Rhode Island PBS Weekly: Recent Episodes
RI PBS Weekly
Rhode Island PBS Weekly features in-depth, well-researched stories that go beyond the headlines. Our award-winning team employs balanced, reflective investigative journalism and narrative storytelling to explore the whole story and provide needed context. These are stories that matter, from politics to art, education, the environment, and more, produced by WSBE Rhode Island PBS.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on a program in Providence that offers work and training to refugees who have re-settled in the state. Their recipe for success – savory, sweet and chewy granola. Then, we debut a new continuing series called Turning Point. In this first episode, producer Isabella Jibilian interviews a woman whose life changing moment came on her first day of school in the fourth grade back in 1968. A warning, this segment includes racial slurs. Finally, On the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks, we revisit a story we first aired in 2021 and hear from two local Rhode Islander’s about their Muslim faith and about their lives before and after 9/11.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
On this episode, an ER physician shares the trials and tribulations of working on COVID-19’s front lines. Then, a second look at the life of William Henry Wilson, cartoonist for the nationally syndicated comic “Wallace The Brave.” Finally, we return to Rose Island, where a professor is catching birds in the name of science.
On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, we meet a Wampanoag chef looking to change the way we think about food. Then, David Wright uncovers the hidden history of Duchess Quamino, the pastry queen of Rhode Island. Plus, the legacy of Benjamin Franklin in one town, and a commentary from Providence Journal Columnist, Mark Patinkin.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel speaks with emergency physicians about treating gun violence as a public health issue over objections from the National Rifle Association. Then, we revisit a segment about a unique program turning guns into art. Next, a look at famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his first days of freedom in southern New England. Plus, Rhode Island photographer Mike Cohea shares his take on capturing the scenery of Providence.
In this episode, Rhode Island PBS Weekly partners with ecoRI News to investigate how warming waters are affecting the catch of the day in Narragansett Bay. Then, Pamela Watts profiles a Rhode Island woman who was nicknamed the Queen of Diamonds, for being the first to play in a Major League Baseball game. Finally, we revisit the Touro Synagogue, and give an update on the bitter dispute over the oldest synagogue in the US.
On this special Halloween episode, Weekly takes a second look at the life of H.P Lovecraft—an author whose haunting work has an even darker past. Then, David Wright visits the Lizzie Borden house, the site of one of America’s most notorious murders. Finally, historian and author Beth Caruso shares her take on witches.
On this episode, Weekly investigates the issue of food waste and meets Rhode Islanders fighting to prevent food from ending up in landfills. Then, go back in time to 1937, with a look at how a bitter rivalry between the governor of Rhode Island and a racetrack owner culminated in what became known as the Racetrack War. Finally, we return to the Providence Athenaeum, a library with unique stories to tell.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel visits Rhode Island dairies, where farmers face an uncertain future. Then, in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Pamela Watts interviews a local artist about her unique experience meeting the Queen. Plus, a conversation with local author Padma Venkatraman, who traveled the world as an oceanographer before becoming a novelist.
This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Pamela Watts interviews Travis Landry—a toy hunter making waves on Antiques Roadshow. Then, visit the shores of Rose Island, where one professor is catching birds in the name of science. Plus, a Coventry man teaches thousands to fish and a Boston plumber with a unique story shares his take on being yourself.
This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel meets a guitar maker reimagining how instruments are made. Next, we examine a less talked about form of pollution that's taking away our connection to the night sky. Finally, Providence-based and New York Times best-selling author Ann Hood talks about coping with grief.
This week, Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes a look at a little-known inner-city travel baseball league churning out major success stories, both on and off the field. Then, a look at how a group of surfers in Little Compton are changing the worlds of teens with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, depression and other conditions . Finally, Weekly profiles a new play that depicts truth and tyranny in Russia.
On this episode, Pamela Watts takes and in depth look at the issue of installing barriers on Rhode Island bridges to help prevent suicides. In our continuing Greenseeker series, we look back five decades and the continuing efforts today to keep the Blackstone Clean.
On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright brings us the long criminal history of Boy 402, aka Albert DeSalvo, aka The Boston Strangler. Then Michelle San Miguel brings us an intriguing story about a world where some people not only hear music, but also see it and where even the words they see can have flavors and colors and smells. The neurological condition is known as synesthesia and more of us have it then you might think. Finally, producer Isabella Jibilian takes us to Rose Island where the Island’s manager Mike Healey gives us a tour for our continuing series, Window on Rhode Island.
On this week's episode, Michelle San Miguel speaks with two individuals living with alopecia. Next, Pamela Watts profiles Lady Carnarvon who resides at Highclere castle - site of the hit series Downton Abbey. Finally, Judge Frank Caprio of "Caught in Providence" fame gives us his take on second chances.
On this episode, we revisit the story of Amin Faqiry, an Afghan translator who fled to the Ocean State after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Then, we take a second look at a story about a photographer cataloguing lighthouses up and down the east coast. Finally, an update on Troy Quinn, a conductor with a surprising resume.
On this episode, we revisit powerful stories from indigenous Rhode Islanders who describe what it is like to grow up Native American. Then, we take a second look at how a gift of books from Benjamin Franklin changed a town and helped start a movement for public education. Finally, we return to the Providence Athenaeum, a historic library with fascinating stories to tell.
On this episode, an update on Pamela Watts’ deep dive into the tragic history of Indian boarding schools. Then, we revisit Bill Bartholomew’s interview with photographer Mary Beth Meehan, who strives to go behind the myths and shine a light on the lives of people ignored by society. Finally, we return to Linden Place, a Bristol, RI historic home museum that has taken a hard look at its relationship with racial justice.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel meets Brian Jones, a tap dancer with a colorful career. Then, we revisit contributing reporter Bill Bartholomew’s profile of Dan Blakeslee, visual artist and musician. Finally, we return a landmark known as the “Sistine Chapel of Rhode Island.”
This episode takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of shellfish. First, as part of the continuing series Green Seeker, Isabella Jibilian provides an update on how oysters have become an unlikely favorite among environmentalists. Then, we revisit how genetic research has helped oyster populations rebound from deadly disease. Finally, we take to the seas for a second look at how COVID-19 affect Rhode Island’s quahog industry.
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.
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.
Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes an in-depth look at a movement in Rhode Island hoping to help pregnant women by increasing their access to doulas. Then, John Smith explores how climate fears have sparked new interest in a controversial source of energy: nuclear. Finally, Lylah Alphonse, Editor of Globe Rhode Island, provides her take on the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear power.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces u to Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, who speaks candidly about the challenges facing Rhode Island’s smallest city. Then, Pamela Watts interviews Congressman David Cicilline, who has taken on tech giants like Facebook and Amazon. Plus, a visit to White Electric, Rhode Island’s first cooperatively-owned coffeeshop.
On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright sits down with the creator of the nationally syndicated cartoon, Wallace the Brave. Then, we re-visit Pamela Watts in-depth interview with children’s book author, Jeff Kinney, creator of the best seller “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. And finally, Rhode Island PBS Weekly's senior producer Justin Kenny profiles the Ocean State’s “cold water swimmers”.
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel sits down with Representative Jim Langevin, who made history as the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress. Then, a look at the shocking number of college students who can’t afford food, and a program looking to help. Finally, Lylah Alphonse, Editor of Globe Rhode Island, provides her personal take on the problem of food insecurity.
On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, we report on stories that are both tragic and hidden histories that indigenous people endured in Rhode Island and around the country. We begin in the late 1800’s with the practice that lasted almost a century: Native American children taken from their families and forced in “Indian Boarding Schools” by the Federal Government. The suffering caused by the often-brutal assimilation has resulted in multi-generational trauma for indigenous people, including the Narragansetts of Rhode Island. Pamela Watts has the story.
Long before Indian Boarding Schools took root in America, Rhode Island was the scene of a well-documented injustice to Indigenous Americans. David Wright has this Rhode Island PBS Weekly exclusive story on a brutal incident known as the Great Swamp Massacre that took place three hundred and fifty years ago.