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.
Mareva Lindo
Mareva joined The Public’s Radio in 2022 and oversees daily news production, writes our Daily Catch newsletter and edits two weekly productions, Artscape and The Weekly Catch.
In 2023, Mareva received two awards from the Public Media Journalists Association for her work with The Public's Radio, including a first-place Multi-Media Presentation award for the 2022 Elections page, and a second-place Short Documentary award for editing and co-production of “The Secret of Chiqui Versace."
A Chicago-made journalist and musician, Mareva strives to document and tell stories driven by community, curiosity, and listening. She is the creator of The Archives podcast at the Old Town School of Folk Music, where in 2017 she conducted an oral history of the school in partnership with StoryCorps. In the past Mareva has reported on public meetings as a City Bureau Documenter, led workshops on podcasting and audio storytelling, and crafted ethnography-based theater as a company member of the Albany Park Theater Project.
She holds a B.A. from Smith College in American Studies with a focus in popular culture. When not at The Public's Radio, she's been known to sing sea shanties and play the fiddle.
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 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 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.
Posted inLocal, Politics
Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Rhode Island presidential primary
For the audio version of this story, linked above, you can listen to Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez’s conversation with Rob Rock, Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State. On April 2, voters in Rhode Island will decide on the presidential candidates for the November general election, as well as the Democratic and Republican delegates that […]
Posted inHousing, Politics, The Weekly Catch
‘Safe storage’ gun bill moves forward, Providence’s new Comprehensive Plan, and more
After months of feedback from residents, the city of Providence has released a draft of a new Comprehensive Plan. Metro Reporter Olivia Ebertz tells us what it means for residents and their neighborhoods. And the Rhode Island Senate has approved a bill that would require gun owners to safely store firearms when not in use. It’s one of 19 pieces of gun safety legislation the General Assembly is considering this year. We talk with Melissa Carden, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. Also, homelessness is showing no signs of slowing in the Ocean State. This spring, a new project will provide temporary housing for 45 people in need of shelter. We hear from Laura Jaworski, Executive Director of House of Hope, a Warwick-based nonprofit partnering with the state on the project. And a new show from the Wilbury Theatre Group uses puppetry to tell the story of an international adoptee. Plus: a look back on the week in politics with WPRI Channel 12 Politics Editor Ted Nesi, and a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inHealth, Politics, The Weekly Catch
The latest on the Washington Bridge, a ‘fourth wave’ of the opioid crisis hits R.I., and more
On Thursday, Rhode Island officials announced that the westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge would have to be demolished and rebuilt. Political Reporter Ian Donnis breaks down the details. Also, the Ocean State is in the middle of a fourth wave of the opioid crisis. Health reporter Lynn Arditi shares an in-depth look into how fentanyl is now starting to show up in other drugs like cocaine. And, Chef Sky Kim from the restaurant Gift Horse is one of the nominees for a James Beard award. We’ll learn more about her and some of the other nominees.
Posted inEnvironment, Housing, The Weekly Catch
Shekarchi on housing priorities, planting urban forests to fight climate change, and more
House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has introduced a new round of bills to address the housing crisis. The Public’s Radio reporter Ian Donnis asks the speaker about his latest priorities and what it will take to tackle the state’s housing shortage. Also, there’s a homelessness hotline in the Ocean State meant to help people who need housing. But, The Public’s Radio’s Nina Sparling reports, new data shows that the hotline is overwhelmed, with just four people handling hundreds of calls a day. And a new program seeks to help Rhode Island cities and towns plant more trees as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change. We hear from the nonprofit helping to implement the program. Plus, the week in politics; a few things to do this week; and an off-Broadway show coming to Westerly puts the stories of audience members center stage.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
What’s causing rents to go up in New Bedford? And what’s needed to make a safer North Main Street in Providence?
A new commuter train will soon connect New Bedford to Boston. Some residents are worried this could lead to the gentrification of their community. We’ll find out why. Also, we continue our series Renters at Risk and look at why millions of federal dollars are not being used in Rhode Island to protect people from lead in paint. And Providence leaders promise to make roads safer for people on bikes and for pedestrians. We’ll focus on one street that has been extremely dangerous for both – North Main Street. Plus, we’ll have a studio session with local singer/songwriter Allysen Callery.
Posted inArts And Culture, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
RIPTA CEO on driver raises and possible service cuts, Tidewater Landing’s mounting price tag, and more
This week, RIPTA’s board voted to raise wages for drivers, a move the agency hopes will stave off possible service cuts. We talk with RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian. Also, the Tidewater Landing soccer stadium deal will cost Rhode Islanders tens of millions more than originally planned. Boston Globe reporter Brian Amaral explains how much more taxpayers are on the hook for and why. Plus, on Artscape this week: actor Kali Reis, co-star of the latest season of HBO’s “True Detective.” It’s the third acting role for Reis, a former boxing world champion who was born in Providence and grew up in East Providence. That and more coming up on this episode of The Weekly Catch.