Rhode Island is now home to the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in the country. Advocates hope the new facility will lead to fewer overdose-related deaths, and more people getting connected with drug treatment. And the Quidnessett Country Club is trying to get retroactive approval for an illegal sea wall that they *already* built. But they hit a hurdle this week with a subcommittee of the state Coastal Resources Management Council. Also, we hear about the centuries-old process of woodblock-printed wallpaper, from the curator of the RISD Museum’s exhibit, “The Art of French Wallpaper.” That and more on this week’s show.
James Baumgartner
James produces and engineers Political Roundtable, The Weekly Catch and other special programming on The Public’s Radio. He also produces Artscape, the weekly arts & culture segment heard every Thursday. His favorite part of the job is talking with artists, musicians and other creators about their process and what inspires them.
James learned the basics of audio editing while studying music at Missouri State University. He went on to get a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he created electronic music, video art and internet-based media art. While at RPI, James went on the air for the first time, hosting an electronic music show on Rensselaer's station, WRPI, but his love of radio came from staying up late so he could hear punk rock on KKFI, the community radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Reproductive rights under Trump, how Democrats lost Fall River, and more
What could Trump’s second presidency mean for reproductive health in Rhode Island? A reproductive rights advocate tells us what they expect, what they’re hearing from people in our communities, and how they’re preparing for the difficult fights ahead. Also, Fall River has been a Democratic stronghold politically for a century. So how did Trump and the Republicans flip it in this past election? Plus, we’ll hear a studio session with two Lithuanian American siblings who have been singing traditional Lithuanian folk music for as long as they can remember. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Studio Session: Traditional Lithuanian folk songs with Dovas and Vija Lietuvninkas
Lithuanian-American siblings Vija and Dovas Lietuvninkas have been singing traditional Lithuanian folk music since they can remember. “One of my earliest memories in general is of my grandfather singing Lithuanian folk songs to us as we were going to sleep, as lullabies as we’re sleeping over at their houses,” Dovas said. “So, literally from the […]
Posted inEducation, Immigration, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Providence schools budget feud, preparing for Trump’s mass deportation plan, and more
Providence school officials have persistently warned that if the city continues to underfund education, they will have to make some painful cuts. We hear from two PPSD leaders about what’s at stake if they don’t get the additional $10 million they’re asking for. Also, president-elect Trump has vowed to enact what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The head of a New Bedford advocacy organization tells us what they’re hearing from local immigrants, what people should know, and how to prepare. Plus, we hear about the community that’s formed around a popular weaving class at a Providence library. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
What’s next for the Institute for Cybersecurity at Rhode Island College and RIC President Jack Warner
Rhode Island voters recently approved $73 million in borrowing to enhance the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College. The 60% vote in favor of Question 2 underscores public confidence in the idea that education can help improve the local economy. Voters also approved $87 million for a life sciences center at URI. At Rhode Island College, the man leading the charge is Jack Warner. He is being inaugurated today as RIC’s permanent president after more than two years as interim leader. Warner takes on the role at a time when many Americans wrestle with college-related debt. And with the Trump administration vowing to eliminate the federal Department of Education, Republicans and some other critics believe colleges in America have moved too far to the left. How will these issues affect Rhode Island? Can Rhode Island College really play a bigger role in the state’s economy? And what is Jack Warner’s strategic vision for RIC? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with president of Rhode Island College Jack Warner.
Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch
What do the election results mean for Rhode Islanders?
With Republicans soon in control of the White House, Senate, and possibly the House, what could it mean for Rhode Islanders? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Wendy Schiller join us to talk about that and other takeaways from Tuesday’s elections. Also, how are the state’s young voters feeling about the election results? We talk with a group of students from Johnson & Wales University to get their take. And the Rhode Island Philharmonic has a new music director. She won’t take the seat until early next year, but she is conducting the orchestra in a concert this weekend. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
A conversation with conductor Ruth Reinhardt, new director of RI Philharmonic
Ruth Reinhardt conducts the Rhode Island Philharmonic this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Vets with violinist Blake Pouliot. There’s also an open rehearsal on Friday at 5:30 p.m. TRANSCRIPT: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Baumgartner: Given your experience – Europe, guest conducting in New York, Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Heidi Henderson’s ‘untitled sad piece’ brings contemporary dance to a Rhode Island skating rink
Heidi Henderson is a dancer and choreographer who lives in Wakefield. Her latest work is called untitled sad piece and it’s a collection of 10 dances: solos, duets, trios and ensemble pieces with all five members of her company, Elephant Jane Dance. Untitled sad piece is set to the music of The Carpenters, the 1970s brother-sister duo known for the sweetly sad voice of Karen Carpenter. Elephant Jane Dance will perform the piece tonight (Thursday, 11/7) at United Skates of America in Rumford.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Election 2024: What to expect, young voters’ priorities, and what’s on the ballot
In this final episode before Nov. 5, we’ll be talking all about the election. With just four days left, what can we expect in Rhode Island, and what do we know about how the outcome will affect our region? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Adam Myers will break it down. Also, five students at Johnson & Wales University tell us what they’re feeling and thinking about as they make their voting decisions. Plus, what exactly is on the Rhode Island ballot? We’ll walk through the last statewide ballot question, which asks voters to approve a $10 million bond for arts and culture. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
South Coast elections preview, Rhode Island’s $53 million green economy bond, and more
This election, South Coast residents will pick candidates for the state legislature, decide on five statewide ballot questions, and vote on a contested Congressional race. Our South Coast Bureau Reporter Ben Berke reviews what you need to know. And we continue our breakdown of Rhode Island’s ballot referenda, this time with question four, a $53 million green economy bond that will go towards green infrastructure, climate resiliency, land conservation, and more. Also, a conversation with Hamilton de Holanda, world-renowned composer and player of the Brazilian bandolim. That and more on this week’s show.
