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
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.
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.