Mornings

Peter Brennan

Photo: Newsradio WGAN, WGAN

Peter Brennan

Matt speaks with Peter Brennan Executive Director of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association. He discussed the proposed tobacco tax increase in Maine, which could rise from $1 to a higher amount, impacting all nicotine products. Brennan highlighted that this regressive tax would disproportionately affect low-income individuals and retailers, potentially driving consumers to neighboring states like New Hampshire. He noted that Massachusetts’ flavor ban led to increased sales in New Hampshire, suggesting a similar trend in Maine. Brennan urged consumers to contact their elected officials to oppose the tax hike, emphasizing the broader economic impact on retailers and consumers.

Local Headlines

7 hours ago in Local

Drought Conditions Unchanged in Maine as Major Storm Approaches Hardest Hit Areas

Some drought relief is expected in the coastal area.

8 hours ago in Local

Brunswick School Reopening After System Malfunction is Repaired

The school was closed out of an abundance of caution.

11 hours ago in Local

Police investigate overnight vandalism at 4 Portland businesses

Four Portland businesses all located within a block of each other were vandalized Wednesday night.

National Headlines

18 hours ago in National

Judge orders White House to restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico. Reporters still blocked

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's ban of three news outlets from the White House, ordering early Thursday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico must have their access restored. Reporters from all three outlets, however, said they remained blocked a few hours after the ruling.

3 days ago in National

California farmers are struggling to sell grapes as demand for wine drops

It's harvest time in California wine country, but many growers are struggling to sell their grapes as changing drinking habits have caused demand to plunge. The decline is forcing some growers to tear out vineyards that their families have grown for generations.

7 days ago in National, Trending

Early voting begins in US midterm elections that could flip control of Congress

In-person voting for this year's midterm elections began Friday, ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide which party they trust to lead Congress through a cost-of-living crisis, a prolonged war in Iran and other pressing issues.

2 weeks ago in National, Trending

US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, remembering the shock, the dead and the sweeping consequences of the al-Qaida attacks on symbols of U.S. might and prosperity.