The American Red Cross says "tens of thousands" of people donated blood in the past week after it declared a national blood crisis, but the U.S. still needs more donors.

Why it matters: The U.S. faces an alarming blood supply crisis that could last the entire summer, potentially delaying surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on blood transfusions.

What they're saying: "While we are grateful to all who have rolled up a sleeve this summer to save lives, we still need more donors to give in the coming weeks to not only rebuild the blood supply but also help sustain a stable blood supply through the summer," Daniel Parra, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, tells Axios via an email.

Context: Blood donations fell to a four-year summer low this summer, creating a national blood shortage for only the second time in history, the Red Cross said last week.

• The current supply isn't keeping up with the demand, which increases in the summer, according to the Red Cross, which says low donor turnout is due extreme heat, bad air quality and "widespread foodborne illnesses" hitting the country.

Zoom in: Arizona's snowbird phenomenon has played a role in the Grand Canyon State — regular donors decamp for cooler places this time of year, Red Cross regional communications manager Asher Furedy tells Axios.

• "I was actually just in our blood freezer (last) week down in Tucson, and we're very very low on O blood types and A and B blood types," Furedy says.

How to donate

How it works: People interested in donating can book an appointment online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate blood and plasma at local centers.

• Visit Red Cross or Versiti websites to find a blood drive near you.

Fun fact: The Red Cross says anyone who donates by July 31 receives a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15.

💭 Zach's thought bubble: The shortage spurred me to donate this weekend, and it couldn't have gone more efficiently.

With less drama than in recent years, Maricopa County yesterday put the final stamp on the results of the 2026 primary election, which officials agreed went particularly smoothly.

Why it matters: Despite being magnet for election denialism since 2020, the county elections department was able to report the vast majority of results in record time.

By the numbers: Several stats, shared during yesterday's official canvass of the results by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, illuminate the quick turnaround:

⚡️ 99.6% of results were posted within 24 hours, the fastest ever for the county.

🗓️ Final results were posted within six days of Election Day, tied for the fastest.

⬇️ Turnout was just shy of 27%, significantly down compared to recent midterm elections, which meant a quicker tally.

🪪 23,400 voters waited in (short) Election Day lines to show ID while dropping off mail ballots — a new option this year that allowed those ballots to be counted faster.

Context: The canvass was notably congenial between the Republican-controlled board and GOP county recorder Justin Heap, who share election duties. The two sides had feuded in and out of court for a year but reached a mediated election administration settlement a week before the July 21 election.

What they're saying: "This gives me, personally, professionally, great hope," board chair Kate Brophy McGee told Heap during the meeting. "We can do this. This was a huge."

What's next: With several contested statewide races, the general election will draw far more voters, presenting a bigger test of the county's election systems.

🥵 An extreme heat warning will be in effect in Phoenix through Friday with highs reaching over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. (KTAR News)

🏀 The Los Angeles Sparks traded Kelsey Plum, a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, to the Phoenix Mercury. (CBS Sports)

🌮 Scottsdale's Old Town Tortilla Factory closed for good after 30 years. (AZCentral)

⚖️ A state House lawmaker promised to block any attempts to remove confessional confidentiality, which shields priests and other clergy from having to report confessions of crimes. (Arizona Capitol Times)

🍿 Harkins Theaters debuted Arizona's first 4D immersive movie experience in north Phoenix. (ABC15)

The Major League Baseball trade deadline was yesterday, and the Diamondbacks made only one deal, acquiring outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for two prospects and a player to be named later.

Why it matters: Arizona is pushing for its first playoff berth since 2023, but many other National League teams made bigger moves to improve their squads.

State of play: A left-handed hitter, the 28-year-old Nootbaar gives Arizona a much-needed bat against right-handed pitchers. He's likely to play left field.

• By many metrics, the Diamondbacks have been the worst in MLB at hitting righties this year.

Yes, but: Nootbaar isn't a huge upgrade. His recent production at the plate has been modest.

• The Diamondbacks left other needs unaddressed, particularly starting pitching.

What's next: With other teams making splashier additions — cough cough, Dodgers — Diamondbacks fans will have to hope the team can hold onto a playoff spot down the stretch.