Good morning, Maricopa.

Maricopa Community Colleges reported record-high enrollment with fifteen to twenty-two percent more students than last year + students said the colleges offer affordable tuition and a range of programs.

This increase marks a significant milestone for the institution and indicates strong demand in the local community.

Arizona tarantulas begin their mating season in late summer when male spiders leave their burrows at night in search of mates — these nonaggressive creatures help control insects and can be seen moving quietly across desert trails.

In July, Phoenix had an average temperature of 96.9°F — 1.4°F above normal — making it the ninth hottest July on record while 24 days reached 110°F, and Maricopa County health officials said the heat caused 22 deaths and over 1,700 hospital visits.

A federal judge will hear arguments tomorrow from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmentalists asking to halt a land exchange that would allow a huge copper mine to be built at Oak Flat.

The deal is set to proceed by Aug. 20 if no pause is put in place—critics warn the project risks Native sacred rights and worsening water shortages.

A $60 million recovery hospital for child and young adult survivors of sex trafficking will break ground in Glendale once funding milestones are met—officials said the facility will offer 170 beds and is located on 9 acres chosen to be safely removed from high-trafficking zones.

Arizona State was ranked No. 11 in the preseason coaches poll today — officials argue the ranking disrespects the team given key players like Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson and a near-upset against the top team in the Peach Bowl loss.

The poll also placed four Big 12 schools near the bottom, raising concerns that wins over low-ranked opponents may not boost ASU’s playoff chances if losses occur.