Pro-Palestine demonstrations have cropped up on university campuses around the country, leading in some cases to arrests and clashes with police. But Brown University students and administrators this week reached a peaceful conclusion. We hear from two students about how it happened. Also, violence between cops and student protestors may seem familiar to those who witnessed the campus unrest of the 60s and other eras. But today’s militarized police response to protests at Columbia and other colleges has its roots in post-9/11 policies. Plus, we hear about a biography on one of the most influential American artists of the past 50 years: Keith Haring. That and more coming on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
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, Metro Desk
Brown University students on how the pro-Palestine encampment came to a peaceful conclusion
Brown University proved to be an outlier at university campuses this past week as police elsewhere broke up encampments and arrested protesters. Pro-Palestinian activists at Brown reached an agreement with their school’s administrators to end an encampment.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
New biography explores ‘The Life and Line’ of artist and activist Keith Haring
Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably seen Keith Haring’s art. After making a name for himself as a graffiti artist in New York in the early 1980s, these days his signature pop art can be found on everything from murals to fashion to stamps. Though he died at just 31 years old, Haring’s work left a lasting impact on the art world and American culture. For Artscape this week we talk with author Brad Gooch, who explores the artist’s life and work in his new biography, “Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring.”
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local
Criminal justice advocate calls for independent investigation into Cranston prison deaths
Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Dave Fallon: Over the past three months, four inmates have died at the ACI in Cranston. Advocates for criminal justice reform have written a letter to the Rhode Island Department of Corrections calling for an independent investigation into those fatalities, along with a series of […]
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 inHealth, Local
What will it take to fix the growing labor crisis in Rhode Island nursing homes?
Rhode Island nursing homes are struggling. Staffing shortages, employee burnout, and serious financial challenges have been problems since before the pandemic – but all have gotten significantly worse in recent years, leading to an uptick in things like neglect and preventable deaths. Morning Edition Host Luis Hernandez spoke about the issues with Elizabeth White, Assistant […]
Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
Decade-old report warned of Washington Bridge issues, envisioning the future of RIPTA, and more
An investigation by the Providence Journal this week revealed that the Washington Bridge has had structural problems for years – and that the state knew about it as long ago as 2014. Providence Journal reporter Patrick Anderson joins us to talk about what he found. Also, RIPTA is in need of a new leader now that CEO Scott Avedisian has stepped down. We hear from transit advocates about their vision for the agency, and who they’d like to see take the helm. And while many artists are concerned about the growing threat of artificial intelligence, Griffin Smith is teaching students at RISD how to work with AI and not run from it. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Technology
As AI evolves, what role will the technology play in the world of art and design?
Rhode Island School of Design lecturer and digital artist Griffin Smith says that fine artists like painters and sculptors will be able to adapt to a world with AI-generated art – but it could eliminate a “middle class’ of designers and some freelance artists.
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
What’s behind the push to reform Rhode Island’s powerful Coastal Resources Management Council
Environmental advocates are pushing for changes to Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council. We hear from State Sen. Victoria Gu, who is sponsoring legislation to reform the agency. Also, a manager of a Market Basket in New Bedford is facing numerous charges of sexual harassment. The four alleged victims are women facing challenges with their immigration status. And as COVID-19 relief money dries up, Rhode Island is in danger of losing shelter beds for the state’s growing number of homeless residents. Finally, we hear about O&G Studio in Warren, known for their modern approach to making furniture inspired by New England historical craft. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
How to get disaster aid for flood damage, the future of Misquamicut Beach, the limits of R.I. public records law, and more
FEMA workers are in Rhode Island to help homeowners who suffered damage during the storms in December and January. What exactly will they help you recover? We’ll get you those answers. Also, speaking of flooding, the folks who live and work on Misquamicut Beach know all too well the challenges of storm floods and rising seas. Looking long term, they want the government to renourish their beaches. And we hear one journalist’s experience trying to access data from Rhode Island’s government. We take a look at the limits of the current public records law. Plus we’ll hear about a print show that highlights the immigrant experience, we’ll have reviews of three different plays you can see right now, and Ian Donnis has the latest in local politics.
