One Square Mile: Recent Episodes
The Public's Radio
For the past 30 years, Westerly Republican Dennis Algiere has represented the 38th District in the state Senate. Now that he's retiring, three candidates making three very different pitches to voters are vying to take his place in what’s become one of the more closely watched races in South County. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, Joe Tasca reports.
Registered Republicans are a minority in Westerly, but the influence of conservative voters on local politics is hardly insignificant in a town where many residents lean right on hot-button issues. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with 33-year-old voter Philip DeBartolo. He owns an excavation business and is campaigning for Republican candidate Westin Place in the state’s 38th Senate District. They spoke about gun control, inflation, and political polarization, among other issues.
Voters following the 2022 elections in Westerly are witnessing something they haven’t seen in years. Candidates are widely promoting their support for public access to Rhode Island’s shoreline.
Religion can have a powerful influence on how voters see the world around them and make decisions at the polls. As part of our ongoing series One Square Mile: Westerly, South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes spoke with the Reverend Sunil Chandy of Christ Episcopal Church about how his faith informs his views on overcoming division and improving the political process in America.
Many voters continue to rank political division in America as one of the top issues facing the country today. As part of our ongoing series One Square Mile: Westerly, South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes spoke with local peace activists Madeline Labriola and Frank Thacker about their thoughts on political tensions and the 2022 elections, the issues they care about most, and the role of voting in bringing about social change.
Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.
Like many places across the state and country, Westerly is a town where issues of racial justice have come to the forefront since the murder of George Floyd. Now two candidates for town council and school committee are hoping to make equity a bigger priority at Westerly Town Hall.
Elections are about the issues and the voters as much as they are about the candidates. To get a sense of how issues are playing out in one Rhode Island community, The Public’s Radio presents our occasional series, One Square Mile. This year, we’re going to Westerly.
For our One Square Mile series, we’re focusing on the issues framing this election year through the stories of voters. Richard Brown is a postal worker and musician in Cranston. While voting-by-mail surges in popularity, and many postal workers find themselves at the center of political debate in the general election, Brown has watched both of his careers become entangled in this year’s political discord.
For our One Square Mile series, we’re focusing on the issues framing this election year through the stories of voters. Richard Brown is a postal worker and musician in Cranston. While voting-by-mail surges in popularity, and many postal workers find themselves at the center of political debate in the general election, Brown has watched both of his careers become entangled in this year’s political discord.
We’re in Cranston this month for our One Square Mile series, looking at the issues framing this election year through the eyes of the voters. Steve Agnoli is a young conservative voter who is still making up his mind about the presidential election.
We’re in Cranston this month for our One Square Mile series, looking at the issues framing this election year through the eyes of the voters. Steve Agnoli is a young conservative voter who is still making up his mind about the presidential election.
In our One Square Mile series today, we look at how the most important Rhode Island political race this year is taking place in House District 15 in Cranston. That’s where Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung is challenging Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello for his state representative seat. The stakes are high since the speakership is sometimes called the most powerful post in the state.
In our One Square Mile series today, we look at how the most important Rhode Island political race this year is taking place in House District 15 in Cranston. That’s where Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung is challenging Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello for his state representative seat. The stakes are high since the speakership is sometimes called the most powerful post in the state.
After 12 years at the helm, Allan Fung is stepping aside as mayor of Cranston because of term limits. Voters are now trying to decide who should be the city's next chief executive. As Joe Tasca reports, uncertainty surrounding the city budget and school financing are issues voters are weighing in the race as they go to the polls.
After 12 years at the helm, Allan Fung is stepping aside as mayor of Cranston because of term limits. Voters are now trying to decide who should be the city's next chief executive. As Joe Tasca reports, uncertainty surrounding the city budget and school financing are issues voters are weighing in the race as they go to the polls.
In our One Square Mile series, we’re looking at the issues framing this election through the stories of voters. In this voter spotlight, we meet 19-year-old, first-time voter Breanni Torres. She’s a Cranston resident, college student, and of Dominican and Cape Verdean descent. She says the movement for Black lives is among her top priorities.
In our One Square Mile series, we’re looking at the issues framing this election through the stories of voters. In this voter spotlight, we meet 19-year-old, first-time voter Breanni Torres. She’s a Cranston resident, college student, and of Dominican and Cape Verdean descent. She says the movement for Black lives is among her top priorities.
Each year, the Public’s Radio explores in depth a community, its people and the decisions it faces. In this election year, we go to Cranston. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay ponders the diverse politics of Rhode Island’s second-largest city.
Each year, the Public’s Radio explores in depth a community, its people and the decisions it faces. In this election year, we go to Cranston. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay ponders the diverse politics of Rhode Island’s second-largest city.
With Election Day just over a week away, Cranston voters say the stakes in this election feel higher than ever. While there are significant local races for mayor and state representatives, many voters say they see their ballot as a way to shape the future of the country.
With Election Day just over a week away, Cranston voters say the stakes in this election feel higher than ever. While there are significant local races for mayor and state representatives, many voters say they see their ballot as a way to shape the future of the country.
The news this morning is dominated by last night’s debate between President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. But the story we want to be covering locally at The Public’s Radio has to do with you. Scott MacKay tells us more.
The news this morning is dominated by last night’s debate between President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. But the story we want to be covering locally at The Public’s Radio has to do with you. Scott MacKay tells us more.
As part of our OSM Pawtucket series, we hosted a Community Conversation on Apr.25th. This is an archive of that discussion.
As part of our OSM Pawtucket series, we hosted a Community Conversation on Apr.25th. This is an archive of that discussion.
For more than a century, Pawtucket was a gateway for new immigrants to this country. People came from Ireland, Canada, Portugal and the Azores, to work in the city's factories. Today, the city’s new arrivals come mainly from Central America.
The number of Hispanic residents has more than doubled in the last twenty years, as they follow friends and family to the United States. But the city’s economic opportunities have changed drastically.
For more than a century, Pawtucket was a gateway for new immigrants to this country. People came from Ireland, Canada, Portugal and the Azores, to work in the city's factories. Today, the city’s new arrivals come mainly from Central America.
The number of Hispanic residents has more than doubled in the last twenty years, as they follow friends and family to the United States. But the city’s economic opportunities have changed drastically.
Our One Square Mile series on Pawtucket continues with a look at the city’s ongoing effort to attract artists and related businesses. The aim is to spark a creative renaissance to help fill the economic void, and the vacant mills, left by the decline of manufacturing over the years.
Our One Square Mile series on Pawtucket continues with a look at the city’s ongoing effort to attract artists and related businesses. The aim is to spark a creative renaissance to help fill the economic void, and the vacant mills, left by the decline of manufacturing over the years.
The Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is a former textile mill, now home to over a hundred and twenty small businesses.
The Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is a former textile mill, now home to over a hundred and twenty small businesses.
The textile mills that revolutionized manufacturing in Pawtucket are now giving rise to communities of artists. It’s a new kind of creative growth in the buildings that were once hubs of industry. Ari Leo takes us inside the studio of one local artist at Hope Artiste Village.
The textile mills that revolutionized manufacturing in Pawtucket are now giving rise to communities of artists. It’s a new kind of creative growth in the buildings that were once hubs of industry. Ari Leo takes us inside the studio of one local artist at Hope Artiste Village.
The Blackstone River was instrumental in the settlement of Pawtucket. It was the reason people lived there. It helped power at least 100 textile mills that are largely responsible for putting the city on the map. What role does the river have today and in Pawtucket’s future? Around the country, cities have found investing in their waterfronts to be a key component of urban revitalization. Providence, for example, transformed its downtown back in the 90s. Is there a grand plan for Pawtucket’s river? Should there be?
The Blackstone River was instrumental in the settlement of Pawtucket. It was the reason people lived there. It helped power at least 100 textile mills that are largely responsible for putting the city on the map. What role does the river have today and in Pawtucket’s future? Around the country, cities have found investing in their waterfronts to be a key component of urban revitalization. Providence, for example, transformed its downtown back in the 90s. Is there a grand plan for Pawtucket’s river? Should there be?
Pawtucket was founded on the Blackstone River, where the water was the lifeblood of the early industrial town. Today the river has more of an understated presence, even though it wends its way right through downtown Pawtucket.
But there’s a lot going on, as three members of the Ocean State Bird Club found out one recent morning.
Pawtucket was founded on the Blackstone River, where the water was the lifeblood of the early industrial town. Today the river has more of an understated presence, even though it wends its way right through downtown Pawtucket.
But there’s a lot going on, as three members of the Ocean State Bird Club found out one recent morning.
As part of our One Square Mile series on Pawtucket, The Public’s Radio is asking how the city will respond to recent blows, including the loss of the PawSox and Memorial Hospital.
As part of our One Square Mile series on Pawtucket, The Public’s Radio is asking how the city will respond to recent blows, including the loss of the PawSox and Memorial Hospital.
For generations, a robust manufacturing economy in Pawtucket offered newly arrived immigrants a gateway to the American dream.
For generations, a robust manufacturing economy in Pawtucket offered newly arrived immigrants a gateway to the American dream.
In our One Square Mile series this week, we bring you a collection of audio postcards, snapshots of life in Pawtucket, our featured city.
In our One Square Mile series this week, we bring you a collection of audio postcards, snapshots of life in Pawtucket, our featured city.
In our One Square Mile series, we bring you a collection of audio postcards, snapshots of life in Pawtucket, our featured city.
In our One Square Mile series, we bring you a collection of audio postcards, snapshots of life in Pawtucket, our featured city.
Our series One Square Mile Pawtucket continues with a look at the city’s mayor, Don Grebien.
Our series One Square Mile Pawtucket continues with a look at the city’s mayor, Don Grebien.
Every year, The Public’s Radio produces a series called One Square Mile exploring a community. This year, we look at Pawtucket, Rhode Island’s 4th largest city and one of its oldest. Pawtucket, like many American industrial towns, has both hopes and challenges as it copes with a changing American economy.
Every year, The Public’s Radio produces a series called One Square Mile exploring a community. This year, we look at Pawtucket, Rhode Island’s 4th largest city and one of its oldest. Pawtucket, like many American industrial towns, has both hopes and challenges as it copes with a changing American economy.
The Modern Diner is a Pawtucket institution, and the first diner in the country to be made a national historic landmark.
The Modern Diner is a Pawtucket institution, and the first diner in the country to be made a national historic landmark.
Carlos "The Codfather" Rafael controlled the largest groundfishing fleet in New Bedford. Now he's plead guilty and faces prison. What's next for the city's biggest industry?
Carlos "The Codfather" Rafael controlled the largest groundfishing fleet in New Bedford. Now he's plead guilty and faces prison. What's next for the city's biggest industry?
Larry and Loretta are my neighbor’s cats. And they love their canned cat food. To understand why just read the ingredients on the label. Ocean white fish. Fish broth. Tuna. Those ingredients are actually fish by-products. Fish guts. Fish livers. Fish intestines. Fish skins. They’re what fish processors like Bergie’s Seafood in call “trash.”
Larry and Loretta are my neighbor’s cats. And they love their canned cat food. To understand why just read the ingredients on the label. Ocean white fish. Fish broth. Tuna. Those ingredients are actually fish by-products. Fish guts. Fish livers. Fish intestines. Fish skins. They’re what fish processors like Bergie’s Seafood in call “trash.”
Darn It! Inc. is a company that has thrived because of -- rather than in spite of -- the overseas manufacturing that has put so many American textile...
Darn It! Inc. is a company that has thrived because of -- rather than in spite of -- the overseas manufacturing that has put so many American textile...
Standing on New Bedford’s Acushnet Avenue, René Moreno runs into a man who grew up in the same village he did in Guatemala. They talk for a couple of...
Standing on New Bedford’s Acushnet Avenue, René Moreno runs into a man who grew up in the same village he did in Guatemala. They talk for a couple of...
Is the scallop fishery well-managed? Most people, including scallop fishermen, scientists, and environmentalists, had the same answer: yes.
Is the scallop fishery well-managed? Most people, including scallop fishermen, scientists, and environmentalists, had the same answer: yes.
As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, we look at the “Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage Round the World”, painted by New Bedford artists...
As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, we look at the “Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage Round the World”, painted by New Bedford artists...
Mike Goodman, executive director of the Public Policy Center at UMass-Dartmouth, joins Political Roundtable to discuss the evolution of New Bedford, the...
Mike Goodman, director of the Public Policy Center at UMass-Dartmouth, joins Bonus Q&A to discuss the popularity of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker...
Mike Goodman, director of the Public Policy Center at UMass-Dartmouth, joins Bonus Q&A to discuss the popularity of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker...
Mike Goodman, executive director of the Public Policy Center at UMass-Dartmouth, joins Political Roundtable to discuss the evolution of New Bedford, the...
The Port of New Bedford is often touted as the most lucrative in North America. That’s thanks mainly to the popularity, and apparent abundance, of...
The Port of New Bedford is often touted as the most lucrative in North America. That’s thanks mainly to the popularity, and apparent abundance, of...
(This the second part of a two-part story.) Andrew Dillon has had a front row seat to the opioid epidemic in New Bedford. His diner...
(This the second part of a two-part story.) Andrew Dillon has had a front row seat to the opioid epidemic in New Bedford. His diner...
The harbor is one of the largest EPA Superfund sites in the country, and a reminder of the city’s industrial waterfront.
The harbor is one of the largest EPA Superfund sites in the country, and a reminder of the city’s industrial waterfront.
(This is the first part of a two-part story. Read part two here. ) Commercial fishing consistently ranks as one world’s most dangerous jobs, which may...
(This is the first part of a two-part story. Read part two here. ) Commercial fishing consistently ranks as one world’s most dangerous jobs, which may...
New Bedford's mayor is a former federal prosecutor whose grandfather was a fisherman. As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, Rhode Island...
New Bedford's mayor is a former federal prosecutor whose grandfather was a fisherman. As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, Rhode Island...
As part of RIPR’s One Square Mile: New Bedford series, RIPR’s Chuck Hinman talks with Lee Blake, the president of the New Bedford Historical Society,...
As part of RIPR’s One Square Mile: New Bedford series, RIPR’s Chuck Hinman talks with Lee Blake, the president of the New Bedford Historical Society,...
For the past eight years, New Bedford has been advocating for offshore wind and preparing their port to service offshore wind projects. But why is the...
For the past eight years, New Bedford has been advocating for offshore wind and preparing their port to service offshore wind projects. But why is the...
As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, political analyst Scott MacKay reflects on the city's past, from whaling to textiles, to its role in the Underground Railroad.
As part of our series One Square Mile: New Bedford, political analyst Scott MacKay reflects on the city's past, from whaling to textiles, to its role in the Underground Railroad.
Do you have a favorite book? Maybe it’s a novel you read again and again. But has a work of fiction ever inspired your vacation plans? New Bedford is...
Do you have a favorite book? Maybe it’s a novel you read again and again. But has a work of fiction ever inspired your vacation plans? New Bedford is...
The town of Johnston has been a Democratic stronghold for years, but in 2016 Johnston voters gave Republican Donald Trump a decisive 14 point victory...
The town of Johnston has been a Democratic stronghold for years, but in 2016 Johnston voters gave Republican Donald Trump a decisive 14 point victory...
Missed any of our stories about Johnston, Rhode Island? Let us take you there in this special hour from one of the nation's most Italian-American towns.
Missed any of our stories about Johnston, Rhode Island? Let us take you there in this special hour from one of the nation's most Italian-American towns.
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Ochee Spring Quarry in Johnston preserves a record of soapstone bowl-making dating back at least 3,000...
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Ochee Spring Quarry in Johnston preserves a record of soapstone bowl-making dating back at least 3,000...
Opened in 1959, Town Hall Lanes is a staple of Johnston. Birthday parties are commonplace, and local bowling teams are there every weekend. In today’s...
Opened in 1959, Town Hall Lanes is a staple of Johnston. Birthday parties are commonplace, and local bowling teams are there every weekend. In today’s...
King’s Tabernacle Church took the town of Johnston to court last year after town officials appeared to be trying to block the congregation from moving...
King’s Tabernacle Church took the town of Johnston to court last year after town officials appeared to be trying to block the congregation from moving...
In recent years, Rhode Islanders have spotted wild visitors not typically found in the Ocean State: Arctic beluga whales in Narragansett Bay and even...
In recent years, Rhode Islanders have spotted wild visitors not typically found in the Ocean State: Arctic beluga whales in Narragansett Bay and even...
Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for our weekly business segment, The Bottom Line. This week...
Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for our weekly business segment, The Bottom Line. This week...
Johnston is home to one of the oldest houses in Rhode Island: the Clemence-Irons House , built in 1691. It's right on George Waterman Road, but if you...
Johnston is home to one of the oldest houses in Rhode Island: the Clemence-Irons House , built in 1691. It's right on George Waterman Road, but if you...
This week our series "One Square Mile" is getting to know the town of Johnston. And if you’ve ever taken a drive on Greeneville Avenue in Johnston, you...
This week our series "One Square Mile" is getting to know the town of Johnston. And if you’ve ever taken a drive on Greeneville Avenue in Johnston, you...
All this week we’re hearing stories from Johnston, the Rhode Island town that flipped the most dramatically from blue to red in the presidential election.
All this week we’re hearing stories from Johnston, the Rhode Island town that flipped the most dramatically from blue to red in the presidential election.
All this week at Rhode Island Public Radio, we’re focusing on the town of Johnston. This suburb to the west of Providence saw the largest change from...
All this week at Rhode Island Public Radio, we’re focusing on the town of Johnston. This suburb to the west of Providence saw the largest change from...
Right across from the Johnston Town Hall is the home of the Autism Project, a nonprofit that helps kids with autism spectrum disorder learn to cope with...
Right across from the Johnston Town Hall is the home of the Autism Project, a nonprofit that helps kids with autism spectrum disorder learn to cope with...
Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state of Rhode Island in November, but then-candidate Donald Trump beat her by 14 points in Johnston -- the biggest swing in RI from D to R since the last presidential election.
Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state of Rhode Island in November, but then-candidate Donald Trump beat her by 14 points in Johnston -- the biggest swing in RI from D to R since the last presidential election.
This week our series "One Square Mile" is shining a light on the town of Johnston. You can’t talk about Johnston without talking about Italians, and...
This week our series "One Square Mile" is shining a light on the town of Johnston. You can’t talk about Johnston without talking about Italians, and...
Today we renew a tradition at Rhode Island Public Radio: our recurring series "One Square Mile." It’s designed to take you deep inside one Rhode Island...
Today we renew a tradition at Rhode Island Public Radio: our recurring series "One Square Mile." It’s designed to take you deep inside one Rhode Island...
Virtually all Rhode Islanders have at least a loose connection to the town of Johnston. Almost all of your junk -- trash, dried out Christmas trees,...
Virtually all Rhode Islanders have at least a loose connection to the town of Johnston. Almost all of your junk -- trash, dried out Christmas trees,...
In early 1860, Abraham Lincoln came to Rhode Island gathering support for his presidential campaign. He stopped in Providence and Woonsocket. and there...
In early 1860, Abraham Lincoln came to Rhode Island gathering support for his presidential campaign. He stopped in Providence and Woonsocket. and there...
This week, a Burrillville couple sued Warner Brothers over the movie “The Conjuring,” claiming it has turned their lives into a nightmare. The couple...
This week, a Burrillville couple sued Warner Brothers over the movie “The Conjuring,” claiming it has turned their lives into a nightmare. The couple...
Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for our weekly business segment, The Bottom Line. This week...
Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for our weekly business segment, The Bottom Line. This week...
Want to take a trip through history with your own personal tour guide? Or better yet, want to send some relatives visiting for the holidays on an advent...
Want to take a trip through history with your own personal tour guide? Or better yet, want to send some relatives visiting for the holidays on an advent...
Addieville East Farm in Burrillville, Rhode Island is a haven for sport hunting, and has gained an international reputation. And as part of our Series...
Addieville East Farm in Burrillville, Rhode Island is a haven for sport hunting, and has gained an international reputation. And as part of our Series...
School resource officers, police officers who are embedded in public schools, have become commonplace in Rhode Island. But the practice is under new...
School resource officers, police officers who are embedded in public schools, have become commonplace in Rhode Island. But the practice is under new...
There’s an epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose unfolding across Rhode Island right now, and Burrillville, a small town in the northwestern corner...
There’s an epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose unfolding across Rhode Island right now, and Burrillville, a small town in the northwestern corner...
If there’s an epicenter of eating chicken in Rhode Island, it’s got to be Wright’s Farm in Burrillville. Frank Galleshaw the 3rd oversees this...
If there’s an epicenter of eating chicken in Rhode Island, it’s got to be Wright’s Farm in Burrillville. Frank Galleshaw the 3rd oversees this...
This week, we bring you the sights and sounds of Burrillville, Rhode Island, with our occasional series One Square Mile. Today we head to Spring Lake,...
This week, we bring you the sights and sounds of Burrillville, Rhode Island, with our occasional series One Square Mile. Today we head to Spring Lake,...
Burrillville has become the unlikely epicenter for controversy over natural gas. The town is home to a natural gas-fired power plant, two pipelines, and...
Burrillville has become the unlikely epicenter for controversy over natural gas. The town is home to a natural gas-fired power plant, two pipelines, and...
As part of our series One Square Mile: Burrillville, we're taking you on an insider's tour of a venerable Burrillville institution, Zambarano Hospital....
As part of our series One Square Mile: Burrillville, we're taking you on an insider's tour of a venerable Burrillville institution, Zambarano Hospital....
All this week, Rhode Island Public Radio is focusing on Burrillville, a small community in the northwest corner of the state. Burrillville’s most...
All this week, Rhode Island Public Radio is focusing on Burrillville, a small community in the northwest corner of the state. Burrillville’s most...
Today, Rhode Island Public Radio kicks off a week-long series we call `One Square Mile’ where we focus on one of Rhode Island’s communities. This week...
Today, Rhode Island Public Radio kicks off a week-long series we call `One Square Mile’ where we focus on one of Rhode Island’s communities. This week...
Hockey runs deep in Burrillville. The town’s junior hockey league started in the early 1950s making it one of the oldest youth hockey leagues in the...
Hockey runs deep in Burrillville. The town’s junior hockey league started in the early 1950s making it one of the oldest youth hockey leagues in the...