PODCAST · news
Rhode Island PBS Weekly
by 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
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July 27, 2025 - Coding in Prison / Centuries Old Whaling Logs Providing Scientists with Climate Data / Quahogs
On this episode, we take another look at contributor Steph Machado’s story about inmates learning the language of computers, also known as coding. Then, a second look at Pamela Watts’ story on how whaling logs from the 19th century are helping modern-day scientists track weather patterns and…
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July 20, 2025 - Inspiring Students in Central Falls / Rhode Island's Floating Classroom / Alpacas in Little Compton
On this episode we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s in-depth interview with educator David Upegui. Upegui, who grew up experiencing homelessness, has now received the nation’s highest honor for STEM teachers. He shares his unique outlook on how he has improved—and even saved—students’...
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July 13, 2025 - Rhode Island's Poet Laureate / Art & Alzheimer's / Keeping Kids Fishing
On this episode we take a second look at an interview with Rhode Island’s poet laureate, Colin Channer. Then, we revisit a story about a local artist whose work took a dramatic turn when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Finally, another look at a story about a Coventry man who has…
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July 6, 2025 - Saving Horses in North Kingstown / Hiking Rhode Island / Bristol's Linden Place
On this episode, we revisit a North Kingstown sanctuary that rescues horses. Then, a second look at a conversation with a former Providence Journal journalist forging a new path on the hiking trails of Rhode Island. Finally, we return to Bristol’s Linden Place, a historic home museum grappling…
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June 29, 2025 - Water Battle in Jamestown / Her Brother's Keeper / Weekly Insight
On this episode, Olivia Ebertz travels to Jamestown, where residents are facing a shortage of drinking water. Then, the latest in the astounding story of Betty Anne Waters, who exonerated her brother from a false murder conviction. Plus, a new installment of Weekly Insight explores why Governor…
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June 22, 2025 - How Safe Are RI's Other Bridges? / Making Sea Spirits in PVD / Lessons From a Senior Endurance Athlete / Weekly Insight
On this episode, David Wright examines bridge safety across the state, in the wake of the Washington Bridge closure. Then, Pamela Watts heads to Industrious Spirit Company, or ISCO, a distillery creating unique flavors like seaweed and oyster. Plus, 66-year-old endurance athlete Paul Mellor gives…
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June 15, 2025 - Priced Out of Home Ownership / Providence Centenarian's Life of Service / Weekly Insight
On this episode, Isabella Jibilian looks at why many Rhode Islanders are being priced out of the housing market. Then, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s interview with a Providence Centenarian who embodies what it means to live a life of service, even when it wasn’t always welcome. Finally…
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June 1, 2025 - Losing Lobsters/ Rhode Island's Eroding History / Weekly Insight
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on how climate change is fueling the dwindling lobster population off the Rhode Island coast. Then, Pamela Watts takes ah look at how climate change and rising sea levels threaten some of Rhode Island’s historical and iconic homes. Both stories are…
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June 8, 2025 - Campus Crisis / Gaspee / Weekly Insight
On this episode, our contributor Steph Machado explores the intense pressure that higher education is under amid massive changes in Washington, and ongoing financial issues with an in-depth interview with Dan Egan, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, which...
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May 25, 2025 - Warning Signs on the Washington Bridge / Nonviolence Institute / Weekly Insight
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel and Jeremy Bernfeld have an in-depth report on our continuing investigation into the Washington Bridge. Our story looks at how and why Rhode Island’s Department of Transportation (RIDOT) may have missed warning signs lurking inside critical components which...
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May 18, 2025 - Senator Whitehouse / Uprooted Artist Finds Home in RI / Weekly Insight
On this episode, political reporter Ian Donnis interviews Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on climate, dark money, the tax code, Rhode Island’s loss of federal funding and what they may mean to the future of scientific research in our state and beyond. Whitehouse also takes on Democrats and why they…
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May 11, 2025 - Schools Turn to Remote Therapy / Slashing Scientific Research in RI / Hmong Family's Survival Story
On this episode, Pamela Watts finds out why some school districts are turning to remote mental health therapy to help Rhode Island students. Then, Contributor Steph Machado reports on what the Trump Administration cuts of tens of millions of dollars in science research funding will ultimately…
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May 4, 2025 - Feeling Lost / Loneliness / Addictive Design
On this special edition of Rhode Island PBS Weekly we take an in-depth look at youth and mental health issues. All of our segments on this episode were generously underwritten by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. We begin with Michelle San Miguel’s report on the mental health...
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April 27, 2025 - Prudence Island's Water Crisis / Anti-Graffiti Vigilantes / Remembering Domenic Ruggerio
On this episode, Olivia Ebertz reports from Prudence Island where residents are struggling to find clean, fresh drinkable water. Then, a second look at a group of Rhode Islanders who call themselves Anti-Graffiti Vigilantes as they clean-up graffiti one rock at a time to help preserve some of the...
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April 20, 2025 - Reading Ban Bill / Stone Walls / Weekly Insight
On this episode, local lawmakers recently introduced legislation to prohibit library censorship. Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the Freedom to Read Bill aiming to stop the banning of books here in Rhode Island. Then, a second look at the stone walls that surround New England....
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April 13, 2025 - Rhode Island Bees / Shoreline Access in Westerly / Weekly Insight
On this episode, as part of our Green Seeker series, Pamela Watts updates her report on how and why climate change is helping fuel the exodus of bees in Rhode Island. Then, a second look at the decades-long dispute over beach access in Ocean State. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight,...
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April 6, 2025 - A Tale of Two Cities / Crumbling Cream / Ernie D / Magaziner's Reversal
On this episode, Pamela Watts reports on the financial impacts both good and not so good for two Rhode Island cities since the Washington Bridge closure. Then, contributor David Wright introduces us to some entrepreneurs who turned the crumbling Washington Bridge into an ice cream flavor. Also on...
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March 23, 2025 - Breaking Point: The Washington Bridge/ Attorney General Neronha / Arlene Violet
On this episode, Breaking Point: The Washington Bridge, Rhode Island PBS Weekly is devoting the entire broadcast to the issue. Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report exploring why more than a year after the bridge was shut down no one has been held accountable. Then, Ian Donnis has an…
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March 16, 2025 - Teens, Social Media & Tragedy / Dorcas International / RI Lawmakers rally for Medicaid
On this episode, teenagers often spend more than 5 hours a day online. For many it can be habit forming, which may just be what the creators of these platforms are looking for. Producer Isabella Jibilian explores how technology that is designed to be addictive can have tragic consequences for…
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March 2, 2025 - Child Care Workers / Remembering RI's veterans & refugees / RI Poll
On this episode, the cost of child care can drive parents out of the workforce. For some, it’s more expensive than their mortgage or rent. Michelle San Miguel reports on a pilot program that is trying to bring those costs down by incentivizing people to work in Rhode Island’s child care industry....
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February 23, 2025 - Pawtucket Mayor / Slave Autobiography Discovery / Growing up Hmong
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel interviews Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien about his city’s future as many of its schools are failing, an iconic business is considering leaving and people are worried about how President Trump’s new policies will affect them. Then, Pamela Watts interviews a...
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February 16, 2025 - Restricting Rhode Island Craft Brewers / Weekly Insight / Loneliness Epidemic
On this episode, Ian Donnis reports on why some Rhode Island craft brewers say state laws are restricting their growth. Then on this episode of Weekly insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12's politics editor Ted Nesi discuss how the Trump Administration’s federal spending cuts to a whole host…
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February 9, 2025 - Breast Cancer Hidden Risk / Turning Point / Weekly Insight
On this episode, we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s 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 we meet again, Keith Nunes and hear about his journey to redemption after...
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February 2, 2025 - Coding in Prison / Cybersecurity / Weekly Insight
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado goes inside one of Rhode Island’s medium security prisons where inmates are learning the language of computers, also known as coding. They’re hoping that high demand for those skilled in web development and software design could lead to jobs that keep…
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January 26, 2025 - Menopause Misconceptions / Winter Birds of RI / Providence Potter
On this episode, we revisit producer Isabella Jibilian’s report on medical treatments for women going through menopause. Then, the winter birds are back and we take another at Michelle San Miguel’s report on their journey to the Rhode Island coastline. Finally, we take another look at Dwo Wen...
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January 19, 2025 - Whaling and Weather / Weekly Insight / Eroding History
On this episode, Pamela Watts has an in-depth report on how whaling logs from the 19th century are helping modern-day scientists track weather patterns and assess changes in the climate. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss...
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January 12, 2025 - Funding the Arts / Weekly Insight / Warehousing RI's Children
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the efforts to secure funding for the Arts in Rhode Island. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the incoming Administration and what impact that might have on New...
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December 15, 2024 - Crossroads RI CEO / Trinity Rep Costumes / Local Toymaker
On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has a wide- ranging interview with Michelle Wilcox, who this year rose to President and CEO of the State's largest provider of housing for the homeless -- Crossroads Rhode Island. Then, Rhode Islanders have long flocked to Trinity Reparatory Company for...
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December 8, 2024 - Central Falls Schools / Typewriters in Pawtucket / Weekly Insight
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the city of Central Falls efforts to take back their schools, which the state has been running for 33 years. Then, Pamela Watts reports on the resurgence of vintage typewriters at a repair shop in Pawtucket. Finally, on this episode…
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November 24, 2024 - Loneliness Epidemic / The Elijah Project / Weekly Insight
On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth report on loneliness and its detrimental physical and mental effects on both the young and the old here in Rhode Island and beyond. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi…
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November 17, 2024 - Feeling Lost / Mishoon / Providence School Fight
On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on the mental health issues that many of Rhode Island’s young people struggle with every day. And the role race and sexual orientation plays in their emotional wellbeing. Then, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, Pamela Watts…
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November 10, 2024 - Hidden History / AI ChatGPT / Election Analysis / Weekly celebrates four year anniversary
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...
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November 3, 2024 - RI Federation of Teachers President / Cranston & Woonsocket Mayoral Races / Toxic Providence Pond
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...
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October 27, 2024 - Hidden Breast Cancer / Rhode Island Couple Repairing Graves and Reputations / Election Preview
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...
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October 20, 2024 - Horse Sanctuary / Tall Ship Classroom / Weekly Insight / Providence Potter
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...
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October 13, 2024 - Growing up Hmong in RI / Clock Man / Weekly Insight
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...
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October 6, 2024 - Career & Technical Education exploding in RI schools / Scrimshaw art in Newport / McKee's poll problems
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...
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September 29, 2024 - Stone Walls / Rhode Island Red / The Art of Cobbling / Weekly Insight
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…
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September 22, 2024 - Narragansett Town Beach Fight / Preserving RI Latino History / Home for Hasbro
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...
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September 15, 2024 - RNA and Rhode Island / The Elisha Project / Weekly Insight
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...
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September 1, 2024 - Home Schooling / Benjamin Franklin's Gift / Birds of Rose Island
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,...
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August 25, 2024 - Art in Hand / Synesthesia / Rose Island
On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with local artist and handbag designer, Kent Stetson. Then we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s 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...
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August 18, 2024 - Hiking Rhode Island / Providence's Bead Mecca / Newport Polo
On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with former Providence Journal Reporter John Kostrzewa talking about his book Walking Rhode Island. Then, on our continuing Window on Rhode Island series we take another look inside the Wolf E. Myrow company, a bulk jewelry supplier in the heart…
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August 11, 2024 - Wonders on the Waves / Documenting Lighthouses / Urban Explorer
On this episode, we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Then, we take another look at a story about a photographer cataloguing lighthouses up and down the east coast. Finally, producer Isabella Jibilian introduces us to Rhode Island filmmaker...
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August 4, 2024 - Beyond Words / Art of Love / Weekly Insight
On this episode, we revisit Rhode Island’s Poet Laureate, Colin Channer. Then, we take another look at how artist, Sara Holbrook’s work took a dramatic turn when her husband began to lose his way. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted…
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July 28, 2024 - Media Literacy / Critical Race Theory
On this episode, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s deep dive into the importance of understanding media and staying informed. Then, we take a another look at the issue of critical race theory. The term has become a catchall for the debate over what, and if, we teach about race in schools.
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July 14, 2024 - Swimming Upstream / Pollywog Pond / Keeping Kids Fishing
On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth report on the number of American children who can’t swim and how racism has played a role in barring generations of swimmers from pools. Then, Pamela Watts takes us behind the scenes at Whooplah Studio—where the new Children’s show,...
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July 7, 2024 - The Fight Over Shoreline Access / Bee-leaving / My Take - Quahogs
On this episode, in collaboration with The Public's Radio, reporters Isabella Jibilian and Alex Nunes take an in-depth look at the decades-long dispute over beach access in Rhode Island. Then, as part of our Green Seeker series, Pamela Watts reports on how and why climate change is helping fuel…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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RI PBS Weekly
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rhode Island PBS Weekly have?
Rhode Island PBS Weekly currently has 165 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rhode Island PBS Weekly about?
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.
How often does Rhode Island PBS Weekly release new episodes?
Rhode Island PBS Weekly publishes regularly with 165 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Rhode Island PBS Weekly?
You can listen to Rhode Island PBS Weekly on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rhode Island PBS Weekly?
Rhode Island PBS Weekly is created and hosted by RI PBS Weekly.
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