On the 50th anniversary of King’s first book, ‘Carrie,’ features writer Ray Routhier shares some tales from his more than 25 years of covering the author for the Press Herald.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maineโs people and places. Heโs written about why so many businesses use the made-up word โMainelyโ in their names, how you can trace Portlandโs history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. Heโs interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and โJeopardy!โ A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Looking for ways to watch the eclipse? We’ve got you (totally) covered.
All you need to know about when, where and how to see the April 8 solar eclipse, plus events happening from southern Maine to Aroostook County, starting this week.
If you’re headed to Rangeley for the eclipse, here’s what else to do while you’re there
There are lots of eclipse activities, but also places to shop, dine and explore nature.
Hundreds rally in Portland, calling for immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza
Maine Coalition for Palestine calls on Maine’s state and federal representatives to push for an end to the violence that began in October.
When can you watch Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon on ‘American Idol’ next?
Gagnon’s platinum ticket allows her to skip the first round of Hollywood Week competition, airing Sunday. But on Monday’s show, she’ll likely find out if she’s one of the top 24 singers competing for the rest of the season.
Maine places inspired new novels by 2 Colby professors
‘Discipline’ by Debra Spark and ‘Bad Animals’ by Sarah Braunstein both came out this month. The teaching colleagues are holding a joint book launch event Thursday in Portland.
Cumberland woman kept quiet about her talent as a kid. Now, she’s singing on ‘American Idol’
Julia Gagnon, a senior at the University of Southern Maine, wanted to be on the internationally televised talent show as a way of sharing something with her birth mother in Guatemala. She’ll make her first appearance Sunday.
In the bleachers, in a tub or in the woods, here’s where Mainers read
The new book ‘Where Maine Reads’ features photos of 50 Mainers in their favorite reading spots, along with essays on what reading means to them.
Maine-based podcast ‘Dark Downeast’ is helping keep cold cases alive
Kylie Low, a former morning host on Portland radio station WJBQ, has been writing and hosting the podcast since 2020, with a focus on helping families of victims.
For Maine Restaurant Week, pick a dining or driving destination and go out
There are more than 70 restaurants statewide offering deals during the event, which starts Friday and runs through March 12.