

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

Aug 20, 2023 • 27min
August 20, 2023 - Trans-Formation / Wonders on the Waves / Black Baseball
On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with a transgender teenager looking to become her true self. Then we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Finally, we take another look at the history of Black Baseball, featuring the Providence Colored Giants who played integrated baseball before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.

Aug 14, 2023 • 27min
August 13, 2023 - The Explorer / Scup / My Take on Mushrooms
On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with oceanographer, Bob Ballard who recounts his discovery in 1985 of the Titanic, and talks about his present-day search for Amelia Earhart. Then, Rhode Island PBS Weekly revisits a story that we produced in partnership with eco-RI News to investigate how warming waters are affecting the catch of the day in Narragansett Bay. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, we meet again a mushroom farmer who gives us his take on all things Mushroom

Aug 7, 2023 • 24min
August 6, 2023 - Disappearing Dairies / Food Waste
Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes a second look at Rhode Island’s disappearing dairy farms. Michelle San Miguel talks to farmers about the state of the industry and how they’re keeping farms running. Then, another look at producer Isabella Jibilian’s in-depth report on food waste. Both segments are part of our Green Seeker continuing series.

Jul 30, 2023 • 25min
July 30, 2023 - Strike a Chord / Operation Zap / Blackstone River Today
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel follows-up on an environmentally conscious guitar maker who uses mushrooms and honeycombs to make instruments that reduce her environmental impact. Then, we take another look at the cleanup of the Blackstone River 50 years ago and efforts being done today. All three segments are part of our continuing Greenseeker series.

Jul 25, 2023 • 27min
July 23, 2023 - Sign Language / Thrifting / Sights and Sounds

Jul 25, 2023 • 27min
July 16, 2023 - Long Journey / A country Divided / Jake Blount on Black Folk Music
On this episode, we follow-up on a segment about the 49 migrants who arrived on Martha’s Vineyard last year. Then, we take another look at the January 6th insurrection and how it exposed the deep divisions in the country and the similarities between that event and Abraham Lincoln’s journey from Illinois to Washington for his first inauguration as the country was on the verge of Civil war. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, Providence based musician Jake Blount gives us his take on the often-forgotten history of Black Folk Music.

Jul 10, 2023 • 27min
July 9, 2023 - Rhythm & Blues in Rhode Island / Harm Reduction / Keeping Kids Fishing
On this episode, contributing producer Elena Mannes explores Rhode Island’s enduring love affair with Rhythm and Blues. For many it broke down barriers and brought people together. Now, a group of musicians are on a mission to make the genre the Ocean State’s official music. Then, a second look at Rhode Island’s supervised drug injection sites as the state tries to reduce the number of deaths from drug overdoses. Finally, we revisit Keep Kids Fishing founder John Graichen who started a program that has had an impact on the lives of thousands of young people in Rhode Island

Jun 25, 2023 • 25min
June 25, 2023 - Saving History / Fast Track / 20 Stories
In this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to one Rhode Islander whose made it her mission to record and save the state's Latino history. Next, Pamela Watts profiles world record holder and Olympic hopeful Sophia Gorriaran of Providence. Finally, we meet the couple behind 20 stories bookstore and hear how they are taking reading to the streets.

Jun 18, 2023 • 26min
June 18, 2023 - Green Animals / Acorns to Becorns / Old Canteen
On this episode, Pamela Watts takes us to Portsmouth's Green Animal Topiary Garden to meet the man who grooms the creatures. Next, we present the Emmy award winning story, Acorns to Becorns, produced by Rhode Island PBS's ArtInc. Finally, we travel to Federal Hill to look at the past and future of the legendary Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Italian Restaurant.

Jun 11, 2023 • 25min
June 11, 2023 - Frogs of Windham, Connecticut / Chef Sherry Pocknett / Artist Anthony Tomaselli
On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright reports on how and why the town of Windham Connecticut has a centuries-long affinity with bullfrogs. Then, we revisit local chef Sherry Pocknett as she becomes the first Indigenous woman to receive the prestigious James Beard Award. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, Providence Art Club artist-in-residence, Anthony Tomaselli shares his thoughts on the power of creativity.