Kennebec Journal

PATRIOTS: Gronk has back surgery

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent back surgery on Tuesday, his fifth operation this year.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: Paille steps up for Bs

BOSTON (AP) -- His teammates always knew Daniel Paille was more than a speedy penalty killer who specialized in defense for the Boston Bruins.

Long-awaited Hallowell Fire Station fixes nearing completion

Repairs meant to buy another two years of service out of the Hallowell Fire Station are nearly complete, granting time to construct a new station, possibly in concert with Farmingdale.

Maine House approves bill to extend reach of dental hygienists

Dental hygiene therapists would be able to do more procedures, such as filling cavities and pulling teeth, which only dentists now do.

Democrats' grading plan for Maine schools gets initial Senate approval

The bill would likely slow – and eventually replace – Gov. Paul LePage's A-F grading system, which was introduced early last month.

In mostly symbolic vote, Maine House supports gun background checks

The vote likely means the bill – a sweeping gun-control measure before it was weakened by lawmakers – will die.

Ex-Bulger cohort says he's not a serial killer

John Martorano says he is a "nice guy" who was only trying to help his family and friends when he pumped bullets into victims while working with Bulger and his gang.

LePage issues new policy: No more talking to newspaper

The policy comes after a series of articles about the Department of Environmental Protection.

Report: 8 million to gain legal status in Senate immigration bill

The Congressional Budget Office said deficits would fall by $197 billion across a decade, and by $700 billion in the following 10 years if the bill became law.

Hammond Lumber wins MEMIC safety award

Hammond Lumber Co. of Belgrade was honored last week for workplace safety, according to a news release from the Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Co.