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
April 19, 2020

Take a tip from Mainers who lived in isolation long before coronavirus

We might all gain perspective from the experiences of ‘North Pond Hermit’ Christopher Knight, Donn Fendler of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” or Burt Shavitz of Burt’s Bees.
Published
April 13, 2020

Go ahead, touch that dial; it’s time to rediscover local radio

Now that you’re home all day, tune into what you’ve been missing.
Published
April 12, 2020

What Maine writers read when they need the comfort of a good book

Authors offer their suggestions for books to soothe the mind in tumultuous times.
Published
April 6, 2020

Brain getting dull as the walls close in? Sharpen it up with these Maine-centric quizzes

You’re already spending most of the day online; check these out to test your knowledge of news, history, music, culture and sports.
Published
April 6, 2020

Seed sales soar as Mainers put down roots at home

Amid fears of food availability and looking for ways to feel useful, Mainers are taking to gardening in a big way.
Published
April 3, 2020

Window washer charged with stealing N95 protective masks in Bangor

Jonathan McCue, hired to wash windows at Bangor City Hall, allegedly stole 80 N95 masks meant for first responders.
Published
April 3, 2020

Governor orders travelers to self-quarantine, suspends all lodging businesses

The executive order requires anyone traveling from out of state to Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Published
April 3, 2020

Maine Democrats cancel May convention

The convention was to be held May 29-30 in Bangor but delegates will now vote remotely because of the coronavirus risk.
Published
April 2, 2020

Country singer Kalie Shorr, who grew up in Portland, recovering from COVID-19

Now living in Nashville, Shorr said on Twitter that the worst of her symptoms have passed.
Published
April 1, 2020

Freeport woman to appear on ‘Jeopardy!’ fulfilling lifelong goal

Tiffany Eisenhauer, a physician assistant, will appear on the famed game show Thursday at 7:30 p.m. It’s seen locally on Portland station WMTW.