State Rep. Brian Newberry (R-North Smithfield) is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. The topics include the current strife in the national Republican Party; Gov. Gina Raimondo’s record in RI; The growing profile of state Sen. Jessica de la Cruz (R-North Smithfield); Why the debate on charter schools is complex; and more.
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
Raimondo offers upbeat message on RI’s future
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo used her final State of the State address Wednesday to recount highlights of her tenure, emphasize the impact of the pandemic and offer a goodbye to the state. Speaking to a largely empty House chamber in the Statehouse, Raimondo cited the harsh effect of COVID-19 and said the state is […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Senate committee approves Raimondo’s confirmation as Commerce secretary
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s confirmation as U.S. Commerce secretary sailed through the U.S. Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Wednesday on a 21-3 vote. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rick Scott of Florida, and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, all Republicans, voted against Raimondo. Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) prefaced the vote by saying he’s […]
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ politics/media roundup for January 29, 2021
Gina, we knew her when. Yes, Gov. Raimondo appears to be short-timer in Rhode Island, and a new political era is about to dawn in the Ocean State. 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 […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Neronha on vaccinations, safeguards for democracy, 2022 & more
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is ruling out a run for governor in 2022. That’s among the topics discussed during his guest appearance on Political Roundtable this week. The subjects include: A warning from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about a rising domestic terror threat. The approach of the attorney general’s office to […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Raimondo appears set for confirmation soon as U.S. Commerce secretary
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo appears to be on a fast track for confirmation as Commerce secretary in the Biden administration after receiving a mostly friendly reception during a hearing Tuesday of the U.S. Senate’s Commerce Committee. Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, praised Raimondo at the end of the hearing before flatly stating, […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Post-Trump, what’s next for the Rhode Island GOP?
Controversial remarks by a Republican state representative illustrate part of the legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency: how many of his supporters believe misinformation and outright lies. As The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis explains, this could pose another challenge for Rhode Island’s struggling Republican Party.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ politics/media roundup for January 22, 2021
The switch flipped this week from the norm-shattering Donald Trump to Joe Biden, considered by some the most institutionalist president since Gerald Ford. With that in mind, let’s look back and ahead. You can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. *** want to get my column in your inbox every […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: McKee on vaccine, transition and Trump’s legacy
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, who is expected to succeed Gov. Gina Raimondo next month, is the guest this week on Political Roundtable. Topics include: The legacy of the Trump presidency. McKee’s plans The process for choosing his successor as lieutenant governor.
Posted inEpisode, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ politics/media roundup for January 15, 2021
The news keeps coming fast and furious, so here’s my latest attempt to recap the week. Thanks for stopping by. As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and 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 […]
