Ian Donnis

Political Reporter

Ian Donnis has reported on Rhode Island politics since 1999, when he arrived in the state two weeks before the FBI raided City Hall and Buddy Cianci’s East Side home.

Ian has been the political reporter for The Public’s Radio since 2009. He covers breaking news, develops in-depth features and investigative reports, contributes to RIPBS Weekly, hosts the weekly Political Roundtable with a range of newsmakers, writes a well-read Friday afternoon political newsletter, and maintains a bad social media habit.

Ian was for many years a panelist on Newsmakers, the Sunday morning public affairs show on WPRI-TV, Channel 12, and he’s a regular guest on A Lively Experiment on Rhode Island PBS. His previous experience includes serving as news editor of The Providence Phoenix and as a reporter for The Associated Press and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Outside of work, Ian enjoys baseball, good food, and exploring Rhode Island.

idonnis@ripr.org

Recently published
After years of advocacy, the General Assembly approved a measure to ban the sale and manufacture — but not possession — of assault-style weapons; McKee says he will sign it into law despite criticism and looming legal challenges
From Senate President Val Lawson’s dual roles to stalled ethics reforms and lobbying imbalances, Common Cause RI’s John Marion joins ‘Political Roundtable’ to assess where democracy stands—and how everyday Rhode Islanders can still make a difference
Judiciary Committee approves narrowed version of assault weapons bill targeting AR-15s and AK-47s; both gun-rights advocates and some gun safety groups express frustration as Senate prepares for floor vote Friday
After a brisk three-hour debate, lawmakers advanced a budget boosting health care funding and raising new taxes on vacation homes—while bracing for potential federal cuts that could send them back to the State House this fall
Two House Republicans say Attorney General Peter Neronha overstepped his authority by steering settlement money to children’s dental care, arguing the funds belong in the state’s general fund. Neronha says the move is legal—and necessary