NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. -- Maybe the nation isn't as divided as all the pundits claim. After all, Upper Burrell Township neighbors Kerry Bush and John George have made it through the presidential campaign on speaking terms. "I don't think people have put two-and-two together," George said, noting that neighbors haven't targeted either man with election year pranks. George said it was his fourth-grade son, Cole, who noticed that the neighbors' names combine to form those of President George W. Bush and his Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry.

Boy takes a beating to keep his Halloween candy

SIMSBURY, Conn.-- A 12-year-old boy hung onto his pillowcase filled with Halloween candy despite being beaten and dragged nearly 100 feet by two teenagers who tried to steal the loot, police said. The boy, who was wearing a costume, was trick or treating Oct. 31 when two teenagers beat, kicked and dragged him, police said. The two teens were arrested. A 16-year-old suspect was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault and attempted larceny. The other teen, age 15, was referred to juvenile court. The 12-year-old victim did not require hospitalization but was sore from his injuries, police said.

-- From wire reports