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
January 1, 2023

Part-time Mainer aims to make science relatable in PBS series

Physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, a Maine summer resident, is host of the upcoming three-part PBS series ‘Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.’
Published
January 1, 2023

After so much stress, the way we dress has become more about comfort

The pandemic loosened company dress codes and changed many Mainers’ mindsets about what they wear, at work and play.
Published
November 16, 2022

News Center Maine anchor Pat Callaghan retiring after 43 years

He began as a Maine TV news reporter in 1979 and has been co-anchor of the station’s main newscasts since 1989. His last day is Dec. 9.
Published
November 15, 2022

Maine native Amy Allen nominated for new songwriter Grammy

The 2010 Waynflete graduate, who grew up in Windham and South Portland, was nominated Tuesday for songwriter of the year. The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live Feb. 5 on CBS.
Published
November 6, 2022

B&M fans say makers from away don’t know beans

After nearly 100 years of being baked in Portland, the iconic Maine brand is now made in the Midwest. Longtime enthusiasts say they can taste the difference – even if they’d rather not.
Published
November 6, 2022

Selected poems by Maine veteran Ryan Stovall

From his book, ‘Black Snowflakes Smothering a Torch: Or How to Talk to Your Veteran – A Primer,’ released this month.
Published
November 6, 2022

Former Green Beret wants his poetry to serve as a manual for talking to veterans

Ryan Stovall of Phillips says his new book of poems, ‘Black Snowflakes Smothering a Torch,’ is meant to help people learn how to better understand and interact with those who have been through war.
Published
October 30, 2022

Jennifer Finney Boylan’s new novel with Jodi Picoult is literally a dream come true

The Maine-based writer and LGBTQ activist had never met Picoult before they decided to co-write ‘Mad Honey,’ a murder mystery novel that went on sale Oct. 4.
Published
October 15, 2022

Filmmaker group pictures a brighter future for Maine’s movie industry

A new group called Picture Maine is part of a growing effort by local film professionals to create a larger media production industry in the state.
Published
October 10, 2022

Round out your fall with pumpkins, cider doughnuts and other autumnal fun

Immerse yourself in the season with hay rides, scarecrow displays and more.