Rhode Island PBS Weekly

On this week’s show, Pamela Watts remembers Rhode Island State Police K-9 Unit member Ruby –  who went from a being a pup on a pound kill list  to hero and world famoust dog with the help of her handler and trainer Corporal Dan O’Neil. Next, we turn to a profile of Providence Journal columnist, Mark Patinkin. David Wright’s in-depth interview with Patinkin chronicles his 4-decades with the paper. ...

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel brings us the harrowing stories of genocide survivors who have escaped to the Ocean State. Next, Pamela Watts looks at a founding father's contribution to one of the country's oldest lending libraries. Finally, we visit a nursery spreading the Japanese artform of Bonsai in Massachusetts.

This week on RI PBS Weekly, Pamela Watts reports on why Rhode Island has become one of the top destinations for television and film productions.   Next, before there was Hollywood, Rhode Island had a film entertainment industry of its own. We explore those early productions and highlight a fragment of the thousands of hours of local films housed at the Rhode Island Historical Society.  Next , star...

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, we meet a Ukrainian born Woonsocket priest  comforting parishioners coping with war while supporting fighters defending his homeland. Next, an Afghan interpreter tells the story of his dangerous escape to Rhode Island from his war torn country. Finally, Michelle San Miguel visits a flower farm in Exeter tha'ts wowing visitors with its "Wicked T...

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, contributing correspondent David Wright dives into the legal battle that threatens the eviction of Newport's Jeshuat Israel congregation from the country's oldest Jewish house of worship, Touro Synagogue.  Next, a presentation of a Papyrus artifact by a Harvard professor shocked religious circles around the world by claiming it was evidence that Jesu...

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, as drug overdoses in the state surge  to record levels, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to a controversial new state program aimed at saving lives.  Next, Contributing reporter Bill Bartholomew introduces us to a North Kingstown High School Student gaining a legion of followers for his weather reports.  And finally, as ballparks fill up across the country fo...

This week on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, as potential threats from Russia and China loom, Michelle San Miguel takes a close look at the naval defense industry of southeastern New England known as the "Silicon Valley of undersea warfare" in some circles. Next, Pamela Watts profiles maestro and Providence College graduate Troy Quinn. Finally, we discover the treasures to be found at the histo...

Michelle San Miguel explores how the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, increasing demand on the already drained mental healthcare system. Then, Pamela Watts speaks to two transgender Rhode Islanders about their journeys to living their best lives. Finally, a look at the link between social media use and poor mental health, especially among teen girls. This episode was generously supporte...

On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright sits down with Arlene Violet for an in-depth interview. As a former nun who later became the first female attorney general in Rhode Island, Violet has long been a pioneer for justice. Then, contributing reporter Bill Bartholomew profiles Dan Blakeslee, visual artist and musician. Plus, an excerpt from Bria Medina’s Black Joy documentary which is...

Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes an in-depth look at long COVID, exploring how symptoms can linger for months after a COVID infection. Then, Pamela Watts interviews a former gang member about what’s behind the alarming rise of gun violence in Providence. Plus, a Providence artist turns guns into art.

Rhode Island PBS Weekly takes an in-depth look at a movement in Rhode Island hoping to help pregnant women by increasing their access to doulas. Then, John Smith explores how climate fears have sparked new interest in a controversial source of energy: nuclear. Finally, Lylah Alphonse, Editor of Globe Rhode Island, provides her take on the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear power.  

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel introduces u to Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, who speaks candidly about the challenges facing Rhode Island’s smallest city. Then, Pamela Watts interviews Congressman David Cicilline, who has taken on tech giants like Facebook and Amazon. Plus, a visit to White Electric, Rhode Island’s first cooperatively-owned coffeeshop.  

On this episode, contributing reporter David Wright sits down with the creator of the nationally syndicated cartoon, Wallace the Brave.  Then, we re-visit Pamela Watts in-depth interview with children’s book author, Jeff Kinney, creator of the best seller “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”.  And finally, Rhode Island PBS Weekly's senior producer Justin Kenny profiles the Ocean State’s “cold water swimmer...

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel sits down with Representative Jim Langevin, who made history as the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress. Then, a look at the shocking number of college students who can’t afford food, and a program looking to help. Finally, Lylah Alphonse, Editor of Globe Rhode Island, provides her personal take on the problem of food insecurity. 

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, we report on stories that are both tragic and hidden histories that indigenous people endured in Rhode Island and around the country. We begin in the late 1800’s with the practice that lasted almost a century:  Native American children taken from their families and forced in “Indian Boarding Schools” by the Federal Government.  The suffering caused by th...