Warming temperatures are pushing back peak conditions by more than a week since the 1950s. But several factors shape the timing and brilliance of autumnal color.
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 inNews
Director of Brunswick airport authority resigns in wake of toxic foam spill
Kristine Logan steps down about a month after one of the nation’s biggest spills of toxic firefighting foam has left the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority struggling to pay for a costly cleanup and regain the public trust.
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Posted inMaine, News
EPA: Navy has ‘ultimate responsibility’ to address Brunswick chemical spill
The head of the federal agency’s Superfund program told the Navy in a Sept. 26 letter that it must ‘take any and all actions necessary to address the recent spill of AFFF at Hangar 4 and to ensure protection of human health and the environment.’
Posted inMaine, News
Vulnerable Mainers weigh in on state’s climate action plan
The Maine Climate Council on Wednesday heard the results of an equity study that asked low-income residents, older and rural Mainers, veterans and others about the state’s goals.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Portland educator, politician hired as Maine’s first green schools director
Former University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings began work this week promoting sustainability in the state’s schools.
Posted inMaine, News
Foam spill flushes wave of toxic chemicals into troubled Androscoggin River
‘We will be dealing with the fallout of this for generations to come,’ says Ed Friedman, chairman of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay.
Posted inMaine, News
Toxic foam risks persist at other ‘deficient’ Brunswick airport hangars
Inspection reports from 14 months ago show unaddressed deficiencies in 2 sprinkler systems that still use aqueous film-forming foam that contains forever chemicals.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine congressional delegation presses Navy for help with Brunswick chemical spill
The Navy still owns the airport hangar where 51,000 gallons of toxic firefighting foam was discharged after an overhead fire suppression system with a deficient service record malfunctioned.
Posted inMaine, News
Former Maine CDC director Shah: State must prepare for health impacts of climate-driven flooding
Nirav Shah, now the deputy director of the U.S. CDC, praised Maine for addressing extreme heat and tick-borne illnesses. Those who survive floods report more stress, anxiety and depression, health groups say.
Posted inMaine, News
Inspection revelations prompt calls for Brunswick Landing chief to step down
State and municipal leaders are calling for changes after learning that Executive Director Kristine Logan failed to disclose a 2023 inspection report showing deficiencies in the fire suppression system that malfunctioned Aug. 19, spewing 50,000 gallons of toxic foam.