Around the time of George Floyd’s murder in the spring of 2020, Providence had its own incident that fueled protests and allegations of police brutality. Joseph Hanley, a Providence police sergeant, was filmed kicking a Black man, Rishod Gore, as he laid face down on the ground in handcuffs. Providence publicly announced it was firing […]
DAN MCKEE
Posted inEconomy, Local
Forensic analysis of Washington Bridge failure says officials should have been aware of the problems
Rhode Island officials should have been aware of the problems that eventually led to the abrupt closure of the westbound Washington Bridge, according to a detailed forensic audit of decades of the bridge’s inspection reports and other documentation. The 64-page analysis by engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. is dated April 2024, but was […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
5 biotech startups are coming to Rhode Island life science incubator
Rhode Island officials on Wednesday touted the unveiling of the first members of the state’s new life science incubator as a sign of economic progress. The incubator, due to open next year, is meant to spur the growth of innovative companies by bringing together researchers, investors and entrepreneurs. The project is to be housed in […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 19, 2025
Let’s hold off on the Halloween stuff for now — it’s not even October. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Fallout from the assasination of […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 12, 2025
This time of year is better when the Sox and Yankees play each other in games that matter. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: The […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
In announcing campaign for governor, Helena Buonanno Foulkes says Rhode Islanders deserve better from state government
Helena Buonanno Foulkes announced her long-expected second campaign for governor on Tuesday, vowing to make state government perform better for Rhode Islanders and to take a strong stand against President Donald Trump. “It’s not hard to convince people to love Rhode Island,” Foulkes told a gathering of supporters at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA board approves plan to reduce bus service on most routes
Rhode Island’s public transportation system will see big service reductions in September after its board approved cuts on Thursday. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority voted to accept a controversial plan put forward by Gov. Dan McKee and RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand that reduces bus service on 46 of its 58 routes and will require […]
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Transportation
RIPTA considers reducing bus frequency on most routes to close budget gap
Rhode Island’s governor announced a new plan on Monday to resolve RIPTA’s budget shortfall. The proposal would reduce bus frequency on 46 routes, increase fares, and introduce more advertising across the public transit system. Gov. Dan McKee said these changes would help the system avoid eliminating bus routes in their entirety. McKee and leaders from […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 22, 2025
For my money, late summer/early fall is the most beautiful time of the year. Welcome back to my Friday column. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Gov. McKee splits with campaign manager after less than three months on the job
With a little less than a year until the September 2026 Democratic primary, Gov. Dan McKee and Rob Silverstein — who started as McKee’s campaign manager in early June — have agreed to go their separate ways. “The McKee campaign and Rob Silverstein have mutually agreed to part ways,” the governor’s campaign said in a […]
