When the Westerly, Rhode Island, School Committee voted on a resolution in July that sought to ban the teaching of so-called divisive concepts in the district like critical race theory, it became just one of the many school districts around the country to confront how race and racism should be taught in schools. As the new school year starts, Westerly school administrators are still searching for ways to improve.
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 inArticle, Metro Desk
Police investigate after off-duty Pawtucket officer shoots teen
The Rhode Island attorney general’s office is investigating the shooting of an 18-year-old man by an off-duty Pawtucket police officer Wednesday night. While driving home on I-95 from an assignment, Pawtucket Police Officer Daniel Dolan encountered a black Audi sedan with three people inside, according to a statement released Thursday afternoon from the attorney general’s […]
Posted inArticle, Education
Conversation about racism divides Chariho community
Amid nationwide protests last summer over racial injustice, a small, mostly white Rhode Island school district created an Anti-Racism Task Force, to begin looking at the issue of race closer to home. The move sparked a contentious, ongoing community conversation about systemic racism.
Posted inArticle, Business
Some Rhode Island businesses see windfall from coronavirus pandemic
The last year has been a difficult one for many small businesses in Rhode Island. Hundreds have closed, while others are still trying to survive. But COVID-19 restrictions have been a boon to some industries.
Posted inArticle, Business
2020 was a record year for new businesses in Rhode Island
Rhode Island saw an unprecedented number of business closures in 2020, but it was also a record year for new business filings in the state.
Posted inArticle
Foster man skeptical as Biden begins presidency
As the Biden administration begins, The Public’s Radio is presenting views from residents of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Among them is Pat Moran of Foster, a conservative voter who offers his thoughts on our new Commander-In-Chief while reflecting on the Trump presidency. He spoke with reporter Joe Tasca outside of a local firehouse.
Posted inArticle, Business
Corporations with Rhode Island ties reviewing political donations
Last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol is prompting corporations across the state to reconsider how they donate to politicians.
Posted inArticle
‘They were told this is what we need you to do and they did it’: RI labor official says Trump incited a riot at U.S. Capitol
Labor leaders in Rhode Island are offering their reaction to the violence at the U.S. Capitol Building. Earlier today, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Joe Walsh, who serves as Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99 in Providence, to get his take.
Posted inArticle, Business
No operational changes at Electric Boat, despite COVID-19 spike
The state of Rhode Island has imposed new restrictions on small businesses and restaurants to address the burgeoning caseloads of COVID-19. But it’s business as usual at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point shipyard, despite the fact that the number of EB employees infected with COVID-19 has skyrocketed in the last month and a half.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Local band in limbo as pandemic rages on
Social distancing requirements have forced many Rhode Island venues to suspend performances of live music. One group that hasn’t played publicly since March is Farm Dog, a classic rock trio that’s been entertaining audiences for 15 years. Their guitarist Brett Haskins is a Chicago native who lives in North Kingstown. He spoke with reporter Joe Tasca about how the pandemic has affected his band and the music industry.