Providence school officials have persistently warned that if the city continues to underfund education, they will have to make some painful cuts. We hear from two PPSD leaders about what’s at stake if they don’t get the additional $10 million they’re asking for. Also, president-elect Trump has vowed to enact what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The head of a New Bedford advocacy organization tells us what they’re hearing from local immigrants, what people should know, and how to prepare. Plus, we hear about the community that’s formed around a popular weaving class at a Providence library. That and more on this week’s show.
Luis Hernandez
Luis helms the morning lineup. He is a 20-year public radio veteran, having joined The Public's Radio in 2022. That journey has taken him from the land of Gators at the University of Florida to WGCU in Fort Myers to KNPR in Las Vegas and then to WLRN in Miami.
Luis sees himself as a journalist and an entertainer, which is what drives him every morning—bringing more local news to the listeners and doing it in an interesting and sometimes fun way.
He also co-hosts Artscape and hosts The Weekly Catch. In his spare time, Luis is working on a couple of novels, a couple of podcasts and is getting back into painting.
Posted inImmigration, Local
How can immigrants in our region prepare for a second Trump presidency?
President-elect Donald Trump has said that he plans to launch the largest deportation operation in American history. Now that he’s been elected, Trump’s campaign promises are causing fear among immigrants in our region. Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Helena DaSilva Hughes, president of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center in New Bedford, about some of those […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Rhode Island’s new Child Advocate: ‘we have a lot to accomplish’
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Katelyn Medeiros is the state’s new Child Advocate. That means she’s responsible for ensuring the safety of all children in the custody of the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families. A recent report by the Office of the Child Advocate detailed abuse […]
Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch
What do the election results mean for Rhode Islanders?
With Republicans soon in control of the White House, Senate, and possibly the House, what could it mean for Rhode Islanders? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Wendy Schiller join us to talk about that and other takeaways from Tuesday’s elections. Also, how are the state’s young voters feeling about the election results? We talk with a group of students from Johnson & Wales University to get their take. And the Rhode Island Philharmonic has a new music director. She won’t take the seat until early next year, but she is conducting the orchestra in a concert this weekend. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inLocal, Politics
From ‘devastated’ to ‘hopeful,’ college students react to election results
Luis Hernandez: Last week and throughout Tuesday night we chatted with undergraduate students at Johnson & Wales University about their perspectives on the election. Today, we’re going to get their take on the results. Joining me in-studio is 22-year-old Independent Kay Allen of Pennsylvania. Kay, great to have you back. Kay Allen: Good to be […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
How are Rhode Island election officials keeping ballots safe and secure?
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript was edited for length and clarity. Hernandez: Your office is in charge of overseeing all elections in Rhode Island. Just briefly, what steps has the state taken to ensure that this year’s elections process is safe and secure? Amore: We’re one of three entities that is involved in making sure that our […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Election 2024: What to expect, young voters’ priorities, and what’s on the ballot
In this final episode before Nov. 5, we’ll be talking all about the election. With just four days left, what can we expect in Rhode Island, and what do we know about how the outcome will affect our region? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Adam Myers will break it down. Also, five students at Johnson & Wales University tell us what they’re feeling and thinking about as they make their voting decisions. Plus, what exactly is on the Rhode Island ballot? We’ll walk through the last statewide ballot question, which asks voters to approve a $10 million bond for arts and culture. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inLocal, Politics
Economy, climate and immigration are among top priorities for these college students
TRANSCRIPT: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: As the election comes to a close, we’ve been talking with young voters about what’s behind their voting decisions. This week and next, we’ll be checking in with five undergraduate students at Johnson & Wales University. We’ll hear what they’re thinking about before […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Politics
Breaking down the ballot: What’s in the $10 million arts and culture bond
This election, Rhode Island voters have the opportunity to weigh in on five statewide ballot questions. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, we’ve been covering each of them in depth. This time, we focus on Question 5, which asks voters to approve a $10 million bond for the continuation of the Cultural Arts and Economy Grant Program.
Posted inBusiness, Economy, Local
New investment fund aims to revitalize Rhode Island communities
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: The Rhode Island Community Investment Cooperative has launched a new community investment fund. The fund is designed to encourage the creation of small businesses and real-estate projects in neighborhoods that have been historically excluded from traditional forms of investment. Here to talk more […]
