The 74-72 vote to advance Gov. Janet Mills’ bill to expand post-viability abortions came after a four-hour recess to count votes and consider a last-minute compromise.
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 inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Senate votes to ban flavored tobacco products
The bill sponsored by Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, would ban flavors such as mint, fruit, chocolate, menthol, vanilla and honey in all tobacco, including vaping products.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State lawmakers overwhelmingly support tribal bill opposed by Gov. Mills
The 100-47 House vote and 26-8 Senate vote show strong support among state lawmakers, including among some Republicans, who will be needed to overcome a possible veto from the governor.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
A forever farm is no match for forever chemicals
A fourth-generation farmer running an organic dairy farm in Fairfield lost his livelihood when his milk and lands tested hot for PFAS contamination. ‘It got us good.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Democrats advance Gov. Mills’ bill to expand abortion access in Maine
The bill was voted out of the Judiciary Committee on Friday but still faces additional votes in the full House and Senate.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers work on bill to let Wabanaki tribes benefit from federal laws
The bill would grant the Wabanaki tribes in Maine to federal laws that benefit the nation’s 570 other federally recognized tribes.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Watchdog group: PFAS is active ingredient in 13% of Maine pesticides
An analysis by the Environmental Working Group found 55 so-called forever chemicals listed as active ingredients in 1,426 of Maine’s state-approved pesticides.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Review finds AG’s relationship with employee was an ‘error in judgment’
The outside investigation of Attorney General Aaron Frey’s romance with a subordinate concludes that it briefly distracted agency personnel but did not tarnish the work or reputation of the state office.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Religion and Values
Maine may legalize the composting of human remains
Supporters say the natural end-of-life option has environmental and spiritual advantages, but some religious groups in other states have fought against the concept.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Lawmakers hear competing offshore wind proposals
One bill lays out a detailed state path to promote floating offshore wind that will help Maine meet its climate goals and create jobs, while the other seeks to use the state’s power to keep the industry out of the Gulf of Maine where fishermen earn their living.