Hunter Brownstein

Despite rollout of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and about 90,000 Arizonans being immunized, COVID-19 is still taking a large toll on the Navajo Nation.

While many Arizonans will be ringing in 2021 with celebratory fireworks, the Scottsdale Fire Department urges caution while ushering in the new year. Michael Bolinger, a paramedic and captain of the Scottsdale Fire Department, says reckless or improper use of fireworks can lead to brush fires.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant spike in cases and hospitalizations recently in Arizona, and as a result, the state has once again emerged as one of the top hotspots in the west coast of the United States.

On Monday, CVS pharmacies officially began administering COVID-19 vaccinations to residents of long-term care facilities in Arizona. CVS is dispensing vaccines to more than 900 care facilities in the state over a 90-day period.

On Sunday, the Cardinals will finish the regular season in Los Angeles against the division-rival Rams. The winner is guaranteed a playoff spot. And the loser may be eliminated.

On Sunday, the Navajo Nation reported 122 new COVID-19 cases and 10 more deaths. President Jonathan Nez urged residents to remain vigilant, and the tribe implemented another emergency order that takes effect Monday.

For over a century, the pink bollworm moth has terrorized cotton farms across the United States. Millions of dollars have been spent in an effort to counter the global pest, but thanks to a recent breakthrough, cotton farmers will no longer have to worry about the bollworm.

Monday marks one year since the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway’s grand opening. Doug Nick is the assistant communications director for Public Information for the Arizona Department of Transportation. He says the freeway is accomplishing everything that it was intended for.

Arizona Republican Congresswoman Debbie Lesko is in quarantine after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Lesko was advised to quarantine by the attending physician of the U.S. Congress after being exposed to COVID-19 by someone who later tested positive.

The upcoming 27th-annual Sedona Film Festival has been postponed from February to June next year because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Arizona. But the postponement may have been for the better.