Oh maybe that connection is rideable based on those google maps pics! Where it comes into the paved part at the Log Bridge Road parking lot it's pretty rough (I remember gravel and mud) but I was also not that eager to go exploring so didn't pursue it. But it looks doable (and if Strava Heat Map suggest people do it that's even more evidence) and if it isn't you can connect by road on 117 without issue. You're making me want to go explore this!

As for ticks, I've never had issues. I mean it can't hurt to do a tick check at the end of the day but I have never found one on me unless I'm bushwhacking through the woods on foot.

For option 3 - from Providence, the Trestle Trail is only rideable from the Log Bridge Road/102 parking lot east. I also see the dotted section on Google Maps at the CT/RI border but can’t speak to that, but it does not connect to the Trestle Trail that (re)starts at Bridge Road. That said, riding 117 to connect the two (assuming the dotted line is rideable trail) is probably pretty okay - not much traffic out there. I really like the Trestle Trail, but will warn you it’s arrival in Providence is pretty abrupt and you’ll have to navigate angry traffic at the end.

For option 1 - The roads in Western RI are generally pretty rideable if you have a baseline comfort doing so (since you’re looking at a 90 mile day I assume you are). Obviously avoid the big ones like 44 and 6, but I’ve felt pretty safe on many of the smaller ones, and there are enough options it’s pretty easy to reroute if you find yourself on one that you aren’t loving. Once you get closer to Providence it gets worse, I generally try to come in on the (very short) Woonasquatucket River Greenway to make it a bit better.

No insight on Option 2.

Have fun! Sounds like a great adventure!

Many drugs currently in shortage. Some issues are regional, and it seems like New England has been reasonably affected. I think much of it is continued fallout of pandemic supply chain disruptions, particularly overseas. Turns out “just in time” manufacturing isn’t ideal for essential products!

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm

Really frustrating how few women are on this list - just Helena Buonanno Folkes and Nellie Gorbea on the D side. Would love to have representation, or at the very least candidates, that more accurately reflects the makeup of the state (similar criticism could be made for race/ethnicity of the potential candidates, not just gender).

Check out RIPIN - the folks there may have more insight into this question and be able to help you figure out how to transfer benefits/services if you end up moving here. They do a lot of consumer advocacy/support for health and social services and are a really wonderful organization.

https://ripin.org/about/

I have a similar sized chip, though on the very outside of where the wiper blades hit on the passenger side (far out of the driver’s field of vision). Passed inspection and they didn’t even remark on it. But of course your experience may be different than mine.

ETA: I went to the Monro in Providence for my inspection (just off 95 by the public safety complex). They were fast and nice and competent - told me my brakes passed but I should get new brake pads soon since they were getting worn, which they were right about per my regular mechanic (who is in Mass so couldn’t do the inspection for me), and which I did.

Unfortunately renters rights aren’t super strong in RI, but it’s good to know the basics to identify landlords trying to pull illegal things (ie landlords can only ask for first and security, so if they want last month too when you sign that’s a red flag).

It sounds like you've tried to schedule online and via phone as described here - but linking just in case (or for others). I suppose you could try calling again and starting from scratch?

My only other suggestion would be to report it via Providence 311 as either "Trash/debris on private property or lot" or "Trash/litter on public street or property" depending on which is more accurate. I think that just prompts the city to report to WM, but perhaps that request won't get lost in the same black holes as yours are.

And here are some links: Zurier's letter and Anthony's letter (the text of Zurier's is above but the link to Anthony's recs is broken). Also really appreciated Tiara Mack's twitter thread, also linked below in another comment.

Here's a round-up of the recommendations from all 3 sources - seems like there's only disagreement amongst them on Q5 and Q13.

Q4 School Renovations: Yes (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q5 Mayoral Appointment Approval: Yes (Mack), No (Zurier, Anthony)
Q6 Consultant Vote: No (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q7 Appointment Officer Removal: No (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q8 Purchasing Threshold: Yes (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q9 Water Supply: No (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q10 Department Heads: Yes (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q11 School Board: No (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q12 Chair: Yes (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)
Q13 Treasurer: Yes (Mack), No (Zurier, Anthony)
Q14 City Plan: Yes (Mack, Zurier, Anthony)

RI DMV’s are all reservation/appointment now, and do take credit cards (though tack on a 3% processing fee). I recently had to switch over my license and registration from out of state and it was quite painless, and not too horribly expensive.

Point #2 about having all your paperwork done in advance will make your life so much easier and the process much faster, and make sure you read the requirements for what you need to prove identity (my old state’s license and my passport was enough for me) and residence (2 pieces of official mail/eligible bills or accounts). The RI DMV website is kind of a pain but all the info and forms you need are there - do as much as you can in advance!