エピソード

  • How will Rhode Island’s New House Speaker Wield His Power?

    How will Rhode Island’s New House Speaker Wield His Power?
    2026/07/17

    Few elected officials have more influence in Rhode Island than the Speaker of the House. On One on One with Ian Donnis, Chris Blazejewski discusses his plans for the job and how he'll take on the most pressing challenges. With growing concerns about state spending, a lackluster business climate and under-performing public schools, will the Providence Democrat usher in a more progressive approach?

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    27 分
  • Can Downtown Providence Make Another Comeback?

    Can Downtown Providence Make Another Comeback?
    2026/07/23

    Like the waters of its famous tidal rivers, the fortunes of downtown Providence have risen and fallen over the years. After an urban renaissance, the pandemic hit downtown hard. How can the city center make another comeback? One on One's Ian Donnis talks with former mayor and head of Paolino Properties, Joe Paolino and Marsella Development's Chris Marsella, the driving force behind Track 15.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    28 分
  • Rhode Island's Next Governor?

    Rhode Island's Next Governor?
    2026/06/17

    The race for Rhode Island governor is entering a critical stretch. Campaign ads are hitting the airwaves, the Democratic primary is fast approaching, and voters across the state are paying more attention. This week on One on One with Ian Donnis: the Democratic frontrunners’ vision for Rhode Island. Governor Dan McKee and rival candidate Helena Foulkes go beyond the headlines.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    28 分
  • Can Philanthropy Change Rhode Island?

    Can Philanthropy Change Rhode Island?
    2026/06/12

    The Rhode Island Foundation is one of the oldest community foundations in the United States. Created in 1916, the foundation provides grants to support local nonprofit organizations that work in a variety of areas, including education, housing, and health care. In June of 2023, David Cicilline resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives to become president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. He sat down with Ocean State Media political reporter Ian Donnis to discuss his accomplishments over the past three years.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    26 分
  • ‘Some people are going to try to cheat’: John Marion on political corruption in Rhode Island

    ‘Some people are going to try to cheat’: John Marion on political corruption in Rhode Island
    2026/04/13

    In nearly 20 years as executive director of the nonpartisan good-government group Common Cause Rhode Island, John Marion has scored a number of victories in his role as the organization’s chief legislative advocate. He spearheaded successful efforts to reform the state’s campaign finance laws, mandate post-election audits, and to restore the jurisdiction of the state Ethics Commission over the General Assembly.

    During that time, Rhode Island has gained national attention for several political scandals, which has raised questions about the quality of government oversight. Marion spoke about the state of sunshine at the Rhode Island Statehouse with Ocean State Media political report Ian Donnis.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    7 分
  • R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on the state budget, economy, and his next move

    R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on the state budget, economy, and his next move
    2025/06/27
    Though the 2025 General Assembly session is over in Rhode Island, all eyes remain on House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. The Warwick Democrat is a potential candidate for governor, potentially setting the stage for a three-way primary with incumbent Dan McKee and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes. Back and forth between McKee and Shekarchi over the state budget this week may be a preview of more clashes to come. This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分
  • Common Cause of Rhode Island’s John Marion on good government, Trump, and more

    Common Cause of Rhode Island’s John Marion on good government, Trump, and more
    2025/06/20
    The rise of Val Lawson as president of the Rhode Island Senate put questions of conflict of interest front and center at the Statehouse this year. That’s because Lawson also serves as president of one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions. Lawson says she’s capable of policing her own potential conflicts, and the Rhode Island Ethics Commission offered an ok for her dual roles as president. But Lawson’s number two is a longtime former labor official and labor remains an influential special interest at the Statehouse. That’s a place where corporate lobbyists significantly outnumber advocates for nonprofit groups. In related news, efforts to modernize the state’s open records law once again ran into a brick wall on Smith Hill this year. So what did this legislative session show us about the outlook for good government in Rhode Island? How can everyday citizens make their voices heard in the corridors of power? And what can be done about the broader problem of political violence in our polarized world? This week on Political Roundtable, I'm going in depth with John Marion, executive director of the nonpartisan good government group Common Cause of Rhode Island.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分
  • Ashley Kalus on her plans for 2026, President Trump and what’s holding back the GOP in Rhode Island

    Ashley Kalus on her plans for 2026, President Trump and what’s holding back the GOP in Rhode Island
    2025/06/13
    Republicans run the show in Washington, D.C., these days, but the GOP remains on the margins in Rhode Island. The state hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 2006 and the party holds just 14 of 113 seats in the General Assembly. Back in 2022, Ashley Kalus got almost 39 percent of the vote as the GOP alternative to Democrat Dan McKee. But Kalus faced a handicap since she was a recent transplant to Rhode Island, and her share of the vote was similar to what a generic candidate might receive. Four years later, Kalus is more ensconced in the state and she continues to use social media posts to criticize the status quo. So is Kalus gearing up for another run for governor? What does she make of the Trump administration? And what is Kalus’ prescription for increasing GOP representation in Rhode Island? This week on Political Roundtable, I'm going in depth with former Republican candidate for governor Ashley Kalus.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分