Rhode Island PBS Weekly

On this episode, in honor of Native American Heritage Month we revisit Pamela Watts story on Native American children taken from their families and forced into boarding schools by the Federal Government where they endured a brutal assimilation. This resulted in multi-generational trauma for indigenous people such as the Narragansetts of Rhode Island. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian reports on the fast growing world of Chat GPT. This story is part of our continuing My Take series. And, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the election results. And, finally, a look back at some of Rhode Island PBS Weekly’s most memorable moments as we celebrate our 4th anniversary on the air.

On this episode, we meet Maribeth Calabro, the newly elected president of the largest teachers union in Rhode Island. Contributor Steph Machado sat down with the new union boss and former Providence teacher for a wide-ranging conversation about what’s ahead for Rhode Island schools. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi break down the Mayoral races in Woonsocket and Cranston, and take a closer look at the investigation surrounding Governor Dan McKee and a multi-million dollar state contract. And, finally, we take another look at why Mashapaug Pond, the largest freshwater body in Providence, has long been off limits for recreational use and what state officials are doing about it.

On this episode, in honor of breast cancer awareness month, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on why many women with dense breast are at greater risk of developing cancer. And how a new Rhode Island law is helping uncover this risk. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi unpack some of Rhode Island’s biggest election races. And, finally, it’s Halloween week and Pamela Watts reports how and why a local couple has made it their mission in retirement to restore desecrated graves all over the state, including the grave of Bathsheba Sherman’s of the so-called Conjuring House

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on a local equine rescue and sanctuary that has cared for more than 400 horses over 25 years. Many were abused and neglected and about to be sent out for slaughter. Then, Pamela Watts heads out to Newport to meet the crew and students aboard Rhode Island’s iconic Tall Ship, the Oliver Hazard Perry. And then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss bond measures on the November ballot and the latest on the Washington bridge saga. Finally, a second look at Dwo Wen Chen’s pottery, which was exhibited in May at the Smithsonian Craft show in Washington. DC.

On this episode, Growing up Hmong. The Hmong people are an ethnic group that originated in China, with a diaspora reaching across the globe. Their journey to the U.S. began after one of the longest and most divisive wars in American History – the Vietnam War -- came to an end. Producer Isabella Jibilian interviewed a Hmong family here in the Ocean State about their history and journey to America. This is part of our continuing series, My Take series. Then we revisit and update Pamela Watt’s story on the diverse works of local sculptor, Peter Diepenbrock. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why the state should hold a constitutional convention and the upcoming layoffs at CVS.

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the changing path of education. Today, working toward a career in boat building, fire-fighting and the science of raising plants and animals in water can start in high school where technical training courses have exploded. The uptick has both students and educators here in Rhode Island seeing the future of work in a very different light. Then, photojournalist Michael Jones introduces us to master scrimshaw artist Brian Kiracofe who gives us his take on scrimshaw art and why it endures. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss what a recent poll reveals about how well elected officials in Rhode Island are doing their jobs, and why the majority of Rhode Islanders disapprove of how Governor McKee is doing his.

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the stone walls that surround New England and interviews experts who say the historic walls function as more than a barrier, that they unite the region in a way that nothing else does. Then, Pamela Watts gives us a history lesson on our state bird, the Rhode Island Red and introduces us to the centenarian who describes the iconic role the bird has played locally, culturally and in post WW II history. And, photojournalist, Michael Frank introduces us to a master cobbler from West Warwick, who gives us his take on the often forgotten art of shoe repair. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss Rhode Island’s largest hospital group, Lifespan, announcement that 20 percent of its executive force was laid off and why Cox Communications is suing Rhode Island over a statewide internet pla

On this episode, Isabella Jibilian and Alex Nunes report on the battle over who has the right to be on Narragansett’s Town Beach, which has become a focus for activists who say the public is being shut out. Then, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s story about one Rhode Islander’s commitment to preserve the state’s Latino history. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why the demolition of the Washington bridge is on hold and why one of Rhode Island’s most iconic businesses – Hasbro – may leave the state.

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to scientists working to establish Brown University and Rhode Island as a hub for RNA research. For many, RNA holds the keys to countless medical breakthroughs. Then, Pamela Watts interviews Elisha Project founder George Ortiz who is on a mission to feed the hungry through a program that takes community sharing to a whole new level. Finally, on this edition of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the RI primary results and the fall election.

On this episode, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s in-depth report on what’s behind the rise of parents home schooling their children in Rhode Island. Then, we take another look at the enduring legacy of Benjamin Franklin on one local town and public education. Finally, we return to Rose Island, where producer Isabella Jibilian introduced us to a professor who is catching birds in the name of science.