Providence Mayoral Primary: State Rep. David Morales is challenging incumbent Brett Smiley, framing the race around housing and cost-of-living pressures he says he saw firsthand, while Smiley leans on his record in local government and argues Providence needs continuity heading into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary. RI State Politics & Infrastructure: Gov. Dan McKee faces a rematch with Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge repair timeline and costs driving voter anger and campaign attacks. Coastal Science & Climate: A $4M NSF-backed project co-led by LSU and the University of Rhode Island (EcoCARE) aims to help researchers share data and build tools for coastal preservation, linking Louisiana wetlands work with Rhode Island salt marsh modeling. Marine Life Shifts: Experts say warm-water shark sightings around Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island are becoming a consistent seasonal pattern tied to warming ocean temperatures. Tech, Privacy, and Elections: Flock cameras are emerging as a campaign flashpoint as voters balk at automated surveillance tied to license-plate tracking. Public Health & Access: Rhode Island is among states facing pressure over healthcare affordability, with a URI survey highlighting that even with insurance, some residents can’t afford care. Education & Safety: Rhode Island Shriners Charities will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for public high schools to boost football player protection. Weather Outlook: NOAA’s 2026-27 winter forecast points to warmer, wetter conditions in Rhode Island driven by El Niño.