Rhode Island PBS Weekly Podcast

On this episode, political reporter Ian Donnis interviews Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on climate, dark money, the tax code, Rhode Island’s loss of federal funding and what they may mean to the future of scientific research in our state and beyond. Whitehouse also takes on Democrats and why they lost the election….and, yes he talks about that vote on tariffs that he missed. Then, Michelle San Miguel profiles Ana Flores, a Cuban-born painter and sculptor, who has spent decades turning materials from nature into works of art. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12’s Politics Editor Ted Nesi explain what lawmakers are prioritizing in the final weeks of the General Assembly’s annual session. And why members of the Rhode Island House were united in their effort to reject Governor Dan McKee’s resolution to offer raises to 11 of his department heads.

On this episode, Pamela Watts finds out why some school districts are turning to remote mental health therapy to help Rhode Island students. Then, Contributor Steph Machado reports on what the Trump Administration cuts of tens of millions of dollars in science research funding will ultimately mean to Rhode Island’s universities. Finally, we hear one local family’s story of survival.

On this special edition of Rhode Island PBS Weekly we take an in-depth look at youth and mental health issues. All of our segments on this episode were generously underwritten by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. We begin with Michelle San Miguel’s report on the mental health issues that many of the Ocean State’s young people struggle with every day. And the role race and sexual orientation plays in their emotional wellbeing. Then, Isabella Jibilian has a report on loneliness and its detrimental physical and mental effects on both the young and the old here in Rhode Island and beyond. Finally, Isabella Jibilian explores how technology that is designed to be addictive can have tragic consequences for kids and teens.

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.