Oil & Gas Windfall Politics: Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting is pushing gas prices up again, while the world’s biggest oil companies are raking in about $30 million per hour in excess profits—fueling fresh calls in Washington for windfall taxes, including proposals backed by Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Wildfire Smoke & Heat Impacts: After a stretch of Canadian wildfire haze, Rhode Island is seeing a brief air-quality breather with mostly sunny, low-humidity conditions Monday, but smoke and unhealthy air for sensitive groups are still part of the week’s forecast. Endangered Species Act Rollback: A new Trump administration rule would narrow what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, raising alarms that habitat damage could slip through—an issue with major stakes for wildlife recovery. Pollinators in the Spotlight: Tiverton’s library is hosting a free talk on saving pollinators, with practical steps like planting native habitat and cutting pesticide use. Water Infrastructure Momentum: The Senate EPW Committee unanimously advanced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, a bipartisan package aimed at safer drinking water, wastewater, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration—good news for Rhode Island’s resilience. PFAS Testing Update (Tiverton): Tiverton says DEM testing found PFAS in some private wells near Crandall Road and Bolduc Lane, with filtration support and free testing available for affected residents. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers report reproducing Manila clam populations establishing along the northwestern Atlantic coast, a reminder that warming seas and shipping can accelerate new invasions.