It’s been a year and a half since the Washington Bridge was partially closed, and it’ll be years more before it’s fully repaired. We talk with the author behind the book “Why Nothing Works,” who says this is just another example of a national problem: government can’t accomplish big things anymore. Also, Daniel Davis escaped slavery in Maryland and found his way to Rhode Island in 1862. He became a beloved reverend at a church in Alton. We’ll hear about Davis’ life, and a ceremony at the church next week to honor his legacy. And on Artscape – a look back on our conversation with Chef Sky Kim, the 2025 James Beard award winner for “best chef Northeast.”
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 inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Organizers behind the local ‘No Kings’ protest this weekend, and why the Providence NAACP is practically shut down
his Saturday, the United States Army celebrates its 250th anniversary. Trump is honoring the day with a military parade – the first such event since the end of the first Gulf War in 1991. Millions across the country are expected to hold “No Kings” protests in response. We’ll talk with organizers of two local protests. Also, the Providence NAACP is practically shut down. The president and all the officers were suspended by the national NAACP. We’ll get an update. And for Artscape we meet local artist Jordan Seaberry. He has a new web comic called “WTF can artists do during a fascist takeover?” Plus, Ian Donnis takes a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics and we have a few recommendations for things to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Meet Keith Stokes, Rhode Island’s new historian laureate
Keith Stokes was named Rhode Island’s new historian laureate in April. As part of his role, Stokes will deliver lectures at special events and ceremonies, and promote civics education in the state. Stokes is a ninth-generation Rhode Islander. He’s also a former Newport city councilor, a consulting historian for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Labor, The Weekly Catch, Weather
The latest on the Butler Hospital strike, preparing for hurricane season, and more
Butler Hospital announced plans this week to replace the roughly 800 unionized workers that have been striking for the past few weeks. We’ll hear about how we got here, and why it might not be so easy to fill those roles. Also, it’s hurricane season. Although New England rarely takes a direct hit, emergency officials want residents to remember the basics needed to get through a storm. We’ll share some of those tips. And we give you a preview of the summer festival season – starting with this weekend’s Providence Porchfest. Plus, Ian Donnis takes a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics.
Posted inEnvironment, Local
‘Safety starts now’: How to prepare for hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. While Rhode Island hasn’t had a direct hit since 1991, the state has been affected by the remnants of several hurricanes in recent decades. Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Mark Pappas, director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, about […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ could worsen child hunger and racial disparities in RI
President Trump’s budget proposal, which has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, includes cuts to several programs that benefit Rhode Island children. This all comes at a time when child poverty, homelessness, and the number of children without health insurance Is on the rise in the Ocean State. That’s according to the latest […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
What’s on in June at the Community Libraries of Providence
The Community Libraries of Providence offer a slew of programming every week for kids and adults at their nine locations around the city – from book clubs, to concerts, to classes on things like cooking and coding. We highlight a few of these events in our monthly community libraries segment. For June, morning host Luis […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
What federal budget cuts would mean for RI, an uncertain future for RIPTA, and more
One in three Rhode Islanders depend on Medicaid. That’s why there’s grave concern if the Senate passes Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to the health insurance program. We’ll talk about what’s at stake with Rhode Island representative Gabe Amo. Also, RIPTA officials are facing a $33 million deficit. Lawmakers in the General Assembly need to pass a budget with the money to fill that gap, or cut bus lines and schedules throughout the state. And we speak with Westerly documentarian Hilary Steinman, who tackles the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act in her new film “Change, Not Charity.” Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
New documentary tells the emotional story of the people who worked for decades to pass the ADA
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and public accommodations. A new documentary tells the emotional story of the activists that led the determined effort to achieve equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the ADA. It’s called Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act, and it’s being screened today at the Westerly Library. The project was led by Westerly film producer and director Hilary Steinman
Posted inArts And Culture, Local, Media
‘It’s bigger than me’: 2025 class of RI broadcasting Hall of Fame makes history
Two members of the 2025 class of the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame are making history this year: Tony Mendez is the first Latino inductee, and Hilario is the first Filipino inductee. Hilario is a news anchor at Channel 10 WJAR, and Mendez is the CEO of Spanish-language radio station Poder. They […]
