Behind the Story 8/6/25: Nancy Lavin talks Woonsocket finances, State House politics

Nancy Lavin of the Rhode Island Current this week joined Eli Sherman and Dan McGowan on “Behind the Story” to discuss her reporting on Woonsocket finances and State House politics.Lavin is senior reporter for the independent, digital news outlet that focuses on state government and public policy. Lavin discusses ongoing financial issues in Woonsocket, which has seen its bond ratings yanked after struggling to get its annual financial reporting in order.Lavin also talks about a recent feature she wrote about Sen. Pam Lauria, a Barrington Democrat, who made some power plays this past legislative session at the State House, helping to recast "her own reputation -- from quiet workhorse to change agent," according to Lavin.Later in the show, Dan and Eli talk about the “Stories We Wish We Wrote.” They include (not all mentioned on air):Dan's picksFrom ranking seaweed to working at Dunkin' Donuts, RI politicians share their summer jobs by Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence JournalFuture of former library building remains unclear by Allison Shinksey, Southern Rhode Island NewspapersEli’s picksWhy more cranberry farmers are selling to conservationists, not developers by Crystal Yormick, The New Bedford LightLeadership at Rhode Island’s top economic development agency is in limbo at a critical moment for the state’s economy by Alexa Gagosz, Boston Globe RIWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.