This week, hundreds of printmakers are gathering in Providence for “Verified by Proof,” a conference dedicated to the art and practice of printmaking, graphics, and small-scale publishing. There are dozens of events for the public including pop-up gallery shows and the “Open Portfolio” event which is like a swap meet for printmaking.
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 inLocal, Transportation
Brown University professor says engineers can use AI and digital sensors to improve bridge safety
The closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge is raising questions about the safety of Rhode Island bridges, many of which are over half-a-century old. Morning Host Luis Hernandez discussed bridge safety, and modern tools engineers can use to ensure bridges are safe, with Vikas Srivastava, an assistant professor of Engineering at Brown […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Grammy-nominated Black Violin brings signature mix of classical and hip hop to Providence
Black Violin is performing at The Vets in Providence Saturday, March 30. Tickets and more information at thevetsri.com. Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Kev Marcus and Will Baptiste have been playing and creating music since high school. They are the duo Black Violin. The group has been performing […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Rhode Island presidential primary
For the audio version of this story, linked above, you can listen to Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez’s conversation with Rob Rock, Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State. On April 2, voters in Rhode Island will decide on the presidential candidates for the November general election, as well as the Democratic and Republican delegates that […]
Posted inBook club, Local
Book Club: Don Winslow’s ‘City on Fire’ is a classic tale of a vicious war between two rival crime families
Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Growing up in Rhode Island, writer Don Winslow was surrounded by stories about the mob – headed up in Providence for decades by the infamous Raymond Patriarca. Winslow’s fascination with those stories and characters would later lead to his Danny Ryan trilogy. “City […]
Posted inHousing, Politics, The Weekly Catch
‘Safe storage’ gun bill moves forward, Providence’s new Comprehensive Plan, and more
After months of feedback from residents, the city of Providence has released a draft of a new Comprehensive Plan. Metro Reporter Olivia Ebertz tells us what it means for residents and their neighborhoods. And the Rhode Island Senate has approved a bill that would require gun owners to safely store firearms when not in use. It’s one of 19 pieces of gun safety legislation the General Assembly is considering this year. We talk with Melissa Carden, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. Also, homelessness is showing no signs of slowing in the Ocean State. This spring, a new project will provide temporary housing for 45 people in need of shelter. We hear from Laura Jaworski, Executive Director of House of Hope, a Warwick-based nonprofit partnering with the state on the project. And a new show from the Wilbury Theatre Group uses puppetry to tell the story of an international adoptee. Plus: a look back on the week in politics with WPRI Channel 12 Politics Editor Ted Nesi, and a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inHealth, Politics, The Weekly Catch
The latest on the Washington Bridge, a ‘fourth wave’ of the opioid crisis hits R.I., and more
On Thursday, Rhode Island officials announced that the westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge would have to be demolished and rebuilt. Political Reporter Ian Donnis breaks down the details. Also, the Ocean State is in the middle of a fourth wave of the opioid crisis. Health reporter Lynn Arditi shares an in-depth look into how fentanyl is now starting to show up in other drugs like cocaine. And, Chef Sky Kim from the restaurant Gift Horse is one of the nominees for a James Beard award. We’ll learn more about her and some of the other nominees.
Posted inHealth, Local
URI study finds links between mass violence and online incel communities
In recent decades, we’ve become increasingly accustomed to hearing about mass shootings, hate crimes, and other acts of mass violence in the U.S. The vast majority of these crimes are committed by men, but a recent study identifies another common factor – a growing online community of “incels” who embrace misogynistic attitudes. It’s called “The […]
Posted inEnvironment, Housing, The Weekly Catch
Shekarchi on housing priorities, planting urban forests to fight climate change, and more
House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has introduced a new round of bills to address the housing crisis. The Public’s Radio reporter Ian Donnis asks the speaker about his latest priorities and what it will take to tackle the state’s housing shortage. Also, there’s a homelessness hotline in the Ocean State meant to help people who need housing. But, The Public’s Radio’s Nina Sparling reports, new data shows that the hotline is overwhelmed, with just four people handling hundreds of calls a day. And a new program seeks to help Rhode Island cities and towns plant more trees as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change. We hear from the nonprofit helping to implement the program. Plus, the week in politics; a few things to do this week; and an off-Broadway show coming to Westerly puts the stories of audience members center stage.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
What’s causing rents to go up in New Bedford? And what’s needed to make a safer North Main Street in Providence?
A new commuter train will soon connect New Bedford to Boston. Some residents are worried this could lead to the gentrification of their community. We’ll find out why. Also, we continue our series Renters at Risk and look at why millions of federal dollars are not being used in Rhode Island to protect people from lead in paint. And Providence leaders promise to make roads safer for people on bikes and for pedestrians. We’ll focus on one street that has been extremely dangerous for both – North Main Street. Plus, we’ll have a studio session with local singer/songwriter Allysen Callery.
