Lee V. Gaines
@leevgaines.bsky.social
Investigative audio/video/digital journalist. RI native/Philly-based. Cat mom & yoga teacher.
Hello! I'm currently working on a series of stories for NPR about AI and education. I'm reporting on equity issues, academic integrity and the future of work -- as well as the risks and benefits this tech poses for children and teens.
First up: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
First up: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
An AI divide is growing in schools. This camp wants to level the playing field
For years, research has shown a digital divide when it comes to schools teaching about new technologies. Educators worry that this could leave some students behind in an AI-powered economy.
www.npr.org
August 19, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Hello! I'm currently working on a series of stories for NPR about AI and education. I'm reporting on equity issues, academic integrity and the future of work -- as well as the risks and benefits this tech poses for children and teens.
First up: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
First up: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
"The line, which continues on from Philadelphia to Manhattan, would also mean fewer trains operating from Philadelphia to New York City." www.inquirer.com/politics/sep...
Amtrak’s Keystone line, connecting NYC, Philly, and Harrisburg, may get axed under SEPTA cuts
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle said Amtrak's Keystone Service line is at risk because the railroad could lose $71.1 million in annual payments from SEPTA.
www.inquirer.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:48 PM
"The line, which continues on from Philadelphia to Manhattan, would also mean fewer trains operating from Philadelphia to New York City." www.inquirer.com/politics/sep...
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
If you are following along, this is the story @leevgaines.bsky.social and I were working on when we met Amy. (Amy and G are not in it.)
It focuses on how often students with disabilities are suspended.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
It focuses on how often students with disabilities are suspended.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
'Why am I so bad?' Indiana schools suspend tens of thousands of students with disabilities
Children who receive special education services were suspended more than twice as often from school as compared to their peers during the last academic year.
www.wfyi.org
April 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
If you are following along, this is the story @leevgaines.bsky.social and I were working on when we met Amy. (Amy and G are not in it.)
It focuses on how often students with disabilities are suspended.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
It focuses on how often students with disabilities are suspended.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
When @leevgaines.bsky.social and I met Amy and her daughter G, I asked G if there’s anything she doesn’t like at school. Her response was haunting:
"The blue room.... It feels like close spaces, and it's like — it's, like, scary in there."
www.npr.org/2025/04/16/n...
"The blue room.... It feels like close spaces, and it's like — it's, like, scary in there."
www.npr.org/2025/04/16/n...
Families say school civil rights investigations have stalled after federal cuts
The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights investigates discrimination in schools. It recently lost more than 40% of its staff.
www.npr.org
April 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
When @leevgaines.bsky.social and I met Amy and her daughter G, I asked G if there’s anything she doesn’t like at school. Her response was haunting:
"The blue room.... It feels like close spaces, and it's like — it's, like, scary in there."
www.npr.org/2025/04/16/n...
"The blue room.... It feels like close spaces, and it's like — it's, like, scary in there."
www.npr.org/2025/04/16/n...
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
U.S. schools have seen a lot of signs that students are struggling post-pandemic, from lower test scores to worse attendance. Here's another red flag: In Indiana, Suspensions rose to the highest rate in a decade. @leevgaines.bsky.social @wfyi.bsky.social www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Indiana schools suspended students over 30,000 times for fighting last year
Last school year about 72,700 public school students, or nearly 7% of those enrolled, experienced out-of-school suspensions.
www.wfyi.org
April 2, 2025 at 1:48 PM
U.S. schools have seen a lot of signs that students are struggling post-pandemic, from lower test scores to worse attendance. Here's another red flag: In Indiana, Suspensions rose to the highest rate in a decade. @leevgaines.bsky.social @wfyi.bsky.social www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Being in a hotel room with 2 cats is insane
March 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Being in a hotel room with 2 cats is insane
*some professional news* this Friday is my last day @wfyi.bsky.social
I am so proud of this newsroom. I will miss them greatly.
And we've got a big investigation into student suspensions that should publish soon! Stay tuned.
I am so proud of this newsroom. I will miss them greatly.
And we've got a big investigation into student suspensions that should publish soon! Stay tuned.
March 18, 2025 at 11:34 PM
*some professional news* this Friday is my last day @wfyi.bsky.social
I am so proud of this newsroom. I will miss them greatly.
And we've got a big investigation into student suspensions that should publish soon! Stay tuned.
I am so proud of this newsroom. I will miss them greatly.
And we've got a big investigation into student suspensions that should publish soon! Stay tuned.
I'm officially student loan debt-free and I need to tell everyone.
February 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I'm officially student loan debt-free and I need to tell everyone.
@caity.bsky.social did you hear the news about pennies, tho 👀
Heard this on @npr.org and immediately thought of you
www.npr.org/2025/02/10/n...
Heard this on @npr.org and immediately thought of you
www.npr.org/2025/02/10/n...
Are pennies worth it? Trump's plan to scrap them didn't come out of nowhere
President Trump isn't the first politician to call for the end of the penny — but getting rid of it may not be easy. The value of the 1-cent coin has been debated for decades.
www.npr.org
February 11, 2025 at 1:38 AM
@caity.bsky.social did you hear the news about pennies, tho 👀
Heard this on @npr.org and immediately thought of you
www.npr.org/2025/02/10/n...
Heard this on @npr.org and immediately thought of you
www.npr.org/2025/02/10/n...
Immigrant students -- no matter their status -- have a right to a public education. A 1982 Supreme Court ruling (Plyler v Doe) established this.
But legal experts I spoke with expect that right to be challenged. And the current Supreme Court could rule differently.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
But legal experts I spoke with expect that right to be challenged. And the current Supreme Court could rule differently.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Indiana's immigrant students still have a right to a free education. Here's how
Legal experts explain what rights immigrant students have and what public K-12 schools must provide to them.
www.wfyi.org
February 5, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Immigrant students -- no matter their status -- have a right to a public education. A 1982 Supreme Court ruling (Plyler v Doe) established this.
But legal experts I spoke with expect that right to be challenged. And the current Supreme Court could rule differently.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
But legal experts I spoke with expect that right to be challenged. And the current Supreme Court could rule differently.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace feels like being stuck in one of the outer circles of Hell.
January 27, 2025 at 7:02 PM
selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace feels like being stuck in one of the outer circles of Hell.
I fear I may never be able to download TikTok again because I deleted it when it went briefly dark. My internet FOMO is out of control. How will I know what sounds are trending?????
January 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
I fear I may never be able to download TikTok again because I deleted it when it went briefly dark. My internet FOMO is out of control. How will I know what sounds are trending?????
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS. FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS. FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS.
January 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS. FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS. FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT PAY TARIFFS.
Peloton: *Cody Rigsby including a Heidi Montag song on his 2000s ride to support Heidi and Spencer Pratt after the LA wildfires*
Me: yk what, hell yeah.
Me: yk what, hell yeah.
January 20, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Peloton: *Cody Rigsby including a Heidi Montag song on his 2000s ride to support Heidi and Spencer Pratt after the LA wildfires*
Me: yk what, hell yeah.
Me: yk what, hell yeah.
Everyone should read this fantastic @fastcompany.com investigation of Trader Joe’s by @clintrainey.bsky.social
www.fastcompany.com/91240524/tra...
www.fastcompany.com/91240524/tra...
Inside 'Teflon Joe’s': Why your favorite grocery store is not what you think
How Trader Joe’s remains a beloved brand despite record product recalls, safety violations, worker misconduct complaints, and an environmental record that belies its reputation.
www.fastcompany.com
January 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Everyone should read this fantastic @fastcompany.com investigation of Trader Joe’s by @clintrainey.bsky.social
www.fastcompany.com/91240524/tra...
www.fastcompany.com/91240524/tra...
For an unknown number of years my Dad would give a statue of the Hindu God Ganesha a quarter every time he made a sale (he was an antique dealer).
He died a several weeks ago. Now we’re donating the funds to a local animal shelter. Taking bets on how much these are worth!
He died a several weeks ago. Now we’re donating the funds to a local animal shelter. Taking bets on how much these are worth!
December 27, 2024 at 7:48 PM
For an unknown number of years my Dad would give a statue of the Hindu God Ganesha a quarter every time he made a sale (he was an antique dealer).
He died a several weeks ago. Now we’re donating the funds to a local animal shelter. Taking bets on how much these are worth!
He died a several weeks ago. Now we’re donating the funds to a local animal shelter. Taking bets on how much these are worth!
Gonna go see Nosferatu & eat sushi. Can’t imagine a better Chrismakkuh plan, tbh.
December 25, 2024 at 6:10 PM
Gonna go see Nosferatu & eat sushi. Can’t imagine a better Chrismakkuh plan, tbh.
When the insta algorithm works and shows you something amazing:
robin-de-puy-american.wetransfer.com
So impressed by photographer Robin de Puy and this project
robin-de-puy-american.wetransfer.com
So impressed by photographer Robin de Puy and this project
AMERICAN
An evocative photography project by acclaimed Dutch photographer Robin de Puy. This ambitious endeavor sees de Puy journeying across the vast and varied landscapes of the United States, seeking to cap...
robin-de-puy-american.wetransfer.com
December 23, 2024 at 3:54 PM
When the insta algorithm works and shows you something amazing:
robin-de-puy-american.wetransfer.com
So impressed by photographer Robin de Puy and this project
robin-de-puy-american.wetransfer.com
So impressed by photographer Robin de Puy and this project
Reposted by Lee V. Gaines
For PBS News Weekend, I visited a classroom in Bloomington, Indiana where students were dreaming up their own engineering solutions to the climate crisis.
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Indiana high school students offer up ideas to combat climate change
In schools nationwide, educators are hoping to empower students with knowledge and inspire them to dream up ways to ensure a better climate future. At a high school in Bloomington, Indiana, students p...
www.pbs.org
December 17, 2024 at 8:41 PM
For PBS News Weekend, I visited a classroom in Bloomington, Indiana where students were dreaming up their own engineering solutions to the climate crisis.
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
I’ve got a climate change education story airing on @pbsnews.bsky.social tonight!
A teacher in Bloomington, Indiana and several Indiana U profs came up with a climate engineering lesson plan for high schoolers.
A teacher in Bloomington, Indiana and several Indiana U profs came up with a climate engineering lesson plan for high schoolers.
December 15, 2024 at 9:37 PM
I’ve got a climate change education story airing on @pbsnews.bsky.social tonight!
A teacher in Bloomington, Indiana and several Indiana U profs came up with a climate engineering lesson plan for high schoolers.
A teacher in Bloomington, Indiana and several Indiana U profs came up with a climate engineering lesson plan for high schoolers.
So on Monday I emailed the Indiana Department of Education to confirm that the seclusion/restraint commission hadn't met in over a year -- despite a new law that requires them to meet biannually.
And then they scheduled a meeting for Dec. 30.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
And then they scheduled a meeting for Dec. 30.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Indiana commission accused of neglecting oversight of restraint, seclusion in schools
A new state law, prompted by a WFYI investigation, now requires the Indiana Commission on Seclusion and Restraint to meet twice per year. But the group has gone 14 months without a single meeting.
www.wfyi.org
December 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM
So on Monday I emailed the Indiana Department of Education to confirm that the seclusion/restraint commission hadn't met in over a year -- despite a new law that requires them to meet biannually.
And then they scheduled a meeting for Dec. 30.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
And then they scheduled a meeting for Dec. 30.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
THIS IS THE POWER OF JOURNALISM.
Habitat for Humanity tried to foreclose on their home -- despite the fact they were keeping up with payments.
When WFYI told Habitat that the foreclosure violated federal law, they dropped the case. So proud of my colleagues today.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Habitat for Humanity tried to foreclose on their home -- despite the fact they were keeping up with payments.
When WFYI told Habitat that the foreclosure violated federal law, they dropped the case. So proud of my colleagues today.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
When two Indianapolis teens lost their mother, Habitat for Humanity tried to foreclose on their home
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit that helps low-income families purchase homes through interest-free mortgages. The goal is housing security and a chance to build generational wealth. But after one...
www.wfyi.org
December 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM
THIS IS THE POWER OF JOURNALISM.
Habitat for Humanity tried to foreclose on their home -- despite the fact they were keeping up with payments.
When WFYI told Habitat that the foreclosure violated federal law, they dropped the case. So proud of my colleagues today.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Habitat for Humanity tried to foreclose on their home -- despite the fact they were keeping up with payments.
When WFYI told Habitat that the foreclosure violated federal law, they dropped the case. So proud of my colleagues today.
www.wfyi.org/news/article...