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 […]
Joe Shekarchi
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, 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 inEconomy, Local, Politics
Fiscal watchdog raises concern about growth in Rhode Island state spending
State spending in Rhode Island continues to rise at an unsustainable rate amid slowing revenues and uncertainty about federal funding, a business-backed fiscal watchdog group warned in a report released Wednesday. The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council found that state general revenue spending climbed by 10.9% over the last two fiscal years, while state general […]
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 […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA efficiency study indicates service cuts are inevitable
There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 1, 2025
We like you, we really like you. And if you like us, please consider making a contribution to support public media in Rhode Island. 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 […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Speaker Shekarchi on the state budget, RIPTA, a potential run for governor, and more
Rhode Island’s 2025 legislative session is in the books. But the focus for many politics-watchers remains firmly on Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. Rhode Island PBS reporter Jim Hummel sat down with Shekarchi to reflect on the progress and pitfalls of the legislative session. They discussed several topics, including the state budget, funding for […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Steinberg set to leave as chair of RI Life Science Hub
Neil Steinberg has resigned as the voluntary chairman of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, as the fledgling sector seeks to build on initial successes in the state. While Rhode Island has long lagged Massachusetts in developing a life sciences sector, the effort took on more energy after becoming a priority of House Speaker Joe […]
