Donald Trump has vowed to go after his political enemies if he wins the presidential election. The U.S. Justice Department is part of the executive branch, so if Trump wins, he would have significant influence over what happens. Closer to home, the timeline for rebuilding the westbound Washington Bridge remains uncertain, although it’s likely to take longer than originally expected. And the healthcare landscape in Rhode Island faces a series of challenges, ranging from lower reimbursement rates than in Connecticut and Massachusetts and precarious finances for some hospitals. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha intersects with all of these issues. As a former top federal prosecutor in the state, Neronha previously worked for the Justice Department. He’s been an outspoken critic of Governor Dan McKee and his handling of the bridge. And Neronha has been one of the most vocal officials in the state in talking about the need for more urgency in confronting Rhode Island’s healthcare challenges. So what does Neronha think about what justice would look like in a Trump administration? What would he do differently on the bridge? And since term limits preventing him from seeking re-election in 2026, what is next for the longtime prosecutor? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
DAN MCKEE
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
State unveils two-step process for picking Washington Bridge contractor
More than 10 months after the abrupt emergency closing of the westbound Washington Bridge, state officials unveiled on Tuesday a revised process for picking a firm to build a new bridge. Rhode Island transportation officials issued a request for qualifications for companies interested in building the new westbound bridge, and plan to choose two finalists […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct. 4, 2024
Yeah, I actually like raking leaves, but don’t expect me to come do this at your yard. 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 […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Approval for McKee and Matos falls in new Pell Center poll
With 2026 drawing closer, the approval ratings for Gov. Dan McKee and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos declined in a new poll by the Pell Center at Salve Regina University. The poll shows approval falling two percentage points for each of the two state officials since an earlier Pell survey in June, with McKee showing a […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 20, 2024
On national pepperoni pizza day, you could do worse than the Roni Island at Pizza Marvin. 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 […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Rhode Island officials surprised by Hasbro’s potential move
Rhode Island officials are scrambling after being surprised by the news that the iconic toy-maker and entertainment company Hasbro is considering moving its headquarters out of state. “It’s all hands on deck to keep Hasbro in Pawtucket,” Governor Dan McKee said in a statement. McKee said Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien and he are seeking a […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
With top state officials at DNC, who is running Rhode Island?
With Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, who is in charge of the state? The answer may seem academic, since there’s a small chance of a sudden crisis engulfing the state before the officials return later this week. But Rhode […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 2, 2024
It’s a sign of the times when CVS Health unveils a new initiative meant to help vulnerable people deal with the effects of extreme weather. 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 […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
RI, MA politicians react to President Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign
Political leaders in Rhode Island and Massachusetts offered swift reaction to Sunday’s bombshell announcement by President Biden that he would drop out of his race for a second term as president. “President Biden made a selfless and noble decision” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a prepared statement. “We are forever grateful for his […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
UNH poll finds 29% approval rating for Gov. McKee
A University of New Hampshire poll published Thursday finds that Gov. Dan McKee has a 29% approval rating and that 60% of Rhode Islanders think the state is on the wrong track. The findings, based on online responses earlier this month from 598 Rhode Islanders, signal a warning for McKee ahead of the 2026 race […]
