I’m excited to announce last week’s crossword champs! The theme was Lost New Hampshire, and these three puzzle pros did amazing!

🏆 Christy Roberts — 6:39
🥈 D Veau — 8:43
🥉 Sarah Brown — 17:16

This week’s theme? Quirky New Hampshire town names! Think you know your Granite State geography? Give it a shot!

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🗳️ Your midterm election cheat sheet: Here’s what you should you do if you run into problems at the polls

📰 What we’re reading, including: This New Hampshire research forest may be spared from closure, but its future remains uncertain

🍫 New Hampshire’s favorite Halloween candy. See all the favorites by state

📢 Question of the week: Do you feel comfortable sharing your political opinions publicly? Why or why not? Sound off!

🔠 Solve our crossword. The theme? Quirky New Hampshire town names

By Lily Jackson

What are my rights on Election Day? 

If the polls close while you’re in line to vote, you still have the right to vote. 

Make a mistake on your ballot? You are allowed to ask for a new one. 

If the machines are down at your polling location, ask for a paper ballot.

A poll worker says my name isn’t on the list of registered voters. What do I do?

Voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, even if they aren’t in the poll book.

🗳️ What’s on New Hampshire voters’ minds ahead of the midterms? …

With Election Day approaching, attention is turning to the issues shaping voters’ decisions in New Hampshire. From affordability and the economy to other concerns facing the state, the election is putting voters’ priorities in the spotlight. WMUR

🍺 Driver arrested in Bow after incident involving beer bottles …

A driver was arrested in Bow in an incident involving beer bottles. The report raises questions about what led to the arrest and the circumstances surrounding the incident. WMUR

🌲 A New Hampshire research forest may be spared from closure, but its future remains uncertain …

Bartlett Experimental Forest in the White Mountains is still facing an uncertain future after a federal restructuring plan put the research facility at risk of closure. A recent visit by US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and new funding for facility improvements have raised hopes that the forest, which supports decades of scientific research, will remain open. NHPR

(Courtesy Mustafa Akın/Unsplash)

What’s New Hampshire’s favorite Halloween candy? 🍬

CandyStore.com crunched 18 years of sales data, and the Granite State’s top pick is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

And Americans are spending big on Halloween treats this year. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is expected to hit a record $13.5 billion in 2026, including $4.1 billion on candy alone. That’s more than double the $2 billion Americans planned to spend on Halloween candy in 2011.

A whopping 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy candy this year, spending an average of $34.79 each.

So, what are New Englanders filling their candy bowls with?

🍫 New Hampshire — Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
🍭 Massachusetts — Sour Patch Kids
🍫 Vermont — M&M’s
🥥 Connecticut — Almond Joy
🍫 Rhode Island — Hershey’s Mini Bars
🍭 Maine — Sour Patch Kids

Across the country? M&M’s take the crown as America’s favorite Halloween candy.

As for the most hated? Candy corn. Apparently, not everyone appreciates the Halloween classic.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy? Reply to this email and let us know!

With Election Day approaching, political conversations are everywhere, from social media to family gatherings. While some people openly share their views, others keep their opinions private to avoid arguments, judgment, or strained relationships.

So this week’s question is:

Do you feel comfortable sharing your political opinions publicly? Why or why not?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“I don’t bring it up but if it comes up I’ll give my opinion even if it doesn’t align with whoever I’m speaking to. I’m a Marine who doesn’t tend to back down in the face of adversity. I do use some tact and tenacity also, I’m NOT a bully! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I fought a war in Vietnam for everyone’s right to do so and I respect that!” — Mike Blackledge, Charlestown

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack this crossword? Tell us how long it takes you to finish it by emailing us at info@granitepostnews.com! This week’s topic? Quirky New Hampshire town names.

📣 By the way: Add Granite Post as a preferred news source on Google.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story by Lily Jackson. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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