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 Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s 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 “Jeopardy!” 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.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, News

Maine children’s YouTuber Ms. Rachel draws criticism and praise for posts about Gaza

by Ray Routhier June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

Rachel Griffin Accurso’s outspoken posts asking the world to do more for the children of war-torn Gaza have garnered international media attention and prompted the group StopAntisemitism to ask the Department of Justice to investigate her.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This, Food, Guides, Life & Culture

Savor a Maine summer with these 17 outdoor dining spots

by Ray Routhier June 2, 2025August 28, 2025

Here’s where to go for a nosh, whether you’re seeking sidewalk cafe charm, ocean views, island solitude, a poolside lunch or river views.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine

New storytelling events in Maine let people share, Moth-style

by Ray Routhier May 28, 2025May 31, 2025

Monthly storytelling series are being held at venues in Portland and Lewiston, and other storytelling events have been held recently focused on health care, parenting, immigrant life and food.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine

See these 4 storytelling events in Portland, Lewiston and Damariscotta

by Ray Routhier May 28, 2025May 31, 2025

Here are some upcoming storytelling events and series around Maine: June 5: Stories Told Live, 7:15 p.m. at Blue Portland Maine, 650 A Congress St., Portland. $20. Six local people telling stories on stage. The shows are usually held the first Thursday of the month. Blueportlandmaine.org. June 5: The Corner, 7 p.m. at L/A Arts, […]

Arts & Entertainment, Do This, Life & Culture

15 Maine Pride events to help you celebrate this June

by Ray Routhier May 26, 2025May 27, 2025

There are Pride Month celebrations planned all over the state, including in Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Portland, Yarmouth, Brunswick, Lewiston, Waterville, Farmington and Eastport.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture

Maine singer Role Model to star in Netflix romcom with Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo

by Ray Routhier May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

Cape Elizabeth native Tucker Pillsbury is following his pop music success with a role in ‘Good Sex,’ which also stars Mark Ruffalo and will be directed by Lena Dunham.