WMTW News 8 Maine

WMTW News 8 Maine provides local news coverage and exclusive original content. The site covers a range of topics including breaking news, weather updates, community events and primary topics such as education and politics. The site has reported on several contradictions and conflicts of interest in the past, including issues within the U.S. Army Reserve concerning weapons accessibility and authorities' handling of potentially dangerous individuals.

86%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This news site has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on its reporting.

Bias

95%

Examples:

  • The article uses sensationalist language and does not disclose sources.
  • The title suggests a major spring snowstorm is imminent when in fact it's not mentioned anywhere else in the text.

Conflicts of Interest

90%

Examples:

  • Central Maine Power is reminding people not to try and remove any trees or limbs that have power lines in them.
  • Howell served as town manager for Carmel for about eight years. In his government role, he oversaw the operations of Carmel's public services departments and in his personal time ran a cedar furniture business as well as a family farm.

Contradictions

88%

Examples:

  • Sgt. First Class Card was not in duty status or under direct control of the U.S. Army at time of shooting (article) vs Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card had weapons despite being prohibited from accessing them while on duty (otherArticles)
  • The body of Kevin Howell was found within twenty minutes by divers which contradicts statements made earlier in the article about a thorough search being conducted for him.
  • The title implies that Kevin Howell was rescued from falling through the ice when he actually died after falling through it.

Deceptions

75%

Examples:

  • The article claims that restoration efforts will likely extend into late Tuesday or possibly even Wednesday for customers living in several coastal counties including Cumberland, York, Lincoln, Waldo, Knox and Sagadahoc. However according to the official release from Central Maine Power it is not clear if this is true.
  • The title suggests a major spring snowstorm is imminent when in fact it's not mentioned anywhere else in the text.

Recent Articles

  • Maine Mass Shooting: Failures in Communication Lead to Tragic Release of Military Reservist with Homicidal Ideations

    Maine Mass Shooting: Failures in Communication Lead to Tragic Release of Military Reservist with Homicidal Ideations

    Broke On: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 In 2023, Maine suffered its worst mass shooting when Robert Card killed 18 people and injured dozens at a bowling alley and restaurant. The tragedy highlighted communication breakdowns, including delays in notifying the military of his mental health issues and failed warnings from colleagues about his potential for violence. An Army investigation found communication failures between military and civilian hospitals, as well as within the chain of command, resulting in disciplinary action for three officers. The report recommended procedural changes and new policies to better manage reservists' mental health.
  • Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Threat in Northeast at Highest Level in 20 Years Amidst Post-Tropical Cyclone Beryl's Remnants

    Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Threat in Northeast at Highest Level in 20 Years Amidst Post-Tropical Cyclone Beryl's Remnants

    Broke On: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 The Northeast faces severe weather as Hurricane Beryl's remnants bring tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding. The greatest tornado threat is in an east-to-west corridor from Buffalo to Albany. Rochester braces for damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding on Wednesday.
  • New England Braces for Severe Storms and Tornadoes: Prepare Now for Potential Damage and Power Outages

    New England Braces for Severe Storms and Tornadoes: Prepare Now for Potential Damage and Power Outages

    Broke On: Sunday, 23 June 2024 A powerful cold front sweeping through New England on June 23, 2024, threatens severe storms with damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes. The highest risk for tornadoes is in Vermont and New Hampshire where a 10% chance exists within 25 miles. Prepare for power outages and damage as the second round of storms hits central and northern New England between noon and 5 p.m., and southern New England between 4 and 8 p.m. Stay informed, secure outdoor items, seek shelter during tornado warnings, avoid flooded roads, and follow local authorities' advice.
  • Family of Lewiston Shooter Expresses Guilt Over Role in Obtaining His Guns, Commission Criticizes Law Enforcement Response

    Family of Lewiston Shooter Expresses Guilt Over Role in Obtaining His Guns, Commission Criticizes Law Enforcement Response

    Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024 In October 2024, Robert Card, who had a history of mental health issues and a traumatic brain injury, carried out a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine that claimed 18 lives. Despite warnings from his family about his access to guns and threats to shoot up his Army unit in Saco, Maine authorities failed to take action under Maine's Yellow Flag law. Card's family testified before an independent commission about their feelings of guilt and anguish over their role in trying to help him. Researchers at Boston University reported evidence of significant traumatic brain injury at the time of the shootings, likely contributing to his behavioral changes.
  • 12 Inches of Snow Expected in Vermont and New York During Long Duration Winter Storm

    12 Inches of Snow Expected in Vermont and New York During Long Duration Winter Storm

    Broke On: Monday, 01 April 2024 A winter storm is set to hit Vermont and New York on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing over 12 inches of snow. The eastern Adirondacks in Northern New York are expected to receive over a foot of snow while Northern Vermont's Green Mountains will see 8-12 inches.
  • Wintry Weather Blankets US: New England and California See Mixed Conditions, Multiple Accidents and Power Outages

    Wintry Weather Blankets US: New England and California See Mixed Conditions, Multiple Accidents and Power Outages

    Broke On: Monday, 25 March 2024 A wintry storm hit the US on Saturday, causing heavy snow and gusty winds in New England and California. The aftermath of the storm saw hardy souls shoveling out while multiple road accidents, downed power lines and left hundreds of thousands without electricity.
  • Springtime Storm Brings Heavy Snow, Rain and Ice to Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday

    Springtime Storm Brings Heavy Snow, Rain and Ice to Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday

    Broke On: Sunday, 24 March 2024 A major springtime storm is set to hit Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday, bringing heavy snow, rain, and ice. Several Winter Storm Warnings are in place through 6am Sunday while Winter Weather Advisories are active until 2pm Saturday.
  • Tragic Drowning Incident in Maine: Town Manager and Wife Rescued, Son Left Alone

    Tragic Drowning Incident in Maine: Town Manager and Wife Rescued, Son Left Alone

    Broke On: Tuesday, 30 January 2024 Kevin Howell, the town manager of Carmel in Maine, and his wife Katie drowned on Friday after falling through a frozen pond. Kevin was able to get his son out of the water but also fell into the ice himself. Detective Jordan Norton from Penobscot County Sheriff's Office rescued Katie and pulled her out safely while a team of divers found Kevin's body in the pond.

  • Active Shooter Situation Reported in Lewiston, Maine

    Broke On: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 An active shooter situation occurred in Lewiston, Maine on October 25, 2023. The incident took place across two separate locations - a residential area and a commercial district. A shelter-in-place order was issued by the Lewiston Police Department, which was later lifted.