For eight months, I followed the story of Andrew Avakian, a 66-year-old Pawtucket homeowner who lives in the same house as he did when he was a kid. Because of an unpaid water bill totaling less than $1,300, he lost ownership. Now he's a tenant.

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

On my final day at @projo, Buddy came to work! Shoutout to @LSullivan73 for my very Rhode Island gift bag complete with a City Hall coaster ❤️

Students who miss too much school could be sent to juvenile detention under this new bill https://t.co/L22iIQdIqx via @projo

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

Happy Motif Day!

My all-time favorite morning run.

Status: away 🌊

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

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:

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.

'Lunch shaming' was a scandal in RI. These schools still have the policies. https://t.co/NjFgpK6z4y via @projo

On Friday, the @RIPressAssn honored three new Hall of Fame inductees, including James N. Rhea, a @projo "journalist who faced intense racism and challenges none of his colleagues had to endure," according to @amymrusso who nominated him. He joined Barry Fain and John Pantolone.

I've learned so much, and I still tell people this is one of the best jobs in the world. I'll likely be signing off of this account in the near future. Thanks to everyone who read my stuff, edited me, pushed back, supported, and ultimately helped me become a better reporter.

Hey, all! After more than three years, my last day with the @projo will be May 23 as I'm stepping outside journalism. It's been a joy being a reporter, and I'm proud of the work I've gotten to do for almost a decade (!) in this field.

Digging into this further: @RIKidsCount 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:

That was a pretty unusual story as punitive measures like that - for meal debt - don't really exist anymore. RIDE isn't aware of any district that punishes kids for such debt.

Deleted a previous RT concerning testimony from an East Providence teacher who told Senate Finance last week that students could be prevented from walking at graduation for having outstanding meal debt. Superintendent says that is NOT a policy. NEARI confirmed, too.

A new @RIKidsCount 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. https://t.co/abJCltUrrz via @amymrusso @projo

Why do Providence @PVDMayor Smiley and the City Council keep clashing? @amymrusso https://t.co/2PaVWnczdL

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.