Good news: the average price for a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania has dropped over the last week.

Bad news: It’s still higher than the national average; higher than any time since the spring and summer of 2022, when gas surpassed $5 per gallon due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and lingering pandemic disruptions; and a dollar more than when the US and Israel went to war with Iran on Feb. 28.

According to motor club AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $4.10 Wednesday, down from $4.16 last week, but still up from $2.98 before the US and Israel attacked Iran. 

Pennsylvania’s $4.13 average price is down from $4.19 last week—the first price drop since the war began, when gas was $3.12.

We’ve got much more on gas prices across Pennsylvania in this story.

In recognition of Wawa’s 62nd birthday on Thursday, we’d like to know: What’s your go-to Wawa order?

Here’s what you’re ordering at the Delco-based convenience store giant:

“My favorite chicken Caesar wraps are the pre-made ones at Wawa! Always gotta grab one when we make a stop there.”

— Kat, Lancaster

“Chicken salad with lettuce, black pepper, and a little oregano.”

— Maria Gallante, South Philadelphia

“A nice Italian on wheat with tomatoes, lettuce and banana peppers, washed down with a bottle of water.”

— Karla, Philadelphia

“Italian Shorti on whole wheat roll with lettuce, tomato, spinach, cucumbers, provolone cheese, oregano, and a little bit of red wine vinegar.” 

— Cathy Leibensperger, Hamburg

“Bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. Got hooked visiting my daughter in Delaware County. Happy to see the one in Centre County has broken ground and will be less than five miles from my house.”

— Randy S. Hoffman, Spring Township

“We travel often from Pa. to northeast North Carolina. Our stops are always at a Wawa. Grab & Go Breakfast Sizzlis with coffee before we get on the road then a couple of bacon ranch chicken wraps 4-5 hours into the trip.”

— Lisa, Roslyn

Let us know what you’re ordering at Wawa, and please let us know where you live!

Meyersdale’s Pennsylvania Maple Festival celebrates our favorite sticky syrup. (Creative Commons)

The forecast for this weekend in Pennsylvania calls for history, bacon, maple, vintage goods, and much more. 

Check out these events happening across the state:

“1776” at the Walnut Street Theatre — Through May 31 (Philadelphia)

Part of Philadelphia’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Broadway musical “1776”—which dramatized the debates and politicking of the founding fathers long before “Hamilton”—takes the stage at the city’s historic Walnut Street Theatre with performances now through May 31.

Carriage House Collective Spring Barn Sale — Friday and Saturday (Lebanon)

The Carriage House Collective’s annual Spring Barn Sale features vintage and reimagined home décor, hand-painted furniture, handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and artisan creations from more than 30 local makers. The free event takes place at Farm Chix Homestead in Lebanon. 

Lehigh Valley Punk Rock Flea Market — Saturday (Bethlehem)

The Lehigh Valley Punk Rock Flea Market brings together artists, craftmakers, musicians, and music fans from the region’s DIY community. More than 50 vendors will be on hand at the Ice House in Bethlehem selling records, original art, comics, clothes, vintage pieces, offbeat items, and other weird curiosities. The event also features live music, free pinball, and a donation drive for Valley Youth House’s Lehigh Valley Shelter. 

McClure Bacon Fest — Saturday (McClure, Snyder County)

If bacon Irish nachos, a grilled cheese stacked with six slices of bacon, and bacon marshmallow clusters sounds like an ideal three-course meal or a collection of foods you’d eat on a dare, you’ll find plenty to love about the McClure Bacon Fest, now in its 10th year. The daylong event features vendors, bouncy rides for the kids, a beer garden for the adults, and the annual Piggy Trot, a 5K run and walk.  

Pennsylvania Maple Festival — Saturday and Sunday (Meyersdale, Somerset County)

The Pennsylvania Maple Festival returns to the Laurel Highlands for its 79th year of celebrating the area’s maple trees, syrup, and heritage. Head to Meyersdale for pancake breakfasts with fresh syrup, community history exhibits, live entertainment, and demonstrations that show how sap is transformed into the sweet seasonal staple. Can’t make it this weekend? The festival returns next Wednesday, April 22 and runs through Sunday, April 26.

• A handful of Republicans joined all 102 Democrats in the state House to advance Gov. Shapiro’s proposed $53.2 billion state budget. Find out what happens next. 

• Barely two weeks before it was due to shut down, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Tuesday it had found a last-minute buyer. Find out who it is here.

• Could a data center be coming to Beaver County? A Texas-based company with links to data center development has paid $50 million to buy the Pittsburgh International Race Complex, a track in Big Beaver that closed in 2025. Get the details here.

• More on data center development: West Rockhill in Bucks County is considering a zoning ordinance to regulate data centers within the township. Find out more here.

• Nursing home operators in Pennsylvania are saying that chronic Medicaid underfunding and workforce shortages have weakened them and forced them to reduce the number of residents they serve. Get the story here.

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

My goal is to slow our spending, pay off our credit card debt, and build up our savings. My husband isn’t really on the same page. He says he is willing to save money, but he doesn’t think the credit card debt is a problem, and he’s not willing to give up his hobbies. He spends money on gear for camping and things he enjoys. I don’t know how we can get on the same page with our finances. How do we save money if he doesn’t cut back?

– Ready to Live Like I’m Broke

Dear Ready,

You are not alone. Nearly half of American households have credit card debt. Credit card companies are predatory and want you to be in debt, so you’re not the only one who has fallen into their trap.

Good for you for having such a clear vision! Big changes don’t happen overnight; they happen after a series of small, intentional steps. You’ve already taken the hard ones: naming the problem, deciding to prioritize savings, and thinking seriously about where to cut back. That’s huge. Now let’s talk about getting your husband to catch up to where you already are.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from The Associated Press, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Whitney Downard of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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