For our last episode of the year, a look back at a few of our top stories from 2023. We start by revisiting our multi-part series, Underage and Unprotected, with the story of a migrant teenager in New Bedford who spent his days juggling a full high school schedule with a full-time job at a seafood processing plant. Also, from our collaboration with Latino oral history project Nuestras Raíces, we hear how Maria Rivera overcame her fear of public speaking to become the first Latina mayor of Central Falls. And finally, we listen to an extended version of our conversation with Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of “Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America.”
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 inEnvironment, Local, The Weekly Catch
Rhode Island’s many aging bridges, Sen. Whitehouse on COP28, and more
The abrupt closure of the Washington Bridge on Monday affected thousands of drivers, in some cases adding hours to their commutes. We hear from two engineers about the state’s large number of aging bridges, and how to address the issue. And U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) just got back from COP28, the UN climate summit in Dubai. He talks about key takeaways and what he’d like to see happen next. Also, a new report connects the dots between fossil fuel interests, climate denial think tanks, and local groups collaborating to oppose offshore wind farms in the northeast. Plus, we look at a few holiday theater productions, and talk about what’s to come in Rhode Island politics in 2024. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Holiday favorites with a few twists from local theaters
For Artscape this week, we have a wrap up of a few of the holiday season favorites from three local theater companies and one ballet, each offering a fresh take on a familiar holiday classic.
Posted inEnvironment
Proposed roundabout causes concern for Portsmouth residents
There’s a lot of talk about roundabouts lately. The new roundabout at the Henderson Bridge connecting East Providence and the East Side of Providence has gotten much attention lately from frustrated and angry drivers. Many argue there’s not enough signage to direct the flow of traffic. Portsmouth Town Administrator Richard Rainer was at a meeting […]
Posted inHealth, Immigration, The Weekly Catch
Immigration scams, primary care provider shortage, ‘Israelism’ and more
Like many other states, Rhode Island has a shortage of primary care physicians. We’ll hear from a doctor at Brown who says things could worsen by the decade’s end. And thousands of immigrants are going to Massachusetts to seek asylum and shelter. Many are falling victim to scammers promising to fast-track their immigration status. Also, a new documentary called “Israelism” follows the journey of two young Jewish people reckoning with differing narratives around Israel. And Ian Donnis looks back on the biggest political stories of 2023. Plus: a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Jewish youth reckon with differing narratives about Israel in new documentary ‘Israelism’
When it comes to support for Israel, there is a growing difference between young Jews and the older generations. And that difference is apparent in the new documentary, “Israelism.” The film follows two young people, Simone Zimmerman and Eitan, who doesn’t share his last name. In it, we see how they grew up with a view of Israel that doesn’t fit what they experience when they go there. For this week’s Artscape, Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez spoke with Rhode Island-based filmmaker Sam Eilertsen, who makes his directorial debut with this film.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Breaking down the Brown protests, new Mass. law allows free phone calls in prisons and jails, and more
There is a growing tension on the campus of Brown University between students and the school’s administration over the war between Israel and Hamas. Those tensions came to a head at a recent vigil-turned-protest on campus. And one year after recreational cannabis sales began in Rhode Island, what progress has the state made on its promises over social equity? Also, there’s a new law in Massachusetts that makes phone calls free in prisons and jails – it’s welcome news for the prisoners and their loved ones, who until today have had to pay exorbitant fees. And UMass Dartmouth’s chancellor speaks out for the first time since the abrupt closure of the Star Store in August. Plus: The week in politics, and a few things to do this week.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Primary care provider shortage, a gun range leaves residents on edge, and more
With a worsening shortage of primary care providers, Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities are struggling to get basic care – and losing trust in the American medical system. Also, noise pollution from things like traffic or leaf blowers can be bad enough, but imagine hearing gunshots for hours on end. We hear about a Cranston neighborhood’s fight to silence a nearby police shooting range. And one of the reporters on our series about migrant teens working in seafood processing plants shares some of the responses she got at a recent community listening session. Plus, a conversation about the role of seaweed in New England life, and the ways it’s been immortalized in art. That and more on this week’s episode.
Posted inArticle, Local, Metro Desk
Providence city councilor wants to save three historic College Hill homes from demolition
City Councilor John Goncalves says that, while contractors are legally allowed to demolish the buildings, residents deserve to know more about plans for the site before that happens.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
‘Cultures of Seaweed’ run deep at the New Bedford Whaling Museum
When you take a dip in the ocean, there have likely been times when you got wrapped up in some seaweed. It might feel a little icky or annoying. But, seaweed has played an important role in our lives on many different levels. There’s an exhibit on now at the New Bedford Whaling Museum called “A Singularly Marine & Fabulous Produce: The Cultures of Seaweed.” Morning host Luis Hernandez talked with the museum’s chief curator, Naomi Slipp.
