Ocean State Media

Providence has a long industrial past, which means, over the course of the last few centuries, lots of metals have been dumped into the soil and into our rivers. Learn more:

With Election Day approaching, the independent candidate pitched proposals aimed at lowering costs while responding to criticism from Democrat Helena Foulkes' campaign. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4z6SlUU

Local fishers explain why much of their catch leaves the state and what it would take to get more Rhode Island seafood onto local menus. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UkoY2d

Five questions, $600 million in proposed borrowing. Here's what voters need to know before Election Day: https://bit.ly/3UK1JPp

Are we losing the ability to disagree? In an increasingly polarized world, Matt Burriesci, executive director of the Providence Athenaeum, makes the case for freedom of thought, intellectual humility and the importance of challenging our own beliefs.

Part policy, part political circus: Did the final Rhode Island gubernatorial debate actually change voter minds? Following some tense clashes and final pitches from the three candidates, "Lively" moderator Jim Hummel breaks down the debate's defining highs and lows.

Iron-air batteries store energy using rust. We’re taking a look at how they work and why storing electricity for days could help us use more renewable energy. Read more:

In an effort to help survivors of the Brown University and the Lynch Ice Arena shootings who are still struggling emotionally and psychologically, the nonprofit group Family Services of Rhode Island opened a new resiliency center in Providence this week.

With her future as education commissioner uncertain, Angélica Infante-Green defends her record amid stagnant test scores and mounting political pressure. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ssMOpd

URI celebrates a football upset and a new track facility, while Bryant continues its winning streak and Brown looks for its first Ivy League victory. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UDIJSC

The latest report card is out for RI schools, and student achievement is flat; yet Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green calls the results "impressive." Learn more:

A new ballet inspired by Anka Nachtigal’s survival at Auschwitz premieres in Providence this weekend. Her daughter, Lilliane Birch, shares what it means to see her mother’s story brought to life through dance. Learn more:

The McKee administration's proposal to adopt new statewide standards for automated license plate readers is voluntary for now. Critics say it leaves the biggest questions open. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4yvcSBp

State Sen. Lori Urso discusses the growing national movement to protect workers experiencing menopause and why she says there’s work to do beyond Menopause Awareness Month. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sedfPe

With early voting under way, the election for Rhode Island governor ends Nov. 3. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dT91Xz

Brown University researcher John Papay discusses stagnant student performance, classroom instruction and challenges facing Providence schools. Read more: https://bit.ly/4iw3WqF

Seven years after the state took control of Providence’s public schools, many parents and teachers question what the intervention accomplished. Learn more: https://bit.ly/47twZFe

With state recommendations due today and cities and towns taking action on their own, the debate over automated license plate readers is far from settled. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UvAIiB

Rhode Island's race for lieutenant governor is shaping up to be a close contest. Democratic incumbent Sabina Matos and Republican challenger John Loughlin have different visions for the office — and different ideas about what matters most to voters. Hear their pitches:

A new poll shows John Loughlin (R) and incumbent Sabina Matos (D) in a statistical tie for lieutenant governor, while Ken Block (I) has narrowed Helena Foulkes' (D) lead in the governor's race. Local journalists break down the latest polling:

The republican candidate for Rhode Island attorney general says his shoestring campaign makes him more trustworthy than other politicians. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ioHiAv

This weekend, you can catch the Crucible in Westerly, feast on local seafood in Newport and enjoy everything from classical music to mariachi performances! Learn more:

The Democratic incumbent says her record of responding to community needs shows why she deserves another four years as lieutenant governor. Read more: https://bit.ly/4yQkOy3

The U.S. Army veteran and former talk show host says he believes Rhode Island’s next lieutenant governor should play a more active role in shaping public policy. Read more: https://bit.ly/4yXqOFC

While Foulkes leads the race for governor, incumbent Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and Republican John Loughlin are statistically tied. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hWT7wy

The toymaker’s departure from Pawtucket could have ripple effects on the local economy, with officials still unsure how many workers will relocate. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4B2HfBT

From candle making to live mariachi music – here’s what’s going on in October throughout the nine Community Libraries of Providence! Learn more:

This massive female white shark, estimated to be 12-15 feet long, was filmed last week off the coast of Cape Cod by wildlife filmmaker Tomas Koeck. Discover more of the remarkable marine life in Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast. Watch the series on PBS Passport and the OSM TV channel.

In West Warwick, a ban on homeless encampments and a shortage of nearby shelters leave people experiencing homelessness with few options as winter approaches. Read more: https://bit.ly/3TQ4gHu

Ocean State Media in Motion is highlighting Pawtucket in October! We’ll be at High Motor Grille Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Come tell us what we should know about Pawtucket! And maybe you like a trivia challenge? We’ll have a team and some swag to give away if you can beat the media!

From its historic mill villages and soap factories to its close-knit neighborhoods, West Warwick has a character all its own!

Control of Congress is on the line, and Rhode Island Rep. Seth Magaziner wants another two years in Washington. But with a Republican challenger on his heels and voters increasingly fed up with both parties, can he make his case?

Filmmaker Tomas Koeck explores the animals that call Rhode Island's coastline home and the fragile habitats that connect them. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4zhMThE Photo Credit: Tomas Koeck

Community support allows us to deliver the content you care about — like this video of a rare hammerhead shark encounter off the coast of Block Island. Help keep public media public. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4AT4RIY Video credit: Tomas Koeck

This weekend, celebrate the Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Azorean and Latino communities that are an integral part of Fall River, New Bedford and the whole south coast area! Learn about this festival, plus more activities, here:

Rhode Island congressman Seth Magaziner talks oversight, lowering the cost of living and his push to ban lawmakers from trading stocks. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Vxulvm

Disposable surgical gowns are a big source of waste in hospitals. Can healthcare facilities change that while still meeting sanitation standards? Learn more:

From 2020 to 2024, nearly 400 Rhode Island men died by suicide. It's a disturbing trend that has prompted state officials to launch a new campaign to help promote the psychological well-being of men and reduce the stigma associated with mental health struggles. Learn more:

Rhode Island Monthly editor Jamie Coelho joined Ocean State Media’s James Baumgartner to talk about the latest developments in Rhode Island’s dining scene. Learn more:

When Steve Daily heard environmental authorities were asking people to kill any invasive spotted lanternfly they see, it sparked an idea: a video game-like killing competition. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rNNGo8

When you flush your unused or expired medication down the toilet, do they actually disappear? Click here to find out:

Helena Foulkes (D) and Ken Block (I) each made the case for why they should be Rhode Island’s next governor at last Wednesday's forum. OSM political reporter Ian Donnis pressed the candidates on cost of living, AI, reproductive rights and more. Watch the highlights here:

Kim Ahern, the Democratic nominee for Rhode Island Attorney General, speaks on how she aims to protect reproductive rights, limit gun violence and oversee the use of flock cameras. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TjZ66m

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... Flying boat? Part plane, part boat, the Viceroy was designed to disrupt short-haul air travel with a new way to commute. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4723IRJ

A battle is shaping up as the Town of Portsmouth sues the state, arguing that recent legislation unconstitutionally overrides local control and hands too much power to developers. Will this spark a wave of similar lawsuits from other towns?

Looking for plans? We have you covered. Here are three ways to spend this weekend in the Ocean State:

At last night's gubernatorial forum, candidates Helena Foulkes (Democrat) and Ken Block (Independent) addressed our top questions in front of a live audience. Here are the key takeaways from the event: https://bit.ly/3VLlztH

Kim Ahern discusses her victory over the outgoing AG's preferred successor, her priorities and whether a background in state government will allow her to serve as a truly independent advocate for Rhode Islanders. Watch the full interview:

SOON: Democratic candidate Helena Foulkes and independent candidate Ken Block will answer our top questions before a live crowd at tonight's gubernatorial forum. 📻 To listen live, tune to 103.7 FM. 📱 Follow here for live updates: https://bit.ly/4xgXxE8

Thousands of Rhode Islanders lost their healthcare coverage today. Learn who was impacted, and what it means for the state: