Let’s hold off on the Halloween stuff for now — it’s not even October. 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? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Fallout from the assasination of […]
Brett Smiley
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
Rhode Island State Rep. David Morales announces run for mayor of Providence
With a message emphasizing the high cost of living in Rhode Island’s capital city, state Rep. David Morales announced a challenge on Monday to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in next year’s primary election. “It’s time City Hall worked for us,” Morales said in a video announcing his campaign. “For too long, politicians like Brett Smiley […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 5, 2025
Get your PVDFest on this weekend. Welcome back to my Friday column. 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? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Politics is not foremost in the minds […]
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
Potential progressive rival not concerned about Smiley’s big fundraising edge
State Rep. David Morales faces an uphill battle if he challenges Providence Mayor Brett Smiley next year, although Morales said Tuesday he is not fazed by Smiley’s big advantage in campaign fundraising. Morales had about $68,000 in his campaign account at the end of June, a fraction of the $1 million in Smiley’s campaign account. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
RI ACLU says new surveillance center in Providence requires more safeguards
The Rhode Island ACLU contends the City of Providence is moving too quickly in implementing an integrated surveillance center, adding that without additional safeguards, the system poses an Orwellian threat. In a letter to Mayor Brett Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez, the civil liberties group calls on city officials to enact a municipal ordinance […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local
Providence appeals decision to reinstate embattled police sergeant
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration asked a judge Thursday to allow the city to fire an embattled police sergeant who was filmed kicking and punching a handcuffed man five years ago. In June, a panel of law enforcement officers said Sgt. Joseph Hanley violated the city’s misconduct policy in the 2020 assault of Rishod Gore. […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Metro Desk
What Providence homeowners say about this year’s proposed tax hike
Providence is planning to levy its biggest tax increase on residents in more than a decade, and many of them testified at a public hearing in the city council chambers on Monday night to share how they felt. A binding legal settlement with the state requires Providence to vastly increase school spending this year, which […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Tensions flare as Palestinian flag is raised at Providence City Hall
A Palestinian flag was raised on Friday at City Hall, but the flag-raising ceremony turned tense as a crowd of several dozen pro-Israel protestors attempted to drown out the speeches by making loud noises, chanting into a megaphone, and playing loud music. The flag was raised to commemorate the Nakba, when Israel officially declared itself […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
‘People are already cost burdened’: State Sen. Tiara Mack says Providence residents can’t afford a major tax hike
The state senator who represents Providence says the city should explore new ways to raise revenue.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb.14, 2025
Spring is drawing closer and — huzzah! — the Sox suddenly look much better. 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. STORY OF THE WEEK: Providence is Rhode Island’s […]
