Arizona's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in May, down one-tenth of a point from April. The manufacturing sector added the most jobs. Overall, Arizona lost 15,000 non-farm jobs. Most of those were public employees, including teachers and government workers. State economists say the Arizona jobless rate was 8 percent a year ago. The national unemployment rate was unchanged last month, remaining at 6.3 percent.
Al Macias, former KJZZ news director, retired as KJZZ's news director in 2022. He rejoined the station as a features reporter in 2023 and also as a part-time editor in 2024.