David Morales

Providence is set to search for a new school superintendent just four months after regaining local control of its public schools, ending nearly seven years of state oversight. Mayoral nominee David Morales confirmed the city will begin the search once authorized by the school board, citing stability for students as a priority. The Boston Globe reported that Superintendent Javier Montañez has hired a private attorney to negotiate an exit agreement, with an announcement possibly coming before year's end, despite his contract running through June 2027. Three of his deputies are also departing. The school board, which has denied taking official action, faces its own internal tension, including a postponed vote on removing its president.

Providence held its third annual Rhode Island Palestine Day, drawing Palestinian community members and supporters for food, music, and cultural events, organized in part to highlight Palestinian identity amid the war in Gaza. The gathering coincided with ongoing debate over the city's Question 7 ballot measure, which voters will decide in the November 3 general election. Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales, who supports the measure, attended and framed it as a chance for the city to take a moral stance. Steven Baker of the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island criticized the proposal, arguing it targets a specific community without addressing humanitarian needs abroad.

Providence officials have asked retired federal judge William Smith to provide independent legal analysis of Question 7, a citizen ballot initiative that would require the city to divest from countries and companies linked to genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and prolonged military occupation. The measure, backed by Providence for Palestine, is widely understood to target investments tied to Israel over the war in Gaza, though the ordinance does not name any country. City Solicitor Jeff Dana sought outside review after the Law Department's initial guidance drew criticism. Mayor Brett Smiley calls the ordinance unlawful and unmanageable, while city officials warn it could jeopardize the underfunded pension system. Mayoral candidates David Morales and Dave Talan are split on the measure.

Providence Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales outlined proposals to curb nightclub violence following the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old University of Massachusetts Dartmouth football player Marvins Antoine outside Mezzo Lounge. The attack, which also injured another person, occurred in a parking lot across from the club and is the latest in a string of incidents tied to licensed Providence nightclubs — five deaths and more than a dozen violent, non-fatal episodes over the past five years.

Morales said he would prioritize de-escalation strategies, hold repeat-offender venues like Mezzo accountable, require safety plans at nightclubs, and create a noise ordinance hotline coordinated with police and telecommunications departments. He also said the city should consider requiring additional security or police details at clubs.

The Board of Licenses has ordered Mezzo Lounge closed for 72 hours, with a show cause hearing scheduled. Republican mayoral nominee Dave Talan was unavailable for comment due to Yom Kippur but said he would address the issue later in the week.

State Rep. David Morales, 27, a democratic socialist endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna, defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley, 47, in Providence's Democratic primary by a 53%-48% margin, marking the first time a sitting Providence mayor has lost a primary. Morales is heavily favored over Republican Dave Talan in November and would become the city's youngest-ever mayor if elected. Smiley had touted falling crime and the city's regained control over its schools, while Morales built his campaign around affordable housing, rent stabilization, and other progressive policies like social housing and housing cooperatives.

The race became entangled with Israel-related politics: Smiley, who converted to Judaism in 2024, drew criticism from Morales over his role in a pro-Israel advocacy summit, while Smiley opposed a binding November ballot measure — which Providence voters will decide as the largest U.S. city to do so — that could restrict city investment in companies linked to Israel. Smiley also faced backlash over vetoing a rent-control ordinance Morales supported. Providence's police union has voiced unease about Morales, citing his past calls to defund police and warning of possible officer departures, though Morales says he wants to work with law enforcement. Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee also lost his primary the same night.