Josh Filler- Segment 5

Matt Gagnon discusses the trustworthiness of economic data, emphasizing the importance of timely, albeit imperfect, estimates for policy and business decisions. He explains the process of revising job reports, noting that initial estimates are revised as more data becomes available, with final accurate figures available a year later. Gagnon criticizes the Trump administration's economic policies, particularly tariffs, arguing they hinder economic activity, reduce exports, and inflate costs, ultimately leading to less economic growth and job creation. He contrasts this with the first Trump administration and highlights the predictable downward revisions in economic data. Gagnon also touches on the broader issues of honest media commentary and the challenges of making non-partisan critiques.

Trusting Economic Data

The Dogs Made the News

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

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

Josh Filler- Segment 5

Newsradio WGAN

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