Since Halloween arrives on Friday, I’d like to open today’s newsletter by offering solutions to two fairly common problems associated with Oct. 31. 

Problem No. 1: You keep eating all the fun-size candy you purchased to hand out to trick-or-treaters.

Solution: It’s simple: Buy stuff you don’t like. For me, that’s anything sour and/or fruit-flavored, like Gushers and Sweet Tarts, or licorice, like Twizzlers. Can’t stand that stuff. Give me chocolate, and plenty of it.

Problem No. 2: You’re invited to a Halloween party, but don’t have a thing to wear.

Solution: Before buying a generic ghoul costume out of desperation at a former JCPenney-turned-Spirit Halloween store, think a little more creatively and make your own costume inspired by a famous Pennsylvania figure—real or fictional.

You can go a number of ways here, ranging from Taylor Swift, Mister Rogers, Ben Franklin, a mascot from your favorite team, your favorite cast member from “The Office,” and so many more.

Our Kalena Thomhave, who has dressed like several famous Pennsylvanians for Halloween over the years, has some suggestions.

So much great candy is manufactured right here in Pennsylvania. 

Just Born makes beloved confections like Peeps and Hot Tamales in Bethlehem and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews in Philadelphia. Boyer Candy creates delicious treats like Clark Bars and Mallo Cups in Altoona. M&M/Mars makes M&Ms, Snickers, Dove chocolates and more in Elizabethtown. And the candy giant Hershey is still based in the central Pennsylvania town that shares its name, with plants located within the state producing iconic candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, York Peppermint Patties, Kit Kats, Twizzlers, and, of course, Hershey bars and Hershey’s Kisses. 

Let’s not forget Pennsylvania’s more boutique candy companies like Asher’s Chocolate in Souderton and Éclat Chocolate in West Chester.

With all that sweet stuff produced right here in the commonwealth, why is it that we don’t have an official state candy?

It’s not for a lack of trying. For the last several years, high school students and state legislators alike have been trying to get the ball rolling in Harrisburg on an official state candy, to no avail.

Let’s take this candy matter into our own hands:

What do you think the official state candy of Pennsylvania should be?

For me, it has to be something Hershey-related. It’s the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” after all.

What do you think our official state candy should be? Reply with your answer, and please let us know where you live.

Step foot onto the former battlefield and you’ll see why Gettysburg is a hotbed of paranormal activity. (Tim Weikert/Shutterstock)

In July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War, with the Union’s win halting the Confederate march north. But the victory came with a heavy cost: More than 50,000 casualties over just three days.

The sheer scale of death and tragedy in such a small town gave Gettysburg a haunted reputation almost immediately. For generations, residents and visitors have reported eerie happenings on the battlefield and inside the homes and buildings that once served as makeshift hospitals or morgues.

Today, Gettysburg embraces its haunted legacy with a strong industry of ghost tours, haunted houses, and paranormal investigations. We’re highlighting some of Gettysburg’s spookiest stories, from ghostly soldiers to restless civilians—as well as the Gettysburg experiences where you might encounter a ghost story of your own.

• Gunfire erupted during homecoming festivities at Chester County’s Lincoln University late Saturday, killing one person and wounding six others as students and alumni celebrated at the historically Black school. Get the latest here.

• Seven people have been charged in 2024 voter registration fraud in three Pennsylvania counties, a crime that prosecutors say was motivated by money, and not an effort to influence the election results. Get the story here.

• Pennsylvania could join a growing number of states that have prohibited state-funded libraries from enacting bans on books and other material, if state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti has her way. Learn more here.

• Amid Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse, Democratic state House lawmakers have offered a compromise to Republicans who see public cyber charter schools as a lifeline for parents whose children aren’t thriving in traditional schools. We have the details in this story.

• Following his release from prison on Oct. 17, Republican former congressman George Santos didn’t waste any time enjoying his freedom, heading straight to the Poconos after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Find out more here.

Sisters Victoria and Zuri, who currently reside at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, will be moving soon to the International Conservation Center (ICC) in Fairhope, Somerset County. (USA Today Network)

Two African elephants from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium are packing their trunks and moving to Somerset County.

Sisters Victoria and Zuri are currently living at the zoo with three other female elephants, but soon will be joining the herd at the International Conservation Center in Fairhope.

It’s the start of a “new chapter of elephant care and conservation” for the zoo and the ICC, which includes a “carefully planned series of elephant moves (that) will enhance herd dynamics while prioritizing the unique needs and well-being of each animal,” according to the zoo.

The elephants at the zoo and the ICC help to promote the vital work of preserving African elephant populations across the world.

Reach 230,000+ Pennsylvanians who care about their communities! Sponsor The Keystone’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, The Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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