Harmful Algae Alert: RIDOH and DEM say Lake Mishnock in West Greenwich has a harmful algae bloom and advise avoiding all contact—no swimming, fishing, boating, or kayaking—plus don’t drink untreated water or eat fish; the advisory stays in effect until samples show it’s clear. Local Water Quality & Shellfishing: Barrington’s town council voted to push the state to “crack” open the watershed for clamming by requesting DEM director Terrence Gray begin water-quality testing for the Palmer River, Barrington River, and Hundred Acre Cove. Shark Research in RI Waters: Atlantic Shark Institute tagged its first hammerhead shark off Rhode Island near Block Island, using satellite and acoustic tags to track long-term migration and habitat use as warming waters shift where sharks show up. Public Health & Ticks: A Block Island tick-borne disease forum highlighted growing concern that the problem is now a public health crisis, with discussion of prevention steps and the role of deer populations in tick abundance. Data Centers & Environmental Concerns: Westerly approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing uncertainty and worries about electricity, water use, and environmental impacts. Energy Profits vs. Costs: National coverage says major oil companies are raking in record profits as US-Iran conflict constrains shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving higher fuel prices—an issue that hits Rhode Island households too. Community Outdoors: WPWA is offering beginner-friendly kayak trips Aug. 7–9 on Browning Mill Pond, with life jackets and guides, to explore the area’s “Young Boulder the Troll” on the Troll Trail.