Dramatic temperature swings in May could shrink this year’s harvest, but it’s too early to know the extent of the damage.
Penelope Overton
Staff Writer
Penny Overton is excited to be the Portland Press Herald’s first climate reporter. Since joining the paper in 2016, she has written about Maine’s lobster and cannabis industries, covered state politics and spent a fellowship year exploring the impact of climate change on the lobster fishery with the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team. Before moving to Maine, she has covered politics, environment, casino gambling and tribal issues in Florida, Connecticut, and Arizona. Her favorite assignments allow her to introduce readers to unusual people, cultures, or subjects. When off the clock, Penny is usually getting lost in a new book at a local coffeehouse, watching foreign crime shows or planning her family’s next adventure.
Posted inMaine, News, The Maine Forecast
Severe thunderstorms, high winds sweep through Maine
A line of storms that moved east throughout Thursday afternoon prompted a tornado watch, blew over trees and power lines, and knocked out electricity for several thousand people.
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Posted inMaine, News
Climate and Wabanaki signs to return to Acadia
A federal judge gave the Trump administration until July 3 to return signs it had removed from national parks and monuments, including climate change and Wabanaki displays at Acadia National Park.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine bans retail sale of powerful rat poisons
State officials move to stop secondary poisoning after studies show toxic chemicals are turning up in Maine wildlife, including black bears and fishers.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine DOT has an $84M budget shortfall. How will it affect residents?
A gap in funding is forcing the state to postpone road repairs just as construction season begins, leaving local contractors scrambling for answers.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Builders of Portland cold storage facility push state to close payment loophole
Subcontractors say they are owed millions of dollars and that if the state doesn’t take action, local firms could refuse to bid on future state projects.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Maine harbormasters are having a moment. What do they do?
They manage moorings, settle turf wars and now one is even running for the US Senate.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Towns get new survival guide as Maine predicts spike in extreme heat
The state’s guidebook provides a framework to protect the nation’s oldest population and outdoor workers from an expected sharp rise in the number of life-threatening days with a heat index of 95 degrees or more by 2050.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine buys second PFAS-contaminated farm
The state acquired the former Songbird Farm in Unity almost 5 years after Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis learned that their water, land, produce and blood were contaminated by forever chemicals.
Posted inMaine, News
Inside the Searsmont lumber mill fire and explosion
First responders and others recount the events at Robbins Lumber on May 15, a day that will have a lasting effect on Midcoast towns and the broader firefighting community.