

Rhode Island PBS Weekly
RI PBS Weekly
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2024 • 26min
April 21, 2024 - Eroding Rhode Island History / Mental Health in RI classrooms/ Weekly Insight
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 a mission to spark a joyful rebellion – one that he says became increasingly necessary during the pandemic. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi talk about the future of Rhode Island’s Public Transit Authority – RIPTA – after allegations of a hit and run incident forced their CEO Scott Avedisian to resign.

Apr 14, 2024 • 23min
April 14, 2024 - Nutrition Mission / Steel Pan / Tik Tok Famous
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.

Apr 5, 2024 • 24min
April 7, 2024 - Sec. Pryor on Rhode Island's Housing Crisis / A Potter's Story / Weekly Insight
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 WPRI 12’s Ted Nesi talk are back this week talking about the primary and the continuing forensic analysis of the Washington Bridge.

Mar 31, 2024 • 25min
March 31, 2024 - Absenteeism in Rhode Island Schools / Author Ann Hood on Grief / Weekly Insight with Ted Nesi
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.

Mar 24, 2024 • 25min
March 24, 2024 - Cell Phones in Schools / Artist Peter Diepenbrock / Transportation Secretary's visit to the Washington Bridge
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 unpack the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s visit this week to Washington Bridge.

Mar 10, 2024 • 25min
March 10, 2024 - Kids Having Kids / Rhode Island's Abandoned Places / Housing Crisis
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 be forgotten. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi discuss how soaring home prices in Rhode Island continue to fuel a housing shortage on this episode of Weekly Insight.

Mar 4, 2024 • 26min
March 3, 2024 - Stocking Rhode Island's Ponds & Streams / From Newport Socialite to Suffragette / Art & Alzheimer's / Pawtucket Soccer Stadium
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 Dorothy Dickie’s profile of artist, Sara Holbrook and how her work took a dramatic turn as her husband lost his way. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi talk about the continuing Washington bridge closure and high cost of building the Pawtucket soccer stadium.

Feb 26, 2024 • 26min
February 25, 2024 - Assault Weapons Battle in RI / From Lawyer to Violin Luthier / Black Folk Music with Jake Blount
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 help of Providence based musician Jake Blount.

Feb 18, 2024 • 25min
February 18, 2024 - Preserving the Past/ A Life of Service/ Weekly Insight
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 Insight, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi talk about the Department of Transportation Director, Peter Alviti taking the hot seat before State Legislatures over the closure of the Washington Bridge.

Feb 12, 2024 • 25min
February 11, 2024 - Wind & Whales / The Science of Soy Sauce / Weekly Insight
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 needs with the survival of whales and other marine life. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian explores the science of making soy sauce with a Connecticut chemist. And finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi look into the mayoral races in Cranston and Woonsocket, campaign finance and the continuing investigation of the Washington Bridge closure.