Newsradio WGAN

Jon Fetherston of the Maine Wire joins Matt to discuss his take on what’s happening around Maine.

Matt discusses Elon Musk becoming a trillionaire after SpaceX's IPO, highlighting Graham Plattner's controversial tweet about Musk being the first trillionaire. He criticizes Plattner's viewpoint, arguing that it reflects a misguided economic worldview that wealth accumulation is at the expense of others.

The Grace Curley Show airs daily from Noon to 2 PM on WGAN, and every Monday, Grace speaks with us about the latest developments in national politics

The conversation discusses the political landscape in Maine, focusing on the ranked-choice voting (RCV) tabulation for the primary elections. Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, is already running general election ads. The gubernatorial race is closely contested, with Shenna Bellows and Troy Jackson leading. In the Democratic second congressional district race, Joe Baldacci, Matt Dunlap, and Jordan Wood are closely matched. The RCV process is ongoing, with no clear timeline for results. The discussion also touches on the potential impact of Angus King's voters on the gubernatorial race and the strategic importance of second-choice votes.

A Peace Deal Made?

June 15th is Elder Financial Exploitation Awareness Day Protecting Older Adults from Financial Abuse: What to Watch For and How to Help

Maine has the distinction of being the oldest state in the nation by median age, making the protection of older adults from financial exploitation more important than ever. Elder financial abuse is one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud, costing seniors billions of dollars annually and often targeting those who have worked a lifetime to build their savings and financial security.

What Is Elder Financial Abuse?Elder financial abuse occurs when someone improperly or illegally uses an older adult's money, property, assets, or financial resources for personal gain. Perpetrators can include strangers, scammers, caregivers, family members, friends, or trusted professionals

Warning Signs to Watch ForBe alert for these common red flags:

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank or investment accounts
• Sudden changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or beneficiaries
• Unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
• New "friends" or caregivers exerting unusual influence
• Large gifts or loans to unfamiliar individuals
• Increased secrecy about finances
• Missing checks, credit cards, or financial statements
• Confusion regarding recent financial transactions
• Isolation from family members or trusted advisors
• Pressure to make immediate financial decisions

• Imposter scams involving government agencies, financial institutions, or utility companies
• Grandparent scams claiming a loved one needs emergency funds
• Romance scams developed through social media or dating websites
• Tech support scams requesting remote access to devices
• Investment and cryptocurrency fraud
• Sweepstakes and lottery scams requiring upfront payments

• Recognizing signs of financial exploitation
• Understanding common scam tactics
• Reporting suspected abuse
• Effective communication with older adults
• Legal protections and reporting requirements
• Fraud prevention best practices

Common Scams Targeting Older AdultsTips to Help Prevent Financial ExploitationStay Connected

Isolation increases vulnerability. Regular communication with family, friends, and trusted advisors can help identify concerns early.

Verify Before Acting

Always independently verify requests involving money, personal information, or urgent action. Contact organizations directly using trusted phone numbers or websites.

Monitor Financial Accounts

Review account activity regularly and set up alerts for unusual transactions.

Protect Personal Information

Never share account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, or one-time verification codes with unsolicited callers, texts, or emails.

Designate Trusted Contacts

Many financial institutions offer trusted contact options that can be notified if unusual activity is detected.

Discuss Scams Openly

Regular conversations about current fraud trends can help older adults recognize and avoid scams.

The Importance of Training and Education

Education remains one of the most effective defenses against elder financial abuse. Organizations, caregivers, financial institutions, and community groups can benefit from training that covers: Financial institutions, senior centers, healthcare providers, and community organizations can play a critical role by offering workshops, seminars, and awareness programs throughout the year.

If You Suspect Financial Abuse

Act quickly. Document concerns, report suspicious activity to the financial institution, and contact appropriate authorities or adult protective services. Early intervention can often prevent further losses and help protect vulnerable adults from ongoing exploitation.As Maine's population continues to age, awareness, education, and vigilance are essential. By recognizing warning signs and promoting ongoing training, families, caregivers, and community organizations can work together to help older adults maintain their financial independence and security.

The conversation revolves around the positive impact of the World Cup on the United States, highlighting the influx of European visitors to various cities, including Kansas City, Atlanta, and Texas. Matt notes the excitement of Europeans experiencing American culture, such as national parks, Waffle House, and Cracker Barrel, and their appreciation for American stadiums and military flyovers. The discussion emphasizes the cultural exchange and the realization of shared roots, despite historical political tensions.

The phone calls continue to come in on a very listener driven edition of "Inside Maine" with Phil Harriman.

This week, Amanda Proctor, executive director of the Portland Recovery Community Center, and addiction expert Dr. Jonathan Fellers join us to discuss the current status of substance abuse in our communities.

The phones continue to light up in the second hour of today's show, with your host- Phil Harriman.