Penelope Overton

Staff Writer

Penny 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 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, Maine, News

Value of Maine lobster exports to China on pace to triple for 2016

by Penelope Overton January 28, 2017January 27, 2017

Growing demand for live lobster in Asia has buoyed the state’s lobster industry, rapidly pushing up prices.

Business, Maine

To buoy its budget, Maine marine resources department seeks higher fees for fishing licenses

by Penelope Overton January 14, 2017January 13, 2017

The fee increases would range from $1 to $114, and the cost of a Class III lobster license would exceed $1,000 for the first time.

Maine, News

Court hearing for Ogunquit town manager delayed; Select Board vows action

by Penelope Overton January 3, 2017January 5, 2017

Tom Fortier has been on paid administrative leave since he was charged in August with taking beach parking fees.

Business, News

New net opens a way to help fishermen and protect cod

by Penelope Overton December 9, 2016December 9, 2016

A new design releases bycatch like cod, which lets fishermen focus on their intended catch ratrher than quotas, restrictions.

Maine, News, Politics

LePage questions integrity of state voting, accuracy of Nov. 8 results

by Edward D. Murphy and Penelope Overton December 1, 2016December 1, 2016

He cites no evidence and offers no explanation in a routine letter to incoming legislators that also casts doubt on their election victories.

Art, Maine, News

Photographer Mason Philip Smith, a fixture of Portland’s arts scene, dies at 83

by Penelope Overton November 28, 2016December 4, 2016

Trained as a photojournalist, he went on to become well known for his portraits and Congress Street studio, continuing his career after retirement with fine art photography and trips to China.