Rhode Island
A potential 2026 challenger to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley – The Boston Globe
The 2026 election is still a long way away, but a state representative is openly flirting with the idea of challenging Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary.
State Representative David Morales, the 26-year-old progressive who was first elected in 2020 and holds a side gig as a wrestler, confirmed that he is considering running for mayor in less than two years.
”While I’m still gauging support and financial viability, this is an opportunity that I’ve been encouraged about for a while now from neighbors and a handful of officials,” Morales said. He teased a potential run on social media last week, the same day I listed him as one of 10 Democrats to watch in Rhode Island.
The bigger picture: Morales isn’t as much of a bomb thrower as some of his progressive allies in the legislature, which has helped to endear him to House leadership. That doesn’t mean they’d support him over Smiley, but they do view him as an effective member of the General Assembly.
Smiley’s main vulnerability has always been with progressives — he lost the left-leaning West End to Gonzalo Cuervo in the 2022 primary — and he could have gum on his shoes if he follows through on a property tax increase next year to pay for what the city owes its schools.
Morales’s challenge would be expanding his base beyond the progressives who will vote for anyone but Smiley. He’s deeply involved in the Mount Pleasant community beyond politics, coaching Little League and holding events at the local library. His appeal could extend into the East Side (where Smiley lives) and he speaks fluent Spanish.
Reality check: An incumbent mayor hasn’t lost in Providence since 1974, when Buddy Cianci beat Joe Doorley. The last time an incumbent mayor faced a credible challenge was 1994, when Cianci beat back Paul Jabour.
So the odds are still very much on Smiley’s side, especially since he’ll have a massive financial advantage. The mayor currently has $561,000 in his campaign account, compared to $43,000 for Morales.
One issue to keep an eye on in 2025 is rent control.
The City Council is planning to roll out a proposal on limiting rent increases in the coming months, and Smiley has said he opposes the idea. If he can’t kill the ordinance with the council, an alternative option would be to seek a preemption from the General Assembly that blocks municipalities from imposing rent control (this happened around the minimum wage in 2014). If rent control ends up a topic on Smith Hill, it could become an opening for Morales to raise his profile.
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you’d like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.
A new week begins with more basketball in Thomas M. Ryan Center. There, the Yale Bulldogs (4-4; 5-2-0 ATS) and Rhode Island Rams (7-0; 2-4-0 ATS) will butt heads for a second straight season. Last year, the Rams won 76-72. Monday presents the Bulldogs with an opportunity for revenge. Will this 7:00 p.m. EST clash end in a road win?
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Who will win this NCAAB matchup? Read more about our Yale vs. Rhode Island prediction!
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Spread, Money Line, & Over/Under
Rhode Island’s Opening Run
Undefeated is a nice look for the Rams. They’ll try to keep it that way on Monday night. This fast-paced team is also powered by a strong offense. Rhode Island averages 90.4 points per game on 52.7% shooting. Five players average double-figures. The Rams hit 41.3% of their threes and average 32.3 trips to the free throw line. They knock down 69.9% of their free throws. Along with that, Rhode Island averages 9.6 offensive rebounds and 11.9 turnovers per contest. Are they ready to exceed 80 points for an eighth straight game?
Unlike Yale, Rhode Island’s defense isn’t a clear liability. The Rams haven’t let an opponent reach 80 points yet. This defense limits foes to 69.4 points per game. They hold opponents to 37.0% shooting from the floor, a 28.3% clip on threes, and 18.4 free throw attempts per game. The Rams’ weakness is allowing 13.6 offensive rebounds per game. Rhode Island forces 12.1 turnovers per contest. Do they have what it takes to slow down the Bulldogs?
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Best Bets for Yale vs. Rhode Island
Full-Game Side Bet
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Yale has allowed more than 90 points in three of their road games this season. Rhode Island’s offense already averages more than 90 points per game and is one of the toughest units that the Bulldogs have faced yet. The Rams will have a field day offensively, especially at the free throw line.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s defense has been great at forcing missed shots. They haven’t let an opponent reach 80 points yet, and even if the Bulldogs get there, they’ll be at least 10 points away from the lead. Bet on the Rams to beat the spread at home and remain perfect.
Prediction: Rhode Island -3.5
Full-Game Total Pick
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Each team in this game is stronger on the offensive end. Yale has scored at least 79 points in seven of their eight games. Nobody has held the Rams under 81 points this season.
Rhode Island’s tempo will add possessions to this game. The Rams live at the free throw line and Yale tends to allow a lot of free throws. Even without that, Rhode Island has a hyper-efficient offense. The Bulldogs are also an accurate team. Offensive rebounding should be an area where they shine in this matchup, buying them second chances to score. Bank on the over this week.
Prediction: Over 157.5
Rhode Island
Historic Afternoon: Rhode Island Defeats Central Connecticut in Epic Playoff Battle – Newport Buzz
In a cold and raucous Meade Stadium, No. 10 Rhode Island snapped a 39-year postseason drought with a gritty 21-17 victory over Central Connecticut State in the opening round of the FCS playoffs Saturday. A record-breaking performance from Malik Grant and a suffocating defensive effort sent the Rams (11-2) to the second round, earning a date with No. 7 Mercer.
The Rams dominated early, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Hunter Helms connected with Tommy Smith on a 38-yard touchdown strike to open the scoring. Moments later, Emmanuel Gomes intercepted CCSU quarterback Brady Olson and returned it 42 yards for a pick-six.
Central Connecticut State, the NEC champions, clawed back into the game. Olson threw touchdown passes to Isaac Boston in the second and third quarters to tie the game at 14.
In the fourth quarter, Rhode Island regained control. A 23-yard punt return by Shawn Harris Jr. set up the Rams at the CCSU 32-yard line. Six plays later, Smith took a direct snap in the Wildcat formation and powered through the right side for a 6-yard touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner.
Rhode Island’s defense was stifling throughout, holding CCSU to just 271 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Gomes’ pick-six was a game-changer, while lineman Westley Neal Jr. sealed the victory with a late interception after Carson Primrose tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Running back Malik Grant led the offensive charge for the Rams, rushing for 223 yards on 30 carries. His performance set a new single-season rushing record for the program with 1,390 yards and marked his second consecutive 200-yard game.
The win marked Rhode Island’s 11th of the season, a program record. The Rams now turn their attention to No. 7 Mercer for a second-round matchup on Dec. 7. With a balanced team effort and momentum on their side, Rhode Island looks poised for a deep playoff run.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A small business owner in Providence was honored by a city councilor on Saturday for achieving not one, but two major milestones.
Manuel Pedroso turned 105 years old earlier this month and his business, Friends Market located on Brook Street, has been open for 75 years.
The family said Friends Market is one of the first Portuguese-American markets in Rhode Island.
Manuel, and his wife Maria Pedroso, were presented a citation by Councilman John Goncalves for their contributions to the community and celebrating the business.
“Manuel and Maria Pedroso, at ages 105 and 99, represent the very best of our community,” Goncalves told 12 News. “From their journey as immigrants to building one of the earliest Portuguese businesses in Rhode Island, their story is one of perseverance and commitment.”
Manuel Pedroso was also honored with a street dedication for Pedroso Way back in 2022.
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