It may look beautiful, but the sacred lotus has been taking over Cranston’s Meshanticut Lake. When the plant native to East Asia (scientific name Nelumbo nucifera) sinks its roots into the lake bottom, it spreads a blanket of green lily pads and purple flowers across the water at a rate that can crowd out native […]
Cranston
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
Hopkins clinches mayoral victory in Cranston
Incumbent Republican Ken Hopkins won Cranston’s mayoral election last night with 51.6% of the vote. During his victory speech at the fluorescent-lit St. Mary’s Feast Society, Hopkins focused on thanking all of his fellow Republicans for their support and for running in other local races. Voters in Cranston said they appreciated that Hopkins prioritized lower […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
A rare Republican winning streak is on the line in Cranston mayoral race
On a recent weekday afternoon, Democrat Robert Ferri made his way on foot through a residential neighborhood near Garden City, dropping campaign fliers in mail boxes and looking for voters to talk about his run for mayor of Cranston. “Hi, how are you?” he asked a woman answering her door. “Good,” she responded in a […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct. 11, 2024
There’s no truth to the rumor that $1 tickets will be sold for the chance to swing a sledgehammer as part of the demolition of the Washington Bridge. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. (A quick program note: my column is skipping next week […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Cranston mayoral candidates spar over city finances in testy debate
At a debate Monday night at Cranston West High School, incumbent Mayor Ken Hopkins and Democratic challenger Robert Ferri portrayed two very different visions for the city. Moderated by The Public’s Radio morning host Luis Hernandez, a panel of three journalists – Rory Schuler of the Cranston Herald, The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis, […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 13, 2024
Say it with me now: triskaidekaphobia. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE WEEK: For all the yak about cranky Rhode Islanders […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Hopkins cruises to victory over Fenton-Fung in Cranston
In the marquee race of Rhode Island’s 2024 primary, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins scored a commanding victory over GOP rival state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, as voters rejected her argument that the city needed change. Unofficial results showed Hopkins winning 58.5% of the vote, compared with 41.5% for Fenton-Fung. Fenton-Fung is married to longtime former […]
Posted inPolitics
GOP contest for Cranston mayor is a race to watch on RI Primary Day
In the marquee race of Rhode Island’s 2024 primary, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins is facing a GOP challenge from state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat first elected in 2006, is opposed by Michael Costa, who argues it’s time for a change. Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The winner of […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 6, 2024
Happy PVDFest Weekend! You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE WEEK: The marquee race in Rhode Island’s primary election on Tuesday is […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Lawsuit against Hopkins sparks heat in Cranston mayoral race
According to Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, a lawsuit alleging he took a car without paying for it is baseless, while rival Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung is calling for State Police and the attorney general’s office to review the matter. The Superior Court lawsuit, filed by Davide Broccoli, emerged last week. It charges that Hopkins wrongfully […]
