Rhode Island has its best budget outlook in decades, thanks to a windfall of more than $1 billion and better than expected revenue, and Gov. Dan McKee said his latest $12.8 billion spending plan will help the state recover from the pandemic and move into the future. The state has so much cash that budget […]
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, Education, Local, Politics
During State of the State, McKee touts investment in housing, education and small business
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee used his first State of the State address Tuesday to tout new efforts to promote the state’s economy through investments in housing, education, and small business. Using the upbeat tone typical of the annual address, McKee sketched out some of the themes and initiatives he’ll emphasize while trying to fend […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Rep. Jim Langevin won’t seek re-election
The Democrat was first elected to the U.S. House in 2000.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for January 14, 2022
Just another quiet news week in Rhode Island, right? Your tips and comments are welcome. 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 *** STORY OF THE WEEK: Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott was the right person in the […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Paxson on hospital merger, healthcare, COVID & more
Brown University President Christina Paxson is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his weekly RI politics and media newsletter. The topics include the proposed academic health system between Brown and the state’s two largest hospital groups, Lifespan and […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Critics say redistricting remains a process for protecting incumbents
Rhode Island lawmakers are moving ahead with the redrawing of legislative districts – a process that happens every 10 years. A General Assembly commission on Wednesday approved the latest plan. The new maps created by consultant Kimball Brace and backed by the state’s Special Commission on Reapportionment will shape the battlefield for legislative races taking […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
RI Ethics Commission drops complaint against former McKee chief of staff
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission Tuesday dismissed a complaint against Tony Silva, the former chief of staff for Gov. Dan McKee. On a 7-0 vote, the Ethics Commission found probable cause did not exist to believe that Silva violated the code of ethics. The commission is expected to outline its thinking in a report later […]
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics/media roundup for January 7, 2022
Welcome to my first column of 2022. We’re heading toward the more active phase of an election year, so hang onto your hats. Your tips and comments are welcome. 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: RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on Omicron, state spending, marijuana and more
RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi (D-Warwick) is the guest on Political Roundtable this week. The topics include the state’s response to the Omicron surge, the outlook for spending more of Rhode Island’s federal COVID aid, and the potential legalization this year of recreational marijuana. Sheksarchi is serving his first two-year term as speaker after winning […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
RI lawmakers begin new session with fast approval of COVID relief money
Rhode Island lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday, approving the spending of 10% of the state’s federal American Rescue Plan Act money, as top legislators signaled the likely legalization of recreational marijuana this year. The approval came quickly on the first day of legislative business. Gov. Dan McKee signed a revised budget that adds […]
