Now that a lieutenant governor has been picked, what’s the next drama vying for our attention? Judging by my Twitter, people are excited about the start of the spring ice cream season. Thanks for stopping by. Your tips and comments are welcome. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. […]
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
Political Roundtable: Euer on climate bill, Newport housing & the more ideologically diverse RI Senate
State Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Newport) is the guest this week on Political Rountable. Joining me on the panel this week are URI emeritus professor of political science Maureen Moakey and Antonia Ayres-Brown, Newport reporter for The Public’s Radio. Here’s is an edited transcript of our conversation. Donnis: Let’s start with the unveiling this week of […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Analysis: McKee’s decision to pick Matos as RI’s new lieutenant governor – and why it matters
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has unveiled Providence City Council President Sabina Matos as the state’s next lieutenant governor, vowing that she will be an active partner on a range of issues. The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis discusses the reasons — stated and unstated — why McKee chose Matos, the ripple effects of […]
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ politics/media roundup for March 26, 2021
As it turns out, debating the correct pronunciation of ‘Woonsocket’ is *quite* the hot topic among us denizens of Little Rhody. Thanks for stopping by. Your tips and comments are welcome. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
In leftward move, RI Democrats hire progressive strategist to modernize the party
In a clear signal that the Rhode Island Democratic Party is moving to the left, the party has hired longtime progressive strategist Kate Coyne-McCoy to modernize the RIDP “and position Democrats to win from the top to the bottom of the ballot.” Coyne will lead the party through elections next year featuring contests for governor, […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Smiley on Providence schools, police & his run for mayor
Brett Smiley, who is among a series of candidates running for mayor of Providence in 2022, is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. Smiley, a Democrat, left his post as director of the state Department of Administration earlier this year. Joining political reporter Ian Donnis on the panel this week are Tim White, investigative […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
RI House passes climate bill, 53-22, after sharp debate
After a sharp four-hour debate, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday, 53 to 22, to update the state’s plan for reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. Supporters said the Act on Climate is needed because of the urgent threat posed by climate change. House Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski (D-Providence) points […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
McKee skeptical about GOP concerns on climate bill
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said he generally supports the intent of a bill to reduce the state’s contribution to climate change, although he plans to review arguments for and against the legislation before deciding whether to back it. State Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Newport), the sponsor in the House of Representatives, touts the Act on […]
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ politics/media roundup for March 19, 2021
A warming trend (eventually), more day light -– what’s not to like? Thanks for stopping by. Your tips and comments are welcome. 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 *** 1) Thanks to […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: DiBiase on car tax, marijuana revenue & how to best use federal stimulus money
How can Rhode Island best use the more than $1 billion it will receive as part of the stimulus plan championed by President Biden? That’s part of the conversation this week on Political Roundtable with our guest, Michael DiBiase, president/CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, a business-backed policy research group. Joining me on […]
