Interesting developments in City Council tonight: Mayor Smiley's veto of the council's 8-law changes was scheduled for an override vote (council president felt she had enough support for that) but it was tabled for two more weeks.

Why do Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Smiley and the City Council keep clashing? Amy Russo providencejournal.com/story/news/loc…

A new RI KIDS COUNT report makes the case that as Rhode Island becomes increasingly diverse, its populations of color continue to suffer inequities in education, health, and economic security. providencejournal.com/story/news/loc… via Amy Russo Providence Journal

Digging into this further: RI KIDS COUNT has confirmed the 2019-2020 E PVD handbook contains a policy saying students with meal debt may be put on social probation which bars them from "any school activities." See page 18 of this doc: drive.google.com/file/d/1ZKj5fW…

On Friday, the RI Press Association honored three new Hall of Fame inductees, including James N. Rhea, a Providence Journal "journalist who faced intense racism and challenges none of his colleagues had to endure," according to Amy Russo who nominated him. He joined Barry Fain and John Pantolone.

'Lunch shaming' was a scandal in RI. These schools still have the policies. providencejournal.com/story/news/loc… via Providence Journal

You asked for Buddy content, so here’s what he’s been up to lately: playing with new gator plushie, doing many naps and eating peanut butter from a spoon.

This doesn't appear to be totally new. This exists, in a differently worded way, in RI law already, and the state does have truancy officers: webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE…

Someone give Babs a home! It's so traumatic for a dog to lose their partner. Hope this furry friend finds a good caretaker. ❤️

Status: away 🌊

My all-time favorite morning run.

Happy Motif Day!

Amazing farewell photo collage from former Providence Journal photog Bob Breidenbach who reminded me of my days as a baby columnist! So many good memories. 🥹

Students who miss too much school could be sent to juvenile detention under this new bill providencejournal.com/story/news/pol… via Providence Journal

On my final day at Providence Journal, Buddy came to work! Shoutout to Lynne Sullivan for my very Rhode Island gift bag complete with a City Hall coaster ❤️

On my final day in RI, we went for ice cream ❤️🐾