The City Council is scheduled to act Monday on a proposal to close a block of the Old Port street to cars on Sundays June 16 to Sept. 23.
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.
Find a state park that suits your camping style
The best spots for wildlife watching, ocean views, biking, hiking trails and more.
Renowned songwriter Joe Henry continues his musical self-discovery in Maine
The critically acclaimed musician, who moved to Harpswell in 2021, is revered by peers and critics for his evocative songwriting and has won three Grammys as a producer.
Eat & Run: Mitr in Portland puts a twist on Thai
Mitr Ping Yang Thai Kitchen on outer Congress Street serves up grilled meats and Thai street food.
Southern Maine’s fleet of mobile eateries keeps growing
A look at what seven new food trucks are serving up this summer.
Maine summer concerts selling fast, but there are alternatives
The dozens of rock and pop shows scheduled this year include Extreme, Dispatch, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Gregory Alan Isakov, Rufus Wainwright, Goose and Santana.
From historic homes to an umbrella cover collection, seasonal museums bring infusion of culture and fun
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art and Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport are open now, with more opening around Memorial Day.
Yvonne Jacquette, painter and long-time Maine summer resident, dies at 88
She had spent summers since the mid-60s at her home in Searsmont and was known nationally for her aerial views.
From the archives: Belafonte makes world of difference
There’s no way Harry Belafonte could be just a singer-actor-producer, not while there are children out there somewhere who need a helping hand.
From the archives: Harry Belafonte, fans shake rafters
The musician played Merrill Auditorium in 1998.