The Rhode Island governor says a looming budget deficit will force her to make some tough decisions.
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 inArticle, Health
Virtual classes a ‘lifesaver’ for West Warwick fitness studio
Dance and fitness studios are among the non-essential businesses that have been forced to suspend their on-site operations during the COVID-19 crisis. Many of them are offering online classes to keep their members active. Joe Tasca spoke with the owner of Mind and Body Studios in West Warwick, Mary Bradshaw, about her experience with virtual instruction.
Posted inArticle, Business
Electric Boat workers concerned about safety
While most of the country is experiencing an economic shutdown, businesses deemed “essential” continue to operate, and concerns are growing about safety measures in those workplaces. Electric Boat, a major employer in Rhode Island and Connecticut, is one of those businesses. Nearly two dozen workers have tested positive for COVID-19 and some say the shipbuilder hasn’t done enough to create a safe working environment.
Posted inArticle, Health
Local food pantries concerned by rising demand
With tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders filing for unemployment in the last few weeks, food pantries across the state have seen a huge increase in demand. Project Hand Up in West Warwick is serving four times the number of people it normally does. Joe Tasca spoke with the program’s founder Coreen St. Jean about the work she’s been doing in her community.
Posted inArticle, Education
Making The Most Of Distance Learning
Rhode Island children are learning from home, as schools remain closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Reporter Joe Tasca recently spoke with Westerly town councilor Suzanne Giorno about what she’s doing to make the adjustment easier for her two kids.
Posted inArticle, Health
Raimondo Requires New Yorkers Coming to Rhode Island To Self-Quarantine
The directive was issued in response to concerns expressed by Rhode Islanders about the large number of COVID-19 cases in New York.
Posted inArticle, Business
Westerly Bookshop Owner Remains Hopeful As Businesses Struggle
Small business owners across Rhode Island are trying to cope with the operational restrictions imposed by Governor Raimondo during the coronavirus outbreak. The Public’s Radio reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Jill Chomowicz about the challenges she’s facing as the proprietor of ReReads Bookshop in Westerly.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Churches Serve Congregations Online During Coronavirus Pandemic
Several churches across Rhode Island are conducting services online during the coronavirus outbreak. One local priest says it’s allowing his parish to connect with people in a unique way.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Westerly Pianist Faces Uncertainty During Coronavirus Outbreak
The coronavirus pandemic has affected many local artists and musicians. Michael Chicoria is a Westerly pianist who performs at music venues and teaches private lessons. He spoke with The Public’s Radio reporter Joe Tasca about the challenges he’s facing.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Westerly Guitar Duo Performs St. Patrick's Day Show on Facebook
With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations being cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, a guitar duo from Westerly used Facebook to help people enjoy some Irish cheer last night.
