Rhode Island PBS Weekly

In Rhode Island hundreds of infants and toddlers with developmental delays are waiting months for critical, federally-mandated Early Intervention services.  On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the scope of the crisis and asks state leaders what they’re doing to solve it. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian has a report on the number of American children who can swim and how racism has played a role in barring generations of swimmers from pools. Finally, Pamela Watts takes us behind the scenes at Whooplah Studio—where the new Children’s show, Pollywog Pond, comes to life

On this episode we explore the booming population of Great White Sharks in New England. While protection of these sharks is environmentally sound, the marine conservation success story may come at cost to beachgoers. Then, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, we revisit a story that explores the dramatic rise in Veteran’s suicides in New England and around the country. Finally, we meet an underestimated Polo player gives us her take on determination. 

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on a program in Providence that offers work and training to refugees who have re-settled in the state. Their recipe for success – savory, sweet and chewy granola. Then, we debut a new continuing series called Turning Point. In this first episode, producer Isabella Jibilian interviews a woman whose life changing moment came on her first day of school in the fourth grade back in 1968. A warning, this segment includes racial slurs. Finally, On the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks, we revisit a story we first aired in 2021 and hear from two local Rhode Islander’s about their Muslim faith and about their lives before and after 9/11.

On this episode, we take another look at local photographer David Zapatka as he captures lighthouses in a way that’s never been done before. Then Pamela Watts explores Providence’s hunger and history of costume jewelry. Finally, we take another look at Newport International Polo Grounds and capture announcer, William Crisp, who is on a mission, through passion and sarcasm – to elevate the equestrian competition to new heights. 

On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with a transgender teenager looking to become her true self. Then we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Finally, we take another look at the history of Black Baseball, featuring the Providence Colored Giants who played integrated baseball before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.

On this episode, a second look at Pamela Watts in-depth interview with oceanographer, Bob Ballard who recounts his discovery in 1985 of the Titanic, and talks about his present-day search for Amelia Earhart. Then, Rhode Island PBS Weekly revisits a story that we produced in partnership with eco-RI News to investigate how warming waters are affecting the catch of the day in Narragansett Bay. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, we meet again a mushroom farmer who gives us his take on all things Mushroom

Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes a second look at Rhode Island’s disappearing dairy farms. Michelle San Miguel talks to farmers about the state of the industry and how they’re keeping farms running. Then, another look at producer Isabella Jibilian’s in-depth report on food waste. Both segments are part of our Green Seeker continuing series.

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel follows-up on an environmentally conscious guitar maker who uses mushrooms and honeycombs to make instruments that reduce her environmental impact. Then, we take another look at the cleanup of the Blackstone River 50 years ago and efforts being done today. All three segments are part of our continuing Greenseeker series.

On this episode, we follow-up on a segment about the 49 migrants who arrived on Martha’s Vineyard last year. Then, we take another look at the January 6th insurrection and how it exposed the deep divisions in the country and the similarities between that event and Abraham Lincoln’s journey from Illinois to Washington for his first inauguration as the country was on the verge of Civil war. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, Providence based musician Jake Blount gives us his take on the often-forgotten history of Black Folk Music.

On this episode, contributing producer Elena Mannes explores Rhode Island’s enduring love affair with Rhythm and Blues. For many it broke down barriers and brought people together. Now, a group of musicians are on a mission to make the genre the Ocean State’s official music. Then, a second look at Rhode Island’s supervised drug injection sites as the state tries to reduce the number of deaths from drug overdoses. Finally, we revisit Keep Kids Fishing founder John Graichen who started a program that has had an impact on the lives of thousands of young people in Rhode Island

In this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to one Rhode Islander whose made it her mission to record and save the state's Latino history. Next, Pamela Watts profiles world record holder and Olympic hopeful Sophia Gorriaran of Providence. Finally, we meet the couple behind 20 stories bookstore and hear how they are taking reading to the streets.

On this episode, Pamela Watts takes us to Portsmouth's Green Animal Topiary Garden to meet the man who grooms the creatures. Next, we present the Emmy award winning story, Acorns to Becorns, produced by Rhode Island PBS's ArtInc. Finally, we travel to Federal Hill to look at the past and future of the legendary Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Italian Restaurant.

On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright reports on how and why the town of Windham Connecticut has a centuries-long affinity with bullfrogs. Then, we revisit local chef Sherry Pocknett as she becomes the first Indigenous woman to receive the prestigious James Beard Award. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, Providence Art Club artist-in-residence, Anthony Tomaselli shares his thoughts on the power of creativity.

On this episode, an ER physician shares the trials and tribulations of working on COVID-19’s front lines. Then, a second look at the life of William Henry Wilson, cartoonist for the nationally syndicated comic “Wallace The Brave.” Finally, we return to Rose Island, where a professor is catching birds in the name of science.

On this episode, we explore nature and wildlife in the Ocean State. First up, Pamela Watts meets the group responsible for rescuing 6,000 wild animals a year, from baby coyotes to bats. Then, a second look at the RISD Nature Lab, where snakes, skeletons, and microscope slides inspire art. Finally, we revisit a bird sanctuary dedicated to parrots.

On this episode Michelle San Miguel takes a deep dive into the importance of understanding media and staying informed. Then, we head out to Warwick where Pamela Watts introduces us to professional Spanish dancers who are taking all the right steps and making all the right moves on and off the dance floor. Finally, we take another look at the Providence Atheneum which has many iconic stories to tell.

This episode takes a deep dive into education in the Ocean State. First up, Michelle San Miguel interviews educator David Upegui, who grew up experiencing homelessness, and 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’ lives. Then, we take a second 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.

On this episode, Isabella Jibilian introduces us to some Brown University students who beat the odds to send a satellite called SBUDNIC to space. Their innovative design helps  reduce the tons of debris that is circling the earth. Then, a second look at our Green Seeker piece on how turning the lights out helps improve the environment. Finally, in our continuing My Take series, we meet a mushroom farmer who gives us his take on all things Mushroom.