The death of George Floyd in 2020 shined a light on the issue of police misconduct and use of force. Here in Rhode Island, there’s been an effort to reshape how we deal with this problem by changing LEOBOR – the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. This week, Gov. McKee signed into law a bill that marks the first reforms to LEOBOR since its creation in 1976. But some believe it doesn’t go far enough. Also, attempts to reform the state’s Coastal Resources Management Council failed again this legislative session. And we meet artist Bob Dilworth, whose brilliantly textured and colorful paintings earned him a Pell Award this week from Trinity Rep. 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 inEducation, Local
With censorship on the rise, Providence librarian says Rhode Island needs to do more to protect libraries
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Cheryl, first of all, thank you so much for joining me today. Cheryl Space: Thank you. Hernandez: The Senate approved legislation that would allow libraries to acquire books and other materials without limitations and protect libraries against any attempt to ban or censor […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
‘It’s where the bus riders want to go’: Transit advocate says RIPTA bus hub should stay in Kennedy Plaza
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Why do you think it’s important for RIPTA to keep the bus hub in Kennedy Plaza? Randall Rose: Most of all, because Kennedy Plaza is cheaper for the RIPTA system and for the taxpayers, and it’s the most central location. It’s where the […]
Posted inLocal
Rhode Island achieves ‘no-kill’ status: All savable cats and dogs were left alive in 2023
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: 2023 was a landmark year for animal welfare in Rhode Island. Of the more than 7,000 dogs and cats that entered state shelters in 2023, all savable pets were left alive. It’s a first for the state, which is now the fourth in […]
Posted inEducation, Local
‘You love these kids like they’re your own children,’ says Providence Teacher of the Year
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript was edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Each year, the Providence Public School District presents one of its own with the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award. This year’s awardee is Rachel Greenberg, who teaches at Bailey Elementary School, and she joins me now. Rachel, first of all, welcome and congratulations. […]
Posted inEconomy, Environment, The Weekly Catch
What’s in, what’s out of Rhode Island House budget, Newport debates fate of Easton’s Beach, and more
The debate over this year’s budget is underway in the Rhode Island House. With federal COVID-19 relief money running out, lawmakers have some tough decisions to make. Our own Ian Donnis and the Boston Globe’s Dan McGowan join us to discuss the likely winners and losers in this year’s budget. Also, Easton’s Beach – the only public beach in Newport – is disappearing. After extensive damage from three severe storms this winter, local leaders and residents are debating how to preserve the beach, or whether to save it at all. And a new exhibit at the Newport Historical Society centers the stories of the city’s Black residents from the 17th-19th centuries. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
‘A Name, a Voice, a Life’: New exhibit centers the history and experiences of Black Newporters
The Newport Historical Society’s latest exhibit is called “A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries.” Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez talked with Rebecca Bertrand, the museum’s executive director and Kaela Bleho, the digital access manager of the museum and co-curator for this exhibit.
Posted inEnvironment, Local
Storms could be more intense this hurricane season. Here’s how to prepare
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: It’s now officially hurricane season, and officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say we could see more storms than usual this year. Here to talk more about that and hurricane preparedness, in general, is Dr. Isaac Ginis, Professor of Oceanography at […]
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Rising seas and severe storms are eroding our coastline. How are local leaders and communities responding?
New England beaches and coastlines are changing. With climate change bringing higher sea levels and more intense storms, some beaches are being pushed back by many feet – and others disappearing completely. Our new series, Washout: Our vanishing beaches, launched this week and takes a deeper look into the issue. We hear about some of the ways Rhode Island’s local and state leaders are responding, and meet a photographer who’s been documenting the region’s changing coastline for 50 years. Plus, later in the program, a studio session from Providence musician J. Mamana, who explores grief and hope on his new album, “For Every Set of Eyes.” That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Local
‘That conversation is coming’: South Coast towns may consider managed retreat, green infrastructure in response to rising seas
Editor’s note: This story is part of “Washout: Our vanishing beaches,” a series about the reshaping of Rhode Island’s shoreline. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. TRANSCRIPT: Luis Hernandez: Shoreline communities throughout our region are faced with growing questions about how to manage the beach erosion caused by climate-related storms and rising seas. Today, we take […]
