The case of Norman Fisher, who was intellectually disabled, shows how the state stumbles in meeting critical needs – and how it’s trying to improve.
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
After losing state contract, service provider blames DHHS for death of client with disability
The CEO of Residential and Community Support Services accuses the state of dropping off Norman Fisher, 62, without the insulin he needed to treat his diabetes.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
DHHS ends contract with service provider 2 months after death of disabled client
The state cuts ties with Residential and Community Support Services, a Biddeford-based agency serving 70 developmentally disabled adults, citing its ‘unacceptable failure’ to keep them safe.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Judge to rule this week on Cape student’s suspension for sexual assault allegation
The ACLU of Maine has sued on behalf of Aela Mansmann, saying the school district violated her free speech rights when it suspended her for posting a sticky note in a high school bathroom saying ‘there’s a rapist in the school.’
Posted inMaine, News
Schools and businesses stay closed, and thousands have another dark night in storm’s wake
Central Maine Power warns customers in hard-hit areas that it could be days before power is restored.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Report finds fault with Kennebunk High’s response to former teacher’s human rights complaint
The 59-page report by a Boston-area law firm says officials did not take appropriate steps to investigate allegations by Rosa Slack, who filed a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in 2018.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Chiropractors give a big boost to people’s veto campaign against new vaccine law
Of the $161,841 raised so far by Mainers for Health and Parental Rights, at least $51,225 has come from chiropractors, according to a Press Herald analysis.
Posted inMaine, News, Uncategorized
Damariscotta grandparents confront opioid crisis after loved one’s death
After Morgan Mayo died this year of a drug overdose, Florence and Ernest Bourgon began an active fight against the scourge of addiction.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Presque Isle man charged with murdering 2 men found in pickup truck in August
Bobby Nightingale, 38, is charged with killing 25-year-old Allen Curtis and 51-year-old Roger Ellis in the Aroostook County town of Castle Hill.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine names new director of mental health and substance abuse services
Jessica Pollard, who has been teaching at the Yale University School of Medicine, returns to her native state to lead an office that plays a key role in responding to the opioid crisis.