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
May 30, 2020

Mills directs Corrections Department to buy surplus restaurant food

The announcement comes days after a decision to postpone the June 1 reopening of southern Maine restaurants drew complaints.
Published
May 26, 2020

State guidelines convince more Maine summer camps to close

The guidance for guarding against the coronavirus has left many other operators hopeful they can do something this summer, while still others remain undecided.
Published
May 25, 2020

Line problem causes two-hour CMP power outage early Monday

About 6,900 customers in South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and two Portland islands were affected.
Published
May 25, 2020

Maine CDC reports 19 more coronavirus cases, no new deaths

There were 706 active cases in the state on Monday, down slightly from 714 on Sunday.
Published
May 25, 2020

Run & Eat: Ramen and rice on the run

Pai Men Miyake in Portland brings its creative and tasty ramen, rice bowls and other dishes speedily to your car.
Published
May 24, 2020

Beer to go may be here to stay

Maine breweries are offering curbside pickup and delivery during the pandemic, and for the foreseeable future, as customers appreciate the convenience.
Published
May 20, 2020

Portland restaurateur wins $12,000 on ‘Jeopardy!’

Nathan Berger, who also works as a sommelier, will appear Thursday at 7:30 p.m. to defend his title.
Published
May 18, 2020

Portland radio personality Randi Kirshbaum says she was fired for not returning to work in office

Kirshbaum wanted to continue working at home because of health concerns related to COVID-19. She says she was fired by Portland Radio Group, but the company calls it a layoff and says she might be brought back.
Published
May 14, 2020

Portland cancels annual Fourth of July celebration

City officials cited continued COVID-19 rules against large gatherings and budget issues.
Published
May 14, 2020

With movie theaters closed, a spot at the drive-in is a hot ticket

Outdoor movies will start showing at 4 Maine drive-ins this week and some are already sold out, with people eager for their first out-of-the-house entertainment in 2 months.