April 10, 2022 - Reducing Harm / Behind the Weather / Bitter Loss

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel reports on efforts to reduce teen pregnancy in Rhode Island. Then, for our continuing My Take series, producer Isabella Jibilian introduces us to Rhode Island filmmaker and urban explorer Jason Allard who gives us his take on why the State’s iconic, but abandoned buildings should not be forgotten. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi discuss how soaring home prices in Rhode Island continue to fuel a housing shortage on this episode of Weekly Insight.

On this episode Michelle San Miguel visits a local hatchery as they prepare to stock local streams and lakes with tens of thousands of fish. And, in celebration of women’s history month we revisit Pamela Watts profile of gilded age socialite Alva Vanderbilt Belmont who became a vibrant voice in the fight for women’s right to vote. Then, contributor Dorothy Dickie’s profile of artist, Sara Holbrook and how her work took a dramatic turn as her husband lost his way. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi talk about the continuing Washington bridge closure and high cost of building the Pawtucket soccer stadium.

On this episode, contributor Dorothy Dickie explores the heated debate around enacting gun control measures in Rhode Island. Then, Pamela Watts introduces us to a man who left his law practice to make – literally – beautiful music. Finally, in honor of Black History month, we again explore the often-forgotten history of Black folk music with the help of Providence based musician Jake Blount.

On this episode, Pamela Watts explores the push to build a state archives to preserve Rhode Island’s historical past. Then, in celebration of Black History month, Michelle San Miguel interviews a Rhode Island woman who embodies what it means to live a life of service…even when her service wasn’t always welcome. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi talk about the Department of Transportation Director, Peter Alviti taking the hot seat before State Legislatures over the closure of the Washington Bridge.

On this episode, alternative energy technology is driving the construction of windfarms in our area. But as more ships are needed to bring building materials out to sea, a new environmental concern emerged. Protecting Right Whales and other species from ship collisions. Contributor Elena Mannes reports, on why AI may be one answer to balance energy needs with the survival of whales and other marine life. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian explores the science of making soy sauce with a Connecticut chemist. And finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi look into the mayoral races in Cranston and Woonsocket, campaign finance and the continuing investigation of the Washington Bridge closure.

Weekly revisits a profile of Olympic ice-skating champion and Brown University student Vincent Zhou, who is about to get Olympic gold as Team USA advances to the top spot. Then, contributor Dorothy Dickie profiles an artist who spent more than three decades behind bars. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi unpack the federal government's investigation of the Washington Bridge closure.

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has a wide-ranging interview with Providence Police Chief, Col. Oscar Perez about his first year on the job, crime rates and his plans for the future. Then, we take a second look at Michelle San Miguel’s segment on the winter birds that flock to the Rhode Island coastline. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and Ted Nesi discuss Governor McKee’s proposed budget.

On this episode, we meet Keith Nunes and hear about his journey to redemption after taking another man’s life. His story is part of our continuing Turning Point series. Then, we revisit  Michelle San Miguel’s plastic pollution story and new evidence of the dangers of micro plastics in all aspects of our lives.  Finally, we share a portion of Rhode Island PBS’s three-part docuseries, The Risk of Giving Birth. In this clip, Tyler Sutton tells the tragic story of his wife Ariana who suffered from postpartum depression and took her life just nine weeks after giving birth to their premature twins.

On this episode Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth interview with the freshman Democratic Congressman, Gabe Amo. Then Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12 politics editor and Rhode Island PBS Weekly contributor, Ted Nesi sit down to take a closer look at Congressman Amo’s campaign and other changes in Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation. Finally, Pamela Watts has an interview with local artist and handbag designer, Kent Stetson.

On this episode Michelle San Miguel has a report on the fastest-growing student population in Rhode Island – multilingual learners, reaching record highs – going up by 76 percent over the last decade. Then, we debut a new segment called “Weekly Insight” Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12 politics editor and Rhode Island PBS Weekly contributor, Ted Nesi will sit down several times a month to talk about issues affecting viewers here in Southern New England, ranging from politics to education. Finally, they say magicians never reveal their secrets, but, as part of our continuing My Take series, local magician Lon Cerel gives us a behind the scenes look at his bag of tricks