As the demand for transportation fuels has plummeted at an unprecedented rate in the last month because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Northern Arizona University atmospheric scientist says the dramatic decrease in local air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above cities is significant, measurable, and could be historic, depending on how long commuters and other drivers stay off the road. Professor Kevin Gurney of NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems measures … [Read more...] about Carbon Dioxide Emissions Dropping to Unprecedented Levels during COVID-19 Outbreak
Taking a Liking to Takeout
Messages promoting restaurant takeout orders have swept the country during the shuttering of restaurant dining rooms. Already reaching more than 117 million people nationwide, The Great American Takeout marketing campaign uses social media to spread the word. Promoters encourage Americans to order takeout, snap photos and then post them on Twitter with #TheGreatAmericanTakeout and @TheGATakeout for chances to win prizes. On Instagram, users tag photos with @thegreatamericantakeout. Weekly … [Read more...] about Taking a Liking to Takeout
Quiet Canyon
The usual lineup of cars at the main entrance to the Grand Canyon is now replaced with rows of orange traffic cones and a large sign that reads, “The Grand Canyon is Closed.” With the cessation of services during the COVID-19 crisis, school closures and the inevitable unemployment, agencies and businesses in the Grand Canyon Village along with the nearby Town of Tusayan have become a living chronicle of loving your neighbor as yourself. “So many people and businesses have stepped up to … [Read more...] about Quiet Canyon
Investing in the Character of Flagstaff
Flagstaff business owner Julie Sullivan Brace shudders at the sight of Flagstaff’s eerily quiet downtown. “It’s like a little ghost town and I really do have such concern about what the new business landscape is going to look like after the COVID-19 shutdown.” Sullivan Brace is the owner and creative director of Shine Creative Industries, LLC (formerly Julie Sullivan Design, Sullivan Santamaria Design Group and Sullivan Scully Design Group), and has been supporting and promoting Flagstaff’s … [Read more...] about Investing in the Character of Flagstaff
Mask Maker
Amy Peterson-Millis, RN PPACU, works in the recovery room at Flagstaff Medical Center. This is where patients wake up after being intubated for surgery. They are often coughing. “This puts us at a high risk for droplet transmission,” she explained. Her co-worker Jamie Reisner, RN, BSN, CCRN, is the interim clinical manager of the pediatric intensive care unit. “Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, healthcare workers were used to wearing masks; however, very seldom would we need to wear them for … [Read more...] about Mask Maker
Businesswoman Goes Virtual with Entrepreneurship Talks
Local entrepreneur, author and speaker Lori Anna Harrison is sharing her secret to success on a global scale. Originally planning to travel the world and deliver her program in person, Harrison has adapted her presentation to an online format amidst travel and health concerns surrounding the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. On April 14, Harrison led a virtual program at the American Center Cairo (ACC), part of the U.S. Embassy in Egypt that focuses on outreach to Egyptian … [Read more...] about Businesswoman Goes Virtual with Entrepreneurship Talks
NAU on the Front Lines of Coronavirus Response
In the past months, Northern Arizona University’s leadership has focused its efforts on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our Lumberjack and surrounding communities. COVID-19, its far-reaching impacts, and our preparation and response, have been our utmost priority. NAU has worked diligently to leverage our resources and expertise to serve our communities and our state. Earlier this month, we were proud to celebrate the nearly 6,000 students who earned NAU degrees, becoming … [Read more...] about NAU on the Front Lines of Coronavirus Response
TGen, HonorHealth Testing New COVID-19 Treatment on Arizona Patients
A novel combination of atovaquone, a drug used to treat malaria and azithromycin, an antibiotic effective against a variety of bacterial infections, is being tested in clinical trials to treat moderately to severely sick COVID-19 patients at three HonorHealth hospitals in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Officials say this is the first such trial in the United States and the first trial made available to patients in Arizona that involves this specific combination of therapies. “We are proud to be … [Read more...] about TGen, HonorHealth Testing New COVID-19 Treatment on Arizona Patients
Starting Today, Billions in Relief Funds Headed to Tribes Impacted by Coronavirus
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) issued the following statement Tuesday after the Treasury Department and Interior Department announced they would begin disbursing $4.8 billion in coronavirus relief funds to tribal nations across the U.S. “I went to the mat for Arizona’s native communities during the Senate’s coronavirus relief negotiations to ensure our tribes receive critical relief dollars amid the ongoing pandemic,” McSally said. “The federal government has a responsibility to meet the … [Read more...] about Starting Today, Billions in Relief Funds Headed to Tribes Impacted by Coronavirus
Picture Perfect Pitch
Moonshot at NACET, which for 20 years has used in-person mentoring, pitch contests and conferences to inspire and mentor budding entrepreneurs in Flagstaff and beyond, is now pivoting to provide that guidance and support in the era of social distancing. The non-profit is launching Mission Control Startup Pitch, a free service connecting new entrepreneurs with “moonshot” ideas to a panel of successful business leaders via teleconferencing. “Just like astronauts need Mission Control to … [Read more...] about Picture Perfect Pitch