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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
One in three Rhode Islanders depend on Medicaid. That’s why there’s grave concern if the Senate passes Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to the health insurance program. We’ll talk about what’s at stake with Rhode Island representative Gabe Amo. Also, RIPTA officials are facing a $33 million deficit. Lawmakers in the General Assembly need to pass a budget with the money to fill that gap, or cut bus lines and schedules throughout the state.
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2 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
Two members of the 2025 class of the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame are making history this year: Mario Hilario and Tony Mendez are the first Latino inductees. Hilario is a news anchor at Channel 10 WJAR, and Mendez is the CEO of Spanish-language radio station Poder. They joined morning host Luis Hernandez in the studio to reflect on their work and what the recognition means to them. Luis Hernandez: What was your reaction when you found out that you’re an inductee?
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2 weeks ago | 
share.google | Luis Hernandez
Two members of the 2025 class of the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame are making history this year: Tony Mendez is the first Latino inductee, and Hilario is the first Filipino inductee. Hilario is a news anchor at Channel 10 WJAR, and Mendez is the CEO of Spanish-language radio station Poder. They joined morning host Luis Hernandez in the studio to reflect on their work and what the recognition means to them.
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3 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Alex Nunes |Joe Tasca |Ian Donnis
A New Bedford man – who spent weeks in an ICE detention center – is out. He could pursue legal action for wrongful detainment. We’ll get an update on the story. Also,- community health workers provide a unique service that advocates say is vital to keeping healthcare costs down. Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill that forces private insurers to cover many of the services provided by these workers. And Leo’s bar was an institution in Providence.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
The city of Woonsocket is moving forward with a new ordinance that makes it illegal to camp on public property and carries a fine of up to $250 for repeat violators. Critics say the change is going to harm unhoused people who will be burdened with legal troubles and fines they can’t pay. Months after West Warwick passed a similar ordinance, in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that opened the door to these kinds of laws, advocates said that dozens of people had been displaced.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Alex Nunes |James Baumgartner
Earlier this week Woonsocket city leaders followed the actions of many communities across the country. They voted to fine people who camp out on city property. . One unhoused advocacy group says the fines that are part of a new city law will make things even harder for those struggling to find shelter. Also, Rhode Island PBS is shining a light on youth mental health. We’ll talk with one of their contributors about the effect violence has on mental health.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
In this episode of Artscape:Mark Allan, interim executive director of WaterFire Providence. Margo Saulnier, of New Bedford Creative and Tracy Silva Barbosa, executive director of the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition. Both are organizers of ArtWeek SouthCoastThis Transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: As we move closer to summer, we edge closer to the first WaterFire lighting ceremony of the year. It will take place at the end of the month.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
Should Rhode Island high schools be required to offer an Ethnic Studies course? State lawmakers are considering a bill that would do just that. Some supporters say it’s a crucial step at a time when the Trump administration is targeting curriculum that the president has described as “discriminatory equity ideology.” That can include teaching about native and indigenous peoples, Black Americans, Latin Americans, and other histories that may not be included in the standard curriculum.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
Study after study has shown young people across the country are facing a mental health “crisis.” And that’s no different here in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. That’s one reason why this week, Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio are launching “Finding Hope,” a project spotlighting how local youth are facing mental health challenges with resilience.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner has been taking to the House floor to protest President Trump’s cuts to funding for life-saving food for malnourished children. We talk with him about that, and some of the ways Rhode Island has been impacted by the president’s first few months in office. Also, State Senator Tiara Mack is against Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s efforts to raise property taxes. She says there are better ways to raise the much-needed revenue for the city.
