Gov. Janet Mills is one of 20 Democratic governors to join the Reproductive Freedom Alliance.
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 inAnimals, Local & State, Nation & World, News
A rare bird and bumblebee fight for survival in Maine
The state wants to add the Saltmarsh sparrow and Ashton’s cuckoo to its endangered list, and designate four other birds, a bat and a beetle as threatened.
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Posted inLocal & State
Last year was second warmest on record in Gulf of Maine
The average sea surface temperature in 2022 fell short by less than half a degree of setting a new mark for the hottest year, according to Portland-based researchers.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Maine Republicans to Whole Foods: Blacklist lobster, lose state tax benefits
Republican lawmakers unveil a suite of bills to protect Maine’s $1.7 billion lobster industry and punish those who would threaten it.
Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers consider state buyback program for farms ruined by tainted sludge
But there is disagreement about the best way to reimburse the growing number of farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated by forever chemicals, especially those who already have been waiting years for help.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
A Texas court case could change Maine’s abortion landscape
A judge known for his anti-abortion views soon could outlaw the most common method of ending an unwanted pregnancy in the state.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
To-go alcoholic drinks may be here to stay
Despite objections from public health advocates, a legislative committee voted Wednesday in favor of permanently legalizing the pandemic-era practice of to-go cocktails, wine, and beer.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers consider bill requiring Maine voters to show photo ID at polls
Supporters say a photo ID mandate would boost public confidence in Maine elections, but opponents, including Gov. Mills, say it would do far more harm than good.
Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers consider commercial EV truck rebate trial
But some lawmakers think the state should use its electric vehicle funding to help low- and middle-income Mainers who are eager to buy electric cars.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine developing PFAS safety levels for locally grown food
Preliminary research shows some crops, like potatoes and squash, could be safely grown on a contaminated farm, while others, like lettuce and carrots, appear to absorb and store forever chemicals.