WASHINGTON — Four painful years after the Great Recession struck and wiped out 8.7 million jobs, the United States may finally be in an elusive pattern known as a virtuous cycle — an escalating loop of hiring and spending.

What happens when a child arrives in an emergency room with a serious injury?

SKOWHEGAN — Not only is Redington-Fairview General Hospital one of the 100 best performing hospitals in the country, but it earned the designation despite the challenges of being in a rural, relatively isolated area, according to a recent study.

PORTLAND — A group of investors led by former Portland Press Herald president Chris Harte intends to become the majority owner of the Portland Press Herald and MaineToday Media.