Some school districts, however, balk at cost and opponents question whether the public school system is the right place to best serve this population up to age 22.
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.
Ban on pesticides with PFAS feeds concern about unintended impacts
Some Maine farmers, including some of its 300 certified organic farmers, worry they soon won’t be able to defend their crops from pests, said Julie Ann Smith of the Maine Farm Bureau.
Maine leaders call for new federal clean car standards
The diverse group wants the Biden administration and EPA to mandate higher gas mileage vehicles in a new round of clean car standards for new vehicles made after 2027 through 2035 to protect Maine’s economy, health and environment.
Mills said she wouldn’t seek to alter Maine abortion law. What changed?
Despite saying during the campaign that she had ‘no plans to change the current law,’ the governor has unveiled a bill that would extend abortion access beyond fetal viability when approved by a medical professional.
Bishop Deeley calls proposal to allow abortions late in pregnancy ‘beyond troubling’
While the leader of Maine’s Catholics is vocal in his opposition to Gov. Mills’ bill, other religious leaders are divided.
Gov. Mills to introduce legislation to expand access to abortion throughout pregnancy
One of four bills to be introduced would allow abortion at any point in a pregnancy with the approval of a qualified medical professional.
Highlights of Mills’ $10.3 billion budget plan
The 651-page budget proposal aims to address some of Maine’s biggest challenges.
Gov. Mills urges Mainers to be hopeful after being sworn in for a new 4-year term
Mills used her second inaugural address to tout her first-term successes, including a robust economic recovery from the pandemic, fully funding the state’s share of public education and boosting the state’s Rainy Day Fund to a record high.
Wells man arrested in New Year’s Eve machete attack on New York City officers
The officers and suspect, who was shot in the shoulder by police, are expected to recover.
New research lab could give Maine an edge in fight against PFAS contamination chemicals
The University of Maine plans to create a lab to support research that could help farmers with contaminated soils and crops.