Reducing #chronicabsenteeism is about more than getting students back into the habit of going to school. I spoke with principals, Angelica Infante and a student who was chronically absent about what's keeping so many students out of school.

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Grateful to PBS NewsHour for sharing Bennie Fleming's remarkable story.

Great report by Steph Machado on the debate over cellphone use in schools.

Side note: Deloris Davis Grant's students are fortunate to have her. Her passion is contagious!

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Steph Machado explores the debate around banning smartphones in schools, the creator of 'Clock Man' and public artworks, and Ted Nesi and Michelle San Miguel discuss plans to rebuild the Washington Bridge. Watch a new Rhode Island PBS Weekly episode now: bit.ly/49TBpEL

WATCH: My question prompted Secretary Pete Buttigieg to end his press conference. In the wake of the Washington Bridge shutdown, does Rhode Island need to reevaluate how inspections are being done? NBC 10 WJAR

I recently took a look at what it's like to be a teen parent in Rhode Island. While the teen pregnancy rate in RI is among the lowest in the country, there are several cities in the state where teen parenting is more common.

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Rhode Island has been stocking fresh bodies of water since the 1870s when there wasn't enough freshwater fish to meet the growing interest in recreational angling.

I learned a lot about what it takes to hatch and release trout in all kinds of weather.

Really enjoyed talking with Dan McGowan and Erlin R. Rogel about the number of multilingual learners in Rhode Island. It's the fastest-growing student population in the state and it was heartbreaking to hear the challenges many of them are facing.

If you haven't heard of Dr. Bennie Fleming, you're in for a real treat. She's a WWII nurse who stood up against racial segregation & went on to make history in Rhode Island. I spoke w/ Fleming about living a life of service & staying active at 100.

youtube.com/watch?v=3TKOac…

Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio (which are in the process of merging) are searching for a president and CEO. bento.pbs.org/prod/filer_pub…

Tune in at 7:30 for Steph Machado's interview with Chief Perez, then stay tuned as Michelle San Miguel and I break down what you should know about the new state budget Rhode Island PBS Weekly

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Providence Police Chief, Col. Oscar Perez discusses his first year on the job. Then, we look at a selection of winter birds and the latest Weekly Insight with Michelle San Miguel & Ted Nesi

Watch now: watch.ripbs.org/video/rhode-is…

Grateful I was able to attend the National Press Foundation Future of the American Child fellowship w/ a great group of journalists. I heard from powerful speakers on issues ranging from education & childcare to juvenile justice & child welfare. #NPFFellows

Lots of great takeaways from 1st full day of Future of the American Child fellowship. Appreciate Patricia Cole insight on the lifelong consequences of early childhood adversity. Also powerful to see BiancaVázquezToness reporting on students who are chronically absent #NPFFellows

Really insightful conversations at The Future of the American Child fellowship. Heard from Kim Janey tonight about how economic stability affects a child’s wellbeing. Grateful to National Press Foundation for the opportunity. Looking forward to the coming days in Charlotte. #NPFFellows

Congressman Congressman Gabe Amo and I recently talked about the surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as his upbringing in Pawtucket.

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During our second Weekly Insight segment on Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Ted Nesi and I talk about the changes in Rhode Island's congressional delegation.

I'll also have an interview with Congressman Gabe Amo on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
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Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student population in Rhode Island. Angelica Infante told Isabella Jibilian and me that at a time when the student population as a whole is declining, the number of English learners has increased by 76 percent over the last decade.

It's fitting that we'd get our first snowfall of the year on the 3-year-anniversary of Bill Rappleye's passing. He loved snow coverage. This is a great video of him. He was a professional but never shied away from showing off the kid inside of him.
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Excited about the debut of our first Weekly Insight segment! Catch up on what's behind the headlines in RI and MA with Michelle San Miguel and me tonight at 7:30pm on Rhode Island PBS Weekly (or watch online)