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
September 24, 2021

Maine storyteller and radio host John McDonald facing medical challenges

His children have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay health care costs for McDonald, 77, who had heart surgery in March, suffered a bad fall last week and has experienced memory loss.
Published
September 20, 2021

Fall fairs are back. Here’s what you can expect

After a year hiatus, some of Maine’s biggest fairs – including Cumberland and Fryeburg – are returning, but are asking people to be wary of COVID risks.
Published
September 19, 2021

History lesson: A Maine native’s play about a witness to the Holocaust is poised to embark on national tour

‘Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski’ was co-written by Deering High School graduate Clark Young and stars acclaimed actor David Strathairn.
Published
September 16, 2021

Maine Press Association to induct 3 new members into hall of fame

They are longtime Portland Press Herald editor and reporter Dieter Bradbury, Lewiston Sun Journal executive editor Judy Meyer and advertising executive Dorothy Roderick.
Published
September 8, 2021

Portland music venue Aura to require proof of vaccination

The new policy begins Sept. 17 and requires patrons to be fully vaccinated or show a negative COVID test result.
Published
September 5, 2021

Writers for ‘Rugrats’ reboot have roots in Windham

The new version of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series from the ’90s features two Windham High School grads in crucial roles, Kate Boutilier as executive producer and Sam Clarke as script coordinator.
Published
August 30, 2021

How you like them apples? From a Maine orchard, of course

Maine’s apple orchards are open or opening soon for the season, with many planning special events for Maine Apple Sunday on Sept. 12.
Published
August 30, 2021

Eat & Run: What’s in store? Sushi made to order at Hannaford

Pick from the case or place an order at the Bento Sushi counter inside Hannaford’s Mill Creek location, as well as many others.
Published
August 29, 2021

Pop artists from across decades slated to play Maine this fall

Judy Collins and Kesha are among the big names from different eras with concerts scheduled this season.
Published
August 23, 2021

Soak up summer with these water-based activities

There’s still time to take advantage of these seasonal attractions.