Newscenter Insider - Friday, November 21st, 2008

November 21st, 2008 by jwade-wgan

THE WGAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

The WGAN Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant on Commercial Street in Portland.  Ken and Mike are your hosts and we have tons of great prizes and special guests planned!  Want to attend?  Sign up to be an Insider today and keep an eye on your email for a chance to get an invitation!

THIS WEEKEND ON WGAN

The John McDonald Show airs Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 10am.

Inside Maine with Phil Harriman and Barbara Merrill airs from 10am to 1pm Saturday.  Representative Boyd Marley sits in for Barbara this Saturday.

Here’s what you missed on the WGAN Morning News this morning:

Guests:
8:38-
Eva the Entertainment Diva with the WGAN Entertainment Report.

Topics:
6:38-What should be done with an 8-year old accused of shooting his father?
7:08, 7;38 & 8:08-Should anything further be done about the controversial sign in Standish?

Here’s the stories we’re following today in the WGAN 24-hour newscenter:

The trial of Ashton Moore, accused of the murder of Christina Simonin, is expected to wrap up today when the judge delivers his verdict (the defense elected to waive its right to a jury trial).

We’re expected to get a better picture of the state’s financial health today as the Revenue Forecasting Committee provides the legislature its projections on how much of a deficit is expected.  

Governor Baldacci will be on hand at 11:30am at the grand opening of the new Kittery Truck Stop, being operated by Irving Oil and Circle K.  It’s at the site of the former Howell’s Truck Stop.

State and Federal health officials gather in Kennebunk at noon today to announce new federal funding that will help eliminate lead hazards from low-income homes in Maine.

Following the incident this week in Standish and other incidents throughout the state, there is a “rally against hate” scheduled for 5pm tonight at USM’s Portland campus.  Governor Baldacci is among the dignitaries scheduled to attend.

Here’s the stories that have us talking behind the scenes at WGAN today:

NATIONAL/WORLD

Stocks dive again as gloom spreads

Big three to provide a plan for survival

Benefits extended as joblessness grows

Gas prices below $2 in 23 states

Oil below $50

US Attorney General collapses during speech

Aide:  Obama on track to nominate Clinton

Enhanced Senate role option for Clinton

Judge orders 5 Guantanamo inmates released

Protest planned in Iraq over US pact

UN to deploy peacekeepers in Congo

Winter Forecast mixed across state

Electric car plan unveiled in San Francisco

Layoffs at Weather Channel

AP cuts jobs

LOCAL

Projected state unemployment could be above 8%

Services escape brunt of cutbacks ordered at DHHS

State fund loses $3 billion

Standish councilors condemn sign

“Rally Against Hate” scheduled at USM tonight

Residents coping after Naples murder

Lewiston signs on for federal aid

Lawyer:  toss out statements of child-porn suspect

Group links puppy mills, national chain store

Action on Sears Island sought

Illegal immigrants sentenced

Ex-tribal officials found guilty

Study: hunger on the rise in Maine

New school chair says tight year ahead for Scarborough schools

UMaine dedicates student center in name of ex-school president

Extradition sought for Madison robbery

Hepatitis outbreak concern for Kennebunkport parents

Fights at Waterville nightclub lead to 5 arrests

Harpswell family escapes house fire

Oakland police arrest man after dangerous driving

Man dead after head-on collision in Dixmont

Dog mauls deputy

Attack in Auburn called hate crime

Maine man sues Sears over alleged discrimination

Sneeze leads to West Paris accident

Mainers facing drug charges in NH

Brunswick man acquitted of arson charge

Naples dispatch center to close

State troopers concerned about overtime

Embers from wood stove blamed for Saco fire

Bar Harbor guards town’s darkness

MISCELLANEOUS

Girls hockey gets official start as varsity sport in Maine

Senator Collins honored by boy scouts

UMaine educator named Professor of the Year

German airline looks to restore antique planes from Maine

Animal Refuge League seeks cat adopters

Madonna, Guy Ritchie make divorce settlement

Concern over “positive coverage” deal with Jolie, People Magazine

Newscenter Insider - Thursday, November 20th, 2008

November 20th, 2008 by jwade-wgan

THE WGAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

The WGAN Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant on Commercial Street in Portland.  Ken and Mike are your hosts and we have tons of great prizes and special guests planned!  Want to attend?  Sign up to be an Insider today and keep an eye on your email for a chance to get an invitation!

THIS WEEKEND ON WGAN

The John McDonald Show airs Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 10am.

Inside Maine with Phil Harriman and Barbara Merrill airs from 10am to 1pm Saturday.  Representative Boyd Marley sits in for Barbara this Saturday.

Here’s what you missed on the WGAN Morning News:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

Guests:
7:08-
Eye On Politics, featuring WGAN Senior Political Analysts Phil Harriman and Ethan Strimling, discussing the major political issues of the week.
8:08-Dean Scontras, telling us about The Republican Project and how he hopes it will re-shape the Republican Party in Maine.

Topics:
6:08 & 8:38-The Daily Rundown and the Daily Rundown Late Edition, recapping the top stories of the day with Ken and Mike’s takes on each of them.
6:38-With so many ex-Clinton insiders getting named to cabinet posts…how much “Change” is there in the Obama administraton?
7:38-Is a special Town Council Meeting in Standish over the controversial sign at the Oak Hill General Store necessary?

Here’s the stories we’re following in the WGAN 24-hour newscenter this morning:

Jury deliberations continue in the trial of a former Passamaquoddy governor in Bangor.

The trial of Ashton Moore, accused of the murder of Christina Simonin, resumes in Bangor today.

Governor Baldacci embarks on a trade mission to Toronto today…we’ll be monitoring the events of his trip. 

TSA and Jetport officials hold a 10:30am press conference at the airport to discuss Thanksgiving holiday travel.

At the Lewiston-Auburn Airport, there’s an 11:00am event where Aircraft Lufthansa opens up its hangar to the restoration of a Lockheed Super Star Aircraft.

There’s a Standish Town Council meeting at Town Hall at 1pm today to discuss the controversial sign at the Oak Hill General Store.  WGAN’s Brian Pelletier will be there and he’ll have a report this afternoon.

The American Lung Association is holding its Great American Smokeout today.  Click here for more information.

UMaine dedicates the Richard J. Randall Student Center today, in honor of their former president who passed away in June.

The Thomas Hill Standpipe in Bangor gets honored by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a significant landmark today.

Here’s the stories that have us talking behind the scenes at WGAN today:

NATIONAL

Dow drops below 8,000 in frantic selloff

Citigroup stocks hit 13-year low

Senate says no to auto-bailout bill

Ford, GM:  Bankruptcy filing not an option

Fed hints at further rate cuts

Home starts sink to record-low pace

Companies asking for change in pension

Clinton still considering Obama cabinet post

Daschle to take over Health and Human Services

Arizona Governor said to be pick for Homeland Security

AG pick gets scrutiny for Clinton pardons

California Supreme Court to take up gay marriage ban

US-Iraq security pact may be in violation

Iran increases stockpile of uranium

Progress seen in Russia-Georgia talks

Al-Qaeda insults Obama in new message

Somali pirates seize 9th vessel in 12 days

US Navy taking steps against piracy

Recount begins over Senate seat in Minnesota

Stevens concedes in Alaska

Romney op-ed:  Let Detroit go bankrupt

Kerry set to take over Foreign Relations Committee

Bush administration set to change endangered species policy

Report claims bias in US humanitarian aid

New runways at 3 airports make capacity jump

8-year old murder suspect to spend holiday with mother

Prostitute involved in Spitzer case apologizes to his wife

Dating website settles lawsuit with gay man

LOCAL

Baldacci orders deep spending cuts

Baldacci set to embark on trade trip

State education spending cuts could force spending cuts

UMF expected to make cuts

Ocean Properties back in the mix for Pier development

Michaud meets with Obama team

Lawmakers proposes $19 million for ‘green energy’ mills

Gun sales way up in Maine

Race incidents based on “lunatic fringe”

Augusta man sues retailer over alleged ethnic slurs

Report:  Victim’s wife went to house unarmed

As murder trial continues, family remembers victim

State sex-offender registry challenge to go to trial

Man arrested on sex crimes

Racino recount upheld in Scarborough

No bids submitted for former Moosehead manufacturing plant

USM wants frats, sororities to meet their neighbors

New PAC focuses on GOP basics

Deliberations in tribal case to continue today

Trap killing of lynx under investigation

Campaign for “Lobster Thanksgiving” underway

Scallop season shortened for next year

Teen killed in crash mourned

3 arrested in thefts of guns, electronics

Drug arrest in Skowhegan

Man who claimed theft gets arrested

Man sought by police after chase

Windmill project a “go” at UMPI

School, DMV open after water main break Wednesday

Cape residents weigh in on walking path

Business owner upset over new tax filing requirement

MISCELLANEOUS

Anonymous donor helps Norridgewock restaurant give Thanksgiving meals to needy

Maine Superintendent of the year named

Holiday tree arrives in Portland

At long last, Guns ‘N Roses “Chinese Democracy” set for release (really)

Scientists close to making “Jurassic Park” reality with Woolly Mammoth

Girl lives 118 days without heart

“50 cent” doesn’t find Taco Bell offer funny

Why hanging out online may help your teen

Newscenter Insider - Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

November 19th, 2008 by jwade-wgan

THE WGAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

The WGAN Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant on Commercial Street in Portland.  Ken and Mike are your hosts and we have tons of great prizes and special guests planned!  Want to attend?  Sign up to be an Insider today and keep an eye on your email for a chance to get an invitation!

Here’s what you missed on the WGAN Morning News this morning:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2008

Guests:
7:08-
Congresswoman-Elect Chellie Pingree, discussing her orientation in Washington in advance of her swearing-in, and her thoughts on the automaker bailout proposal.

Topics:
6:08 & 8:38-
The Daily Rundown and Daily Rundown Late Edition, recapping the top stories of the day with Ken and Mike’s takes on each of them.
6:38-Should the military revise it’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?
7:38 & 8:08-Is a legislative resolution opposing racist statements against Barack Obama necessary?

Here’s the stories we’re following in the WGAN 24-hour newscenter this morning:

Governor Baldacci will outline the specifics of his budget curtailment order at 1pm at the State House; WGAN’s Brian Pelletier will be there and will have updates this afternoon. 

In Bangor, jury deliberations are underway in the trial of a former Passamaquoddy governor and business manager over misuse of tribal funds.

Up for discussion tonight in Cape Elizabeth:  a proposed bike-pedestrian path on Shore Road.   It’s at town hall at 7pm. 

It’s day 3 of the trial of Ashton Moore, accused in the murder of Christina Simonin in Bangor.

The City of Portland gets its Christmas tree this morning…the tree, donated by Joyce Smith from Gorham, arrives in Monument Square at 10:30am.   It gets lit a week from Friday, on the day after Thanksgiving.

Here’s the stories that have us talking behind the scenes at WGAN this morning:

NATIONAL

Consumer prices drop

Home prices take plunge

Alaska Senator loses re-election bid

Leiberman retains Senate chairmanship

McCain welcomed back to Senate

Obama reportedly makes AG choice

Bill Clinton reportedly in talks to smooth Hillary’s path to cabinet post

Big 3 automaker chiefs ask for aid

Astronauts lose tool bag, forcing change in plans

Concerns over cost of Obama Inauguration

Maliki tries to rally support for US security pact

Pirates who hijacked supertanker demand $10 million ransom

Indian Navy sinks pirate ship

Bonfire blamed for sparking California wildfire

8-year old in murder case says he didn’t shoot first

Detained 9/11 figure faces new charges

Cheney, Gonzalez indicted in South Texas County

Alan Keyes sues over Obama citizenship

Military recruitment up

Oil at $54

Clean-air rules would be eased for parks

Use of antipsychotics in kids criticized

LOCAL

Senator Collins pleased at Leiberman vote

AG: Police justified in fatal shooting

Sheriff’s deputies involved in shooting return to duty

Day 2 of murder trial continues in Bangor

Woman with same name as suspect in Naples killing dealing with mistaken identity

Legislators in Naples area to submit anti-racism resolution

Governor to outline details of budget curtailment

Report:  Maine tourism impacted by economic downturn

Portland School Committee expected to name Eglington chair

Telemedicine company to close, 200 jobs lost

Winthrop call center promises 200 jobs

Call center in Wilton to add jobs

Lower diesel costs “not making a difference” for lobstermen

$5 million in aid for shellfish industry

Augusta bank robbed

Budget cuts delaying analysis of rape kits at state crime lab

Ex-tribal governor’s case goes to jury

Maine 6th in spending to keep people from smoking

Local towns in a pinch over salt

Dual uses for Sears Island supported

State officials defend licensing oversight process

County commissioner plans to fight for seat

Court makes doctors’ prescription habits private

Report:  increase in racial slurs since Obama election

3 charged in York County burglary spree

Police taser man choking his girlfriend

Norridgewock fire injures man, kills dog

Brunswick fire ruled arson

Unity College report:  hunger on rise in Waldo County

Concerns over lack of rheumatologists in Maine

Roof of 170-year old church collapses in East Winslow

Landowner fined for forest violation

Bangor man wins $5 million in damages from CMP

Funeral service Saturday for Hartland firefighter

Cape E. police captain placed on administrative leave

Work starts on Higgins Beach seawall

Scarborough racino proponents inspect ballots

Search for new manager at Sanford Airport underway

Dog in abuse case finds new home

MISCELLANEOUS

Event honors foster, adoptive families

Newscenter Insider - Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

November 18th, 2008 by jwade-wgan

THE WGAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

The WGAN Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant on Commercial Street in Portland.  Ken and Mike are your hosts and we have tons of great prizes and special guests planned!  Want to attend?  Sign up to be an Insider today and keep an eye on your email for a chance to get an invitation!

Here’s what you missed on the WGAN Morning News this morning:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2008

No guests today-click on our Audio Archives to listen to recent interviews!

Topics:
6:08 & 8:38-
The Daily Rundown and the Daily Rundown Late Edition, recapping the top stories of the day with Ken and Mike’s takes on each of them.
6:38 & 8:08-Should soda be banned from being purchased by people using food stamps?
7:08 & 7:38-20 years after a controversial hunting accident…has our attitudes towards hunting changed?

Here’s the stories we’re following in the WGAN 24-hour Newscenter today:

We continue to follow the latest developments surrounding the shooting death of a Naples man. 

The trial of Ashton Moore continues today; he’s accused in the rape and murder of Christina Simonson.

Governor Baldacci joins other business and economic development leaders at the Carleton Mills building in Winthrop at 11am for what they’re calling a “major economic development announcement”.

Here’s the stories that have us talking behind the scenes at WGAN today:

NATIONAL/WORLD

Paper:  Clinton to accept Secretary of State job

Clinton business dealings under under review

McCain, Obama meet, vow to work together

Stalemate over auto bailout bill

GM ask Germany for credit guarantee

Major job cuts at Citigroup

Yahoo CEO to step down

Target to cut prices after earnings miss mark

Analyst predicts “gray” Black Friday

Union backs Obama plan for teacher merit raises

Gasoline cheapest since March ‘05

Bush administration discounts royalties on oil shale drilling

Kennedy returns to Senate

Admirals, Generals call for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Fires continue in California

Pirates capture tanker with $100 million cargo

Nebraska debates age for safe-haven law

California asks court to weigh ban on gay marriage

Stevens shows no signs of leaving Supreme Court

Bush trying again to stem holiday delays

Administration trying to protect key appointees

TSA “Behavior detection” scrutinized

Canceled Iraq contracts cost US $600 million

LOCAL

Maine delegation wary of auto bailout, want specifics

Maine car dealers optimistic-for now

Portland officials ends talks with Olympia for pier project

Shooting in Naples

Hartland man dies fighting fire

Family pleads no jail time for child’s attacker

Murder, rape trial begins in Bangor

Man charged in hostage event indicted in gun case

Fire in Detroit leaves family homeless

Helicopter helps find lost teen in Poland

Tight credit takes toll on Maine firms

Maine foreclosures rise, pose no threat to bank

No problems on day one of new rules for license renewal

Injured Bangor man awarded $5 million

UMaine System faces budget cuts

Court system calls proposed budget cuts “devastating”

Ex-tribal governor denies misusing funds

Dead bull found in Chelsea; poaching suspected

Man indicted on charge of fake therapist’s license

Brunswick police officer in crash

Law helps adoptees access information

Androscoggin County Commissioner vacates seat

Vigil set for crash victim

Towns reaping tax benefits from wind farms

Heating oil prices down again

DOT gets feedback on Veterans Bridge construction

South Portland amends tattoo parlor ordinance

Car sharing coming to Portland

Tribute to Paul Merrill approved by Portland City Council

Hannah Pingree op-ed piece on why Democrats won big majority in Maine

MISCELLANEOUS

Maine ski areas coat trails

Desire for local man to join Marines leads to big weight loss

See Kim Block’s “China Journey”

Owner of Dallas Mavericks charged with insider trading

Obama’s “60 Minutes” interview nets show’s biggest audience in 9 years

Study:  Unhappy people watch more TV

Pujouls named NL MVP

“Full Mall” expected for inauguration

Newscenter Insider - Monday, November 17th, 2008

November 17th, 2008 by jwade-wgan

BARACK OBAMA-EXCLUSIVE 60 MINUTES INTERVIEW-HEARD ON WGAN

Sunday Night, President-Elect Barack Obama had his first interview following the November 4th election on 60 Minutes.  You heard it live on WGAN-before it aired on TV!  Remember, even if football delays the start of 60 Minutes on TV, it’s always on at 7pm on Newsradio 560 WGAN.

THE WGAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

The WGAN Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant on Commercial Street in Portland.  Ken and Mike are your hosts and we have tons of great prizes and special guests planned!  Want to attend?  Sign up to be an Insider today and keep an eye on your email for a chance to get an invitation!

Here’s what you missed on the WGAN Morning News this morning:

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2008

Guests:
7:08-
Emily Posner of Defending Water for Life, discussing their concerns about Pierce-Atwood and Poland Spring.
7:38-Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, discussing the new requirements to get a driver’s license that go into effect today.

Topics:
6:08 & 6:38-
The Daily Rundown and The Daily Rundown Late Edition, recapping the top stories of the day and Ken and Mike’s takes on each of them.
6:38 & 8:08-Reaction to Barack Obama’s 60 Minutes interview and reaction to a sign controversy about the President-Elect in Standish.

Here’s the stories we’re following in the WGAN 24-hour newscenter this morning:

Today is the first day new requirements go into effect that change the way you get your driver’s license.  There’s some
added paperwork you’ll need, in accordance with the Real ID act supported by the Bush administration.

A court appearance is expected this morning in the case of a man involved in a weekend hostage situation in Westbrook.

The Maine Bar Association will be honoring the work of longtime judge Frank Coffin tonight in Portland. 

MONDAY

NATIONAL/WORLD

60 Minutes interview:  Security team, economy top priorities for Obama

Obama calls for aid to US auto industry, with conditions

Obama faces pressue on immigration reform

Lawmakers divided over auto bailout

Clintons getting review of finances…ahead of Hillary cabinet post?

Fires rage in California

Truck ban hampers US-Afghan supply lines

Gay marriage in Mass-5 years later

Karzai offers passage to Taliban leader for talks

Obama officially resigns from Senate

LOCAL

State sees revenues declining

Controversy over sign in Standish

Power outages in Central Maine

Grid needs upgrades for wind power

Westbrook now searching for new superintendent

Drop in heating oil prices good news for those who didn’t lock in

Mainers train Montenegro’s troops

Westbrook man charged after brief hostage standoff

Sex offender in Lewiston arrested after alleged violation

Lebanon accident hospitalizes three

Fellow Erskine Academy students mourn loss of teen in weekend crash

Motorcycle crash victim remains in coma

Bridge destruction threatens trail access in Windham

Developer lifts parking ban in dispute with churchgoers

MCLU takes on Maine Wardens in ATV dispute

Mobile home fire in Brunswick

Governor to visit Toronto for trade mission

MISCELLANEOUS

Longtime judge recalls history

Child care centers feel pinch

Meet Portland’s Christmas tree

19th-century house facing criticism for safety issues

Ted Williams’ stuff for auction

Cougar mauling in Miami