New Englanders will gather today for another Thanksgiving, but many may be unaware of the origins and history of the annual American tradition. Paul Robinson and John Brown III recently gave a presentation at the Rochambeau community library in Providence called “The Myths of Thanksgiving.” John Brown is the Narragansett Indian Tribe’s Medicine Man and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. Paul Robinson is the former state archeologist for Rhode Island and retired part-time professor at Rhode Island College. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Paul in our studio and John joined us by phone.
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 inArticle, Health
Pediatric cases of RSV packing Rhode Island hospitals
Pediatric hospital beds have been filling up across the country during the month of October – in some cases leading to hours-long wait times.
Posted inArticle, Health
Why kids are getting respiratory infections in bunches
RSV, or Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, is common. But, due to the fact people have been isolating the last few years due to COVID, their immune systems haven’t learned how to handle most diseases. Now, kids are getting sicker than before.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
The Dirt Palace turns historic Wedding Cake House into a home for artists and visitors alike
For more than 30 years, the Wedding Cake House stood empty and abandoned on Broadway in Providence. In 2017, an arts organization took control of the building. After three years of renovations, it’s a work of art on its own. Now the house hosts residencies for artists, along with a bed and breakfast business that supports the organization.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
As industry crumbles, friends collide in ‘Sweat’ at The Gamm
The Gamm Theatre’s production of “Sweat” is on now at their home in Warwick. Artscape producer James Baumgartner spoke with morning host Luis Hernandez about the play.
Posted inArticle, Politics
How unexpected enthusiasm for Democratic candidates led to a sweep in big Rhode Island races
In a state with a high proportion of registered Independent voters, turnout and mail ballots helped Democrats win big, according to Brown political science professor Wendy Schiller.
Posted inArticle
Pawtucket’s soccer dream may come at taxpayers expense
After the Pawtucket Red Sox were lured away to another city, some Rhode Island leaders saw an opportunity: they believed a soccer stadium complex would bring more business and people to the area. Originally, developers were going to foot the bill. Now, taxpayers are on the hook for millions.
Posted inArticle
Pawtucket’s soccer dream:
When the Pawtucket Red Sox was lured away by another community, some Rhode Island leaders saw an opportunity. They want to bring a soccer team to the area in hopes of bringing more business and more housing to the region.
Posted inArticle, Education
Providence superintendent has plans to fix underperforming schools
Javier Montañez is the permanent superintendent of Providence public schools. He was appointed by Governor Dan McKee barely six months ago. But one big question is how much influence he has over the district after a state takeover in 2019.
Posted inArticle, Environment
URI researcher: Hurricanes getting easier to predict
This week marks the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy hitting Rhode Island. In its wake the state experienced millions in damage and more than 100-thousand without power. One hurricane expert from the University of Rhode Island is worried that going so long without the fear of a storm striking the region could lead to apathy. He worries that Rhode Islanders may not know what to do if another big storm hits. Isaac Ginis’ research looks into how to improve the predictability of storms and their destructiveness.
