COVID-19 funds expired this year, and districts need to keep wages competitive in order to attract and retain workers – but taxpayers are pushing back, even if it means a decline in the quality of education.
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 inMaine, News
Casco man killed in car crash
Robert Stitham, 38, crashed his car into the woods off Poland Spring Road just after 4 p.m. Saturday.
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Posted inMaine, News
Rare tornado watch issued for parts of Maine, but no twisters arrive
Sunday’s severe weather was still the most hazardous forecast Maine has had so far this year, a National Weather Service forecaster said.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland Press Herald’s top editor stepping down for new role at Boston University
Steve Greenlee returned to the paper as managing editor in 2012 and took over as executive editor in 2021. He’ll be joining the faculty at BU in the fall.
Posted inMaine, News
Army reservists’ mental health oversight differs from active-duty troops, Lewiston commission told
Thursday’s appearance by an Army doctor was a chance for members to get clarity on what types of resources were offered to mass shooter Robert Card in the months before last year’s tragedy.
Posted inMaine, News
Conservative activist who fought Maine school districts over race, gender policies dies by suicide
Shawn McBreairty was involved in numerous lawsuits against school districts, and his rhetoric about equity in schools was often amplified by right-wing media members, including Tucker Carlson.
Posted inMaine, News
Monster truck at show in Topsham takes out utility wires during jump, sending patrons scattering
Two people were taken to the hospital, and several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Right-wing protest banner adds new wrinkle to Maine flag referendum
The Appeal to Heaven flag, which has come to symbolize Christian nationalism and the false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, bears a strong resemblance to the 1901 Maine flag that could become the state’s official flag in November.
Posted inMaine, News
In Camden, a story of wealthy neighbors, ocean views and over $1.7 million in fines
An unusual case in Midcoast Maine, which involves feuding landowners and a town-owned beach, is still unfolding. It all started with a pesticide.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Mills appoints longtime deputy as acting commissioner of DHHS
Sara Gagné-Holmes, who has been number 2 at the Department of Health and Human Services for 5 years, has been named acting commissioner to replace Jeanne Lambrew.