Good morning, Maricopa.

Arizona leaders condemned a shooting in Utah that injured political activist Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA debate at Utah Valley University and stressed that political violence is never acceptable—officials and community members are praying for his recovery.

Arizona’s workforce grew by about 35,000 jobs beyond early estimates while U.S. job gains fell short by 900,000 between April last year and March this year — business services, health care and private education led the increase.

Final federal job data will be released in February.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is widening a 7-mile stretch of Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17 with phase one already underway and plans to add extra lanes and new interchanges by mid-2028—drivers may face temporary traffic delays until improvements take effect.

Arizona’s Voters Right to Know Act, approved by 72% of voters in 2022, did not force many political groups to reveal donors in the 2024 election as reports showed that 40% of campaigns provided no donor details—prompting complaints and two lawsuits challenging the law.

Oral arguments at the Arizona Supreme Court are taking place today as groups contest whether the law upholds free speech and association rights.

Maricopa County public health reported that confirmed heat-related deaths dropped from 177 last summer to 97 as of early September — the toll mostly affects adults aged 35 to 64, people with substance issues, and those who are unsheltered.

Final reports on these deaths will be released next year.

Researchers at TGen have identified a potential protein biomarker in blood that may help diagnose long COVID in patients with prolonged symptoms—14 participants were monitored over three months to track changes in viral proteins.

This pilot study may lead to a blood test that guides future treatments for long COVID.