Opponents see affordable housing plan as big government, but supporters say it actually empowers landowners.
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, News, Politics
Mask mandate dropped at State House
In tying the requirement to local transmission rates, legislative leaders could reinstate the mask mandate if Kennebec County goes red again.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers consider sweeping affordable housing reform bill
The bill aims to cut the regulatory red tape that supporters say is exacerbating Maine’s housing crisis.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers hear bill to create protest-free zone around Maine abortion clinic entrances
The measure would create a medical safety zone within 8 feet of the front door of all healthcare facilities.
Posted inLocal & State
Relief fund created to help Maine farmers deal with forever chemicals
Maine Farmland Trust and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association have raised $255,000 to create a short-term financial safety net for those affected by PFAS.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Farmers urge passage of bill to stop agricultural use of PFAS-laden sludge
One says at a news conference Wednesday that his family is ‘teetering on the edge of losing everything’ because of PFAS contamination.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Senate vote falls 1 short of threshold to send equal rights amendment to voters
Senators voted 22-12 in support Wednesday, just shy of the two-thirds majority that would be needed in upcoming votes to put the question on a statewide ballot.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House approves climate science training funds for Maine teachers
The $3 million state grant program would encourage school districts to partner with community nonprofits to build climate science training plans for teachers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers want more oversight of child protective services
A bill would require the Office of Child and Family Services to report to the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Equal rights amendment to Maine Constitution hits Republican opposition in House
The 80-57 vote in favor of the proposal falls short of the two-thirds majority required to put the issue to voters, with another vote coming later in this session.