In New Bedford, a migrant teen traded her job in a fish processing plant for a high school education. Now, she’s struggling to figure out how to survive financially. And, is Rhode Island losing tourism dollars by not emphasizing the Ocean State’s prominent role in American history? Also, the holidays are here and so are some unwelcome guests: COVID, the flu and the virus known as RSV. We’ll hear from a medical director at the Rhode Island Department of Health. Plus, stone carver Karin Sprague makes grave markers that are works of art and comfort.
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 inEnvironment, Local, The Weekly Catch
Rhode Island’s many aging bridges, Sen. Whitehouse on COP28, and more
The abrupt closure of the Washington Bridge on Monday affected thousands of drivers, in some cases adding hours to their commutes. We hear from two engineers about the state’s large number of aging bridges, and how to address the issue. And U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) just got back from COP28, the UN climate summit in Dubai. He talks about key takeaways and what he’d like to see happen next. Also, a new report connects the dots between fossil fuel interests, climate denial think tanks, and local groups collaborating to oppose offshore wind farms in the northeast. Plus, we look at a few holiday theater productions, and talk about what’s to come in Rhode Island politics in 2024. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Holiday favorites with a few twists from local theaters
For Artscape this week, we have a wrap up of a few of the holiday season favorites from three local theater companies and one ballet, each offering a fresh take on a familiar holiday classic.
Posted inHealth, Immigration, The Weekly Catch
Immigration scams, primary care provider shortage, ‘Israelism’ and more
Like many other states, Rhode Island has a shortage of primary care physicians. We’ll hear from a doctor at Brown who says things could worsen by the decade’s end. And thousands of immigrants are going to Massachusetts to seek asylum and shelter. Many are falling victim to scammers promising to fast-track their immigration status. Also, a new documentary called “Israelism” follows the journey of two young Jewish people reckoning with differing narratives around Israel. And Ian Donnis looks back on the biggest political stories of 2023. Plus: a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Jewish youth reckon with differing narratives about Israel in new documentary ‘Israelism’
When it comes to support for Israel, there is a growing difference between young Jews and the older generations. And that difference is apparent in the new documentary, “Israelism.” The film follows two young people, Simone Zimmerman and Eitan, who doesn’t share his last name. In it, we see how they grew up with a view of Israel that doesn’t fit what they experience when they go there. For this week’s Artscape, Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez spoke with Rhode Island-based filmmaker Sam Eilertsen, who makes his directorial debut with this film.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Breaking down the Brown protests, new Mass. law allows free phone calls in prisons and jails, and more
There is a growing tension on the campus of Brown University between students and the school’s administration over the war between Israel and Hamas. Those tensions came to a head at a recent vigil-turned-protest on campus. And one year after recreational cannabis sales began in Rhode Island, what progress has the state made on its promises over social equity? Also, there’s a new law in Massachusetts that makes phone calls free in prisons and jails – it’s welcome news for the prisoners and their loved ones, who until today have had to pay exorbitant fees. And UMass Dartmouth’s chancellor speaks out for the first time since the abrupt closure of the Star Store in August. Plus: The week in politics, and a few things to do this week.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Primary care provider shortage, a gun range leaves residents on edge, and more
With a worsening shortage of primary care providers, Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities are struggling to get basic care – and losing trust in the American medical system. Also, noise pollution from things like traffic or leaf blowers can be bad enough, but imagine hearing gunshots for hours on end. We hear about a Cranston neighborhood’s fight to silence a nearby police shooting range. And one of the reporters on our series about migrant teens working in seafood processing plants shares some of the responses she got at a recent community listening session. Plus, a conversation about the role of seaweed in New England life, and the ways it’s been immortalized in art. That and more on this week’s episode.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Delightful gallows humor in ‘Hangmen’ at The Gamm Theatre
The play by Martin McDonagh is a dark comedy-thriller set in the mid-60s in the north of England and takes place just as capital punishment is banned in the U.K. How will the nation’s “second-best hangman” adjust?
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
A quiet showdown in CD1, the growing power of labor, and more
It’s been a relatively quiet couple of months in the race to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District. The election ends on Tuesday – but what does it mean for voters when candidates or the media treat an election as a foregone conclusion? Also, 2023 has been a big year for labor. Unions representing actors, car manufacturers, janitors and more have gone on strike across the country. Are labor movements gaining momentum, or are these high-profile cases an anomaly? And the city of Providence is making a new comprehensive plan – and they want to hear from you. Plus, a conversation with the new director of the RISD Museum. All that and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
U.S. Senate addresses child migrant crisis, Brown professor wins national award, and more
This week, U.S. Senators addressed the crisis of migrant children working in dangerous jobs across the country. But can a divided Congress work together to find solutions? And a conversation about tenants’ rights, a week after a condo complex in North Providence was abruptly condemned, leaving some residents living out of their cars. Also, the story of a local artisan who makes hand-carved gravestones. Plus, political reporter Ian Donnis on the week in politics. All that and more on this week’s show.