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 state’s most beautiful natural areas. Finally, on th…

This week on A Lively Experiment, the legacy of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and questions left in the wake of his passing. Plus, an ambitious plan to hike Rhode Island's housing stock. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podcast, former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung & Mary Barden, the Executive Director of t…

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. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San M…

This week on A Lively Experiment: key issues facing state lawmakers as they return to work next week. Three reporters in the thick of it join moderator Jim Hummel: the Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson, Nancy Lavin of the Rhode Island Current, and the Boston Globe's Ed Fitzpatrick. Plus, another federal judge from RI takes on the Trump administ…

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, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12's politi…

This week on A Lively Experiment: thousands of Rhode Islanders face the daunting task of finding a PCP during a doctor shortage as Anchor Medical prepares to shut down. Can patients push back? Joining moderator Jim Hummel are Joe Larisa , attorney & former Gov. Almond’s Chief of Staff plus attorney & former prosecutor Eva Mancuso & Bill Lynch, form…

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 this episode, as much of the country this week is gr…

This week on A Lively Experiment, the outcry over proposed raises for the governor's department heads. Plus, what's next for the Washington Bridge after the Trump administration's release of $221 million for the rebuild. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former State Representative Mike Marcello, RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers, and Brown University Pol…

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 extended interview with Rhode Island’s attorney general Pete…

This week on A Lively Experiment, the frustrating search for transparency about the cost of the Providence pallet shelters. Plus, can a familiar sea of asphalt be transformed into affordable housing? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Rep…

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 kids and teens. Then, contributor Steph Machado has an i…

This week on A Lively Experiment, Governor McKee makes it official: he's in for the re-election campaign despite a mixed report card. Plus, from tariffs to DOGE: keeping up with the latest out of Washington and the impacts in Rhode Island. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by the founder of Watchdog RI Ken Block, Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi and …

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. Then, Pamela Watts interviews veterans who served in…

This week on A Lively Experiment, the ripple effect of federal cuts in Rhode Island. Plus, what can be done to reduce your skyrocketing electric bill? One legislator proposes cuts to clean energy initiatives. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of The Economic Progress Institute, former State Representative Nick Gorham and WPR…

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 local professor who discovered a long-lost fugitive sla…

This week on A Lively Experiment, at what point do government cuts spark public opposition? A federal judge in Rhode Island is at the center of the fight. Plus, find out how the Ocean State would be affected by federal education cuts. Host Ian Donnis is joined by former RI GOP National Committeeman Steve Frias, reporter Nancy Lavin of Rhode Island …

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 of programs, including Medicaid and cancer research wi…

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 taking another man’s life. His story is part of our c…

This week on a Lively Experiment: breaking down this week's head-spinning directives from President Trump. Plus, a video raises the question: was it planned demolition or collapse at the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter and RI PBS Weekly contributor, Steph Machado plus political contributor Don Roach and Bi…

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 them out of prison for good. Then, producer Isabella Ji…

This week on A Lively Experiment, confusion reigns during Trump's first week in office. Are funds to fix the Washington Bridge in jeopardy as a result of a larger federal pause? Plus, news on Johnston's affordable housing fight. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by RI GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podc…

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 Chen’s pottery and he gives us his take on turning clay …

This week on A Lively Experiment: at long last, the Providence pallet shelters are slated to open. Can a new bill speed up the temporary housing process? Plus, the local take on President Trump's busy and controversial first week. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Paige Parks of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and former S…

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 Governor McKee’s annual State of the State address. McK…

This week on Lively, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former prosecutor Eva-Marie Mancuso, political contributor Pablo Rodriguez and Joe Larisa, an attorney & former governor Almond's Chief of Staff. They break down the governor's State of the State and next year's budget. The big question: how to bridge a $300 million deficit? Plus, …

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 England, and they unpack what’s in store for Rhode I…

This week on A Lively Experiment, House and Senate leaders break down the key issues Rhode Island faces in 2025. Moderator JIm Hummel is joined by House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson, Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz and House Majority Leader Chris Blazejerski. Topics include the budget deficit, cybera…

This week on a Lively Experiment, how state officials will mitigate the fallout of the cyberattack that may impact 650,000 Rhode Islanders, as information from the hack makes its way to The Dark Web. Plus: new year, new session, new challenges for the General Assembly. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal State House reporter Patric…

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado, and Brown University Political Science professor Wendy Schiller. It's nearly a wrap on 2024! Join us for a look back on the highs and lows of the past 12 months plus some prediction…

This week on a Lively Experiment: scrutiny of state response to the cyberattack worrying thousands of Rhode Islanders. There were warnings ahead of the breach of the public benefits computer system. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado, and Brown Univer…

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 their annual performance of a Christmas Carol. But th…

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science professor Emily Lynch and former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Up for discussion: should Rhode Island resume tolling trucks? Plus, examining the logic behind the latest delay in opening the three-million-dollar pallet shel…

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 of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s p…

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by David Salvatore of The Providence Foundation, The Providence Journal's Antonia Noori Farzan, and former state representative Nick Gorham. It's an anniversary nobody's celebrating: 1 year after the Washington Bridge failure, what's the outlook? Plus, how to get a better bang for the…

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 discuss how local lawmakers are preparing for a new Presid…

This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence residents are in for some financial pain as the city tries to find additional money to fund its schools. Plus, how the governor's race is shaping up. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island GOP National Committeeman Steve Frias, The Boston Globe's Edward Fitzpatrick, and Weayonnoh Nelson-Da…

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 takes us on a journey with members of the Wampanoag trib…

This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence schools face a financial crisis with no easy answers. Plus, President-elect Trump moves quickly to fill cabinet positions and raises eyebrows along the way. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by National Committeewoman of the RI GOP Sue Cienki, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Providence Col…

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 indigenous people such as the Narragansetts of Rhode Islan…

This week on A Lively Experiment: what a second Trump Administration looks like; Rhode Island's Senate leader keeps his seat; and a lead attorney quits the Washington Bridge case. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former Chief of Staff to Governor Almond, Joe Larisa; Brown University Political Science Professor, Wendy Schiller; and Bil…

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 episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and W…

This week on a Lively Experiment: no fire but plenty of smoke even after Governor McKee is cleared of charges in the ILO investigation. The controversy continues in a war of words. Plus, an even longer timeline for the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Ken Block of Watchdog Rhod…

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 Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi unpack s…

This week on a Lively Experiment, a change order more than doubles the cost of the Washington Bridge replacement. Plus, a look at local political races. And is using AI in school cheating? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi, Providence Journal State House reporter Patrick Anderson, and Boston Glober Reporter and Rho…

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 aboard Rhode Island’s iconic Tall Ship, the Oliver Haza…

his week on a Lively Experiment, state officials answer the public's questions about the Washington Bridge and outline a pushed-back timetable. Plus, rising friction between Providence and the state over school funding. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston mayor Allan Fung, Rhode Island Current reporter Nancy Lavin and former chair of …

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 Jibilian interviewed a Hmong family here in the Ocean …