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
March 29, 2020

Harpswell and its residents get their close-up in ‘Blow the Man Down’

The murder mystery was shot all over town, including Cundy’s Harbor and Orr’s and Bailey islands, and is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Published
March 26, 2020

SMCC professor creates device to help with shortage of ventilators

Dan Abbott, who teaches architectural and engineering design, says the splitter could allow multiple patients to use the same ventilator.
Published
March 26, 2020

House-bound animal lovers making room for foster pets

With nowhere to go and time on their hands during the outbreak, more people are offering to temporarily take in animals from shelters in Maine and nationwide.
Published
March 18, 2020

Even with customers scarce, some businesses decide it’s worth staying open

Bowling alleys, diners, movie theaters and micro-breweries were among the businesses that stayed open Tuesday, juggling financial survival with the potential for spreading coronavirus.
Published
March 12, 2020

When it comes to stocking up, some people have tissues

But many don’t. As Mainers worry about the coronavirus crisis, toilet paper is the one thing they don’t want to be caught without.
Published
March 12, 2020

Closings, cancellations and postponements: Check before you go

The latest events and activities canceled or postponed as a result of coronavirus.
Published
March 10, 2020

TV antenna users in southern Maine should rescan sets Wednesday

Three Portland-area stations are switching frequencies at 7 a.m., affecting people who watch TV using an antenna.
Published
March 8, 2020

America’s 1st canine movie star was this collie from Maine

Trained on a farm Down East, Jean the Vitagraph Dog starred in some 25 silent films, one of which is being shown around the state this month.
Published
February 26, 2020

Saco fishermen compete on new season of ‘Wicked Tuna’

Zack Plante and Charlie Boivin, co-captains of the Wasabi, will be featured on the new season of the TV show ‘Wicked Tuna,’ starting Sunday.
Published
February 24, 2020

Nibble and sip your way through Maine Restaurant Week

During this year’s event, which starts Sunday, some eateries are offering appetizer and cocktail pairings for $17.