The 25th annual Kids Count book also shows that the state led the nation for the highest rate of children with anxiety disorders, and that teen suicide increased dramatically over the last decade.
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, Politics
New director named for DHHS Office of Child and Family Services
Todd Landry has been named to lead the high-profile office, which is responsible for child welfare.
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Posted inMaine, Schools & Education
Bill would ban use of Indian mascots in Maine public schools
Lawmakers will take public testimony Monday, less than a week after Skowhegan residents called on their school board to restore ‘Indians’ as the school mascot.
Posted inMaine, Nation / World, News
Four teenagers now face murder charges in killing of Westbrook man in Arkansas
Both Darrius Stewart, 17, and Keith Keshawn Harris, 16, are expected to be tried as adults for their role in the killing of Shawn Mckeough Jr., who thwarted an armed robbery
Posted inMaine, News
Family, friends mourn: ‘To fight for your country and then die like this’
Police have arrested 2 suspects sought in the killing of Westbrook native Shawn Mckeough, who was serving in the Air Force and was shot while trying to prevent a convenience store robbery in Arkansas.
Posted inMaine, News
For alleged sex trafficking victim, a hard life, abridged
At 38, Carol Swan died before she could testify against her alleged abuser, but the new man in her life said she had finally found a sense of peace.
Posted inMaine, 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 inMaine, 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 inMaine, Schools & 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, Maine, 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.’