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.

Recently published
Attorney General Peter Neronha is negotiating with Prospect Medical to keep the financially troubled hospitals open through the end of the year while a potential buyer works to finalize financing — or another steps in
A reprieve for the end of SNAP benefits, and Mayor Smiley on housing and other top Providence issues
The nonprofit trying to buy Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital is still struggling to close its financing
Mayor Brett Smiley discusses how his administration is tackling the city’s biggest issues — from the housing shortage and SNAP crisis to community trust in police — as he looks ahead to a 2026 re-election bid
But coverage outside the capitals can sometimes get spotty