Rhode Island has a job opening right now that doesn’t come around too often. The state is accepting applications for the position of historian laureate. The historian laureate delivers lectures about Rhode Island’s past at special events and formal ceremonies, provides historical information to state officials, and edits state-sponsored historical publications. After serving in 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 inArts And Culture, Environment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Record year for marine mammal strandings, RI State Senator praises Trump’s first weeks
So far, two dozen of the more than 50 executive orders President Trump has signed have been met with lawsuits. Democratic leaders and other critics are calling some of his directives unconstitutional, but Republicans have been supportive of the president’s actions. We hear from one of Trump’s supporters in the Ocean State: State Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz. A record number of marine mammals have washed up along Massachusetts’ south coast this past year. While some speculate that offshore wind is playing a role in the deaths, scientists say they haven’t found evidence to back that up. And we talk with the new leader of LitArts RI, Christina Bevilacqua. All that and more – on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Rhode Island AG, nonprofits plan for possible threats to federal funding
President Trump issued an astounding number of executive orders and policy changes in the first two weeks of his second term. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is one of many AGs around the country who have promised to check the president’s power. Also, after Trump froze and later unfroze federal funding this week, some local nonprofits who rely on federal money are anxious about their future. We hear from the CEO of Sojourner House, which provides services to survivors of abuse. Plus, a studio session with emerging shoegaze pop artist Rel. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEconomy, Local, Politics
If Trump tariff plan goes through, RI businesses and residents will foot the bill
Following his election, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on most U.S. imports, including a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico. If the administration makes good on that threat, it would upend decades of North American Free Trade. Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke about the implications of Trump’s plan with Nina […]
Posted inEnvironment, Immigration, The Weekly Catch
After Trump orders, future is murky for local refugee program and offshore wind projects
This week President Trump suspended the country’s refugee program for at least four months. As a result, a local refugee support nonprofit says they’ve already lost funding and had to cut staff. And Trump issued an executive order declaring he would not permit any new offshore wind farms. We hear from a maritime lawyer about what this could mean for the offshore wind projects under development in our region. Also, in a world of smartphones and GPS, why run a store that sells maps? The owner of The Map Center in Pawtucket says that, unlike the apps, the maps he sells are works of art that tell stories about our world. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Health, The Weekly Catch
The uncertain future of South County Hospital, wildfire risk in R.I., and more
The destruction in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of how vulnerable many of our communities in Rhode Island are to wildfires. We hear about what the state and residents can do to prepare for a predicted increase in wildfires due to climate change. Also, dozens of community members recently sent a letter to the Board of Trustees for South County Hospital. In it they criticized leadership and expressed concern for the hospital’s long-term financial viability. We hear from a doctor at the hospital who signed the letter. Plus, we take a trip to a Pawtucket museum filled wall to wall with pinball machines, some more than 70 years old. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEducation, Housing, The Weekly Catch
Mayor Smiley on plans for Providence schools, homelessness crisis
After more than five years under state control, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is asking state lawmakers to force the Department of Education to return the city’s schools to local control. Meanwhile, during the recent drop in temperatures, the Providence City Council opened its doors this week as an emergency warming center. We talk with the mayor about his plans for the city’s schools and the homelessness crisis. Plus, the Weird Island podcast delves into strange and little-known stories from Rhode Island history. We hear from the creator, Sara Corben. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Legislative session preview, LGBTQ rights under Trump, and more
Rhode Island lawmakers return to the capital on Tuesday for a new session. A massive budget deficit, continued troubles with the Washington Bridge, healthcare, and housing remain some of the top issues politicians face in the Ocean State. Our reporters roundtable shares what to watch this legislative session. Also, president-elect Trump has promised to roll back anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, and restrict access to transgender health care. We hear what members of the LGBTQ community can do to prepare. And we look ahead to the year in local arts and culture, and share a few of the productions, concerts and exhibits we’re most excited about. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inImmigration, Local
Local Syrian couple says ‘hopes are coming back’ after the fall of Assad regime
With the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, we wanted to hear from members of the local Syrian community to see what they think about the regime and the aftermath so far. We reached out to two Syrian-Americans we’ve spoken to before on the Public’s Radio, Amjad Kinjawi and Mayss Bajbouj-Kinjawi of North Attleboro. […]
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
A new strategy for overdose prevention, a bid to allow an illegal seawall, and more
Rhode Island is now home to the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in the country. Advocates hope the new facility will lead to fewer overdose-related deaths, and more people getting connected with drug treatment. And the Quidnessett Country Club is trying to get retroactive approval for an illegal sea wall that they *already* built. But they hit a hurdle this week with a subcommittee of the state Coastal Resources Management Council. Also, we hear about the centuries-old process of woodblock-printed wallpaper, from the curator of the RISD Museum’s exhibit, “The Art of French Wallpaper.” That and more on this week’s show.
