$7.1 billion budget to a $11.6 billion budget is not responsible governance. Maine needs at least some fiscal common sense in our leadership. Currently we have none!

Matt Gagnon and Speaker Ryan Fecteau discussed the recent legislative session in Maine, focusing on the adjournment, veto process, and specific bills. Fecteau explained that bills cannot be acted upon by the governor until the next session, which will include three legislative days. They highlighted the ranked choice voting bill, which was pulled back for potential Supreme Court review. The session ended with significant budget debates, including funding sources like the $50 tobacco tax and the real estate transfer tax. Fecteau defended the budget increases, citing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, despite concerns about rising costs and comparisons to New Hampshire's funding methods.

Speaker Ryan Fecteau

We speak with Michael Colello Co-chairman, St. Peter’s Bazaar & Italian Street Festival


The 100th Annual St. Peter’s Italian Festival kicks off this Friday August 8th on Federal Street between India and Hampshire Streets in the old “Little Italy” neighborhood of Portland, ME. The feast celebrating the “Assumption of Mary and Saint Rocco” begins 5:00 pm and goes until 10:00 pm on Friday August 8th and Saturday August 9th. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the History of St. Peter’s and the Spirit of Little Italy” in Portland, ME.


The Italian cookie baking crew will be at it all day Today and Tomorrow beginning at 7:30 am. During this 2-day event leading up to the festival they will handcraft 13,000 Italian cookies, 3500 Cannoli, 2000 Pizzelles, plus cakes, Tiramisu, and new this year the Italian Rainbow Cake. These very experienced bakers will use 180 dozen eggs, 600 pounds of flour and 250 pounds of sugar to create these delicious confectionary delights.

St. Peter's Festival Preparation

Kristofor Healey, Homeland Security Analyst joins the program discussing all matters related to Homeland Security.

Kristofor Healey

Howie's on vacation and in for Howie all week is Aaron Chadbourne. 

Tuesday's With Howie Carr

Matt Gagnon discussed the Texas Democrats' absence from the state to prevent a quorum and delay GOP efforts to redraw congressional maps. Texas Speaker Dustin Burrows authorized arrest warrants for absent lawmakers, and Governor Greg Abbott ordered their arrest. The Illinois Democratic Party supported this move, highlighting the irony of Democrats criticizing gerrymandering while using similar tactics. Gagnon criticized the Democrats' actions as political theater, noting their hypocrisy given their past gerrymandering efforts. He also pointed out the gerrymandered nature of the Illinois 13th District, drawing a comparison to historical gerrymandering practices.

Texas Democrats' absence

Phil Harriman has served in Augusta, and is the founder of WGAN’s Saturday show “Inside Maine.” Every week he joins the WGAN Morning News in-studio to discuss his latest take on the current state of politics in the state, the country, and around the world.

Phil Harriman

Travis Kennedy

Ben Midgley, founder of fitness chains including Planet Fitness, announced his candidacy for Maine's 2026 gubernatorial election. Midgley, 55, highlighted his experience in the fitness industry and his personal journey from unemployment to success. He emphasized issues like rising costs of living, burdensome regulations, and Maine's drug epidemic. Midgley also mentioned his commitment to self-funding his campaign, contrasting with candidates like Mitt Romney who hid their wealth. The discussion also touched on the challenges wealthy candidates face in politics, advocating for authenticity and embracing one's success.

Ben Midgley's Run For Governor

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pursuing legal action to remove House Democrats who fled the state, asserting they have abandoned their positions. Paxton plans to file cases in district courts, which could lead to appeals and special elections if successful. Governor Greg Abbott has bypassed district courts by filing an emergency petition with the state supreme court. Paxton's 2021 legal opinion on quorum breaking did not address constitutionality or removal of lawmakers. Democrats' response has been criticized as ineffective, with some questioning the legality of their out-of-state arrangements. The situation highlights tensions over partisan redistricting in Texas.

House Democrats Fled The State

Elon Musk's protege and former Doge staffer, Edward Gorestein, known as "Big Balls," was injured in a carjacking in Washington, DC, sparking President Trump's threat to federalize the city. Trump's post on Truth Social included a graphic image. DC police arrested a 15-year-old boy and girl from Maryland. Year-to-date, violent crime in DC is down 26% from 2024. Despite this, Trump called for prosecuting children as young as 14 as adults. Matt Gagnon discussed the complexities of crime statistics and the perceived safety of cities, emphasizing the importance of anecdotal evidence in public policy decisions.

Doge Staffer Injured

Southern Maine's Source For News, With Updates 24/7  & Breaking News As It Happens.

Speaker Ryan Fecteau

Newsradio WGAN

Recent comments

John MacDonald

Related tracks