Rhode Island PBS Weekly

On this week’s show, Pamela Watts remembers Rhode Island State Police K-9 Unit member Ruby –  who went from a being a pup on a pound kill list  to hero and world famoust dog with the help of her handler and trainer Corporal Dan O’Neil. Next, we turn to a profile of Providence Journal columnist, Mark Patinkin. David Wright’s in-depth interview with Patinkin chronicles his 4-decades with the paper.  Finally, Lylah Alphonse has a commentary on the controversial teaching of Critical Race Theory or CRT as it has become known.

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel brings us the harrowing stories of genocide survivors who have escaped to the Ocean State.Next, Pamela Watts looks at a founding father's contribution to one of the country's oldest lending libraries.Finally, we visit a nursery spreading the Japanese artform of Bonsai in Massachusetts.

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 of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, we meet a Ukrainian born Woonsocket priest  comforting parishioners coping with war while supporting fighters defending his homeland. Next, an Afghan interpreter tells the story of his dangerous escape to Rhode Island from his war torn country. Finally, Michelle San Miguel visits a flower farm in Exeter tha'ts wowing visitors with its "Wicked Tulips. "

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, contributing correspondent David Wright dives into the legal battle that threatens the eviction of Newport's Jeshuat Israel congregation from the country's oldest Jewish house of worship, Touro Synagogue. Next, a presentation of a Papyrus artifact by a Harvard professor shocked religious circles around the world by claiming it was evidence that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. The relic was later deemed a fake. Michelle San Miguel explores how the prominent scholar was duped by a college dropout. 

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, as drug overdoses in the state surge  to record levels, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to a controversial new state program aimed at saving lives. Next, Contributing reporter Bill Bartholomew introduces us to a North Kingstown High School Student gaining a legion of followers for his weather reports. And finally, as ballparks fill up across the country for opening day, contributing reporter David Wright revisits one of the worst baseball losses in Rhode Island history. 

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, as potential threats from Russia and China loom, Michelle San Miguel takes a close look at the naval defense industry of southeastern New England known as the "Silicon Valley of undersea warfare" in some circles. Next, Pamela Watts profiles maestro and Providence College graduate Troy Quinn. Finally, we discover the treasures to be found at the historic Providence Athenaeum.

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 episode, contributing reporter David Wright sits down with Arlene Violet for an in-depth interview. As a former nun who later became the first female attorney general in Rhode Island, Violet has long been a pioneer for justice. Then, contributing reporter Bill Bartholomew profiles Dan Blakeslee, visual artist and musician. Plus, an excerpt from Bria Medina’s Black Joy documentary which is airing soon on Rhode Island PBS.  

Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes an in-depth look at long COVID, exploring how symptoms can linger for months after a COVID infection. Then, Pamela Watts interviews a former gang member about what’s behind the alarming rise of gun violence in Providence. Plus, a Providence artist turns guns into art.