Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has made his three nominations to form the state Cannabis Control Commission, more than 10 months after they were due. McKee picked his deputy chief of staff, Kim Ahern, to chair the commission that will oversee the regulation, licensing and control of adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana in the state. […]
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
Bill to extend abortion coverage in Rhode Island faces one more hurdle
The top two Democrats in the Rhode Island Senate made the difference Tuesday, as the Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly approved a bill extending abortion coverage for women receiving Medicaid or who are on the state employee health plan.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ roundup on Rhode Island politics for May 12, 2023
Big shout-out heading into the weekend to all the cool moms out there – you rock. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** STORY OF THE WEEK: Now that the May Revenue […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: McKee on his education plan, the chill on development, and RI’s healthcare landscape
The past year has been an eventful time for Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. He won a narrow victory in a five-way Democratic primary last September. Then, in November, McKee crushed Republican opponent Ashley Kalus, to win his first full term as governor.
Posted inArticle, Politics
State help sought for 160-unit development in East Providence
Supporters of the Taunton Avenue Collaborative — a plan to build an affordable 160-unit apartment complex on a blighted three-acre site in East Providence — say it’s missing one crucial ingredient: a $28 million state appropriation to move the project forward. The collaborative brings together four nonprofits (One Neighborhood Builders. Crossroads RI, Foster Forward and […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
CD1 candidate Aaron Regunberg calls for impeaching Justice Thomas
Although Thomas appears certain not to face impeachment, the issue is an opportunity for candidates to distinguish themselves from their rivals.
Posted inArticle, Politics
New bill would end the ban on cannabis ads in RI
The state’s been slow to develop the new industry – a delay that seems to have hurt projected revenue.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ roundup on Rhode Island politics for May 5, 2023
Can the Sox maintain their impressive early season form? Thanks for stopping by. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** STORY OF THE WEEK: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is a longstanding critic […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Goncalves on his run in CD1, Providence schools and taxes for non-profits
John Goncalves describes himself as the embodiment of Rhode Island’s motto of “hope.” Now the second-term Providence city councilman is one of the 15 Democrats running in RI’s 1st Congressional District.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ roundup on Rhode Island politics for April 28, 2023
With Quahog Week upon us and stuffies being used to promote Little Rhody out of town, we may be approaching Peak Rhode Island. Thanks for stopping by. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here […]
