Behind the Story

The story, “Working the Night Shift,” appears in this month’s issue of Rhode Island Monthly. Lauren Clem, a senior editor, and Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, a photographer, shadowed workers in fields including hospitality, health care, policing, fishing and restaurants. “I am not normally working the night shift, so we had some very sleepless few weeks,” Clem said. “The majority we did on separate nights, and we tried to line them up chronologically within the feature.” Pitts-Wiley, a North Providence-based portrait and documentary photographer, partnered with Clem to capture moments experienced by those featured in the piece. He said he aimed to respect the dignity of his subjects while using light in different ways to capture compelling images. “For me, it just came down to what is visually interesting and trying to create images that are compelling irrespective of having all the context,” Pitts-Wiley said. “The viewer is not in the room with you. They don’t know the smell, they don’t have the context, they only have the image.” Later in the show, Kim and Eli discussed the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Kim’s pick Family Travel by Lauren Clem, Rhode Island Monthly (currently only available in print edition for April) Has 'Real Housewives' helped one cast member's RI business? We found out by Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal Eli’s pick Three-part series on homelessness by Jim Hummel, Hummel Report Part 1: Out in the cold Part 2: Finding shelter Part 3: What's the plan? Vineyard Wind sues GE Renewables to block it from abandoning project by Anastasia Lennon, The New Bedford Light

Eric Halvarson, who has been a contributing writer since August, was hired last month to cover Providence full time. He said the hire marks an important milestone for the largely volunteer-driven organization as it looks to expand its coverage. “One of the motivations behind starting the outlet was to cover all of the city and move beyond downtown and the East Side, and to cover areas that might not get as much in-depth attention,” Halvarson said during a taping of the show. Halvarson, who grew up in Cranston and now lives in Providence, recently published a deep dive on murals in the city amid controversy surrounding a large painting of Iryna Zarutska on a downtown building. The Ukrainian refugee, who was stabbed to death in Charlotte, North Carolina, has become a polarizing figure, with a group that includes billionaire Elon Musk financially backing efforts to put up murals of her across the country. Halvarson spoke with artists, curators and Providence residents to explore what goes into placing murals in public spaces and what factors are considered when they are likely to spark debate. “I wanted to find a way to put this in context and bring it into a broader conversation about Providence, beyond the conservative or progressive takes,” he said. Later in the show, Dan and Eli discussed the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Dan’s pick New schools’ price: $12M a year for 26 years by John Howell, The Warwick Beacon Is that a $100 bill? Someone is leaving cash all around Rhode Island. by Carlos Muñoz, The Boston Globe Eli’s pick New Bedford officials anticipate $10 million or more in deficit challenges by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light Barrington budget and tax levy: A new process and a big increase by Josh Bickford, EastBayRI

Alex Kuffner, who covers energy and the environment, first shed light on the issue last month with an in-depth report on the state’s largest sludge disposal facility in Woonsocket, which residents are fighting to shut down. More than 90% of the state’s sludge — a mix of human waste, organic materials and chemicals filtered out of wastewater — is disposed of at the facility in northern Rhode Island. “If that closes, you’re going to have dozens of cities and towns that will have not have a place to take their sludge,” he said. “They’re going to be faced with essentially finding places that can landfill it, and cities and towns now that have been forced to do this they are taking their sludge by rail to Massachusetts and then it goes all the way to Ohio or Pennsylvania.” Now, a similar issue is emerging in North Kingstown, where residents are calling on the Quonset Development Corp. to rescind approval of a proposed sludge facility. Meanwhile, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has supported legislation to create a commission to study biosolids, and Gov. Dan McKee is urging greater transparency around the proposed project. Kuffner said there’s no link between the two projects in different parts of the state, but many people are watching closely to what happens in both communities to get a better sense of where sludge will go in the future. “For people in the industry who are trying to find a place for their sludge, they’re thinking, ‘If this thing can get up and running, it’d be great because then it takes the pressure off Woonsocket and Woonsocket can then close,’” he said. But Kuffner acknowledged the science behind the Quonset project is still relatively new and has faced challenges in other parts of the country. He said the project has several hurdles to clear before it might become a reality, and there are several factors that could prevent it from getting off the ground. “There are a lot of stakeholders that make it very complicated,” he said. Later in the show, Kim and Eli discussed the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Kim’s pick Homeowner dug up what looked like a toy. Was it part of a 1978 homicide? by Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal As residents dodge potholes, approved repair budget will fix less than 6 miles of road by Colin Hogan and Brooke Kushwaha, The New Bedford Light Eli’s pick Parents voice frustration, anger over Attleboro school rules on restraint and seclusion by Rhianwen Watkins, The Sun Chronicle Barrington Police: Suspects lurking in bushes were playing ‘senior assassin’ by EastBayRI

Ethan Shorey, who served as the newspaper’s editor, has said in the past that he always wanted to spend his entire career at one news organization. But he acknowledged it has become tougher in recent years and felt now was the time for a change. He left the paper on March 6. “I was able to make it work for a really long time,” Shorey said, adding the long hours required at a local newspaper were affecting his ability to spend time with his family. “I was ending up having to do almost a full-time extra job 15 to 20 weeks a year.” Shorey said he’s currently exploring options to continue reporting in Rhode Island. He said people should expect to see his byline again within the next four months. “Digital really is the future,” he said. “I’m more optimistic, even in Rhode Island, you see this news collaborative, with a lot of the digital sites and it’s sharing some resources, and I think they’re going to do more of that in the future. There’s a lot of them now.” The long-time journalist also discussed how the industry has changed, especially with the influence of social media. A 2025 Pew Research Center poll found Americans continue to trust local news more than any other type of information. But the poll also found Americans ages 18 to 29 are equally likely to trust information from social media as from national news outlets. And trust in social media has grown across all age groups since 2016, according to the poll. Shorey said it’s changed dramatically over his career, and media literacy is always something he tried to highlight to students and younger journalists. “I don’t want to disparage 18 to 29 year olds, but there is less news literacy than there’s ever been, in my opinion,” Shorey said. Later in the show, Dan and Eli discussed the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Dan’s pick Providence residents ran a $1M budget. Then the system fell apart by Ben Berke, Ocean State Media Monopoly Man? by Eli Sherman, 12 News (for Rhode Island Monthly) Eli’s pick Ads for preppy store in liberal Newport co-opted by White nationalists by Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal State pays union dues for thousands of employees after paycheck mistake by Brian Crandall, NBC 10 Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV app It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Patrick Anderson, who covers politics and government, has followed the story since former state directors Jim Thorsen and David Patten became embroiled in the scandal three years ago. The two men traveled to Philadelphia to visit a redeveloped space known as “Bok.” Afterward, state contractors who gave them a tour alleged Patten behaved inappropriately during the trip and that Thorsen failed to intervene. The two men were also treated a free lunch at a restaurant called Irwin’s, which opened early specifically for them. Thorsen paid for Patten and himself days later after realizing trouble was brewing. “It was a very unusual circumstance that Thorson was walking into, with no menus, no waitstaff, no table settings at the other tables, the chef personally preparing meals — no bill,” Anderson said. “So, something even beyond the unusual nature of what happens in political lunches was going on here,” he added. The issue became a scandal after the McKee administration was forced to release an email detailing the alleged behavior, following a public records battle with Target 12 and The Providence Journal. Both former directors later came under scrutiny from the R.I. Ethics Commission, which alleged they violated the state’s ethics code. Patten was fined $5,000 to resolve the matter, while Thorsen is contesting the allegations. Later in the show, Kim and Eli discussed the “stories we wish we wrote,” including:   Kim’s pick Five years in, ‘world’s shortest’ parade is an institution by Ted Hayes, EastBayRI Monopoly Man? by Eli Sherman, 12 News (for Rhode Island Monthly) Eli’s pick MORE MILLIONS: Seven-figure home sales spreading away from waterfront by Veer Mudambi, Providence Business News Investigation into alleged affair between judge and prosecutor concludes by Grace Ferguson, The New Bedford Light Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV app It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Alexa Gagosz, who covers business for the newspaper, has spent years reporting on the mall. She described it as currently being in a state of limbo. “It’s this place that used to be a luxurious place to shop with the Nordstrom’s — with classic mall stores like The Gap, J. Crew and a lot of those have been replaced and gone,” Gagosz said. “When we say the mall is in limbo, it’s like, what is the future of this major development?” The mall has been under court-ordered receivership, a state-level version of bankruptcy, since the former operator defaulted on millions of dollars of debt in 2024. Gagosz and her colleague Steph Machado detailed the current state of the mall’s vendors, including a mounting number of empty storefronts alongside businesses that continue to bustle. The duo also looked at what it would take to reinvent the struggling shopping complex, which is poised to lose a longstanding tax break with the city in 2028. “If it failed, it would completely transform downtown Providence in such a negative way,” Gagosz said. “luckily though, it is literally at the front door of the state House, lawmakers have to drive by it in order to go park and get into the State House and deliberate over whatever they’re going to deliberate that day,” she added. “I think the same with City Hall, and I don’t think that there is an appetite for anybody to allow this mall to fail. It just can’t.” Later in the show, Dan and Eli talked about the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Dan’s pick Families now being affected by SNAP benefit changes by Mara Hagen-Spath, The Valley Breeze Jamestown boy captures world record with a spoon and his nose by Joe Tasca, Ocean State Media Eli’s pick How two troubled RI lives came to an end in room 207 of a CT Super 8 by Jack Perry, The Providence Journal GoFundMe raising money for ‘John’ the Brown University tipster by Melanie DaSilva and Shiina LoScuiuto, 12 News Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.   How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV app It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Bekah Berger is the co-host of the morning show on 92 PRO-FM and one of the most recognizable radio voices in the region. She has been covering the rollout of “Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” which marks the network’s 20th season of the hit reality franchise. Although the show was filmed locally and Rhode Island is featured throughout, Berger said first-time viewers will quickly learn it is more about the cast and their relationships than the setting. “You see them at the polo tournament, you see them at Newport Vineyards, you see them at Goddard Park, you see them at all these different locations that we will recognize,” Berger said Wednesday. “But someone in Peoria isn’t going to know what beach they’re on.” Berger, who has worked across multiple media platforms during her career, also voiced support for entertainment news and encouraged Rhode Islanders to embrace the national attention the show brings. “My favorite thing is when I post something on social media and someone writes, ‘Well, who cares?’” she said. “I do. I care, and a lot of people do. And especially these days, you need a break. You need a mind-rot moment, and it’s fun.” Later in the show, Kim and Eli talked about the “stories we wish we wrote,” including: Kim’s pick The Providence Place mall is up for sale. But is the age of the indoor mall over? by Alexa Gagosz and Steph Machado, The Boston Globe DNA in 1988 murder a possible link to New Bedford highway killings by Frank Mulligan, The Standard -Times Eli’s pick As Woonsocket plans to close sludge incinerator, a regional crisis looms by Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal RIDOT Director Alviti insults local official on blizzard call by Brian Crandall, WJAR-TV Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV app It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

In a special blizzard edition of “Behind the Story,” 12 News journalists Kayla Fish and Corey Welch discussed covering the Blizzard of ’26. Fish, an anchor and reporter, was stationed on Aquidneck Island with Welch, the station’s chief photographer. For hours during the height of the historic snowstorm, the breaking news duo trudged through wind and snow to show viewers the dangerous whiteout conditions. “It’s active, it’s interesting. People are usually sitting at home and can’t go anywhere because they’re snowed in, so it’s on us to show them what’s happening outside,” Fish said, adding that she has always enjoyed snow and covering major weather events. Beyond documenting the snowfall, Welch emphasized the importance of finding stories afterward that highlight the human resilience that often emerges during emergencies. The pair recalled one story about a younger man who stopped to help an older woman shovel, sparking a new friendship between neighbors in Middletown. “We heard something that made us think they didn’t know each other,” Welch said. “We went over and talked to them, and that was the case. So we instantly put a microphone on them and started recording and told them, ‘Do your thing.’” “It was a prime example of people who didn’t know each other coming together,” he added. Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV app It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

The hosts of “Behind the Story” devoted a special episode this week to examining the coverage of the deadly shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket.The shooting killed two people and wounded three others, who remained in critical condition as of Wednesday. The incident quickly drew national attention.Police identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, a transgender person who also went by the name Roberta Dorgan. Authorities said Dorgan shot and killed Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan during a hockey tournament at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena.Robert Dorgan later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after bystanders intervened to stop the gunfire.Kim Kalunian of 12 News was among the first journalists on the scene, where she encountered a chaotic environment filled with first responders, student-athletes and families trying to understand what had happened. It was the second deadly shooting Kalunian had covered in two months. She was also on the scene of the December attack at Brown University.“I just remember thinking on the drive there, ‘This is the start of vacation week, we’re going to an ice rink, it is undoubtedly going to be packed with families,’” Kalunian said. “Heading to that scene not knowing what we would encounter — it was heavy.”In the 48 hours after the Pawtucket shooting, coverage quickly expanded into national conversations about transgender rights, gun violence and gun control, public safety and mental health.Dan McGowan, a columnist for The Boston Globe, wrote in his daily newsletter Tuesday that it is important not to lose sight of the victims as the public narrative shifts after a deadly event.“I’m trying to say something that’s somewhat humanizing,” McGowan said on the show. “You put yourself in that spot and think about what you might be going through if you were in that kind of situation, so I just tried to put words on paper.”Later in the show, Kim, Dan and Eli talked about the “stories we wish we wrote,” including:Kim’s pickWile E. Coyote on the loose, part of wider trend in Woonsocket by Mara Hagen-Spath, The Valley BreezeDan’s pickCranston, Pawtucket sue to block charter school By Rosegalie Cineus, The Cranston HeraldEli’s pickA record-breaking night for URI basketball vs. Saint Louis. Here’s why by Bill Koch, The Providence JournalWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Jonny Williams, who covers health-related topics for the Journal, said researchers found troubling patterns in chatbot responses after feeding them scripts over several months and prompting the technology to act as mental health counselors.“Even after putting iterations of different prompts into the AI chatbot, the chatbot was still violating ethical guidelines for counseling,” Williams said. “It was doing things like gaslighting, false empathy and giving advice that didn’t line up with guidelines.”Williams said the research was prompted by recent headlines showing more people are turning to AI chatbots for mental health counseling. He said the trend comes at a time of high demand for therapists and limited resources.Despite the concerning trends highlighted in the research, Williams said, “it’s not surprising that people will turn to ChatGPT.”“You can essentially have a free therapy session whenever you want,” he added.Williams also discussed a recent story examining proposed legislation aimed at capping administrative and glucose-monitoring costs that help drive up the price of insulin. He said the economic impact of insulin costs totals $1.5 billion annually in Rhode Island, according to the American Diabetes Association.“It’s glucose-monitoring strips and the administration of insulin that research has shown can be just as expensive, if not more expensive, than insulin itself,” he said. “So it ends up adding up for families who have to monitor their blood sugar levels.”Later in the show, Dan and Eli talked about the “stories we wish we wrote,” including:Dan’s picksMeet the Cranston man who was barber to the mob by Pamela Watts, Ocean State MediaLegal fight foreshadowed Plant City’s closure by Alexandra Leslie and Eli Sherman, 12 NewsEli’s picksLizzie Borden House says coffee shop owner owes $160K for defamation by Dan Medeiros, The Fall River Herald NewsDreier youngest to win district spelling bee in North Providence by Luzjennifer Martinez, The Valley BreezeWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Bill Haberman, a morning host and news aficionado, is a familiar voice in the state. He hosts an early-morning show and delivers news at the top and bottom of the hour each weekday on WPRO.He spoke about the station’s longtime brand, “Operation Snowball,” and how relaying school closures and cancellations has changed as real-time information has become more accessible.“It used to be a real undertaking because literally all the staff — the sales staff, the promotion staff, the administrators — would have to come in and answer phones,” Haberman said. “And if you got a surprise snow, nobody was there to answer the phones, so it was a real disaster.”Haberman is also the public announcer for Brown University athletics. He said he learned about the deadly December attack through an alert system he receives from the school and recalled thinking, “I hope this is a mistake.”“How many times have you seen people in any of these scenarios say, ‘I can’t imagine it happening here,’ and then you’re saying the same thing?” he said. “It’s terrible.”Haberman has witnessed the transformation of radio over the past two decades and said that while the medium has contracted alongside other platforms, it remains uniquely effective in Rhode Island.“It’s relentlessly Rhode Island,” he said of talk radio, which airs local programming throughout the day on WPRO. “It’s steeped in Rhode Island. It’s the world through a Rhode Island lens.”Later in the show, Kim and Eli talked about the “stories we wish we wrote,” including (not all mentioned on air):Kim's picksNew Bedford man found not guilty of 2001 beating death of half-sister by Frank Mulligan and Dan Medeiros, The New Bedford Standard-TimesBelton Court development plan is an ‘engineering marvel’ in density by Josh Bickford, EastBayRIEli’s picksInterest in betting sky-high with Patriots back in big game by Gina Ricciardi, The Valley BreezeSewer rate, fee hikes coming for upgrades by Ryan Blessing, The Westerly SunWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Mark Dondero, a former 12 News sports reporter, said it’s been fun to watch how invested New England fans become when the Patriots are winning. The team is 2-0 in the playoffs and will face the Denver Broncos on Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.“Nobody thought they were going to be this good,” Dondero said. “Nobody thought Drake Maye could potentially win the MVP award. I certainly didn’t think we’d be talking about a Super Bowl run. Make the Super Bowl? Are you serious?”Dondero predicts the Patriots will win 28-20, largely because Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending injury last week. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a former Patriots player, is expected to start in his place.“I don’t know how you want me to come on here or anywhere and come up with a path for the Broncos, with Jarrett Stidham, to beat the Patriots,” Dondero said. “He’s a backup quarterback who doesn’t have a real pedigree. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but I don’t see how you expect them to find enough plays from Jarrett Stidham against that defense to get the win, even at home.”“Behind the Story” co-host Dan McGowan, a self-described New York Giants fan, predicted a Broncos blowout, while co-host Eli Sherman picked the Patriots to win 30-14.Later in the show, Dan and Eli talked about the “Stories we wish we wrote,” including:Dan’s picks‘I thought I was going to die’: Wounded Brown student returns to campus by Stan Grossfeld, The Boston GlobeBucci takes ‘full responsibility,’ won’t step down by Barbara Polichetti, The Cranston HeraldEli’s picksPate dirt: North Providence residents frustrated at piles in their neighborhood by Ethan Shorey, The Valley BreezeAttleboro pushes forward with school redistricting by Rhianwen Watkins, The Sun ChronicleWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Nancy Lavin, a senior reporter covering government, politics and policy for the online news outlet, wrote about the governor’s address that typically outlines his tax and spending priorities ahead of his full budget proposal to the General Assembly.Lavin said covering the State of the State is somewhat easier than writing about the budget each year because it doesn’t require as much calculation. This year, she said McKee’s tone made it clear he was running for reelection in what’s likely to be a tough campaign.“McKee is up for reelection this year and we know he has low approval ratings and at least one serious Democratic rival, maybe a second,” Lavin said. “So this was really a not-so-subtly kind of pledge to voters and I think the way that he’s trying to appeal to voters is: ‘I’m going to save you money.'”Lavin also discussed her recent story that provided a preview of the legislative session, which began earlier this month. Lawmakers are likely to focus on a host of issues, but Lavin said health care is quickly emerging as a top priority on Smith Hill.“That’s in large part because of these federal budget cuts and some of them have already happened, a lot of them are soon to come, and we know they are going to have major implications for Rhode Island residents, for hospitals, for nursing homes and insurance companies,” Lavin said. “We’re already seeing all of these consequences now, so I think that that has sort of forced the legislature, whether they want it or not, to really go into crisis mode on health care,” she added.Later in the show, Kim and Eli talked about the “Stories we wish we wrote,” including:Kim’s picksHow a small town in Rhode Island is connected to ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ by Pamela Watts, Rhode Island PBSTry the trompe l’oeil desserts going viral on TikTok in Fairhaven by Faith Harrington, The Standard-TimesEli’s picksThe rise, fall and rise again of the Zeiterion by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford LightThe Sun is changing to better serve you by Alex Nunes, The Westerly SunWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. “Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Ellen Liberman, a contributing editor and writer for the magazine, spent several months interviewing Shekarchi, widely considered the most powerful lawmaker in the state.The cover story is available now on newsstands.Her reporting explores Shekarchi’s personal life, follows his career in law and politics and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his role during a tense gun reform debate at the State House last June."When I met him in the morning, he said to me, 'It's gun day'," Liberman said. "And I was like, 'OK, there's my lead right there.'"Liberman also had a front-row seat to Shekarchi’s internal debate over whether to run for Rhode Island governor."Joe is cautious," Liberman said. "If he runs, I don't think he wants to lose. Not that anyone who runs wants to lose, but I think he really doesn't."As of Monday, the speaker had not made a decision, but he told “Behind the Story” co-host Kim Kalunian he plans to decide by the end of March.Dan's picksWall Street firm gets $20M payday in Pawtucket stadium deal; officials cite long-term savings by Eli Sherman, 12 NewsHow AI-generated images complicated the Brown shooting investigation by Alexa Gagosz, The Boston GlobeEli’s picksR.I. lawmakers are back in action on Tuesday. Here’s what awaits them. by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentWhat happens if Narragansett Bay freezes over? Here are tales from history. by Antonia Noori Farza, The Providence JournalWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Tim White and Ted Nesi for years have covered politics on all levels and together they moderate some of the most highly watched political debates each year.The duo discussed the current state of affairs in the much-anticipated 2026 gubernatorial race for Democrats and Republicans, and analyze the value of polls in political reporting.White and Nesi, who also host the political affairs show "Newsmakers," also talked about what goes into preparing for debates, how they think about the value of those discussions and what affect they can have on a candidate's position in a race.Later in the show, White and Nesi, along with host Eli Sherman, discussed "The Stories We Wish We Wrote," including:Eli's picksTouro Synagogue fight leads to painful rupture, separate services by Antonia Noori Farzan and Katie Mulvaney, The Providence JournalTim's picksGubernatorial candidates are split on proposed overhaul of R.I. public records law by Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston GlobeDid Taylor Swift pay off a bride to get her wedding date? Ocean House pours cold water on the latest rumor by Steph Machado, Boston GlobeTed's picksBlood Feuds: The Fight Over Who Gets to Be Native American by Bill Donahue, Boston MagazineWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

In a special edition of "Behind the Story," 12 News reporter Ted Nesi fills in to host a conversation with 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian and Target 12 chief investigative reporter Tim White about how news outlets have covered the shooting at Brown University and its aftermath.

Alex Kuffner, who covers energy and the environment, said Rhode Islanders should expect some relief this winter on their heating bills. But he warned that regulators have mostly moved around existing funds to offset the higher winter costs, meaning ratepayers end up paying for those credits.He also highlighted a new rate hike proposed by Rhode Island Energy for its distribution charges, which is the portion of customers’ bills where the company can make a profit.“They agreed to hold off on filing this, this distribution rate case for several years, so now it’s actually been eight years since we changed this distribution costs,” Kuffner said. “They’re saying that through inflation, supply chain costs — all the costs that they pay have gone up, and their revenues haven’t matched that, so it’s squeezed their profits.”Kuffner also talked about how the state is lagging in its effort to meet lofty carbon-cutting goals by 2030 and 2040, even though some leaders are optimistic the benchmarks can still be made.“It’s going to be hard to get there,” he said.Later in the show, Kim and Eli discussed the “Stories We Wish We Wrote,” including (not all mentioned on air):Kim’s picksCompanies being sued over the Washington Bridge are inspecting these RI bridges by Kathy Gregg, The Providence JournalNeighbors see big trouble with undersize lots by Greta Shuster, Warwick BeaconEli’s picksAfter going viral, Auntie’s House in Pawtucket adapts to high demand by LuzJennifer Martinez, The Valley BreezeA holiday ritual of fellowship and flour by Ellen G. Lahr, EastBayRIWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Mark Patinkin, who’s been a newspaper columnist for over four decades, recently wrote about the issue of hazing in schools following incidents in Newport and Smithfield, respectively. Hazing has also been the focus of an opinion piece written by BTS cohost Dan McGowan, a columnist for the Boston Globe.Patinkin said student athletes who behave badly should be held responsible for their actions. But he also called on adults — specifically coaches — to take some ownership of what’s going on.“Coaches have the power to be able to sit kids down and a football team or a comparable situation and say, ‘Look, if any of you haze a kid, you’re off the team,'” Patinkin said. “Coaches can do that. They have the power. And I just have to think those conversations have not been happening in Rhode Island.”Patinkin also discussed his experience writing about the Israel-Hamas war, which included him traveling to the Middle East to interview people on both sides of the conflict. Patinkin, whose writing has leaned pro-Israel, said he’s rarely received such sharp criticism over his position.“It was withering … but I’ll tell you, it didn’t sway me,” Patinkin said. “When you’re a columnist putting your personality out there and people disagree with you, they say, ‘You’re a disgrace to humanity,’ so it gets very personal.”Later in the show, Dan and Eli discussed the “Stories We Wish We Wrote.”Dan’s picksRecords reveal R.I. pediatrician wrote more than a hundred prescriptions for his own daughter by Amanda Milkovits, Boston GlobeUnion leans on lawmakers to keep School Budget Commission on track by John Howell, Warwick BeaconEli’s picksAs winter heating costs rise, so does consumer anxiety in Rhode Island, poll finds by Alexander Castro, Rhode Island CurrentBROKEN NEWS? Outlets in search of sustainable community journalism model by John Lahtinen, Providence Business NewsWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

The series focuses on the life of Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio, the last mob boss to lead New England’s most notorious crime family.For decades, the Patriarca Crime Family ran a shadow government from Federal Hill, wielding power that rivaled public officials, private financiers and law enforcement on all levels.Target 12 managing editor Tim White, 12 News chief videographer Johnny Villella and on-air marketing manager James Bartone joined host Eli Sherman to talk about the project that started nearly one year ago.Episode 1: "The Hill" is currently streaming exclusively on the WPRI 12+ TV app.The app is free to download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung streaming platforms and TVs.Episode 2: "The Fugitive" airs Monday, Dec. 1.Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.

Joy Fox owns Beacon Media, which publishes the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald and Johnston Sun Rise, along with The Reminder, a weekly shopping guide. She bought the news organization last year from legendary publisher John Howell and expressed optimism about the sustainability of the local newspaper model."Don't count us out because I believe that the trends right now are actually coming squarely over local news," Fox said. "People really want to know what is happening at their city hall, what is happening in their schools and what's happening next door."Fox, who started reporting in high school for the Herald, has also had a career outside media, working as a communications specialist. She worked both privately and for various government agencies and politicians, including former Gov. Gina Raimondo and Rep. Jim Langevin. (She also ran and lost for a seat in the U.S. House in 2022.)In recent weeks, Fox's team has been looking into an issue in Cranston where there's been a proposal to end the long practice of publishing special meetings in the local newspaper. Local governments often pay to advertise meetings in local news outlets, which means the advertisements help Fox's business. But she also highlighted that doing away with such advertisements damages transparency in government, and there are questions still circling around how the proposal emerged."I am confident to say the Cranston Herald won't go out of business over legal ads, and that's good," she said. "To me, the larger issue is we should be increasing transparency and the ease of it for people to access information."Later in the show, Kim and Eli discussed the "Stories We Wish We Wrote," which included a cooking segment Kim did for "The Rhode Show" ahead of Thanksgiving. Other stories included (not all mentioned on air):Kim's picksInspector General uncovers ‘grossly mismanaged’ Pope’s Island Marina by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford LightThe Last Don of Providence by the Target 12 Investigators and 12 News.Eli’s picksFamily disputes police account in death of Woonsocket man by Corey Plante, The Valley BreezeRI Energy drops plan for $150 million in winter bill discounts by Ted Nesi and Sarah Guernelli, 12 NewsWatch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.How to download the free WPRI 12+ smart TV appIt airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.