Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said local hospitals will have to turn patients away if the state doesn’t reverse the worsening rise in COVID-19 cases. Two field hospitals are set to accept patients starting next week.
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, Business
Electric Boat confirms spike in COVID-19 cases
Over 200 cases of COVID-19 have been reported at Electric Boat facilities since October 25th.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Rhode Island prepares for protests as election results trickle in
Rhode Island state police expect to be present for at least two rallies planned for Friday. State law enforcement are now in the “post-election” phase of their security plan, according to James Manni, head of the State Police. Manni said Thursday that law enforcement will continue to monitor all activity as it relates to protests, […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Crowds rally to ‘Count every vote’ in Providence, New Bedford
A small group of New Bedford residents rallied on Wednesday to urge officials to count every vote in the country before determining the outcome of the election.
Posted inEpisode
Voters considering critical issues in Cranston mayoral race
After 12 years at the helm, Allan Fung is stepping aside as mayor of Cranston because of term limits. Voters are now trying to decide who should be the city’s next chief executive. As Joe Tasca reports, uncertainty surrounding the city budget and school financing are issues voters are weighing in the race as they go to the polls.
Posted inEpisode
‘I’m considering it life or death’: Cranston voters on what’s at stake in this election
With Election Day just over a week away, Cranston voters say the stakes in this election feel higher than ever. While there are significant local races for mayor and state representatives, many voters say they see their ballot as a way to shape the future of the country.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Hopkins, Bucci lead Cranston mayoral primary
Republican Ken Hopkins and Democrat Maria Bucci will likely square off in the Cranston mayoral election in November.
Posted inArticle, Health
Health officials say new task force hotline is an educational tool
Despite receiving hundreds of calls already and anticipating many more, Rhode Island health officials say they’re not expecting to have to levy any fines against violators of the state’s restrictions on social gatherings.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Unemployed Rhode Islanders face uncertain future as federal benefit expires
With Congress deadlocked over a new aid package, the weekly $600 federal unemployment benefit expires today. Many jobless Rhode Islanders are now wondering how they’re going to survive financially.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Philanthropic giving reaches new heights during COVID-19 shutdown
Nonprofits across Rhode Island have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s top philanthropic organizations have responded by raising over $14 million for non-profits in immediate need of financial assistance. The outpouring of support from the private sector has been a vital supplement to state and federal relief efforts.