A small earthquake was recorded in Rhode Island around 11:30 Thursday night. The 1.8 magnitude quake happened just south of Jamestown, according to the United States Geological Survey. University of Rhode Island geosciences professor Brian Savage says although they’re rare, earthquakes do happen in the northeast. “The whole east coast is built up of large-scale […]
Joe Tasca
The local voice on Weekend Edition for several years, Joe stepped into the role of morning producer in October 2023. Joe is also a reporter, covering stories in the field and conducting interviews with newsmakers.
From an early age, Joe was determined to become a broadcaster, and began his broadcast career as a high school student. His first job was working as a newscaster and engineer for WERI, a full-service radio station in his hometown of Westerly. Prior to coming to The Public's Radio in 2018, Joe spent 15 years as a news anchor and reporter for a cluster of six radio stations in eastern Connecticut.
He graduated from Westerly High and earned his bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac University. When he's not working, he enjoys reading, writing, hiking, playing golf, and traveling to Canada.
Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA board postpones decision on service cuts
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is going back to the drawing board, after its Board of Directors postponed a vote on proposed service cuts. The RIPTA Board was scheduled to vote this morning on a proposal to eliminate 16 bus routes and reduce service to dozens of others as part of an effort to […]
Posted inHousing, Local
Providence to consider a cap on yearly rent increases
Providence city council president Rachel Miller has lived in the West End for over 20 years. During that time, she says the neighborhood has become virtually unaffordable for most working-class residents. “I’ve seen rent grow at first very slowly, and then, since 2020, very fast,” Miller said. “Apartments that were, maybe $1,100 are now $2,200. […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA efficiency study indicates service cuts are inevitable
There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Brown University settles with Trump administration to restore research funding
Nearly four months after the Trump administration paused federal research funding to Brown University, the Ivy League school said Wednesday that it reached an agreement with the government to restore that funding. Brown also agreed to settle three open investigations into the university regarding federal nondiscrimination laws, including allegations that Brown didn’t do enough to […]
Posted inImmigration, Local
Higher Ground International ready to open its new Providence headquarters
Higher Ground International, a nonprofit that provides services to West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities in Rhode Island, is preparing to move into its new headquarters in Providence. The RUKIYA CENTER, located in the city’s West End, will replace the organization’s current space at 21 Peace St. “We are thrilled to open the […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Tickets on sale Friday for first ‘Nashville North’ concert series in Westerly
On Nov. 8, the United Theatre in Westerly will host the first in a series of intimate live shows featuring singer-songwriters from Nashville, presented by the Music City’s legendary Bluebird Cafe. The series is part of the “Nashville North” initiative, which seeks to bring powerful songwriter-driven performances to Rhode Island. The first show will include […]
Posted inEconomy, Labor, Local
Remembering Providence’s Arthur A. Coia, longtime labor leader
Arthur A. Coia died last week at age 82. The Providence native was a pioneer in the U.S. labor movement and best-known as a former president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. Afternoon Host Dave Fallon discussed Coia’s legacy with Scott Malloy, an expert on union history, a professor emeritus at URI, and […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Business, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Payday lending reined in, fish processors face fines for underage workers, and more
Earlier this month, Rhode Island lawmakers finally passed a bill aimed at ending the predatory practices of payday lenders. We’ll look at what the new law means and how it took 15 years to get it passed. Our reporting on underage undocumented children working in New Bedford fishing houses has at least one Massachusetts lawmaker looking at ways to end the practice. Our reporter Ben Berke will describe what he’s found and the response from the fishing industry. On Artscape, a conversation about the fusion of Afro Cuban, Puerto Rican, and New Orleans jazz.
Posted inBusiness, Local
Alan Hassenfeld, Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist, dies at 76
Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist Alan Hassenfeld has died at age 76. Hassenfeld spent 15 years as chief executive officer of Hasbro, the Pawtucket-based toymaker that was founded by his grandfather and grand-uncle. He later served as company chairman. Author and journalist G. Wayne Miller, who has written extensively about Hasbro over the years, says […]
