Ask any kid about their favorite holiday, and Halloween is probably on their Mount Rushmore. Friends! Costumes! Candy!

• But many adults also love Halloween — because it's the one day a year we get an excuse to wander around town and knock on our neighbors' doors.

Why it matters: Only about a quarter of U.S. adults say they know "all or most" of their neighbors, a 2025 Pew Research Center survey found.

• 62% know some neighbors. But another 12% say they don't know a single one.

The big picture: Knowing your neighbors is better for your mental health, longevity and happiness levels, studies have shown.

• And the casual relationships we have with people nearby — the folks we wave to or chat with at the mailbox — are what keep communities strong and connected.

💭 Travis' thought bubble: My neighbors became my best friends when I moved into my current condo building. Now, hosting "Dancing With the Stars" watch nights feels as easy as borrowing sugar — which we also do. It's like a warm hug every time.

Reality check: A little more neighborliness can't solve everything straining American society right now.

• But it certainly couldn't hurt to at least be on a first-name basis with a few folks on your block or in your building.
• You never know when you might need some help shoveling your sidewalk or jumping your car, and communities can rally together in times of need.

Yes, but: You don't have to wait for Halloween to meet your neighbors.

• Spend some time out in your front yard, say hi to folks doing yard work or washing their car as you walk around, or go to your community yard sales and other events.

The bottom line: Making a few neighborhood friends is sweeter than any Snickers.

Mississippi, Nebraska and Kentucky residents order the most candy corn compared to the national average, per Instacart data shared with Axios.

• Kansas was up 70.5% from the national average, while Missouri was up 22.9%.
• Folks in Hawai'i; Washington, D.C.; and Florida, meanwhile, want pretty much nothing to do with the stuff.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I was born in Hawai'i, and I agree with the rest of the state. Candy corn tastes like a candle.

• No, I haven't eaten a candle, but I feel confident saying that.

How it works: That's based on the difference in the share of Instacart orders containing candy corn in each state versus the national average last October.

💭 Travis' thought bubble: For me, candy corn falls into the same category as those candy cigarettes — a bizarre texture and indiscriminate flavor that I, for some reason, can't get enough of.

Go deeper: Forget the argument over whether candy corn is any good — another question remains: If you eat the stuff, which end do you start with?

Tattoo shops nationwide are doing Halloween flash events this month, with holiday-themed offerings often available at a discount.

Why it matters: Like Friday the 13th flash deals, Halloween events are a way for tattoo shops to attract new customers.

• Get someone in for an affordable little ghost, skeleton, or black cat, the thinking goes and they might come back later for more.
• They're a loss leader, basically.

What they're saying: "It's such a saturated market right now, the competition is stiffer than it's ever been," says David C. Lane, an associate professor at Illinois State University and author who researches the intersection of tattooing and capitalism.

• Tattoo artists "have to do something to recruit clientele," Lane says.

Zoom in: Several Kansas City tattoo studios are running Halloween flash events with discounted designs.

Here are three offering specials this weekend:

• Revelation Tattoo Kansas City
• Steel Panther Tattoo
• Freaks Tattoo

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I don't have any tattoos, but I've thought about getting a little ghost on my arm. These flash deals make it very hard to say no.

Halloween weather is looking mighty fine for Kansas City after a week of cold, rainy weather.

• With highs in the around 60 and no rain in sight, it should be a perfect evening for trick-or-treating.

Why it matters: Unlike years past, you won't need to figure out how to incorporate umbrellas or down jackets into your costumed activities.

Zoom out: In much of the country, Halloween can be a meteorological crapshoot.

• Will we still have lingering summer heat, or will fall already be giving way to winter?
• That makes it tough to plan a costume for yourself or your kids.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: My mom's strategy? Throw a coat over the costume and call it good.

What to try: If you're still not sure if you'll be too hot or too cold, pick a costume that can be dressed up or down — in layers.

• "Football player" is an easy one (with or without pads and Under Armour, for a little extra insulation) and perfect for KC.

Also consider inflatable costumes that draw in air with a fan to stay filled up.

• Kids can wear pretty much whatever they want inside.

Other ideas: Dress like a KC icon this Halloween