AI + Water Safety: Researchers at WPI are using AI to redesign biomolecules in E. coli Nissle to bind lead—aiming to reduce neurological harm from contaminated water, building on Rhode Island water-systems support. Surveillance Tech Under Fire: Flock Safety is tightening privacy rules for its automated license plate readers (shorter data retention, more controls on sharing, case-code linking), as Rhode Island towns weigh cancellations and scrutiny grows after alleged misuse. Local Governance + Privacy: Providence’s Flock contract and nearby town actions (including votes to remove or pause cameras) keep the debate focused on who can access data and how it’s governed. Space Science: A meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey roof was analyzed for early-solar-system chemistry and amino acids—highlighting life-building ingredients from beyond Earth. Education Tech Funding: Rhode Island’s Department of Education secured $18M in federal grants for AI-supported literacy initiatives, targeting high-impact coaching and student achievement. Defense + Undersea Training: L3Harris opened a new $6M maritime production facility at ProvPort to scale advanced undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allies. Public Health in RI: Tiverton officials and residents are grappling with PFAS-contaminated private wells, with levels far above state benchmarks. Right to Repair: Rhode Island’s ongoing push for repair access continues via multiple bills covering electronics, wheelchairs, and farm equipment.