Penelope Overton – Page 66 – Centralmaine.com

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.

Business, Local & State, Politics

Consulting deal falters, may cause new delay for Maine’s recreational pot market

by Penelope Overton January 24, 2019January 24, 2019

An appeal led the state to rescind its cannabis rule-writing contract and solicit new plans.

Business, Local & State, News

Dreaming of a lobster license, but trapped on a waitlist

by Penelope Overton January 20, 2019January 20, 2019

Strict entry rules mean some fishermen have been biding their time – in some cases for more than a decade. While legislators propose changes, lobstermen urge caution.

Business, Local & State

Early indications show 2018 was a strong year for lobster landings in Maine

by Penelope Overton January 18, 2019January 18, 2019

The state won’t release official numbers until next month, but preliminary data indicates that harvesters landed more than 100 million pounds for the eighth straight year.

Business, Local & State, Maine Crime, News, Politics

Lawmakers consider sealing, erasing records of past cannabis convictions

by Matt Byrne and Penelope Overton January 10, 2019January 10, 2019

Four Maine legislators are pursuing bills to clear some convictions for marijuana possession that today would be legal.

Business, Local & State, Maine Cannabis Report, Politics

Marijuana dispensaries’ big donations to Mills inaugural have caregivers crying foul

by Penelope Overton January 4, 2019January 5, 2019

Three dispensaries, combined, had donated nearly 20 percent of the money collected to usher in the new governor as of Dec. 22.

Business, Local & State, Politics

Gov. Mills wants fisheries commissioner, 2 other LePage Cabinet members to stay on job

by Penelope Overton January 3, 2019January 4, 2019

Support for Patrick Keliher, current head of the Department of Marine Resources, came from many sectors of the state’s commercial fishing industry.

Business, Local & State, News, Politics

Fishing industry lobbies for Maine commissioner to retain his post

by Penelope Overton January 1, 2019December 31, 2018

Citing regulatory complexities and Patrick Keliher’s capable leadership, several marine trade groups are asking that the commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources stay in Mills’ Cabinet.