heidi Sampson’s bill to require cursive instruction in grades 3-5 of Maine public schools.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
In business, requirement for paid sick time a source of healthy debate
Some see a proposed state mandate as contributing to a more productive and stable work force, while others decry the burden of cost, especially when profit margins are ‘very thin.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Aroostook County woman makes her case for medication-assisted treatment in jail
Brenda Smith hasn’t had a relapse for five years but says she fears that stopping her medication could affect her long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine had fewer overdose deaths in 2018 but opioid epidemic remains a ‘public health crisis’
Attorney General Aaron Frey released a report Friday estimating there were 376 drug overdose deaths in Maine last year.