Rhode Island’s capital city, Providence, is overwhelmingly Democratic. But that doesn’t mean the city is beyond reach of the sweeping changes in government being promoted by President Donald Trump and his supporters. Even under the best of circumstances, Providence struggles to generate enough revenue to pay for city government. And despite decades of talk about the need to improve Providence schools, that goal remains elusive. The man responsible for taking on these challenges is Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. He emphasized a so-called back to basics approach when he won election in 2022. But what can Providence do if cuts in Washington, DC, have a big local impact? Does Smiley have a real plan for improving city schools? And what does the first-term mayor think Democrats need to do to raise their national appeal? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with the mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley.
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 inLocal, Politics, Transportation
RIDOT head says RI has enough bridge money even with possible Trump block on funds
Even if the Trump administration hangs onto hundreds of millions of federal dollars already promised to Rhode Island, the state will have more than enough money to build a new westbound Washington Bridge, Transportation Director Peter Alviti said Thursday. Alviti said more than $600 million has been allocated for the bridge and a series of […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Progressive lawmakers call for stronger effort to help working people
Legislative supporters of the Rhode Island Working Families Party say that Donald Trump and his administration underscore the need for Democrats to support policies that help working people. State Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston) said Democrats need to be bold after losing the White House in November. And while some may debate what the party stands […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Reed: If Trump breaks the law, courts need to stop him
The first few weeks of the Trump administration have been a whirlwind, raising alarm among Democrats and pleasing supporters of the president. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed sat down to discuss Trump’s initiatives and how Democrats are responding. Here are highlights from the interview. On how the delegation is responding: Sen. Reed: “I think the delegation […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 7, 2025
When it comes to the Super Bowl, I am mostly there for the nachos — and the harbinger of baseball drawing closer. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. […]
Posted inHealth, Political Roundtable, Politics
Brown University Health President/CEO John Fernandez on Trump, RI healthcare
Rhode Island’s largest hospital group, Lifespan, changed its name last June to Brown University Health. The name change and related agreements were billed as a way to improve patient care, medical education and biomedical research in the state. But making headway against Rhode Island’s healthcare challenges is more difficult than changing a name. The state suffers from a lack of primary care doctors. Reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare are lower than in neighboring states, putting Rhode Island at a competitive disadvantage. And the Hospital Association of Rhode Island advocacy group warns that Governor Dan McKee’s recent budget proposal would hurt hospitals and the patients who rely on them. As president/CEO of Brown University Health, John Fernandez is on the frontline of facing these issues. So can Rhode Island improve healthcare while reducing costs? What is the answer for the state’s medical reimbursement problem? And how is the financial outlook for the state’s top two hospital groups?
This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with president/CEO of Brown University Health John Fernandez.
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
New RI Senate package aims to promote healthcare affordability and access
The Rhode Island Senate unveiled Wednesday a package of nine bills meant to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability in the state. The effort marks the second consecutive year that the Senate has emphasized the need to address challenges in local healthcare, and lawmakers say it builds on actions including a study examining whether to create […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Hasbro said to be moving closer to a decision on new HQ
Can an almost-free offer for a prime riverfront parcel in Providence’s long-touted, semi-developed I-195 District compete with the razzle-dazzle of new-money energy in Boston’s Seaport District? That’s the choice facing Hasbro, the venerable Pawtucket-based toymaker-turned-entertainment company, as it narrows in on a future home. Rhode Island’s effort to retain the headquarters of Hasbro is seen […]
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local
Bankruptcy court hearing may clarify deal to sell RI hospitals
A Feb. 12 hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Texas could determine whether the Centurion Foundation can proceed with its plan to buy Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence. The hospitals are among the CharterCARE Health Partners assets owed by California-based Prospect Medical Holdings, which filed […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Jan. 31, 2025
It’s never too soon to start crafting your #HealthcarePolicyValentines (or to get moving on a dinner reservation for Feb. 14) You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF […]
