Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

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
February 22, 2021

Cinemagic closes theaters permanently, leaving more than 30 movie screens in southern Maine dark

Cinemagic will not reopen its 8 theaters in New England, including multiplexes in Saco, Westbrook and South Portland, but other theater operators believe moviegoing will make a comeback.
Published
February 22, 2021

Three-course meal to go? That’s one of the options during this year’s Maine Restaurant Week

During the pandemic, the focus will be on what restaurants are offering, including some three-course dinners for takeout and outdoor or indoor dining.
Published
February 16, 2021

Yarmouth Clam Festival canceled for second year in a row

Festival organizers decided the July celebration could not go on as scheduled.
Published
February 15, 2021

Stormy weather cancels Tuesday vaccine clinics

MaineHealth will close or delay the openings of vaccine clinics around the state Tuesday because of predicted snow and sleet.
Published
February 15, 2021

Old Orchard Beach man killed in Massachusetts crash

Joshua Avery, 42, died after a crash early Sunday on I-495 in Tewksbury.
Published
February 15, 2021

Monday’s COVID-19 case count continues to remain low, Maine CDC reports

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday reported 150 new cases and no deaths.
Published
February 15, 2021

Where to take a mid-winter getaway without leaving Maine

Take a break from the pandemic by visiting a different area of the state, whether your thing is scenic drives and small-town charm, or skiing, hiking and snowmobiling.
Published
February 13, 2021

In months of isolation, has the pandemic made the heart grow fonder?

Social isolation has slowed romance for some, by putting off weddings and making dating difficult, but it’s also intensified relationships, for better or for worse, pushing others to tie the knot or seek professional help.
Published
February 9, 2021

‘Alone’ winner from Maine brings his slingshot to new TV competition

Zachary Fowler of Union won $500,000 on the History Channel’s ‘Alone,’ and Thursday he’ll try for $100,000 on TBS’ ‘Go-Big Show’ by wielding a slingshot.
Published
February 8, 2021

Safe ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, out and at home

Virtual and socially distant options for marking the occasion in Maine include artist-made love notes, romantic music, goat hikes, rom-coms and upscale takeout.