Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
November 14, 2021

Native authors share their culture through stories about Indigenous people in Maine

New books from the viewpoint of Maine’s Native peoples are out this year, and librarians are putting a focus on the subject area, including compiling reading lists.
Published
November 8, 2021

It’s all about the little things at these trivia nights

The weekly tradition has returned to bars and restaurants around southern Maine.
Published
November 7, 2021

Gratitude for U.S. inspires Pakistani native to serve and give back

Sarosh Sher sometimes wrestles with the big questions of military involvement, but never his own decision to be a part of it, saying he “can never repay (the U.S) enough for what it has given me.”
Published
November 1, 2021

Get out and stay out with these extended outdoor activities

Drive-in movie theaters, farmers markets, food trucks and al fresco dining decks are among the fun fair-weather places that are staying open later in the year again.
Published
October 25, 2021

Where to get scared just for fun this Halloween

With crowd restrictions lifted, there are plenty of Halloween events across Maine this year.
Published
October 11, 2021

Chelsea Handler, and other comics coming to Portland, know laughing matters

The ‘Chelsea Lately’ star, who spent time in Biddeford during the pandemic, is among several comedians with shows in Maine this fall.
Published
October 10, 2021

After allegations, Mainers reconsider use of Facebook, Instagram

Some would like to stop using the social-media platforms in light of recent reports that management has ignored the harm they can do, but either rely heavily on them or feel they can be used for good as well.
Published
October 4, 2021

Pick a pumpkin or another one of these quintessential fall activities

With no restrictions on outdoor gatherings, this fall is full of things to do, including hiking, pumpkin picking and high school football games.
Published
October 2, 2021

Remains of World War II pilot from Maine finally back home

Ernest Vienneau was killed in 1944 and his body lost at sea. On Saturday he was brought home to Millinocket, where he will be buried on Oct. 9.
Published
September 27, 2021

Go out of the way to see this year’s foliage display

With more places to stay and stop, it’s easier to explore fall foliage in more remote parts of Maine, where forecasters predict brighter colors.