Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello appears to have the votes lined up to retain his powerful post, and the top three members of his leadership team are poised to win re-election during a closed Democratic caucus on Thursday. Mattiello is staging the caucus at 6 pm Thursday Chapel Grille in Cranston, in part to […]
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 inArticle, Politics
Raimondo Rolls To Victory; RI Democrats Score Widespread Wins
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo scored a decisive win over Republican rival Allan Fung on Tuesday, as House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello claimed victory in his state representative race, and Democrats continued to dominate Ocean State politics. With 99 percent of the vote, unofficial results show Raimondo with 52.6 percent of the ballots cast, compared with […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
RI, MA Voters Head To The Polls In Midterm Elections
Republicans and Democrats hope for wins in governor’s races, general assembly seats and mayoral contests.
Posted inArticle, Politics
More Democrats Announce Opposition to Mattiello’s Leadership
A day ahead of Election Day, 14 Democratic state reps and four candidates announced they will not support Nicholas Mattiello as House speaker if he wins re-election as a state representative. “This is not a progressive issue or a conservative issue; this is a leadership issue,” state Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Jamestown), said in a statement. […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: 20 Things To Know About Rhode Island Politics & Media
The big day is finally at hand. After months (years?) of anticipation, Election Day in Rhode Island is just a few days away, following a tumultuous week in local politics. We’re here to break it all down, so thanks for stopping by. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Harassment, Governor Race & Pittsburgh Aftermath
Politics/economics reporter Ted Nesi from WPRI-TV, Channel 12, joins the panel to discuss allegations of sexual harassment involving lawmakers, the race for governor, and the aftermath of recent violence in Pittsburgh.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Providence Mayoral Race, A Changing City Council & Top City Issues
WPRI.com’s Dan McGowan, who covers Providence, joins the panel to discuss the race for mayor, the changing composition of the City Council, and the outlook for the Fane tower proposal and for shoring up the city’s pension plan.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Mattiello Fights To Remain Speaker Amid Growing Challenges
Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello faces heightened scrutiny due to a new Statehouse controversy. An allegation of sexual harassment involving two lawmakers emerged just one week ahead of Election Day. Mattiello already faced a competitive fight for re-election in his state representative district in Cranston.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Mattiello Critic Says General Assembly Lacks An Effective Way To Review Harassment Claims
The Rhode Island lawmaker who pushed unsuccessfully last session for a package of bills to meant to discourage sexual harassment at the Statehouse said the legislature lacks an effective process for reviewing harassment claims. State Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-South Kingstown) said Rhode Island needs to look to other states to establish a process for vetting […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
WPRI-RWU Poll: Raimondo Holds Almost 11-Point Lead Over Fung
With just over a week until Election Day, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo holds an almost 11-point lead over her top rival, Republican Allan Fung, according to a new poll by WPRI-TV, Channel 12, and Roger Williams University. The poll shows Democrat Raimondo with 44.5 percent of the support, compared with 33.7 percent for Fung, […]
