On this episode, we meet Maribeth Calabro, the newly elected president of the largest teachers union in Rhode Island. Contributor Steph Machado sat down with the new union boss and former Providence teacher for a wide-ranging conversation about what’s ahead for Rhode Island schools. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi break down the Mayoral races in Woonsocket and Cranston, and take a closer look at the investigation surrounding Gov...
Nov 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 544
On this episode, in honor of breast cancer awareness month, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on why many women with dense breast are at greater risk of developing cancer. And how a new Rhode Island law is helping uncover this risk. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi unpack some of Rhode Island’s biggest election races. And, finally, it’s Halloween week and Pamela Watts reports how and why a local couple has made it their ...
Oct 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 543
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on a local equine rescue and sanctuary that has cared for more than 400 horses over 25 years. Many were abused and neglected and about to be sent out for slaughter. Then, Pamela Watts heads out to Newport to meet the crew and students aboard Rhode Island’s iconic Tall Ship, the Oliver Hazard Perry. And then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss bond measures on the Novembe...
Oct 20, 2024•27 min•Ep. 542
On this episode, Growing up Hmong. The Hmong people are an ethnic group that originated in China, with a diaspora reaching across the globe. Their journey to the U.S. began after one of the longest and most divisive wars in American History – the Vietnam War -- came to an end. Producer Isabella Jibilian interviewed a Hmong family here in the Ocean State about their history and journey to America. This is part of our continuing series, My Take series. Then we revisit and update Pamela Watt’s stor...
Oct 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 541
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the changing path of education. Today, working toward a career in boat building, fire-fighting and the science of raising plants and animals in water can start in high school where technical training courses have exploded. The uptick has both students and educators here in Rhode Island seeing the future of work in a very different light. Then, photojournalist Michael Jones introduces us to master scrimshaw artist Brian Kiracofe who gives us h...
Oct 06, 2024•23 min•Ep. 540
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the stone walls that surround New England and interviews experts who say the historic walls function as more than a barrier, that they unite the region in a way that nothing else does. Then, Pamela Watts gives us a history lesson on our state bird, the Rhode Island Red and introduces us to the centenarian who describes the iconic role the bird has played locally, culturally and in post WW II history. And, photojournalist, Michael Frank introduces us ...
Sep 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 539
On this episode, Isabella Jibilian and Alex Nunes report on the battle over who has the right to be on Narragansett’s Town Beach, which has become a focus for activists who say the public is being shut out. Then, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s story about one Rhode Islander’s commitment to preserve the state’s Latino history. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why the demoliti...
Sep 22, 2024•26 min•Ep. 538
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to scientists working to establish Brown University and Rhode Island as a hub for RNA research. For many, RNA holds the keys to countless medical breakthroughs. Then, Pamela Watts interviews Elisha Project founder George Ortiz who is on a mission to feed the hungry through a program that takes community sharing to a whole new level. Finally, on this edition of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the...
Sep 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 537
On this episode, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s in-depth report on what’s behind the rise of parents home schooling their children in Rhode Island. Then, we take another look at the enduring legacy of Benjamin Franklin on one local town and public education. Finally, we return to Rose Island, where producer Isabella Jibilian introduced us to a professor who is catching birds in the name of science.
Sep 01, 2024•24 min
On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with local artist and handbag designer, Kent Stetson. Then we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s intriguing story about a world where some people not only hear music, but also see it and where even the words they see can have flavors and colors and even smells. The neurological condition is known as synesthesia and more of us have it then you might think. Finally, we revisit Rose Island where producer Isabella Jibilian introduced us to t...
Aug 25, 2024•25 min
On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with former Providence Journal Reporter John Kostrzewa talking about his book Walking Rhode Island. Then, on our continuing Window on Rhode Island series we take another look inside the Wolf E. Myrow company, a bulk jewelry supplier in the heart of Providence, where one family has been selling beads, rhinestones, and much more for several decades. Finally, we take another look at Newport’s International Polo Grounds and capture announcer, Willia...
Aug 18, 2024•25 min
On this episode, we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Then, we take another look at a story about a photographer cataloguing lighthouses up and down the east coast. Finally, 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.
Aug 11, 2024•24 min
On this episode, we revisit Rhode Island’s Poet Laureate, Colin Channer. Then, we take another look at how artist, Sara Holbrook’s work took a dramatic turn when her husband began to lose his way. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why a Democratic Rhode Island politician publicly raised concerns about President Biden.
Aug 04, 2024•24 min
On this episode, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s deep dive into the importance of understanding media and staying informed. Then, we take a another look at the issue of critical race theory. The term has become a catchall for the debate over what, and if, we teach about race in schools.
Jul 29, 2024•25 min
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Jul 21, 2024•25 min
On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth report on the number of American children who can’t swim and how racism has played a role in barring generations of swimmers from pools. Then, Pamela Watts takes us behind the scenes at Whooplah Studio—where the new Children’s show, Pollywog Pond, comes to life. Finally, a Coventry man teaches thousands of kids to fish.
Jul 14, 2024•22 min
On this episode, in collaboration with The Public's Radio, reporters Isabella Jibilian and Alex Nunes take an in-depth look at the decades-long dispute over beach access in Rhode Island. Then, as part of our Green Seeker series, Pamela Watts reports on how and why climate change is helping fuel the exodus of bees in Rhode Island. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, we revisit Rhode Island Quahogger Jody King who told us everything we needed to know about Quahogs, the Ocean State’s favorit...
Jul 08, 2024•24 min
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on how climate change is fueling the dwindling lobster population off the Rhode Island coast. Then, we revisit contributor David Wright’s report on why the town of Windham Connecticut has a centuries-long affinity with bullfrogs.. Finally on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the politics of polling.
Jun 30, 2024•24 min
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the Department of Justice’s investigation into the warehousing of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children in a local psychiatric hospital for months on end. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian explores the medical treatments for women going through menopause. Finally on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the rise of House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and breakdown why Rhode Island’s bigges...
Jun 23, 2024•27 min
Olympic hopeful Sophia Gorriaran is on track to become one of the fastest middle-distance runners in the world. Native American children were taken from their families and forced into boarding schools by the Federal Government. Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi break down the bills that passed the State’s General Assembly.
Jun 17, 2024•28 min
On this episode, Mashapaug Pond, the largest freshwater body in Providence, has long been off limits for recreational use. In this Green Seeker episode Michelle San Miguel reports on a new state plan to hold property owners responsible for the contamination that’s seeping into the pond and eventually ending up in Narragansett Bay. Then, we take a second look at another type of pollution – one that can’t be seen, but is loudly heard -- noise. How does the noise here in Providence compare to other...
Jun 09, 2024•27 min
On this episode, Ian Donnis reports on why financial stability has proved elusive for Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence and what’s being done to get them on stronger footing. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi will continue to focus on health care in Rhode Island and the long awaited appointment of a permanent state health director. Finally, Pamela Watts reports on a dar...
Jun 02, 2024•26 min
On this episode, Pamela Watts goes hiking around the state with former Providence Journal Reporter John Kostrzewa and talks about his book Walking Rhode Island. Then, we revisit producer Isabella Jibilian’s story about the early sign language that was used on Martha’s Vineyard. Finally, we take another look at contributor David Wright’s shark tracker story – just in time for the opening of New England beaches.
May 27, 2024•26 min
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on what’s behind the rise of parents home schooling their children in Rhode Island. Then, Pamela Watts introduces us to Rhode Island’s new Poet Laureate, Colin Channer. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the state budget and they unpack what a federal investigation exposed about the state’s most vulnerable children.
May 19, 2024•26 min
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has a wide-ranging interview with Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed. Reed, who is Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, says Israel needs new leadership amid the war in Gaza and talks about his next run for the Senate. Then on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi unpack the high cost of replacing the Washington Bridge. Finally, producer Isabella Jibilian takes us inside Wolf E. Myrow, a bulk jewelry...
May 12, 2024•25 min
On this episode, We revisit Michelle San Miguel’s report on the ever-growing tick populations in Rhode Island and the devastating and sometimes deadly diseases they bring. Then, we visit with a local farmer in Little Compton who, along with his wife is raising a large herd of alpacas for their fiber. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi talk about Sheldon Whitehouse’s fourth run for the U.S. Senate.
May 06, 2024•22 min
On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth interview with Solito author Javier Zamora about his long, lonely and often harrowing journey from El Salvador to the U.S. when he was 9 years old. Then Pamela Watts heads out to Newport for Daffodil Days. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi talk about all things Gina Raimondo from the former state treasurer’s work on pension reform to the now secretary of commerce’s rec...
Apr 28, 2024•22 min
On this episode, Pamela Watts takes an in-depth look at how climate change and rising sea levels threaten some of Rhode Island’s historical and iconic homes. Then, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to a local educator who has found a way to make learning fun by putting students in the drivers’ seat. And his lessons go well beyond academics. he’s on a mission to spark a joyful rebellion – one that he says became increasingly necessary during the pandemic. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insigh...
Apr 22, 2024•26 min
On this episode, we re-introduce you to a Rhode Island woman, Navyn Salem who is on a worldwide mission to save little children from malnutrition. Then, in our continuing My Take series, local steel pan musician Becky Bass talks about her artistic journey. Finally, we take another look at the work of influencer Ian Brownhill.
Apr 14, 2024•23 min
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has an in-depth interview with Rhode Island’s Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor about the continuing affordable housing crisis in the Ocean State. Then producer Isabella Jibillian introduces us to and local potter Dwo Wen Chen who gives us his take on how clay becomes art. Plus, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s Ted Nesi talk are back this week talking about the primary and the continuing forensic analysis of the Washington Bridge.
Apr 05, 2024•24 min
