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, contributor Steph Machado has a wide- ranging interview with Michelle Wilcox, who this year rose to President and CEO of the State’s largest provider of housing for the homeless -- Crossroads Rhode Island. Then, Rhode Islanders have long flocked to Trinity Reparatory Company for their annual performance of a Christmas Carol. But this year – there’s a twist. Producer Isabella Jibilian takes us behind the scenes to see how costume designer
Amanda Downing Carney is giving Scrooge and his ghosts a new look. Finally, we revisit producer Isabella Jibilian’s story on toy designer Khipra Nichols – one of the designers behind such iconic toys as Mr. Potato Head and My Little Pony.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the city of Central Falls efforts to take back their schools, which the state has been running for 33 years. Then, Pamela Watts reports on the resurgence of vintage typewriters at a repair shop in Pawtucket. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the latest on the Washington Bridge ... nearly one year after the westbound side was shut down, and why Providence has to pay a lot more for education.
On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth report on loneliness and its detrimental physical and mental effects on both the young and the old here in Rhode Island and beyond. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss how local lawmakers are preparing for a new Presidential Administration and why next year’s State budget is causing concern. Finally, at this time of Thanksgiving, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with 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
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the mental health issues that many of Rhode Island’s young people struggle with every day. And the role race and sexual orientation plays in their emotional wellbeing. Then, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, Pamela Watts takes us on a journey with members of the Wampanoag tribe as they build and set sale an ancient wooden canoe known as a Mishoon. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the growing number of State senators questioning whether the ailing Senate President should remain in his job. And, they unpack the funding battle over Providence public schools
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 Island. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian reports on the fast growing world of Chat GPT. This story is part of our continuing My Take series. And, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the election results. And, finally, a look back at some of Rhode Island PBS Weekly’s most memorable moments as we celebrate our 4th anniversary on the air.
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 Governor Dan McKee and a multi-million dollar state contract. And, finally, we take another look at why Mashapaug Pond, the largest freshwater body in Providence, has long been off limits for recreational use and what state officials are doing about it.
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 mission in retirement to restore desecrated graves all over the state, including the grave of Bathsheba Sherman’s of the so-called Conjuring House
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 November ballot and the latest on the Washington bridge saga. Finally, a second look at Dwo Wen Chen’s pottery, which was exhibited in May at the Smithsonian Craft show in Washington. DC.
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 story on the diverse works of local sculptor, Peter Diepenbrock. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why the state should hold a constitutional convention and the upcoming layoffs at CVS.
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 his take on scrimshaw art and why it endures. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss what a recent poll reveals about how well elected officials in Rhode Island are doing their jobs, and why the majority of Rhode Islanders disapprove of how Governor McKee is doing his.