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 W…

On this episode, in honor of Native American Heritage Month we revisit Pamela Watts story on Native American children taken from their families and forced into boarding schools by the Federal Government where they endured a brutal assimilation. This resulted in multi-generational trauma for indigenous people such as the Narragansetts of Rhode Islan…

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 s…

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 Haza…

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 …

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 th…

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 centenari…

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 s…

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 comm…

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 pr…

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…

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 bead…

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 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 p…

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.

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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 tea…

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 co…

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…

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 Insig…

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.…

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 s…

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…

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 track…

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 …

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 edit…

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, Mich…

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 politi…

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…

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.…

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 WPR…

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 unpa…

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 b…

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…

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 he…

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 In…

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…

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 inves…

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 …

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 Is…

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, P…

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 Nes…

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.…

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. Final…

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 t…

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. …

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 t…

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. Th…

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.…