Democrat Stefano Famiglietti scored a lopsided win Tuesday in the race for the Rhode Island state Senate, getting almost 83% of the vote in a matchup with Republican Alexander Asermely, according to unofficial results. “I am extremely humbled to have been elected as the District 4 state Senator to serve the community in which I […]
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 inCriminal Justice, Health, Local
AG Neronha, RI Foundation accepting proposals for dental grants
Attorney General Peter Neronha and the Rhode Island Foundation are accepting proposals for $10 million in grants meant to improve dental care for children in Providence. The grant deadline for applications is Sept. 10. Neronha’s 6/10 Children’s Fund was established through a settlement in May when a state contractor, Barletta Heavy Division, admitted using contaminated […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 1, 2025
We like you, we really like you. And if you like us, please consider making a contribution to support public media 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 inbox every […]
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local, Politics
AG Neronha decision expected to expedite hospital sale
A financing gap delaying the sale of two cash-strapped Rhode Island hospitals is expected to be resolved under a decision announced Thursday by Attorney General Peter Neronha. More than two years have passed since the Atlanta-based Centurion Foundation submitted an application to buy CharterCARE Health Partners, composed mostly of Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Helena Foulkes hires experienced campaign strategist as she approaches another run for Rhode Island governor
Eric Hyers, who managed a trio of winning political runs for David Cicilline and Gina Raimondo, has signed on as part of expected Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes’ campaign team. Hyers told The Public’s Radio that Foulkes hired his Louisville-based firm, Outperform Strategies, “to help her and her team gear up as she heads toward […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Newport Bureau
Birthing center at Newport Hospital to remain open
Brown University Health plans to keep open the birthing center at Newport Hospital — at least for now. The Noreen Stoner Drexel Birthing Center was facing possible elimination due to budgetary challenges for Brown University Health and other healthcare providers in Rhode Island. “We understand the concern surrounding the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 25, 2025
Bark at the moon, eh, Ozzy? I’ve heard worse ideas. 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 here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: With the lazy days […]
Posted inEconomy, Housing, Local
David Sweetser, owner of Providence’s Superman Building, dies at 70
The head of the Massachusetts company that owns the “Superman Building” in downtown Providence has died. David C. Sweetser was 70 years old. “A devoted family man, beloved friend to many, and a titan in the real estate development industry,” said Bill Fischer, a spokesman for Sweetser, in a statement on Tuesday. “He will be […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 18, 2025
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? Just sign up right here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/iSzcTrG. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Seventeen years ago, during the Great Recession, URI economist Leonard Lardaro […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Steinberg set to leave as chair of RI Life Science Hub
Neil Steinberg has resigned as the voluntary chairman of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, as the fledgling sector seeks to build on initial successes in the state. While Rhode Island has long lagged Massachusetts in developing a life sciences sector, the effort took on more energy after becoming a priority of House Speaker Joe […]
