The 651-page budget proposal aims to address some of Maine’s biggest challenges.
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
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.
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Posted inMaine Crime, Nation & World, News
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills announces lineup for her 2nd inauguration
The inauguration is to be held Wednesday, Jan. 4, and is open to the public.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Talbot Ross soaks in historic role in Legislature
Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, became emotional as she described being unprepared for the moment she took the gavel for the first time.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Rachel Talbot Ross becomes first Black speaker of Maine House
The new legislative session began on a historic note with the Portland Democrat getting sworn in 50 years after father became the state’s first Black lawmaker.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes $450 relief checks as part of heating assistance package
Gov. Janet Mills and legislative leaders have been trying to find agreement on a relief package that can get bipartisan approval on Wednesday, allowing the aid to be sent to struggling Mainers this winter.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Judge denies legislators access to child protection files
Members of the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee do not have the right to see confidential files regarding four children who were killed last year, the ruling says.
Posted inLocal & State
Gov. Mills announces changes in communications office
Press Secretary Lindsay Crete is stepping down, while Communications Director Scott Ogden will become deputy chief of staff.