Rachel Iacovone
@racheliacovone.bsky.social
Puerto Rican Communities Reporter at Connecticut Public. Former: WPLN, WGCU. Frequent food poster & user of the phrase “¡Ay bendito!” 🇵🇷 l she/they 💖💜💙
Pinned
In professional (but also very personal) news, I’m returning to my reporter roots — to be @ctpublic.bsky.social’s first-ever Latino and Puerto Rican Communities Reporter 🇵🇷
For stateside Puerto Ricans, it never quite feels like Christmas without the island’s parrandas. That’s why local organization @realartwaysct.bsky.social is trying to foster that culture here in Hartford.
A Hartford arts organization is bringing a Caribbean Christmas tradition stateside
Real Art Ways’ annual parranda will feature latin jazz and traditional carols from Papo Vázquez and the Mighty Pirates Troubadours
www.ctpublic.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:11 PM
For stateside Puerto Ricans, it never quite feels like Christmas without the island’s parrandas. That’s why local organization @realartwaysct.bsky.social is trying to foster that culture here in Hartford.
The real wrapped that matters is here: @beliapp.bsky.social’s Plated 🍽️
I’m feeling especially braggadocious about the fact that I’ve achieved top diner status in New Haven after moving to Connecticut from Nashville only six months ago. Lol at the New York and San Juan rep here too ofc 🇵🇷
I’m feeling especially braggadocious about the fact that I’ve achieved top diner status in New Haven after moving to Connecticut from Nashville only six months ago. Lol at the New York and San Juan rep here too ofc 🇵🇷
December 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
The real wrapped that matters is here: @beliapp.bsky.social’s Plated 🍽️
I’m feeling especially braggadocious about the fact that I’ve achieved top diner status in New Haven after moving to Connecticut from Nashville only six months ago. Lol at the New York and San Juan rep here too ofc 🇵🇷
I’m feeling especially braggadocious about the fact that I’ve achieved top diner status in New Haven after moving to Connecticut from Nashville only six months ago. Lol at the New York and San Juan rep here too ofc 🇵🇷
I know that’s right! 🇵🇷
2025 Spotify Wrapped: Bad Bunny takes Swift's spot at the top
Drake and The Weeknd also returned to the audio platform's annual list.
www.axios.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:44 PM
I know that’s right! 🇵🇷
Further context before you see our receipts:
The median household income in Puerto Rico is $25,621. Here in Connecticut, it's $91,665.
The median household income in Puerto Rico is $25,621. Here in Connecticut, it's $91,665.
What does it take to make a Puerto Rican holiday dinner here in Connecticut compared to on the island? That’s what Itzel Rivera for @elnuevodia.bsky.social and I for @ctpublic.bsky.social hoped to find in the grocery aisles in Connecticut and Puerto Rico.
So you're a Puerto Rican shopping for Christmas dinner in CT ...
Two reporters, one in Connecticut and one in Puerto Rico, shop for the ingredients for traditional holiday dishes to compare grocery bills.
www.ctpublic.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Further context before you see our receipts:
The median household income in Puerto Rico is $25,621. Here in Connecticut, it's $91,665.
The median household income in Puerto Rico is $25,621. Here in Connecticut, it's $91,665.
What does it take to make a Puerto Rican holiday dinner here in Connecticut compared to on the island? That’s what Itzel Rivera for @elnuevodia.bsky.social and I for @ctpublic.bsky.social hoped to find in the grocery aisles in Connecticut and Puerto Rico.
So you're a Puerto Rican shopping for Christmas dinner in CT ...
Two reporters, one in Connecticut and one in Puerto Rico, shop for the ingredients for traditional holiday dishes to compare grocery bills.
www.ctpublic.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
What does it take to make a Puerto Rican holiday dinner here in Connecticut compared to on the island? That’s what Itzel Rivera for @elnuevodia.bsky.social and I for @ctpublic.bsky.social hoped to find in the grocery aisles in Connecticut and Puerto Rico.
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
who decided to call it Secret Santa when Nondisclosure Claus was right there
December 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
who decided to call it Secret Santa when Nondisclosure Claus was right there
For the first time in 12 years, U.S. Catholic bishops (@usccbofficial.bsky.social) addressed immigration and immigrant rights in a joint statement last week. I sat down with Hartford’s archbishop to discuss what these beliefs look like in practice in Connecticut. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-11...
Connecticut’s Catholic churches will continue supporting immigrants, says Hartford archbishop
Archbishop Christopher Coyne shares next steps after U.S. bishops spoke out on immigration.
www.ctpublic.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:15 PM
For the first time in 12 years, U.S. Catholic bishops (@usccbofficial.bsky.social) addressed immigration and immigrant rights in a joint statement last week. I sat down with Hartford’s archbishop to discuss what these beliefs look like in practice in Connecticut. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-11...
"Many people see this [course] as a fundamentally unserious endeavor when, in reality, the work is so important precisely because it reflects the realities in Puerto Rico,” said Bad Bunny course student Hector Miranda Plaza. The senior, studying politics at Yale, is originally from the island.
Yale’s Bad Bunny course is here to stay
Professor Albert Laguna received more than 120 applicants for his course, which was offered the first time this fall. He says he’ll continue teaching it as long as Benito is relevant.
www.ctpublic.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM
"Many people see this [course] as a fundamentally unserious endeavor when, in reality, the work is so important precisely because it reflects the realities in Puerto Rico,” said Bad Bunny course student Hector Miranda Plaza. The senior, studying politics at Yale, is originally from the island.
The more than 360,000 SNAP recipients in Connecticut can take a breath today. Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that the state will be footing the $72 million monthly bill to keep SNAP fully funded. The money should be back on EBT cards within 4 days.
CT governor says state will fund SNAP food benefits as federal shutdown drags on
Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the state would begin funding the full benefits for SNAP recipients after weeks of back-and-forth with the federal government.
www.ctpublic.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:31 PM
The more than 360,000 SNAP recipients in Connecticut can take a breath today. Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that the state will be footing the $72 million monthly bill to keep SNAP fully funded. The money should be back on EBT cards within 4 days.
There’s been a lot of great reporting about resources in Connecticut (largely from @chrispolansky.bsky.social for @ctpublic.bsky.social) after the cut off of SNAP, but I kept thinking of the person clicking around these guides who was looking for a hot meal for their family right NOW. A list:
Hungry? These CT institutions can help.
CT Public compiled a list of where to find everything from groceries to hot meals — and where to donate if you are able.
www.ctpublic.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:33 PM
There’s been a lot of great reporting about resources in Connecticut (largely from @chrispolansky.bsky.social for @ctpublic.bsky.social) after the cut off of SNAP, but I kept thinking of the person clicking around these guides who was looking for a hot meal for their family right NOW. A list:
@npr.org reports at least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year — the most since 2005. A Día de Los Muertos parade in New Haven is honoring those dead.
This CT Day of the Dead parade is honoring people who died in ICE custody
Connecticut immigrant rights group Unidad Latina en Acción is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos parade, now in its 15th year, in New Haven.
www.ctpublic.org
November 1, 2025 at 5:24 AM
@npr.org reports at least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year — the most since 2005. A Día de Los Muertos parade in New Haven is honoring those dead.
Unintentional yet ideal uniform while taking care of my tropical plants in the frosty weather #HappyHalloweek
October 28, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Unintentional yet ideal uniform while taking care of my tropical plants in the frosty weather #HappyHalloweek
Ahead of the No Kings rallies, I spoke to State Rep. Vincent Candelora for @ctpublic.bsky.social. The Republican Minority Leader told me he’s mostly focused on getting both sides to sit down at the same table on immigration.
'There are human lives involved': CT's GOP minority leader on immigration, enforcement concerns
Connecticut State Rep. Vincent Candelora speaks about the need to “depoliticize the immigration issue.”
www.ctpublic.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Ahead of the No Kings rallies, I spoke to State Rep. Vincent Candelora for @ctpublic.bsky.social. The Republican Minority Leader told me he’s mostly focused on getting both sides to sit down at the same table on immigration.
Annette Roman is Puerto Rican, but she’s still thinking about ICE’s presence in Connecticut: “They're going to pick up anybody that they feel looks like somebody they should be picking up, right?”
She brought an “abuelas para libertad” sign to Hartford’s No Kings rally.
She brought an “abuelas para libertad” sign to Hartford’s No Kings rally.
‘No Kings’ rallies draw 12,000 to Capitol, thousands across CT
The crowd was nearly double the size of the previous No Kings rally in Hartford in June.
www.ctpublic.org
October 19, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Annette Roman is Puerto Rican, but she’s still thinking about ICE’s presence in Connecticut: “They're going to pick up anybody that they feel looks like somebody they should be picking up, right?”
She brought an “abuelas para libertad” sign to Hartford’s No Kings rally.
She brought an “abuelas para libertad” sign to Hartford’s No Kings rally.
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
Connecticut State Capitol Police tell my colleague @racheliacovone.bsky.social they estimate today's Hartford No Kings rally size at 12,000 people. They estimated the No Kings rally in June at 7,000.
October 18, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Connecticut State Capitol Police tell my colleague @racheliacovone.bsky.social they estimate today's Hartford No Kings rally size at 12,000 people. They estimated the No Kings rally in June at 7,000.
Connecticut is the first state in the U.S. to formally recognize the contributions of native Caribbeans, according to the Higuayagua Taíno of the Caribbean tribe. Now, the lawmakers who backed the resolution say it won’t be the last.
CT is recognizing Taínos and the contributions of the native Caribbean people
A resolution passed by the state assembly aims to preserve Connecticut’s Taíno history.
www.ctpublic.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Connecticut is the first state in the U.S. to formally recognize the contributions of native Caribbeans, according to the Higuayagua Taíno of the Caribbean tribe. Now, the lawmakers who backed the resolution say it won’t be the last.
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
EXCLUSIVE: Thousands of leaked messages show leaders of Young Republican groups joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape in a private Telegram chat.
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat
Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.
www.politico.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:22 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Thousands of leaked messages show leaders of Young Republican groups joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape in a private Telegram chat.
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
ON AIR: Mi gente Latina, it’s time to give to @ctpublic.bsky.social during our Fall Pledge Drive!
When you do, you support reporting like mine on the Puerto Rican communities here in Connecticut, plus our many other beats, daily shows, digital folks, and more. ctpublic.org/give
When you do, you support reporting like mine on the Puerto Rican communities here in Connecticut, plus our many other beats, daily shows, digital folks, and more. ctpublic.org/give
October 9, 2025 at 8:47 PM
ON AIR: Mi gente Latina, it’s time to give to @ctpublic.bsky.social during our Fall Pledge Drive!
When you do, you support reporting like mine on the Puerto Rican communities here in Connecticut, plus our many other beats, daily shows, digital folks, and more. ctpublic.org/give
When you do, you support reporting like mine on the Puerto Rican communities here in Connecticut, plus our many other beats, daily shows, digital folks, and more. ctpublic.org/give
“This is an aspect of Latino life and culture that too often gets overlooked or caricatured,” photographer David González said of his exhibit “Urban Devotions.”
It’s on view at Trinity College in Hartford through Oct. 24.
It’s on view at Trinity College in Hartford through Oct. 24.
This NY Puerto Rican photographer captures religion in daily life. You can see it here in Hartford
David González’s “Urban Devotions” exhibit is at Trinity College through Oct. 24.
www.ctpublic.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:33 PM
“This is an aspect of Latino life and culture that too often gets overlooked or caricatured,” photographer David González said of his exhibit “Urban Devotions.”
It’s on view at Trinity College in Hartford through Oct. 24.
It’s on view at Trinity College in Hartford through Oct. 24.
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
Such an honor! My podcast for @wpln.bsky.social, “The Country in Our Hearts,” has been awarded “Best Audio Storytelling.”
Thank you to @nashvillescene.com and, as always, to all the people who shared their time and stories with me ❤️
www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/med...
Thank you to @nashvillescene.com and, as always, to all the people who shared their time and stories with me ❤️
www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/med...
Best Audio Storytelling
Audio storytelling is distinctive in its ability to capture the emotion in the voices of people impacted by worldwide issues. WPLN reporter Rose Gilbert accomplishes that in her podcast The
www.nashvillescene.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Such an honor! My podcast for @wpln.bsky.social, “The Country in Our Hearts,” has been awarded “Best Audio Storytelling.”
Thank you to @nashvillescene.com and, as always, to all the people who shared their time and stories with me ❤️
www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/med...
Thank you to @nashvillescene.com and, as always, to all the people who shared their time and stories with me ❤️
www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/med...
Since Trump’s firing of the majority of Puerto Rico’s financial oversight board, it’s been a waiting game to see who gets a say in the board’s next, and biggest, project yet: restructuring the billions of dollars in debt owed to the island’s electric power authority.
Inside the legal fight to reinstate Puerto Rico's financial oversight board members
Three of the former board members have filed a lawsuit claiming President Trump did not have the right to remove them, since the board is a territorial not federal entity.
www.ctpublic.org
October 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Since Trump’s firing of the majority of Puerto Rico’s financial oversight board, it’s been a waiting game to see who gets a say in the board’s next, and biggest, project yet: restructuring the billions of dollars in debt owed to the island’s electric power authority.
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
Connecticut Public's @racheliacovone.bsky.social and El Nuevo Dia’s Itzel Rivera introduce themselves, and share more about their collaborative effort to cover Puerto Rican communities in Connecticut. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-10...
Meet the reporters covering Puerto Rican communities here in CT and on the island
Connecticut Public's Rachel Iacovone and El Nuevo Dia’s Itzel Rivera share more about their collaborative effort to cover Puerto Rican communities in Connecticut.
www.ctpublic.org
October 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Connecticut Public's @racheliacovone.bsky.social and El Nuevo Dia’s Itzel Rivera introduce themselves, and share more about their collaborative effort to cover Puerto Rican communities in Connecticut. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Rachel Iacovone
The 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival brought out several icons of the food world to close out the last weekend of summer. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-09...
This New England wine and food festival just celebrated 20 years
The 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival hosted foodies from near and far as a fundraiser for the great houses of the Gilded Age.
www.ctpublic.org
September 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival brought out several icons of the food world to close out the last weekend of summer. www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-09...
A popular New England food festival took over the Newport Mansions this weekend, and the featured chef agrees: Our region has a pretty great, and underrated, food scene.
This New England wine and food festival just celebrated 20 years
The 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival hosted foodies from near and far as a fundraiser for the great houses of the Gilded Age.
www.ctpublic.org
September 23, 2025 at 1:15 AM
A popular New England food festival took over the Newport Mansions this weekend, and the featured chef agrees: Our region has a pretty great, and underrated, food scene.
Personality pic courtesy of the 61st annual Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival 🇵🇷
September 22, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Personality pic courtesy of the 61st annual Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival 🇵🇷