I feel like I was writing about the start of monsoon season just yesterday, but we’ve somehow already hit the end of it.

The season, which runs June 15 through Sept. 30, ended up bringing a decent amount of rain to the state. 

The Tucson airport recorded 5.73 inches of rain, which is 0.03 of an inch more than what it typically sees. Flagstaff saw 8.34 inches, which is about three-quarters of an inch more than average. 

How much rain do you think was recorded at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport? Hint: It was slightly higher than average. 

Take a guess, then check your answer in the story below!

Our supporter drive wrapped up on Sept. 30, and we’re grateful to every reader who chipped in. Whether you gave $5 or $500, you helped keep Copper Courier delivering factual, free information to communities across Arizona.

That support matters more than ever. More than 3,500 newspapers have closed across the country since 2005, and the newsrooms that remain face shrinking funding and growing pressure, including attacks from the federal government. Your support is how we keep doing this work.

If you missed the campaign, it’s not too late. Reader support keeps us going year-round.

This is the LOOKOUT Lowdown, where once a month we’re highlighting stories from LOOKOUT, a nonprofit newsroom that serves Arizona’s LGBTQ community. 

Here are some of their latest stories: 

🪧 Have you seen “Democrats for Biggs” signs around town? Conservative group Turning Point is responsible for them—and they’re not being forthcoming about who these supposed Democrats are. 

👮 A whistleblower says a prison in Marana did not disclose an allegation of sexual abuse between a worker and a prisoner. Now the prison is slated to reopen as an ICE detention center. 

💔 National media jumped to cover the fatal, hate-motivated shooting at Venture-N in Tucson, but their attention faded after two days. LOOKOUT answers what happens in the fallout of an attack like this. 

Want more news like this?
Sign up for LOOKOUT’s newsletter (which includes The Weekly Kiki, a great weekly events roundup!) and check out membership options. 

We know our readers care about getting involved in their communities, so Arizona, Activated lets you know about upcoming opportunities. 

Here’s one thing to consider this week:

Prepare to vote in the Nov. 3 election

🗓️ Voter registration ends on Monday, Oct. 5.

🗓️ Early voting begins on Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

Make sure you’re registered to vote by Monday so you can vote in this year’s midterm election. Even if you think you’re registered, it doesn’t hurt to check your status and make sure all of your information, especially your address, is up to date. 

If you’re signed up for the Active Early Voting List, you will receive a ballot soon. If you’re not on the list, you have until Friday, Oct. 23, to join it or request a one-time early ballot. 

If you prefer to vote in person, early voting starts on Wednesday. Find polling locations here. 

Want more? Our friends at Collective Phoenix keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteering. You can follow them on Instagram for updates. 

Share yours: How are you voting this year? What issues do you care most about? Let me know and I’ll share some responses!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Robert Gundran, Jessica Swarner, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

The Copper Courier is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.