Rhode Island PBS Weekly Podcast
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, Olivia Ebertz reports from Prudence Island where residents are struggling to find clean, fresh drinkable water. Then, a second look at a group of Rhode Islanders who call themselves Anti-Graffiti Vigilantes as they clean-up graffiti one rock at a time to help preserve some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. Finally, on this installment of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi break down the heated debate in Providence over a proposed property tax increase and remember the late Rhode Island senate president Dominick Ruggerio.
On this episode, local lawmakers recently introduced legislation to prohibit library censorship. Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the Freedom to Read Bill aiming to stop the banning of books here in Rhode Island. Then, a second look at the stone walls that surround New England. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss local toymaker Hasbro’s decision to stay in Rhode Island, and how the proposed Federal Funding cuts to Brown University could impact local residents.
On this episode, as part of our Green Seeker series, Pamela Watts updates her report on how and why climate change is helping fuel the exodus of bees in Rhode Island. Then, a second look at the decades-long dispute over beach access in Ocean State. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the installation of the state’s new Catholic Bishop, and why thousands of Rhode Islanders are scrambling to find a new doctor.
On this episode, Pamela Watts reports on the financial impacts both good and not so good for two Rhode Island cities since the Washington Bridge closure. Then, contributor David Wright introduces us to some entrepreneurs who turned the crumbling Washington Bridge into an ice cream flavor. Also on this episode, as much of the country this week is gripped by final four fever – the NCAA basketball championships, we take another look at the incomparable Providence college hoopster, the legendary, Ernie DiGregorio, affectionately known as Ernie D. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss Congressman Seth Magaziner’s flip flopping on taking up residence in his district.
On this episode, Breaking Point: The Washington Bridge, Rhode Island PBS Weekly is devoting the entire broadcast to the issue. Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report exploring why more than a year after the bridge was shut down no one has been held accountable. Then, Ian Donnis has an extended interview with Rhode Island’s attorney general Peter Neronha who talks about the state’s lawsuit over the failure of the Washington Bridge. Finally, we hear from Rhode Island’s former attorney general Arlene Violet who gives her take on the Washington Bridge’s troubling history and ultimate failure.
On this episode, teenagers often spend more than 5 hours a day online. For many it can be habit forming, which may just be what the creators of these platforms are looking for. Producer Isabella Jibilian explores how technology that is designed to be addictive can have tragic consequences for kids and teens. Then, contributor Steph Machado has an in-depth interview with Kathy Cloutier, the Executive Director of DORCAS International, Rhode Island’s largest immigration nonprofit as they grapple with potential cuts to staff and refugee services amid Federal funding changes from the Trump Administration. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi explain why Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation is worried about the future of Medicaid.
On this episode, the cost of child care can drive parents out of the workforce. For some, it’s more expensive than their mortgage or rent. Michelle San Miguel reports on a pilot program that is trying to bring those costs down by incentivizing people to work in Rhode Island’s child care industry. Then, Pamela Watts interviews veterans who served in Iraq more than two decades ago. Their real-life stories are playing a starring role on stage at Trinity Rep Theater in Providence in an original production called Someone Will Remember Us. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi look into ethics’ allegations surrounding Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and his wife’s work, and they discuss what a poll by the State’s largest union group reveals.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel interviews Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien about his city’s future as many of its schools are failing, an iconic business is considering leaving and people are worried about how President Trump’s new policies will affect them. Then, Pamela Watts interviews a local professor who discovered a long-lost fugitive slave’s article, which had been written years before the Civil War. Finally, we take another look at our story on 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 My Take series.