Harmful Algae Alert: RIDOH and DEM say to avoid all contact with Lake Mishnock in West Greenwich because a harmful algae bloom (blue-green/cyanobacteria) can produce toxins; don’t swim, fish, boat, kayak, drink untreated water, or let pets in the water. Public Health & Wildlife: Atlantic Shark Institute tagged its first hammerhead shark off Rhode Island near Block Island, adding to research on shifting shark movements in warming waters. Tick-Borne Disease Focus: A Block Island forum highlighted growing tick-borne disease momentum, including concerns about Lone Star ticks and alpha-gal syndrome, with experts pointing to deer reduction as one tool. Local Governance & Data Centers: Westerly Town Council passed a one-year moratorium on data centers, citing limited local zoning and concerns about environmental impacts, especially electricity and water use. Community Outdoors: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is running beginner-friendly kayak trips Aug. 7–9 at Browning Mill Pond, with a chance to spot “Young Boulder the Troll” from the water. Mosquito Season: DEM and RIDOH raised West Nile risk to “high” after positive mosquito samples in Providence, East Providence, and North Providence. Infrastructure Uncertainty: RIPTA is moving ahead with a Providence Transit Center plan, but the construction timeline still isn’t clear. Energy Pressure (National): AP reports major oil companies’ profits surged as U.S.-Iran conflict tightened global fuel supplies and pushed prices higher. PFAS Fallout (RI): A Tiverton well-water test found PFAS far above state guidelines, tied to nearby firefighting foam, raising questions for a family dealing with cancer.