The pandemic has radically changed the way high school seniors apply to colleges, preventing many from physically touring and forcing them to rely on online information and virtual conversations to decide where to spend their next four years.
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.
Maine Sen. Angus King to be profiled on ’60 Minutes’ Sunday
The CBS news program talks to King, an independent, about his record for bipartisan cooperation and his vision for getting work done in a divided Congress.
You’ve been deprived of enough. This year, resolve to treat yourself
Make goals to try new food, focus more on self-care and support local businesses along the way.
Make the most of winter break with these kid-friendly activities
Like everything, school vacation week this holiday season will look and feel very different, but there are still lots of things to do virtually and outdoors.
Run & Eat: Empire returns in time for birthday takeout
The Portland Chinese restaurant reopened for takeout and curbside pickup in the fall with an online ordering system.
For shop clerks and DJs, it’s the most wonderful time for their ears
Incessant Christmas music started earlier than usual this year, but even people who have to listen to it nonstop don’t mind.
No time like the present to make your own gifts
Crafty Mainers are offering classes that can make for a fun activity and help with your shopping list.
How to deck the halls for a long winter at home
Make your home cozy and inviting with wreaths or holiday arrangements, pillows and blankets, and more natural light.
Make time, and space, for these holiday events
Maine holiday events have been adapted for safety this year, including several driving events featuring festive light displays.
Run & Eat: Sample several dumplings from BaoBao for a takeout treat
The Portland restaurant has online ordering and an easy curbside pickup system.