This time of year is better when the Sox and Yankees play each other in games that matter. 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? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: The […]
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
Rhode Island officials condemn violence following Charlie Kirk’s death
Elected officials and political activists in Rhode Island responded to the murder of GOP organizer Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday by denouncing political violence. In an unusual joint statement, the Rhode Island Young Republicans and Rhode Island Young Democrats said they were speaking in a shared voice “to express their shared grief and call […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
In announcing campaign for governor, Helena Buonanno Foulkes says Rhode Islanders deserve better from state government
Helena Buonanno Foulkes announced her long-expected second campaign for governor on Tuesday, vowing to make state government perform better for Rhode Islanders and to take a strong stand against President Donald Trump. “It’s not hard to convince people to love Rhode Island,” Foulkes told a gathering of supporters at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Hasbro to move HQ from Pawtucket to Boston
In a psychic blow that will take hundreds of jobs out of Rhode Island, the iconic toymaker Hasbro announced plans Monday to relocate its longtime headquarters from Pawtucket to Boston’s Seaport District. Hasbro hailed the change as “a new era of play” and said seven floors in the new office “will house teams that power […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 5, 2025
Get your PVDFest on this weekend. Welcome back to my Friday column. 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? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Politics is not foremost in the minds […]
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Local
Rhode Island and Connecticut sue the Trump administration for halting Revolution Wind
Rhode Island and Connecticut are suing the Trump administration in an attempt to restart work on the Revolution Wind project off the Atlantic coast. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha on Thursday announced that he and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong plan to file the suit in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island. Neronha said […]
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
Potential progressive rival not concerned about Smiley’s big fundraising edge
State Rep. David Morales faces an uphill battle if he challenges Providence Mayor Brett Smiley next year, although Morales said Tuesday he is not fazed by Smiley’s big advantage in campaign fundraising. Morales had about $68,000 in his campaign account at the end of June, a fraction of the $1 million in Smiley’s campaign account. […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 29, 2025
There’s no truth to the rumor that the tax on paparazzi for Taylor Swift’s wedding will go to wipe out a budget deficit in Rhode Island. Welcome back to my Friday column. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Politics
After suing the Trump administration, Rhode Island to get $29 million in delayed federal education money
A lawsuit by a coalition co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has unlocked about $29 million in frozen federal education money for the state. Twenty-three Democratic attorneys general and two governors joined the suit after the Trump administration froze at the end of June almost $7 billion in funding for programs administered by […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Newport Bureau
Rhode Island state prosecutor Devon Flanagan gets six-month suspension for Newport incident
The Rhode Island state prosecutor whose arrest after declining to leave a Newport restaurant went viral on the internet is getting an unpaid six-month suspension. “On August 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me,” Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement […]
