Good morning, Surprise.

Surprise selected 100-year-old Leo Pooley as grand marshal of its Veterans Day parade on Nov.

11—he is known in Fellowship Square for his signature veterans cap and friendly greetings. He earned his nomination after 9 votes and is proud of his World War II service.

Shanelle and Jordan Kunz, who sold out their Christmas lights festival in previous years, are planning a new fall festival in Surprise’s City Center from Sept.

26 to Nov. 1—this event will include activities like operating an industrial excavator to keep families entertained. The festival aims to bring holiday fun and community spirit to residents of the far West Valley.

MB York, an Arizona-based makeup artist, worked behind the scenes on Dancing With the Stars' season premiere Tuesday, Sept.16 at 7 p.m.—she shipped her popular Beauty Ammo Kit and Lift and Snap Serum from the Valley to help the cast look flawless under bright stage lights.

Former Surprise mayor Skip Hall urged residents to vote yes on both the bond and override for the Dysart Unified School District—saying the measures help upgrade school safety, buildings, transportation, and programs without raising taxes.

He said these investments will support local schools and strengthen the community for all residents.

The city of Surprise is inviting exhibitors and sponsors to apply for the upcoming SciTech Festival that will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov.

22 at Surprise Recreation Campus. Organizations offering interactive STEAM activities must apply by Oct. 3—this year’s event will also include a job and apprenticeship fair.

Public health experts and midwives in Arizona call for new rules for non-nurse midwives as out-of-hospital births increased by 40% from 1,275 in 2019 to 1,750 in 2023.

They seek to improve safety measures — including emergency transport options and better access to medications — to help protect mothers and babies.

The state will cut services for children with disabilities starting Oct.

1, which means families will lose attendant care and habilitation benefits that help cover worker costs & therapy support. Advocates warn the changes could force families into crisis while Gov. Hobbs says the revisions are needed to sustain the program.