Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. James Baumgartner: Mike, thanks so much for your time. Mike Woods: Thank you. Happy to be here and talking about this important issue. Baumgartner: First of all, what’s this all about? Do we really need to ban hunting of wild animals in Rhode Island? Is […]
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 inHealth, Housing, The Weekly Catch
An app for addiction treatment, Narragansett’s affordable housing problem, and more
Rhode Island has one of the nation’s highest rates of overdose deaths involving cocaine, a problem the state is trying to address with a new smartphone app. But is it reaching those most in need? Also, the town of Narragansett has one of the lowest percentages of affordable housing in the state. We hear about some steps taken earlier this week by the town council intended to address the housing shortfall. And RISD is celebrating its second Black Biennial. We’ll hear from the co-curator who is seeking to break down the walls between the institution and the surrounding community. Plus: the week in politics, and a few things to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Student-curated Black Biennial breaks down walls between RISD and the community
The RISD Black Biennial features the work of 68 artists who are either connected to RISD or the greater Providence area and are from the African diaspora. The show’s theme is “Sonder,” a relatively new word meaning “the realization that everyone, including strangers, has a life as complex as one’s own.”
Posted inEducation, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Students strike a deal at Brown, roots of militarized police response to college protests, and more
Pro-Palestine demonstrations have cropped up on university campuses around the country, leading in some cases to arrests and clashes with police. But Brown University students and administrators this week reached a peaceful conclusion. We hear from two students about how it happened. Also, violence between cops and student protestors may seem familiar to those who witnessed the campus unrest of the 60s and other eras. But today’s militarized police response to protests at Columbia and other colleges has its roots in post-9/11 policies. Plus, we hear about a biography on one of the most influential American artists of the past 50 years: Keith Haring. That and more coming on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
Decade-old report warned of Washington Bridge issues, envisioning the future of RIPTA, and more
An investigation by the Providence Journal this week revealed that the Washington Bridge has had structural problems for years – and that the state knew about it as long ago as 2014. Providence Journal reporter Patrick Anderson joins us to talk about what he found. Also, RIPTA is in need of a new leader now that CEO Scott Avedisian has stepped down. We hear from transit advocates about their vision for the agency, and who they’d like to see take the helm. And while many artists are concerned about the growing threat of artificial intelligence, Griffin Smith is teaching students at RISD how to work with AI and not run from it. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
What’s behind the push to reform Rhode Island’s powerful Coastal Resources Management Council
Environmental advocates are pushing for changes to Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council. We hear from State Sen. Victoria Gu, who is sponsoring legislation to reform the agency. Also, a manager of a Market Basket in New Bedford is facing numerous charges of sexual harassment. The four alleged victims are women facing challenges with their immigration status. And as COVID-19 relief money dries up, Rhode Island is in danger of losing shelter beds for the state’s growing number of homeless residents. Finally, we hear about O&G Studio in Warren, known for their modern approach to making furniture inspired by New England historical craft. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Classic New England furniture gets a modern update at O&G Studio in Warren
Creative director and co-founder Jonathan Glatt draws inspiration from the Windsor chair, a style that began in 18th-century rural England and became popular in colonial America.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
How to get disaster aid for flood damage, the future of Misquamicut Beach, the limits of R.I. public records law, and more
FEMA workers are in Rhode Island to help homeowners who suffered damage during the storms in December and January. What exactly will they help you recover? We’ll get you those answers. Also, speaking of flooding, the folks who live and work on Misquamicut Beach know all too well the challenges of storm floods and rising seas. Looking long term, they want the government to renourish their beaches. And we hear one journalist’s experience trying to access data from Rhode Island’s government. We take a look at the limits of the current public records law. Plus we’ll hear about a print show that highlights the immigrant experience, we’ll have reviews of three different plays you can see right now, and Ian Donnis has the latest in local politics.
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Review: Two dramas and one comedy showcase the excellence of local theater
We’re lucky to have such great theater here in Rhode Island. I had the chance to see three wonderful plays in the last couple of weeks.
Posted inEnvironment, Local, The Weekly Catch
Preparing for coastal erosion, Vineyard Wind to compensate fishermen, and more
Offshore Wind company Vineyard Wind is establishing a fund to pay fishermen for financial losses they may suffer as a result of the wind farm being built near Martha’s Vineyard. As South Coast Bureau Reporter Ben Berke tells us, it’s the first program of its kind in the nation. And the General Assembly is considering a bill that would create a comprehensive plan to deal with threats to the Rhode Island coastline. We hear from bill sponsor State Rep. Tina Spears. Meanwhile, Newport Bureau Reporter Cheryl Hatch talks with a group of residents in Portsmouth that are taking storm and flood preparedness into their own hands. Also, we have a studio session with Keith McCurdy of Providence-based gothic folk band Vudu Sister. Plus: a look back on the week in politics; and a few recommendations on what to do this week.