Good morning, Maricopa.

Bill Goodykoontz interviewed haunted house performance managers Lauren Garris and Kyle Seichard to learn what it is like to work at Arizona attractions like Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds — where staff cheer when visitors leave early as a sign of a successful scare.

The Valley 101 podcast episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the effort and thrill behind creating authentic Halloween scares.

The November full moon, known as the Beaver Moon when beavers gather food for winter, will occur on November 5 at 6:19 a.m. Arizona time and will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter as a supermoon, giving Maricopa residents a unique view if skies remain clear.

Recent tropical storms in late September and early October brought heavy rain that eased short-term drought conditions in parts of Arizona, though long-term dryness continues to strain water supplies — experts warn the improvement is modest.

Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson has been named chair of the new Arizona Independent Party, which replaces the No Labels Party and will require 1,300 signatures for statewide candidates—compared to 6,000 for the major parties.

The party will launch on Dec. 1 and is designed to offer more options for Arizona's growing independent voter base while not nominating a presidential candidate.

Arizonans receiving SNAP benefits may lose food stamps in less than a week because the government shutdown halted federal payments.

Gov. Hobbs said the state lacks funds to replace lost benefits — nearly 900,000 people, including 367,000 children, rely on SNAP — leaving nonprofits to help where they can.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham said his team struggled to score in a 24-16 loss to Houston and he remains focused on winning games despite rumors linking him to an LSU coaching opening.

He said scoring issues come from several factors rather than one problem — and he is committed to improving the team in Tempe.

Nissan Pop-up Dealership Event

10 a.m. — Duke's Roadhouse — Free entry — Experience the thrill of test drives and enjoy live music with food at Nissan's first-ever pop-up dealership.