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 […]
Luis Hernandez
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Book Club: Author John Barylick’s ‘Killer Show’ tells how the Station nightclub fire resulted in ‘America’s deadliest rock concert’
This interview had been edited for length and clarity. Transcript: Luis Hernandez: It was Feb. 20, 2003, when a fire broke out in the Station nightclub in West Warwick. The hard rock band Great White was performing when pyrotechnics lit part of the ceiling on fire, leading to a blaze that killed 100 people and […]
Rhode Island Ukrainian pastor describes ‘fear and uncertainty’ among local Ukrainians as war drags on
Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Father Boris, it’s really a pleasure. Thank you so much for your time. Boris Kroner: Thank you for having me on. Hernandez: Father Boris, what are your thoughts and your emotions right now as we approach this anniversary of the war in Ukraine? […]
Book club: Elizabeth Rush, Providence-based author of ‘The Quickening’
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Transcript: Luis Hernandez: This is the Public’s Radio. I’m Luis Hernandez. Thwaites Glacier was first spotted by polar researchers in 1940. It’s named after American glaciologist Frederick Thwaites. As the climate changes, this glacier could be one of the greatest contributors to sea level rise, […]
The Rhode Island State Archives is looking for a home
Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore wants a permanent location for the state archives. The collection, which includes documents and historic items dating back to the state’s early history, currently sit in a building on Broad Street. Amore spoke with Morning Host Luis Hernandez about those archives and what their ideal home could look like.
College diversity in post-affirmative action world, a fight over housing affordability in Charlestown, and more
How can Rhode Island schools cultivate diverse, inclusive learning environments, now that affirmative action has ended? State Senator and Brown University alum Tiara Mack offers her take. And South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes reports on the housing crisis in Charlestown, where residents are at odds over who’s to blame for skyrocketing rents and a lack of affordable housing. Also, we hear about a few highlights from this year’s Newport Classical Music Festival. Plus, a look back on the week in politics, and a few tips for what to do this week.

