Welcome to Political Roundtable: Election 2022. For this election season, we’re presenting a half-hour weekly show exploring the key races, the issues in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, and we’ll hear from you, the voters, about what’s most important to you in this election year.
Joe Tasca
The local voice on Weekend Edition for several years, Joe stepped into the role of morning producer in October 2023. Joe is also a reporter, covering stories in the field and conducting interviews with newsmakers.
From an early age, Joe was determined to become a broadcaster, and began his broadcast career as a high school student. His first job was working as a newscaster and engineer for WERI, a full-service radio station in his hometown of Westerly. Prior to coming to The Public's Radio in 2018, Joe spent 15 years as a news anchor and reporter for a cluster of six radio stations in eastern Connecticut.
He graduated from Westerly High and earned his bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac University. When he's not working, he enjoys reading, writing, hiking, playing golf, and traveling to Canada.
Posted inEpisode, South County Bureau
One Square Mile: Westerly voters sound off on 2022 election issues
Elections are about the issues and the voters as much as they are about the candidates. To get a sense of how issues are playing out in one Rhode Island community, The Public’s Radio presents our occasional series, One Square Mile. This year, we’re going to Westerly.
Posted inArticle, Health
Rhode Island domestic violence shelters overflowing
Domestic violence is a public health crisis that has been compounded by the pandemic. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports the growing problem is straining shelters for survivors in the state to capacity and beyond.
Posted inArticle
‘I’m literally living the dream’: Exeter man sees challenges and rewards to launching a business during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic and changes in the economy have prompted many Rhode Islanders to rethink their work lives and, in some cases, go out on their own. As part of an ongoing series on how work and the economy are evolving in Rhode Island, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to an Exeter man who took the unexpected step of launching his own business during the pandemic.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
97-year-old Rhode Island vet reflects on Victory Day and his time in the Pacific
Today is Victory Day in Rhode Island, which commemorates the end of World War 2. Reporter Joe Tasca spent the afternoon in Wickford speaking with 97-year-old George Silva, a U.S. Navy veteran who served on a cruiser in the Pacific Theater. Silva talks about his memories of the war and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Posted inArticle
Richmond restaurateur determined to stay open despite soaring food costs
Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the last couple of years have seen a record number of Rhode Islanders starting small businesses. As part of our series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Richmond man who opened his first restaurant almost a year ago, and is struggling to survive amidst rising food costs.
Posted inArticle
‘If I lost this place, I’d be in a lot of trouble’: As cost of living rises, Coventry man worries more about the future
As the long days of summer get underway, high gas prices and rising food costs are pushing many family budgets to the breaking point. As part of our series on the impact of inflation on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Coventry man who once owned his own home, but is now facing the prospect of losing his family’s apartment.
Posted inArticle
‘I’m going to have to cut more corners’: Hope Valley man faces tough choices amidst rising costs
Rising costs are hitting consumers everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery line. The impact can be especially hard on seniors living on fixed incomes. As part of our series on inflation’s impact on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Hope Valley retiree who is struggling to afford basic necessities while adjusting to life in subsidized housing.
Posted inArticle
Rising costs take toll on horse therapy riding program in Ashaway
The rising costs of food, gas and other basics are continuing to put financial strain on people across the country and here in Rhode Island. Non-profit organizations, in particular, are facing daily pressures because of increased operational expenses. As part of our ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to the owner of a non-profit in Ashaway who is trying to stay above water in the midst of revenue shortfalls and other challenges.
Posted inArticle
‘It’s bittersweet right now’: Wakefield musician faces uncertain future
Crowds are heading back to clubs and bars in Rhode Island, and that means more gigs for musicians compared to the height of pandemic restrictions. But with costs up across the board, the new work isn’t translating into more money in the bank for some performers. As part of an ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to one musician from Wakefield who’s taking on new jobs but struggling to pay for basics, like food and rent.