A primer about the state’s people, history and culture can be found in the everyday things that make up Maine life.
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.
6-screen cinema reopens in Freeport
The owners of the Nickelodeon in Portland are operating Patriot Cinemas at Freeport Village in the former Nordica Theatre space.
Maine Literary Awards honor local authors
More than 300 authors submitted their works to the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, with winners chosen in more than a dozen categories.
11 Maine fairs to hit for summer fun
Fairs are scheduled this summer in Acton, Hiram, Monmouth, Topsham, Skowhegan, Union and Waterford, among others.
After 46 years, Maine’s first queer magazine is back in print, one last time
One final issue of Mainely Gay was printed this year as a way to commemorate the history of LGBTQ+ activism in the state.
Maine author adapting his novel set in Waterville for Netflix
Ron Currie is adapting his 2025 novel ‘The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne’ for Netflix. A prequel, ‘We Will See You Bleed,’ will be released July 7.
These Maine authors’ novels are being developed by Netflix, Amazon and Paramount
An update on books by Tess Gerritsen, Travis Kennedy, Adam White and Ron Currie that were being developed for TV or film in the last few years.
Maine talk show, film about Portland radio station win New England Emmys
A documentary about Portland radio station WMPG and David Letterman’s surprise visit to ‘The Nite Show’ were among the winners Saturday.
How to watch the World Cup for free at home
With an antenna, Mainers can watch the upcoming World Cup soccer games and lots of other things. Here’s what to know.
Portland’s Resurgam festival expanding into the Old Port
The event will be held over two days this year, with new outdoor stages and several bars and restaurants hosting acts.