News

Virus Subvariant EG.5 in New England: Not likely any greater threat than previous SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants

A new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is increasing in prevalence with initial US detection primarily in the New England area. Labeled EG.5, it was discovered outside the US on Feb 17 and is a minor mutation from the XBB.1.9.2 subvariant. The entire lineage, including XBB.1.9.2, EG.5, and a further subvariant EG.5.1, […]

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Motif Bartender Awards: Boozy, Silly, and Full of Drama

“Do you have any idea what’s going on?” “None at all. Isn’t it great?” – Overheard at the Bartenders’ Ball This year’s award ceremony took place just above the go-kart track at R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln. Go-karts whizzed around the racetrack and the room’s high ceilings and the purple and blue lights emanating from […]

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Dangerous Heat Index 103°F: Heat Advisory Thu 11am – Fri 8pm, over 90°F Wed ­– Sat

At Providence, a Heat Advisory is in effect Thu 11am – Fri 8pm for a dangerous heat index peaking to 103°F on Fri 12pm, with only slightly less oppressive heat indices 90°F Wed, 97°F Thu, and 94°F Sat. Similar conditions will affect much of southern New England with peaks to 105°F in Hartford, CT, and […]

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Air Quality from Canadian Fires, Mon – Tue: Moderate, possibly Unhealthy

At Providence, air pollution from particulate matter at least 2.5µm (PM2.5) is expected to reach “moderate” levels (51-100) Mon and Tue as a result of continuing wildfires in Canada, possibly reaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (101-150) or even “unhealthy” (151-200) levels. This is a return of conditions seen a few weeks ago that resulted in […]

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