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Rhode Island held its statewide primary on September 9, 2026. The Board of Elections reviewed the close Republican gubernatorial primary through a rereading of electronic vote data rather than a full paper-ballot recount, because the 259-vote margin did not meet the state-law threshold for a full recount. The rereading did not alter the election-night result, and the board certified the primary results on September 15.
East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva reported alleged threatening emails and social-media posts to police after noticing them on Aug. 8, according to court documents reported by WPRI. Thomas David Aaron Wazlavek, 41, was arrested in Panama City, Florida, on a fugitive-from-justice charge and is expected to be extradited to Rhode Island to face criminal charges.
Gabriel House is an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, where a July 13, 2025 fire killed 10 residents and injured more than 30 residents and five firefighters. Investigators said the fire was unintentional and may have involved smoking materials or an oxygen concentrator, while the exact origin could not be confirmed because the room’s occupant died. The litigation centers on alleged failures in evacuation readiness and fire-suppression systems, with the facility owner, its inspection company, and sprinkler manufacturers disputing responsibility.
Brett Smiley, Providence’s first-term Democratic mayor, lost the Sept. 9, 2026 Democratic mayoral primary to Rhode Island state Rep. David Morales. The contest exposed policy differences on housing, including Smiley’s opposition to a rent-stabilization ordinance, as well as public-safety surveillance policy. Smiley was elected mayor in 2022 after previously serving in senior Providence and Rhode Island state-government roles.
Rhode Island’s Board of Elections reviewed three close Sept. 9 primary contests before certifying the statewide primary results on Sept. 15. The contests were the Republican gubernatorial primary and Democratic Providence City Council primaries in Wards 4 and 9. Rhode Island law provides for candidate-requested recounts, which are open to the public.
Maureen McManus is listed by the City of Providence as deputy director of the Department of Public Works, reporting within a department led by Director Patricia A. Coyne-Fague. WPRI reported that McManus was placed on paid leave on January 10, 2026, while remaining in her position and receiving her annual salary. The city declined to discuss the reason for the leave, characterizing it as a personnel matter.
Providence’s Riverwalk Mural Project is a collaborative public-art initiative intended to add locally inspired work to portions of the downtown waterfront. The city officially launched the project on June 10, 2026, alongside other improvements at Biltmore Park and Waterplace Park. It includes a two-block painted mural on Memorial Boulevard and ceramic-tile installations on Riverwalk bridges.