Dozens of Providence school teachers are losing their jobs. District officials say 56 non-tenured educators will not have their contracts renewed next year because of financial constraints caused by expiring COVID relief funding. Providence Teachers Union president Maribeth Calabro says the district should have done more to find an alternative funding source to support the […]
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 inHealth, Housing, The Weekly Catch
An app for addiction treatment, Narragansett’s affordable housing problem, and more
Rhode Island has one of the nation’s highest rates of overdose deaths involving cocaine, a problem the state is trying to address with a new smartphone app. But is it reaching those most in need? Also, the town of Narragansett has one of the lowest percentages of affordable housing in the state. We hear about some steps taken earlier this week by the town council intended to address the housing shortfall. And RISD is celebrating its second Black Biennial. We’ll hear from the co-curator who is seeking to break down the walls between the institution and the surrounding community. Plus: the week in politics, and a few things to do this week.
Posted inLocal, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Fifty years later, local Portuguese communities celebrate end of authoritarian Estado Novo regime
Fifty years ago, the authoritarian Estado Novo regime was overthrown in Portugal by a military coup. Known today as the Carnation Revolution, it’s a day that’s celebrated around the world – including by the large Portuguese-American community here in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Also, Rhode Island nursing homes are facing understaffing, patient injuries, and preventable deaths, and the issues are only getting worse. Plus, we bring you a special performance from local singer Gian Carlo Buscaglia, who made a name for himself singing romantic ballads and songs of social justice in the streets of Harvard Square.
Posted inEnvironment, Local
East Coast earthquake felt in Rhode Island
Rhode Island was among several East Coast states that felt a small earthquake this morning. The 4.8 magnitude quake happened around 10:25 a.m. and was centered in New Jersey. Earthquakes are extremely rare in the Northeast. University of Rhode Island Professor of Geosciences Brian Savage says that’s why people notice when a quake does occur. […]
Posted inHealth, Local
URI study finds links between mass violence and online incel communities
In recent decades, we’ve become increasingly accustomed to hearing about mass shootings, hate crimes, and other acts of mass violence in the U.S. The vast majority of these crimes are committed by men, but a recent study identifies another common factor – a growing online community of “incels” who embrace misogynistic attitudes. It’s called “The […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Stories
Fin whale dies after stranding in South Kingstown
A 42-foot-long fin whale that was found stranded in South Kingstown on Thursday has been euthanized. Sarah Callan, Animal Rescue Program Manager at the Mystic Aquarium, says the whale was emaciated and unable to free itself at high tide after becoming stranded in Potter Pond. “It’s really difficult to watch an animal go through what […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Here’s what’s on the ballot today in Rhode Island
Besides the 1st Congressional District election, also on the ballot is a state senate race – and several municipalities will be voting on over $1 billion of spending decisions.
Posted inEpisode
One Square Mile: Westerly voters face contrasting choices for new state senator
For the past 30 years, Westerly Republican Dennis Algiere has represented the 38th District in the state Senate. Now that he’s retiring, three candidates making three very different pitches to voters are vying to take his place in what’s become one of the more closely watched races in South County. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, Joe Tasca reports.
Posted inEpisode
One Square Mile: Conservative Westerly voter says gun rights, inflation are top issues in 2022
Registered Republicans are a minority in Westerly, but the influence of conservative voters on local politics is hardly insignificant in a town where many residents lean right on hot-button issues. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with 33-year-old voter Philip DeBartolo. He owns an excavation business and is campaigning for Republican candidate Westin Place in the state’s 38th Senate District. They spoke about gun control, inflation, and political polarization, among other issues.
Posted inEpisode, Politics
One Square Mile: Westerly veteran says abortion, LGBTQ rights are among top priorities in 2022 election
Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.