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 […]
David Morales
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 25, 2025
Bark at the moon, eh, Ozzy? I’ve heard worse ideas. 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 here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: With the lazy days […]
Providence police explain their role in Sunday’s ICE arrest
After Providence police officers were filmed at the scene of an ICE arrest this weekend, the city’s police chief held a press conference on Monday to explain his department’s role in the incident. Col. Oscar Perez, the city’s police chief, said Providence police officers do not assist federal agents with immigration enforcement or share information […]
Rhode Island lawmakers approve minimum wage hike
In Rhode Island, both the House and the Senate approved hikes to the state’s minimum wage on Thursday. Under the legislation, the current $15-an-hour minimum wage would go up to $16 next year and $17 in 2027. Providence State Rep. David Morales says while he supports the wage hike, $17-an-hour works out to just under […]
Progressive lawmakers call for stronger effort to help working people
Legislative supporters of the Rhode Island Working Families Party say that Donald Trump and his administration underscore the need for Democrats to support policies that help working people. State Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston) said Democrats need to be bold after losing the White House in November. And while some may debate what the party stands […]
State Reps. David Morales and Brian C. Newberry unpack Rhode Island’s $13.9 billion budget
Last Friday, Rhode Island’s House Finance Committee passed a $13.9 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. Political reporter Ian Donnis talked with two state representatives, Brian Newberry, a Republican from North Smithfield, and David Morales, a Democrat from Providence. This interview and transcript have been edited for length and clarity. Ian […]
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For December 6
Question of the Week: If Pawtucket can enjoy brighter prospects, can the same thing happen in other investment-starved Rhode Island communities? Read on for more on that. Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here […]

