Gov. Dan McKee cast the deciding vote Monday when the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation approved a revised public financing plan for a soccer stadium in Pawtucket, as debate continued about the merits of the Tidewater Landing development. The Commerce Corporation vote shifts $36 million in public financing towards building the soccer stadium, spending that was […]
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 inEpisode, Political Roundtable
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 22, 2022
Even though we love summer in Rhode Island, a six-day heat wave is a bit much, eh? Thanks for stopping by for the return of my weekly dispatch. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Gorbea on her case for RI governor
Democratic candidate for governor Nellie Gorbea, Rhode Island’s secretary of state, is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. Topics include her case for the job, her approach on jobs, education and healthcare, and what steps should be taken to ensure the future of American democracy. Gorbea is among five major Democrats seeking to be […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
No criminal charges, although Neronha faults Silva for poor judgment
Anthony J. Silva, a former chief of staff for Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, did not violate any laws, but showed “very poor judgment” when he pushed public officials to support a personal building project in Cumberland, according to a report released Tuesday by the state attorney general. Silva, 66, had been trying since 2017 […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Democrats running for RI governor start turning up the heat
With Rhode Island edging into what is expected to be the first heat wave of summer — and with just eight weeks until the September 13 primary election — the Democratic candidates for governor are turning on the jets. The current fight for the state’s top job has so far featured few of the issue-oriented […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Buonanno Foulkes on jobs, education, the race for governor & more
Helena Buonanno Foulkes, one of five major Democratic candidates for governor, is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. Topics include the economy, education, the race for governor, and much more. This is Buonanno Foulkes’ second appearance on Political Roundtable. You can listen to the first here. Here is a transcript of this week’s interview: […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Primary clash over state rep seat exposes rift between Cumberland Democrats
A primary showdown between state Rep. James McLaughlin (D-Cumberland) and challenger Brandon Voas, the cousin of Senate Finance Chairman Ryan Pearson (D-Cumberland), reflects the jagged contrast of views among legislative Democrats in Rhode Island. The challenge by Voas — who is a half-century younger than McLaughlin — could also be a classic small-town dispute, involving […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Executive order by McKee bolsters abortion protection in RI
In the aftermath of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Gov. Dan McKee has signed an executive order protecting access to abortion care in Rhode Island. The governor says his order will ensure that people who seek reproductive health services in Rhode Island will be shielded from legal liability in other […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Will Rhode Island’s approach on social equity for marijuana live up to the billing?
Legislative supporters of Rhode Island’s new law legalizing marijuana say it will help people hurt by the war on drugs. But some observers question whether the law will live up to its billing in promoting social equity.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 1, 2022
The temperature in Rhode Island got hot in a hurry, just like campaign season. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. (Program note: I’m taking some time off from work. TGIF will return on July 22.) *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here […]
