Rhode Island Republican Party Chairwoman Sue Cienki joins Bonus Q&A to discuss why she’s a Republican, how President Trump affects efforts to grow the RI GOP, how she evaluates House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, and more.
Ian Donnis
One of the state’s top political reporters, Ian Donnis joined The Public’s Radio in 2009. Ian has reported on Rhode Island politics since 1999, arriving in the state just two weeks before the FBI raided City Hall and Buddy Cianci’s East Side home. Ian covers breaking news, develops in-depth features and investigative reports, and welcomes a range of newsmakers to “Political Roundtable” each week. He also writes our Friday political newsletter and maintains a strong social media presence.
For many years, Ian was a panelist on WPRI-TV’s Sunday morning public affairs show, Newsmakers, and he’s a regular guest on A Lively Experiment on Rhode Island PBS. His previous experience includes serving as news editor of The Providence Phoenix and as a reporter for the Associated Press and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. He has a BS in journalism from Boston University.
Outside of work, Ian enjoys baseball, cooking, and exploring Rhode Island.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Cienki On What’s Next For Rhode Island Republicans
Sue Cienki, the newly elected chairwoman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, joins Political Roundtable to discuss what’s next for the RI GOP, and other topics, including the firefighter overtime bill passed this week by the RI House.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Cities And Towns Oppose Continuing Contracts Bill
Critics say a continuing contracts bill approved Wednesday by Rhode Island’s House Labor Committee will diminish the bargaining power of cities and towns while potentially locking in higher costs for municipalities. That criticism is rejected by Robert Walsh, executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island teachers’ union. He said H5437, the legislation sponsored […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Firefighter OT Bill Sparks Debate On Taxpayer Cost And Fairness
A matter of fairness for firefighters, or a costly new burden for Rhode Island taxpayers? That’s the debate over firefighter overtime legislation that appears ticketed for passage Tuesday in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The House is slated to vote Tuesday on H5662 AND H5663, both introduced by House Majority Whip John Edwards (D-Tiverton). […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For April 5
The Red Sox stumble out of the gate, and there are warning signs on RI’s budget, but at least the weather is improving. Happy weekend and thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Ruggerio On Abortion Bill, Marijuana Legalization & Gambling Revenue
Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio joins Political Roundtable to discuss the high-profile abortion bill, prospects for marijuana legalization, and whether the region is becoming too saturated with gambling.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Ruggerio On Firefighter OT, Budget Outlook, Bridges & More
Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio joins Bonus Q&A to discuss firefighter OT, the future of McCoy Stadium, the debate over Senate rules, the state’s troubled bridges, and more.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Ruggerio Expects Senate Judiciary Committee Vote On Abortion Bill
Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said Thursday that he expects the Senate Judiciary Committee to vote this session on a high-profile abortion bill, although he remains non-committal on the timing. “That’s our intention as far as the committee process at this time, to put it out there for a vote,” Ruggerio said during an […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Planned Parenthood Leader Says Abortion-Rights Supporters Need To Go On The Offensive
With an increasingly threatening national landscape, supporters need to go on the offensive to preserve abortion rights in states like Rhode Island, Dr. Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said Tuesday. Wen says the election of more pro-choice female lawmakers in recent election cycles shows that Rhode Islanders supports abortion rights. […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For March 29
Happy weekend and thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) Of all the potential steps to improve state government in Rhode Island – term limits, establishing the line-item veto, creating an […]
