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Ian Donnis

@iandonnis.bsky.social
1.8K followers 327 following 2.6K posts

Murrow Award-winning political reporter for Ocean State Media, RI’s NPR and PBS station; baseball fan; love good food, dogs and Little Rhody

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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Come for @tednesi.bsky.social’s parsing of @RIPEC_’s report on our troubled roads ⛏️ Stay for @kimkalunian.bsky.social’s seasonal list of top Halloween stops to visit 🎃 www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
wpri.com
Nesi’s Notes: Oct. 3
Your weekend briefing on local politics and more.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
RI Politics Weekend Column: The Gov Field; How RI Senate has and hasn’t changed; new gig for EOHHS COS; Women Rising in RI Politics; Kim Ahern Q&A; Welp Sox; More www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct 2, 2026
Time is dwindling as Ken Block tries to reshape the gov race
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Ted Nesi @tednesi.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Former state Sen. Dan Connors is leaving the RI Exec. Office of Health & Human Services to be the top lobbyist for the state's hospitals as HARI executive director, per @iandonnis.bsky.social www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct 2, 2026
Time is dwindling as Ken Block tries to reshape the gov race
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Just shy of 79% of @RISenate seats turned over from 2015-2016 to 2025-2026. But even with the addition of more progressives, the center of gravity remained largely the same (#5) www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct 2, 2026
Time is dwindling as Ken Block tries to reshape the gov race
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Loaded TGIF column: **Dan Connors has a new gig **RI women pols on verge of history **How RISenate changed over 10 years **Time dwindles amid drama over RI gov field ** more www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct 2, 2026
Time is dwindling as Ken Block tries to reshape the gov race
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Reposted by Ian Donnis
Rhode Island Current @rhodeislandcurrent.com · 02/10/2026
Brown University Health is offering buyouts to 200 non-clinical supervisors and laying off an undisclosed number of executives amid financial pressures. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/10/02/a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
Amid bleak financial forecast, Brown Health announces buyouts, executive layoffs • Rhode Island Current
Brown University Health announced a series of cost-cutting measures Thursday on the first day of its fiscal year, including executive layoffs and non-clinical buyouts. The hospital operator projects a...
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Aaron Guckian reiterates that he is not leaving the race for governor
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Little girl with a big bone. Ruby celebrates National Black Dog Day
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Energy plan from @kenblockri.bsky.social
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Audio is now embedded in this article if you want to hear @kenblockri.bsky.social and @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social discuss an array of issues at our forum Wednesday. Aaron Guckian dropped out of participation www.oceanstatemedia.org/elections/20...
oceanstatemedia.org
They say RI is ready for change: Foulkes, Block make the case for governor
The gubernatorial forum follows a decisive win by Foulkes in the Democratic primary earlier this month. The 2026 race is Block’s third bid for the state’s top seat
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Neil Steinberg to chair transition for @adamgreenman.bsky.social
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Full One on One interview on an array of topics with the Democratic looking to succeed Peter Neronha www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3s...
youtube.com
Kim Ahern will likely become RI's next attorney general. What are her top priorities? | One on One
YouTube video by Ocean State Media
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Covered a lot of issues with @kenblockri.bsky.social & @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social during our forum at RWU Law yesterday evening (Aaron Guckian had agreed to participate, but said he had a scheduling conflict) via @jeremybernfeld.bsky.social www.oceanstatemedia.org/elections/20...
oceanstatemedia.org
They say RI is ready for change: Foulkes, Block make the case for governor
The gubernatorial forum follows a decisive win by Foulkes in the Democratic primary earlier this month. The 2026 race is Block’s third bid for the state’s top seat
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Michael Bilow @mikebilow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
@kenblockri.bsky.social just said in his debate on @oceanstatemedia.bsky.social with moderator @iandonnis.bsky.social that he stopped selling his book in RI because of state sales tax hassles, but there is an exemption for authors directly selling their own work. motifri.com/aria-lawsuit/
motifri.com
ARIA v. Savage: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and the First Amendment – Motif
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Aaron Guckian campaign informed us today he will not participate in candidate forum we’re staging at 5:30 pm with WomensFundRI & LWVRI at @rwulaw.bsky.social. @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social & @kenblockri.bsky.social will be there. Listen live at 103.7 FM OSMediaRI. Statement via Mike Fahey
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Speaker Blazejewski makes additions to his legal team
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
STORY: @kenblockri.bsky.social polls a two-way race with @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social, but Aaron Guckian says he's nor leaving www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
Block pushes a two-way governor’s race, but Guckian says he’s not leaving
Early voting in Rhode Island starts Oct. 20
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Aaron Guckian ridicules @kenblockri.bsky.social’s poll
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
@kenblockri.bsky.social says a poll he commissioned shows him ahead of @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social in a one on one matchup
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
NEW: How @adamgreenman.bsky.social is preparing to be the next mayor of Pawtucket www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
Adam Greenman on how he’s preparing to be the next mayor of Pawtucket
The former nonprofit executive defeated a longtime incumbent in the Democratic primary
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Sam G. Howard @samghoward.riliberator.com · 26/09/2026
I think Brown and Co-op were a net negative (no surprise that I think that), but the same year they got washed, progressives made small advances overall. But I also think it's not out of the norm that progressive groups are at odds.
riliberator.com
The 2022 Democratic Primaries Are (Almost) Over!
RI’s Democratic primaries were not the disaster some are making them out to be. They also continue to be a representation disaster.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: My analysis shows how progressives picked up 15 seats in @rihouseofreps.bsky.social since 2015-16, foreshadowing the tide that swept one of them -- @davidmoralespvd.bsky.social -- toward Providence City Hall www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 25, 2026
An early signal of how RI moved in a more progressive direction
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Tomorrow am on @oceanstatemedia.bsky.social: Aaron Greenman (who doesn't face any opponents in November) talks with me about how he's preparing to be the next mayor of Pawtucket
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI - my weekly roundup on RI politics www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 25, 2026
An early signal of how RI moved in a more progressive direction
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 26/09/2026
The actor Sylvester Stallone discussed his relationship with his body, growing up with abusive parents, his battle to play the lead role in “Rocky,” his former rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger and more on “The Interview.” Watch, listen or read.
trib.al
Sylvester Stallone Hid His Struggles for Decades. Now He’s Coming Clean.
The legendary actor on his disturbing childhood, his Hollywood missteps and the pain he caused to his loved ones, his body and himself.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
@samghoward.riliberator.com Costa and Tanzi at orientation with Coderre and Anzeveno ahead of the 2011 sesh
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Good point from @tednesi.bsky.social - the general election for governor is *unusually* quiet right now, but that will likely change quickly www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
wpri.com
Nesi’s Notes: Sept. 26
Your weekend briefing on local politics and more.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
RI Politics Weekend Column: Analysis Shows How Leftward Move of General Assembly Foreshadowed Morales’ Win; Got Unity?; Foulkes’ Funding; Greenman on PawSoccer; Q&A with RIPTA CEO; Sulzberger As A Young Reporter; More www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 25, 2026
An early signal of how RI moved in a more progressive direction
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Ted Nesi @tednesi.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Great zoom-out from @iandonnis.bsky.social here about how the RI Democratic Party's slow but steady shift to the left was foretold in legislative elections, one by one www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 25, 2026
An early signal of how RI moved in a more progressive direction
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
As part of conditions for sale of CharterCARE, @peterfneronha.bsky.social is seeking a revised version of the company’s strategic plan
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
@davidmoralespvd.bsky.social's dramatic win was foreshadowed by a big expansion over 10 years in progressive representation in @rihouseofreps.bsky.social www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 25, 2026
An early signal of how RI moved in a more progressive direction
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Can @ripta.com get back on track? My full wide-ranging One on One interview with CEO Christopher Durand www.youtube.com/watch?v=caQg...
youtube.com
Can RIPTA get back on track? | One on One with Ian Donnis
YouTube video by Ocean State Media
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 25/09/2026
Breaking News: Massachusetts is investigating how DraftKings and other gambling sites use A.I. The inquiry follows a New York Times report that showed how DraftKings has deployed the technology to target losing gamblers with promotions that encouraged more betting.
nyti.ms
Massachusetts Is Investigating Gambling Companies’ Use of A.I.
In response to a New York Times report on DraftKings, the state’s gaming commission said it would evaluate how each company deployed the technology.
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The Map Center @mapcenter.com · 24/09/2026
Let me toast Ian's taste: The Map Thief is a true New England story about the world's most prolific map thief who finally got caught razorblading pages out of books at the Yale library. Fascinating bio of a criminal nerd. And the history of Iraq is gorgeous. Haven't read it, just love the pictures.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Did I pick up a few books after interviewing @adamgreenman.bsky.social at @mapcenter.com today? You betcha!
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Radio excerpt of my wide-ranging One on One interview with @ripta.com CEO Christopher Durand: funding public transit, bus hub, Kennedy Plaza, car culture and more. Full interview drops later this week www.oceanstatemedia.org/one-on-one-w...
oceanstatemedia.org
‘We need to be responsive to our riders’: RIPTA CEO on the future of public transit in Rhode Island
Christopher Durand says the state’s public transit agency needs long-term financial support to provide reliable service
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.npr.org/2026/09/24/n...
npr.org
Judge orders Trump administration to restore journalists' access to White House
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to temporarily restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, after they were banned from covering White House events by President Trump.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Some senior positions were recently cut or consolidated at Brown University Health
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projomike.bsky.social @projomike.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
R.I.P. Bruce, aka Rudy. You were a spirit in the night of the old pre-Renaissance Providence & its grittier nightlife — Leo’s, the Met Cafe, Lupo’s, the Living Room, late nights at Ming Garden & Joann’s Silver Top Diner.
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Dan Kennedy @dankennedy.net · 21/09/2026
Rudy Cheeks, legend of Rhode Island’s creative scene, dies. A tribute by @iandonnis.bsky.social, who used to edit him at The Providence Phoenix. www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
Rudy Cheeks, legend of Rhode Island’s creative scene, dies
The writer and musician was half of the duo behind Phillipe & Jorge’s Cool, Cool World
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
ICYMI -- my weekly roundup on RI politics www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 18, 2026
Can Ken Block win the governor’s race as an independent?
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Philip Eil @phileil.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Sad news. This is a lovely obit from Ian.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
My appreciation for Rudy Cheeks, musician, satirist and Rhode Island legend www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/202...
oceanstatemedia.org
Rudy Cheeks, legend of Rhode Island’s creative scene, dies
The writer and musician was half of the duo behind Phillipe & Jorge’s Cool, Cool World
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ammonoosuclake.bsky.social @ammonoosuclake.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Those were fun times, fun times. Their wit and smarts were the perfect foil for Little Rhody’s political machinations at the time.
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Greenwood Hi-Fi @greenwoodhi-fi.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Whenever I opened the latest copy The Newpaper of The Phoenix, P&J was the first thing I read. A sad day in Casa Diablo
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Lou Papineau @loupapineau.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
youtube.com
The Young Adults, 1978, Trax, Meat Rampage
YouTube video by flamingo land
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Lou Papineau @loupapineau.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
RIP Bruce McCrae/Rudy Cheeks/Jorge. Musician, writer, radio personality, cigar smoker, sipper of Pernod and grapefruit, raconteur, man about town, forever young adult. A true Vo Dilun legend.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I still get a smile thinking of the time when I fielded a call from a lady complaining about them who was completely credulous about their fictitious P&J personas
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
So sorry to hear of the death of Rudy Cheeks, Jorge of the infamous Phillipe & Jorge’s Cool, Cool World, a mainstay of the Prov Phoenix. He was a gentle soul, hilarious and an OG of the PVD underground. He’s reunited with Chip Young, Phillipe, to drink Pernod & grapefruit
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