Penelope Overton

Press Herald

Penelope Overton writes about the lobster and marijuana industries in Maine, a mix of the iconic and the emerging, the economic powerhouse and the mysterious darkhorse. Just the right mix of old and new for a Maine transplant. Penny joined the Press Herald in 2016. She has covered politics and government, the environment and Indian Country in Florida, Connecticut, Arizona and Washington, D.C. Her favorite stories are when she gets to dive into a world where readers seldom venture. When she’s not newspapering, Penny and her young daughter like to hike, body surf, travel and explore new books, places, poems and people. She is plovertonpph on both Instagram and Snapchat.

Latest

Published
June 6, 2023

Watchdog group: PFAS is active ingredient in 13% of Maine pesticides

An analysis by the Environmental Working Group found 55 so-called forever chemicals listed as active ingredients in 1,426 of Maine’s state-approved pesticides.
Published
June 2, 2023

Review finds AG’s relationship with employee was an ‘error in judgment’

The outside investigation of Attorney General Aaron Frey’s romance with a subordinate concludes that it briefly distracted agency personnel but did not tarnish the work or reputation of the state office.
Published
May 30, 2023

Maine may legalize the composting of human remains

Supporters say the natural end-of-life option has environmental and spiritual advantages, but some religious groups in other states have fought against the concept.
Published
May 18, 2023

Lawmakers hear competing offshore wind proposals

One bill lays out a detailed state path to promote floating offshore wind that will help Maine meet its climate goals and create jobs, while the other seeks to use the state’s power to keep the industry out of the Gulf of Maine where fishermen earn their living.
Published
May 16, 2023

Lawmakers to consider new tribal casino bill

Rep. Ben Collings of Portland introduced the bill as a placeholder intended to keep a tribal gambling proposal in the wings after state lawmakers act on a tribal sovereignty bill expected to come out in the next few weeks.
Published
May 15, 2023

Cost of helping farmers manage PFAS is rising, now at $81 million

A five-year plan to help farmers includes $37 million for direct financial support, $25 million to buy contaminated farms, $11 million for agricultural research, and $7 million on medical testing and monitoring.
Published
May 12, 2023

Lawmakers consider adding right to bodily autonomy to Maine Constitution

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Craig Hickman, has raised a host of possible scenarios that likely would need to be sorted out by the courts if the amendment were to pass.
Published
May 11, 2023

Lawmakers move to delay start of first-in-the-nation PFAS law

A legislative committee has endorsed a bill to delay the deadline for reporting the presence of PFAS in products sold in Maine.
Published
May 9, 2023

Lawmakers consider panel to better integrate New Mainers into public schools

The 16-member panel would build on the lessons learned by communities with sizable New Mainer populations, such as Portland and Lewiston.
Published
May 8, 2023

Lawmakers clash over bill to delay out-of-state trash ban

Supporters say Maine needs the trash to solve its sludge disposal crisis, but critics say the state-owned landfill should be reserved for in-state waste and accused the operator of prioritizing profits over solving the problem.