Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, 76, the longest serving lawmaker in the state and an influential local political player for decades, died early Monday. “It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio earlier this morning,” the Senate said in a statement. “We are so grateful […]
Politics
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
‘No kings’: Rhode Island protesters rally against Trump in nationwide demonstration
Hundreds of protesters rallied Saturday in Providence and towns across Rhode Island as part of a nationwide “day of action” against the Trump administration. In Providence, they marched at noon from the Rhode Island State House lawn through downtown, chanting “government by the people” and “no kings.” The protest was organized by members of the […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 18, 2025
Is it too much to yearn for a major motion picture about Buddy Cianci and a cool indie about the Dorr Rebellion? 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? Just sign up right here. *** 1. […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on the fight over due process, and how Democrats should respond to Trump
The latest showdown involving President Trump centers on whether the White House violated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” the release of a Maryland man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, after he was mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador. A federal judge criticized Trump officials earlier this week for not following up on the order. Democrats say the standoff raises vital questions of due process, while the Trump administration accuses Abrego Garcia of being part of the violent MS-13 gang. Trump this week said his administration is also examining the possible deportation of U.S. citizens to El Salvador. So where are things headed if the Trump administration flouts the rule of law? With Elon Musk overseeing sharp cuts to government programs, how should Democrats respond? And how can people concerned about the Trump administration make their voices heard? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in depth with U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
Posted inEconomy, Local, Politics
Amid tariff battle, support for Trump remains strong in his best Rhode Island community
Don Fox has a front row seat to the trade war between the Trump administration and China. That’s because his Burrillville, Rhode Island-based company, Alashan Cashmere, imports cashmere sweaters made in China. Now, tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump threaten to bring Fox’s business to a standstill for the fall season. The tariffs on the […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Reed, Magaziner say GOP plan is to slowly kill Social Security
While Republicans have long accused Democrats of using scare tactics to fan fears about Social Security, two Rhode Island Democrats say the GOP’s planned cuts to the taxpayer-funded retirement system speak for themselves. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner were among those who spoke Tuesday at a midday news conference at the St. […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Politics
NOAA employees in R.I. and Mass. fired, rehired, then fired again
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this week fired its previously reinstated probationary workers, including many who worked at local facilities in Narragansett and Woods Hole. NOAA employees in Rhode Island and Massachusetts told The Publics Radio that they received a mass email on Thursday informing them their jobs had been terminated – again. The […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 11, 2025
April vacation week is here for the General Assembly, so prepare for a more active phase of the session once lawmakers return to the roost. 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? Just sign up right […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Politics
Federal government investigates Brown for civil rights violations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its inquiry into Brown University for a Title VI Federal Rights Violation, according to a campus-wide email sent from Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy Russell Carey and the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Matthew Guterl. Previously, the HHS investigation, which began in […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
RI House GOP Leader Mike Chippendale on Trump’s tariffs, government accountability and more
For now, it’s unclear if Trump will be able to deliver on his promise to increase prosperity by bringing more manufacturing back to the US. Rodin was a hub of industry 100 years ago, and state leaders have struggled for decades to bolster the state’s economy. So is Trump on the right track by trying to wind back globalization or is his approach a recipe for chaos and uncertainty? Does voter discontent with the status quo offer an opening for Rhode Island Republicans, and is Trump’s overall approach good or bad for the state. This week on Political Roundtable, Ian Donnis goes in depth with the Republican leader in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Mike Chippendale.
