Sophie Burchell

Staff Writer

Sophie is a community reporter for Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Falmouth and previously reported for the Forecaster. Her memories of briefly living on Mount Desert Island as a child drew her back to Maine to attend Bowdoin College, and back again to Portland after a year in Alaska. When she is not reporting, you can find Sophie rummaging through a thrift store or jumping in the ocean.

Community, News

This Mainer wants to take improv to new heights

by Sophie Burchell May 13, 2026May 14, 2026

After 40 years away studying the comedy form, a Cumberland native returns, sharing his improv technique and creating community.

Community, News, Schools and Education

Cumberland, North Yarmouth send $56.7 million school budget to June ballot

by Sophie Burchell May 11, 2026May 24, 2026

The budget is slightly reduced from the one introduced this spring, but still would be 5.46% higher than this year’s budget.

Feature Obituary, Maine, News, Politics

Gerald Talbot, civil rights leader and Maine’s first Black legislator, dies at 94

by Sophie Burchell and Kelley Bouchard May 10, 2026May 11, 2026

The trailblazing politician, activist and historian was a force behind multiple landmark pieces of legislation and the preservation of Maine’s Black history.

Community, News