Rhode Island PBS Weekly

This episode, we take a second look at Michelle San Miguel’s candid interview with Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, who speaks about the challenges facing Rhode Island’s smallest city. Then, an update on Pamela Watts’ investigation into the increase in homicides in Providence. Plus, Bill Bartholomew profiles an artist who battles gun violence with an unlikely weapon. 

This week on RI PBS Weekly, Pamela Watts reports on why Rhode Island has become one of the top destinations for television and film productions.  Next, before there was Hollywood, Rhode Island had a film entertainment industry of its own. We explore those early productions and highlight a fragment of the thousands of hours of local films housed at the Rhode Island Historical Society. Next , star local storyteller Bill Harley gives us his "take" on the art of storytelling. 

On this episode, contributing producer Dorothy Dickie takes an in-depth look at a difficult issue: domestic violence. Then, an update on how fears about climate change have sparked new interest in nuclear energy. Plus, home cook Dan Rinaldi shares some of his favorite recipes in our continuing series, My Take, and finally, a sneak peek at a new Ken Burns documentary.

Michelle San Miguel explores how the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, increasing demand on the already drained mental healthcare system. Then, Pamela Watts speaks to two transgender Rhode Islanders about their journeys to living their best lives. Finally, a look at the link between social media use and poor mental health, especially among teen girls. This episode was generously supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. 

On this week’s show, Pamela Watts sits down with New York Times bestselling author and West Warwick native Ann Hood about her latest book which reflects on the writers' time as a TWA flight attendant.  Next we meet Englishman William Crisp who is flying the flag for Polo right here in Newport. - through passion and wit.  Finally, Waterfire is back!  Pamela Watts sits down with Barnaby Evans, the man who made it all happen. 

On this week's episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, producer/director Dorothy Dickie introduces to those trying to turn the tide on our state's coastal erosion. Next, Pamela Watts uncovers the history of diners in America and its Rhode Island roots. Finally, local comedian Bill Simas shares some secrets of his craft. 

David Wright interviews bestselling author Don Winslow, who has made a career writing about drug wars in California and New York’s police department. Now, the crime novelist author returns home with a new book about Rhode Island’s mafia. Then, a look back in time at the Celebrity Club, a jazz club in Providence that attracted talent ranging from Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald.  Finally, Lylah Alphonse, editor of Globe Rhode Island, offers a commentary on the topic of domestic violence.

This week's show takes a look at the trend of thrift shopping, which has become popular among young, environmentally conscious Americans. Isabella Jibilian goes behind the scenes at a textile recycling facility and meets unique individuals looking to make green the new black. Then, Pamela Watts sits down with Javier Montañez, the new Superintendent of Providence Public Schools. He’s looking to transform a school system that’s as troubled as his own young life once was. Finally, Lylah Alphonse comments on the recent leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, which threatens to overturn Roe v. Wade.

On this week’s broadcast, David Wright has an in-depth interview with Providence’s Bishop Tobin.  Then some startling updates on Michelle San Miguel’s Long Covid segment, and sneak peak of Rhode Island PBS’s original documentary “A Stitch in Time”, produced and directed by Jamie McGuire.  And finally Lylah Alphonse gives commentary on the tragic school shootings in Texas.  

On this week’s broadcast, David Wright takes an in-depth look at critical race theory and the issue of teaching kids about systemic racism in our society. Then we have excerpts from two Rhode Island PBS documentaries. First up, in “Breaking Good,” Contributing Producer/Director Dorothy Dickie explores the escalation of the incarceration of women in the United States since the war on drugs was declared back in the 1980’s.  Then, in “Hi Neighbor,” Producer/Director John Smith tells the story of the legendary local Narragansett Brewing Company. Its rollercoaster history spans more than 130 years.  Finally, we have a commentary with Lylah Alphonse on the recent COVID-19 surge in Rhode Island and around the United States.