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
September 10, 2023

You’ve seen him on TV. Now, you can join him aboard his windjammer in Rockland

Actor Marc Evan Jackson, known for roles on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and ‘The Good Place,’ spent most of his childhood desperately wanting to sail on Maine windjammers. Last year, he became part owner of one.
Published
September 9, 2023

5 people taken to hospital after walkway collapse at Arrowsic lighthouse

Six others were also hurt but didn’t require treatment after the Doubling Point Lighthouse walkway collapsed during Maine Open Lighthouse Day on Saturday.
Published
September 9, 2023

Hundreds gather in Portland to support people in recovery

Portland Recovery Community Center held its 10th annual Rally 4 Recovery to give hope to people seeking to overcome addiction.
Published
September 8, 2023

Parrot Heads flock to Kennebunk funeral home to share grief over Jimmy Buffett

Bibber Memorial Chapel has invited grieving fans of Jimmy Buffett to celebrate the singer and sign a condolence book for his family. Calling hours continue Saturday.
Published
September 4, 2023

Mainer who attended Burning Man says a little mud didn’t ruin Nevada festival for her

Brigid Rankowski, of Portland, says her time at the festival – where rain washed out the main road – was great and that she’d do it again.
Published
September 4, 2023

Portland man found dead in Sebago Lake after divers’ search

Maine Warden Service divers recovered the body of Ahmed Doale, 28, of Portland, on Monday morning.
Published
September 1, 2023

Sound effects: Yarmouth music center expands to meet demand

After a $6.5 million expansion, 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth now serves 800 students of all ages a week and hosts a variety of programs and concerts.
Published
August 20, 2023

Waterville authors’ marriage has stood the test of time – and deadlines

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have co-authored science fiction novels and stories for more than 35 years. Their 25th Liaden Universe novel came out in July, and they’ve collaborated on 100 works in all.
Published
August 6, 2023

South Portland native writes about life before and after becoming ‘Bernie’s Mitten Maker’

Jen Ellis, who lives in Vermont, gained fame in 2021 when Bernie Sanders wore her mittens at the presidential inauguration. She’ll speak about her book, ‘Bernie’s Mitten Maker,’ on Wednesday at Longfellow Books in Portland.
Published
August 6, 2023

Home AC units – in Maine, all the cool kids are using them

Air conditioning has long been considered unnecessary – even luxurious – for many Mainers. But as summers get hotter, the need for cool, dry homes is creating converts.

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