Rhode Island’s almost $10 billion state pension fund is in better shape than it was in 2011. That was when then-Treasurer Gina Raimondo spearheaded a plan to overhaul the pension. Raimondo said she wanted to shore up the under-funded pension, so the money would be there to pay future retirees. But public-employee unions sharply opposed […]
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
RI House votes to extend abortion coverage to Medicaid, state employee health plans
The bill will need to be passed by the Senate before going to Gov. McKee’s desk.
Posted inArticle, Housing, Politics
RI Foundation report outlines challenges and solutions for housing crisis
Rhode Island had the lowest per capita increase of housing in the nation in 2021, according to a new report by the Rhode Island Foundation.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 21, 2023
There’s no truth to the rumor that chases involving municipal workers and wolf-dogs will be rolled out as the new attraction at Twin River. 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 […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Regunberg on his run in CD1, almost winning in 2018, and our partisan divide
With a swing of a few thousand votes in 2018, Aaron Regunberg would have been on a path to become Rhode Island’s governor — before his 30th birthday. The former two-term state representative from Providence is running for the open seat in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District.
Posted inArticle, Politics
In CD1 run, Amo touts journey from Pawtucket to the White House
The former White House official is the 14th Democrat to enter the race.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Maryellen Goodwin, whip in Rhode Island Senate, dies at age 58
Maryellen Goodwin, a familiar face in Providence politics for decades and the third-ranking Democrat in the Rhode Island Senate, has died after a years-long fight with cancer. “Maryellen made an unforgettable impact on all of us in the Senate, and on all who knew her,” Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said in a statement Sunday announcing […]
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 14, 2023
Sure, a big Amazon facility is getting notice, but Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr., a devout Tampa Bay Rays fan, should get to the high-flying, but low-drawing team to Rhode Island. Just a thought. Thanks for stopping by. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Huntley on what it takes to reduce violence in Providence – and America
Cedric Huntley has been a leader in efforts to reduce violence in Providence for more than 20 years. He serves as executive director of the Nonviolence Institute, which deploys street workers to mediate conflicts and try to stop violence before it happens.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Debate flares on contract for RIPTA CEO
A RIPTA board member argued Tuesday that the deadline has passed to extend CEO Scott Avedisian’s contract, but the argument was rejected by the lawyer for the quasi-public transit agency. During a meeting of a compensation subcommittee, RIPTA board member Patrick Crowley said that according to Avedisian’s contract, notice of an extension is supposed to […]
