Rhode Island PBS Weekly is a Newsmagazine anchored in journalism that searches for truth and examines today's most important regional and local issues. Viewers are introduced to individuals, ideas and places in Rhode Island and beyond that they won't see anywhere else.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the problem of chronic absenteeism in Rhode Island schools. Then, we revisit best-selling author Ann Hood's thoughts on grief. And, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s editor Ted Nesi talk about democracy and the reason why a former state official has been fined.
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on why some schools in Rhode Island are looking to restrict or completely ban cell phones from schools. Then Pamela Watts introduces us to the diverse works of local sculptor, Peter Diepenbrock. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI politics reporter Ted Nesi unpack the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s visit this week to Washington Bridge.
On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel reports on efforts to reduce teen pregnancy in Rhode Island. Then, for our continuing My Take series, producer Isabella Jibilian introduces us to Rhode Island filmmaker and urban explorer Jason Allard who gives us his take on why the State’s iconic, but abandoned buildings should not be forgotten. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi discuss how soaring home prices in Rhode Island continue to fuel a housing shortage on this epi...
On this episode Michelle San Miguel visits a local hatchery as they prepare to stock local streams and lakes with tens of thousands of fish. And, in celebration of women’s history month we revisit Pamela Watts profile of gilded age socialite Alva Vanderbilt Belmont who became a vibrant voice in the fight for women’s right to vote. Then, contributor Dorothy Dickie’s profile of artist, Sara Holbrook and how her work took a dramatic turn as her husband lost his way. Finally, on this episode of Week...
On this episode, contributor Dorothy Dickie explores the heated debate around enacting gun control measures in Rhode Island. Then, Pamela Watts introduces us to a man who left his law practice to make – literally – beautiful music. Finally, in honor of Black History month, we again explore the often-forgotten history of Black folk music with the help of Providence based musician Jake Blount.
On this episode, Pamela Watts explores the push to build a state archives to preserve Rhode Island’s historical past. Then, in celebration of Black History month, Michelle San Miguel interviews a Rhode Island woman who embodies what it means to live a life of service…even when her service wasn’t always welcome. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi talk about the Department of Transportation Director, Peter Alviti taking the hot seat before State Legislatur...
On this episode, alternative energy technology is driving the construction of windfarms in our area. But as more ships are needed to bring building materials out to sea, a new environmental concern emerged. Protecting Right Whales and other species from ship collisions. Contributor Elena Mannes reports, on why AI may be one answer to balance energy needs with the survival of whales and other marine life. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian explores the science of making soy sauce with a Connecticut...
Weekly revisits a profile of Olympic ice-skating champion and Brown University student Vincent Zhou, who is about to get Olympic gold as Team USA advances to the top spot. Then, contributor Dorothy Dickie profiles an artist who spent more than three decades behind bars. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi unpack the federal government's investigation of the Washington Bridge closure.
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has a wide-ranging interview with Providence Police Chief, Col. Oscar Perez about his first year on the job, crime rates and his plans for the future. Then, we take a second look at Michelle San Miguel’s segment on the winter birds that flock to the Rhode Island coastline. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi discuss Governor McKee’s proposed budget.
On this episode, we meet Keith Nunes and hear about his journey to redemption after taking another man’s life. His story is part of our continuing Turning Point series. Then, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s plastic pollution story and new evidence of the dangers of micro plastics in all aspects of our lives. Finally, we share a portion of Rhode Island PBS’s three-part docuseries, The Risk of Giving Birth. In this clip, Tyler Sutton tells the tragic story of his wife Ariana who suffered from pos...
On this episode Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth interview with the freshman Democratic Congressman, Gabe Amo. Then Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12 politics editor and Rhode Island PBS Weekly contributor, Ted Nesi sit down to take a closer look at Congressman Amo’s campaign and other changes in Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation. Finally, Pamela Watts has an interview with local artist and handbag designer, Kent Stetson.
On this episode Michelle San Miguel has a report on the fastest-growing student population in Rhode Island – multilingual learners, reaching record highs – going up by 76 percent over the last decade. Then, we debut a new segment called “ Weekly Insight” Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12 politics editor and Rhode Island PBS Weekly contributor, Ted Nesi will sit down several times a month to talk about issues affecting viewers here in Southern New England, ranging from politics to education. Finall...
On this episode contributor Steph Machado interviews Rhode Island’s Speaker of the House, Joe Shekarchi. Then, we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s segment on local artists who have a neurological disorder called synesthesia. For many with the condition, music is not only heard, but also seen and words have flavors and colors have a smell. Finally, Pamela Watts features the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center and its tropical Winter Wonderland, where for the first time patrons can go a...
On this episode contributor Steph Machado has an in-depth report on the controversy surrounding police officers in public schools in Rhode Island and beyond. Then, we meet again Wampanoag chef and James Beard award winner as the best chef in the Northeast, Sherry Pocknett. Pocknett continues to look for ways to change how we think about food. Finally, Michelle San Miguel takes us to the Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette shrine in Attleboro.
On this episode as part of our Green Seeker series, Michelle San Miguel sits down with researchers at the University of Rhode Island to explore how microplastics are infiltrating all aspects of our lives and why reducing the waste may very well lower the health dangers they present. Then, Pamela Watts introduces to middle-aged workers who gave up their steady jobs to follow their dreams and are enjoying their second acts. Finally, the art of hunting through the eyes of Native American hunter Nak...
It is estimated that one in 36 nationwide is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian explores neurodiversity and the efforts here in Rhode Island to embrace neurological differences through theatre. Then we take another look at a practice that began in the late 1800’s and continued for almost a century. Pamela Watts reports on Native American children taken from their families and placed in boarding schools by the Federal Government where they were fo...
On this episode, Pamela Watts introduces us to Barrington resident Navyn Salem and her worldwide mission to save millions of children from starvation. Then, Michelle San Miguel interviews a Rhode Island content creator who reveals how he makes a living on social media. Finally, they call themselves Anti-Graffiti Vigilantes and they are determined to tackle one defaced rock at time and preserve Rhode Island’s beautiful natural resources. Pamela Watts has their story.
On this episode, we mark the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a defining moment in the Holocaust in which nearly 100 Jews were killed and about 30 thousand Jewish men were sent to concentration camps. Michelle San Miguel interviews Rhode Island Holocaust survivors who describe what happens when violence against Jewish people is left unchecked. Then, in remembrance of Veterans Day, we take another look at Pamela Watts profiles of a program that is helping combat veterans cope with Post Traumati...
On this special Halloween episode, Weekly takes a second look at the life of H.P Lovecraft—an author whose haunting work has an even darker past. Then, David Wright visits the Lizzie Borden house, the site of one of America’s most notorious murders. Finally, historian and author Beth Caruso shares her take on witches.
In this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the importance of “trees” in our environment and the tree inequities that poorer neighborhoods in Rhode Island experience. Then, another look at the Rhode Island School of Design’s nature lab where unusual creatures are the norm. Finally, Pamela Watts interviews a Rhode Island author who has been collecting stories about the Ocean State’s haunted past and present.
On this episode, Isabella Jibilian travels to Martha’s Vineyard to uncover the hidden history of sign language on the island. Then, Michelle San Miguel interviews William Kole about his new book, “The Big 100,” which explores how rising numbers of centenarians will have broad reaching impacts on society. Finally, Arlene Violet gives us her take on political division.
In this episode Contributor David Wright reports on the controversy and how a statue of Columbus that stood in a Providence neighborhood for more than 100 years was removed, put in storage for two years, found a new home in Johnston. Then, we revisit a story about Native American Rhode Islander’s who describe in-depth the prejudice they both faced growing up in Rhode Island and their continuing struggle to find their place in today’s society while retaining their indigenous heritage. Finally, an...
In Rhode Island hundreds of infants and toddlers with developmental delays are waiting months for critical, federally-mandated Early Intervention services. On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the scope of the crisis and asks state leaders what they’re doing to solve it. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian has a report on the number of American children who can swim and how racism has played a role in barring generations of swimmers from pools. Finally, Pamela Watts takes us behind...
On this episode we explore the booming population of Great White Sharks in New England. While protection of these sharks is environmentally sound, the marine conservation success story may come at cost to beachgoers. Then, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, we revisit a story that explores the dramatic rise in Veteran’s suicides in New England and around the country. Finally, we meet an underestimated Polo player gives us her take on determination.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on a program in Providence that offers work and training to refugees who have re-settled in the state. Their recipe for success – savory, sweet and chewy granola. Then, we debut a new continuing series called Turning Point. In this first episode, producer Isabella Jibilian interviews a woman whose life changing moment came on her first day of school in the fourth grade back in 1968. A warning, this segment includes racial slurs. Finally, On the 22nd a...
On this episode, we take another look at local photographer David Zapatka as he captures lighthouses in a way that’s never been done before. Then Pamela Watts explores Providence’s hunger and history of costume jewelry. Finally, we take another look at Newport International Polo Grounds and capture announcer, William Crisp, who is on a mission, through passion and sarcasm – to elevate the equestrian competition to new heights.
On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with a transgender teenager looking to become her true self. Then we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Finally, we take another look at the history of Black Baseball, featuring the Providence Colored Giants who played integrated baseball before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with oceanographer, Bob Ballard who recounts his discovery in 1985 of the Titanic, and talks about his present-day search for Amelia Earhart. Then, Rhode Island PBS Weekly revisits a story that we produced in partnership with eco-RI News to investigate how warming waters are affecting the catch of the day in Narragansett Bay. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, we meet again a mushroom farmer who gives us his take on all th...
Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes a second look at Rhode Island’s disappearing dairy farms. Michelle San Miguel talks to farmers about the state of the industry and how they’re keeping farms running. Then, another look at producer Isabella Jibilian’s in-depth report on food waste. Both segments are part of our Green Seeker continuing series.
