Registered Republicans are a minority in Westerly, but the influence of conservative voters on local politics is hardly insignificant in a town where many residents lean right on hot-button issues. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with 33-year-old voter Philip DeBartolo. He owns an excavation business and is campaigning for Republican candidate Westin Place in the state’s 38th Senate District. They spoke about gun control, inflation, and political polarization, among other issues.
Westerly
Posted inEpisode, Politics
One Square Mile: Westerly veteran says abortion, LGBTQ rights are among top priorities in 2022 election
Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.
Posted inArticle, Business
Ice cream parlor perseveres during shutdown
For the past eight years, Mel’s Downtown Creamery has provided the Westerly area with quality ice cream year-round. Joe Tasca spoke with owner Melanie Goggin about her journey through the ongoing business shutdown.
Posted inArticle, Health, South County Bureau
How One RI Town Got It Right During The Spanish Flu Pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis has drawn comparisons to the Spanish Influenza of 1918 and warnings about the risks of responding to a pandemic by doing too little too late. But the town of Westerly serves as a different kind of historical lesson. Officials there took bold and quick steps in 1918 and prevented deaths.
Posted inArticle, Education
Making The Most Of Distance Learning
Rhode Island children are learning from home, as schools remain closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Reporter Joe Tasca recently spoke with Westerly town councilor Suzanne Giorno about what she’s doing to make the adjustment easier for her two kids.
Posted inArticle, Business
Westerly Bookshop Owner Remains Hopeful As Businesses Struggle
Small business owners across Rhode Island are trying to cope with the operational restrictions imposed by Governor Raimondo during the coronavirus outbreak. The Public’s Radio reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Jill Chomowicz about the challenges she’s facing as the proprietor of ReReads Bookshop in Westerly.
Posted inArticle, Health
Superintendent: No New Cases Reported At Westerly School
The superintendent of public schools in Westerly said state health officials have not notified him of any new cases at the elementary school where a student tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.
Posted inArticle, Health
It’s “A Critical Time” For RI Food Pantries
People losing their jobs today because of the COVID-19 crisis could be people in need of food assistance tomorrow. And that has food pantries in Rhode Island bracing for a wave of new clients.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Churches Serve Congregations Online During Coronavirus Pandemic
Several churches across Rhode Island are conducting services online during the coronavirus outbreak. One local priest says it’s allowing his parish to connect with people in a unique way.
Posted inArticle, Health
Police Chief Says Two Westerly Children Have Recovered From COVID-19
The two children who tested positive for coronavirus last week in Westerly have both recovered, Police Chief Shawn Lacey announced at a news conference Friday.