Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday nominated a longtime former state official, Stefan Pryor, to return to his former role as Commerce secretary. Pryor signed on to lead the state’s economic development efforts before Gov-elect Gina Raimondo took office in 2015. Over time, he touted a series of high-profile job announcements, some of which […]
Ian Donnis
Posted inLocal, Politics
Six big questions about Rhode Island’s 2026 race for governor
The Rhode Island General Assembly is set to approve a budget and recess later this month, signaling the approach to the next statewide election season. With that in mind, here are some of the top questions looming over the race for the state’s top job. 1. CAN DAN MCKEE WIN? If you’re not a fan […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable
Providence Foundation Executive Director David Salvatore on city finances, downtown’s future, and more
Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence has experienced dramatic ups and downs over time. These days, the city is still trying to bounce back from the loss of office workers and shrinking foot traffic caused by the pandemic. Providence has a lot of assets, including a strong sense of place, a great restaurant scene and […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Zachary Cunha reflects on four years as RI’s top federal prosecutor
TRANSCRIPT: Ian Donnis: U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha, what is top of mind for you when you look back on your tenure as Rhode Island’s top federal prosecutor? Zachary Cunha: Well, you know, as I look back at the past three years, I’m tremendously pleased at the extent to which we’ve been able to make progress […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
Common Cause’s John Marion on 2024 elections, open records, and more
The former Providence Journal reporter Elliot Jaspin once called Rhode Island a theme park for journalists. The same could be said for advocates of good government. Although there have been fewer cases of public corruption in recent years, issues of government accountability and transparency remain front and center. One person closely monitoring these issues is John Marion, who has served as executive director of Common Cause of Rhode Island since 2008. He keeps a watchful eye on state government and spends long hours at the Statehouse monitoring the General Assembly. Over time, Marion and predecessors including Phil West have been an important voice for reform in Rhode Island. But is that enough when many people believe democracy is on the ballot this November? What is the effect when Donald Trump perpetuates a false narrative about crooked elections? And why are we not seeing more robust competition for legislative seats in Rhode Island? This week on Political Roundtable, political reporter Ian Donnis goes in-depth with head of Common Cause of Rhode Island, John Marion.
Posted inOn Politics, Political Roundtable
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner on the presidential race, inflation, climate change and more
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner faces a very different election landscape than when he won his congressional seat in 2022. Although Republicans had high hopes, Magaziner beat GOP candidate Alan Fung two years ago by just under four percentage points. This time around, Magaziner faces token opposition, but it’s unclear if Democrats will be able to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate may be up for grabs, and polls show a close presidential race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Magaziner describes Trump and the election deniers who support him as a threat to democracy. So how should Democrats respond if Trump wins in November and their fears come to fruition? What does Harris need to do to overcome voters’ concerns about inflation and other issues? And how does Magaziner see the outlook for strengthening democracy in the US and abroad? This week on Political Roundtable, The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis goes in-depth with the congressman from Rhode Island’s 2nd District.
Posted inEpisode, Housing, The Weekly Catch
College diversity in post-affirmative action world, a fight over housing affordability in Charlestown, and more
How can Rhode Island schools cultivate diverse, inclusive learning environments, now that affirmative action has ended? State Senator and Brown University alum Tiara Mack offers her take. And South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes reports on the housing crisis in Charlestown, where residents are at odds over who’s to blame for skyrocketing rents and a lack of affordable housing. Also, we hear about a few highlights from this year’s Newport Classical Music Festival. Plus, a look back on the week in politics, and a few tips for what to do this week.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Opioid settlements, Matos’ support for a controversial hospital deal, actor Alan Cumming, and more
This week, we reported that Lt. Gov. and CD1 candidate Sabina Matos supported a 2020 proposal that could have threatened the survival of two Rhode Island hospitals. We talk with Political Reporter Ian Donnis about that story, and other highlights from the week in politics. Also, millions of dollars are flowing into Rhode Island cities and towns from opioid settlements. But how are they spending it? Health reporter Lynn Arditi looks for answers. And we talk with Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming, who comes to New Bedford this weekend for an unlikely collaboration with NPR’s Ari Shapiro. Plus, our arts and culture picks for the week.
Posted inEpisode, Housing, The Weekly Catch
Documenting the pandemic, Middletown’s affordable housing problem, and more
An exhibit at the Providence Public Library shares images from a COVID-19 archive; a URI grad is priced out of his hometown; local musician Asher White plays a song from their latest album; the week in politics; and what to do this weekend.
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
The latest in the fight for shoreline access, a panel on peace and nuclear abolition, and more
The fight over shoreline access took a big step this week. Also, The Golden Rule peace boat comes to Rhode Island. Plus: the week in Rhode Island politics, and the latest in arts and culture.
