Latest news with #Peeps
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hershey Kiss one step closer to becoming Pennsylvania state candy as Senate votes on bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Hershey Kiss is one step closer to becoming the official state candy of the Commonwealth after a previously introduced bill moves to the Senate. A bill originally introduced by Representative Thomas Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) has moved into the Senate after passing through the Pennsylvania House. Mehaffie argued in his bill that the Hershey Kiss is 'an iconic product' that was first produced in the Commonwealth in 1907. The Representative highlighted that the Hershey Kiss is recognizable worldwide and brings significant importance to Pennsylvania. The Hershey Co. employs almost 19,000 people, and the founder, Milton Hershey, used the Kiss as the foundation for a product line and manufacturing process that strengthened the region's economy. Peeps vs. Hershey Kiss: What should be the next Pennsylvania candy 'We believe that denoting Hershey's Kisses as the state candy will not only bring more attention to our state, but also commemorate a company and candy that has forever impacted our state's economy and values,' The bill reads. In April, Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh, Northampton) argued that Peeps, which are also produced in Pennsylvania, should also be in the running for the next state candy. Boscola noted that the impact of the marshmallow candy goes beyond the aisle, with Peeps representing a longstanding commitment to community and economic development. Boscola's legislation was never officially introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate; only a memo was circulated to her peers. Mehaffie's legislation will now be voted on by committees in the Senate before being sent for an official floor vote. If passed, the bill would then be sent to Governor Josh Shapiro's desk for consideration and signing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmakers pass bill making the Hershey's Kiss the 'State Candy'
(WHTM)– A bill to designate Hershey's Kiss as the Pennsylvania State candy has passed the House and advanced to the Senate. House Bill 1030, sponsored by state Representative Thomas Mehaffie (R-106) and co-sponsored by various other representatives from both sides of the aisle, would designate Hershey's Kisses as the official state candy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The House passed the bill 150-53 earlier this week. According to the bill, if passed, Hershey's Kisses would immediately be designated the official State candy in perpetuity, and as long as the Hershey Company remains in Pennsylvania. The bill highlights The Hershey Company's success, calling kisses one of the most iconic candies of all time. The Hershey Kiss bill has been introduced several times in the General Assembly but has faced pushback for fear of giving the 'State Candy' title to one company. In March, Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola said she plans to introduce a bill making Peeps the official candy of Pennsylvania. Hershey sells its products in 85 countries around the globe and produces more than 70,000,000 Hershey's kisses daily in Hershey. The bill added that the Hershey Company supports many aspects of Pennsylvania's economy, including its dairy industry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Haven smoke shop's registration suspended after persistent illegal cannabis sales
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Planet Zaza has been ordered to suspend electronic cigarette sales, according to Department of Consumer Protection officials Thursday. The business' Electronic Cigarette Dealer registration was suspended effective immediately. RELATED: AG Tong: $4.93 million penalty against Planet Zaza for illegal cannabis sales The suspension comes after officials say the business failed six compliance checks conducted by DCP's Drug Control Division and East Haven police over the last two years, following allegations the business was illegally selling cannabis to minors. Officials said officers have seized hundreds of illicit cannabis and THC products from the property since May 2023. The most recent investigation included THC products with counterfeit labels targeting children such as Peeps, Game Boy, Crayola, and Nerds. 'It is illegal for Electronic Cigarette Dealers, often referred to as vape or smoke shops, to sell cannabis. We expect that all license holders act responsibility and follow the law,' DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said in a statement. New Haven enforcing new ordinances around smoke shops In May, Attorney General William Tong said he secured a $4.93 million judgment against Planet Zaza and its owner, Mohamed Alraishani, in his personal capacity, following the persistent illegal cannabis sales. Tong first sued Planet Zaza and Alraishani in January 2024 for violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act after multiple unannounced inspections conducted by the Department of Consumer Protection and Office of the Attorney General found numerous high-THC cannabis edibles. Investigators also discovered unauthorized labels, including fake prescription labels, falsely indicating that the store was a licensed dispensary and that the illegal products were medical-use cannabis. The products were not produced in a licensed facility or tested in accordance with state law, and many contained youth-appealing packaging. Authorities cracking down on unregulated marijuana sales in Connecticut shops On Nov. 12, 2024, the judge issued a temporary injunction ordering Planet Zaza and Alraishani to cease illegal sales, but they ignored the court's order. Plant Zaza's Electronic Cigarette Dealer registration was first issued in December of 2022 and it's current registration is set to expire in February of 2026. Concerns about a registered Electronic Cigarette Dealer in the State of Connecticut can be reported to DCP's Drug Control Division at (860) 713-6065, or by emailing Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Proposed bill would make Hershey's Kisses the official candy of Pennsylvania
A new piece of legislation is aimed at making Hershey's Kisses the official state candy of Pennsylvania. Earlier this week, House Bill 1030, better known as the Hershey Kiss Bill, passed with overwhelming support. The idea for the bill actually started as a middle school social studies project. Fast forward a few years later and Rep. Tom Mehaffie, the bill's sponsor, who represents the area where the famous chocolate came to be, is now urging the state senate to vote in favor of making the Kisses a symbol of the commonwealth. Getty Images However, Sen. Lisa Boscola, who represents Lehigh County, the home of the Marshmallow Peep, is saying not so fast. Rep. Boscola released a statement last month laying out to make the iconic, colorful marshmallow treats the state's official candy. Peeps marshmallow treats move through the manufacturing process at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, April 10, 2025. Matt Rourke / AP Obviously, both candy items were born in Pennsylvania and have made a huge impact on the state's economy and both are internationally known. At this point, nothing is official yet and regardless whether it's the Kisses or the Peeps, Pennsylvania would be the first state in the country to have an official candy. Rep. Mahaffie has told other media outlets that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would make the Hershey Kisses bill official if it makes its way to his desk.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would make Hershey's Kisses official Pennsylvania candy
(WHTM) — The sweetest place on earth may soon have the official candy of the Commonwealth. abc27 spoke with State Rep. Tom Mehaffie as he was filling a bowl in his Capitol office with Hershey kisses. Rep. Mehaffie's bill would designate the kiss as Pennsylvania's official candy. Pennsylvania would be the first state with a state candy. Rep. Mehaffie says several Bucks County 8th graders came up with the idea in civics class. They're now high school seniors. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'They call me and say, 'Would you like to introduce this bill?' I said, 'Absolutely.' If kids are going to get involved in it, I'm all in, and I think it's great,' said Rep. Mehaffie. The bill is on to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. Lehigh County Senator Lisa Boscola has a bill making Peeps the state candy. Mehaffie says Governor Shapiro told him he would sign the Hershey Kiss bill if it gets to his desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
