Dana Richie

Staff Writer

Dana Richie is a community reporter covering South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. Originally from Atlanta, she fell in love with the landscape and quirks of coastal New England while completing her undergraduate degree in History at Brown University, where she also wrote for the Brown Daily Herald and Brown Alumni Magazine. Her stories about Providence and Rhode Island also appeared in The Boston Globe, Rhode Island Monthly, Ocean State Stories and more. Now, she’s eager to explore the communities and stories of southern Maine. When she’s not hunting for stories, she can be found playing ultimate frisbee, searching for sea glass and reading a book on the beach.

Community, News

Maine towns are passing moratoriums on data centers. Why hasn’t South Portland?

by Dana Richie June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

Many neighboring towns have taken this protective measure.

Community, News

South Portland may pursue partnership with developer for Mahoney site

by Dana Richie June 24, 2026June 25, 2026

A private developer would be able to benefit from historic tax credit programs, which could cover up to 30% of the total project cost at the former middle school.

Community, Maine, News

South Portland approves its municipal budget

by Dana Richie June 17, 2026June 17, 2026

The new budget is expected to raise taxes by 5.4%.

Community, Maine, News

South Portland authorizes $58.5 million in bonds for wastewater upgrades

by Dana Richie June 17, 2026June 22, 2026

City sewer fees are expected to increase by approximately 22% in sewer project fees each year over the next three fiscal years.

Community, Maine, News, Schools and Education

Inside the last days at South Portland’s Kaler Elementary

by Dana Richie June 17, 2026June 17, 2026

Students said goodbye. Teachers packed up their classrooms. And tears were shed.

Community, Maine, News, Schools and Education

South Portland says farewell to Kaler Elementary — for good

by Dana Richie June 12, 2026July 2, 2026

Monday is the last day for the school, which will close its doors permanently.

Community, News

South Portland will stop using Flock cameras

by Dana Richie June 11, 2026June 12, 2026

Councilors voted to immediately disable the 7 cameras and end the contract.

Cops & Courts, Maine, News, Politics

Cumberland County officials criticize ICE after another corrections officer is detained

by Morgan Womack and Dana Richie June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

Billy Bassikissa Bounguiena, who lives in South Portland, was detained by immigration agents Tuesday. Local leaders say federal agencies are being dishonest about his apprehension.