To those Pennsylvania history buffs who celebrate, happy Charter Day!

For the uninitiated, more than 100 years before Pennsylvania became the second of the original 13 states to join the Union, William Penn asked for (and was eventually granted) a charter to the land that would become the commonwealth from King Charles II of England on March 4, 1681. The charter is often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate.

To celebrate the 345-year-old charter, and the creation of the commonwealth, many of the historic sites and museums along the state’s Trails of History will offer free admission on Sunday that began early Saturday.

And if you’d like an up close view of the original charter, which was written on parchment using iron gall ink, it will be on display from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Pennsylvania State Archives facility on Sixth Street in Harrisburg.

A quick correction regarding our QOTW: How do you feel about the US attack on Iran?

We mistakenly used the wrong poll link in Tuesday’s newsletter to show that just 1 in 4 Americans support President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes on Iran. You can find the correct poll here.

The death toll in Iran has reached at least 1,045 people, an Iranian government agency said Wednesday. Six US soldiers have been killed in the conflict.

Here’s what you’re saying regarding the war (you can find more responses here):

“This attack helps Israel, and I am glad the US supports this tiny nation. I hope our attack on Iran does free their people; they have lived under oppression for too long.” 

— Lynn, Warrington

“Everything Trump says is either false or misleading. Aren’t his supporters getting tired of this?  I am. Remember he said we were going to annex Canada? He got bored with that so now let’s take over Greenland. Moving on, he didn’t like the leadership in Venezuela, so let’s kidnap the leader and his wife and the US is going to run the country. Now it’s the Middle East. No, we should not be involved. Who’s next?”

—Sandy L., Lester

“No one individual should have the power to commit our nation to a war against another sovereign nation, no matter how evil their government is. The issue isn’t how evil another nation’s government is, it is how civil our nation’s government is. There are plenty of nations with evil governments. What are we going to do, bomb all of them? Then what? These decisions need to be made by all of our representatives, not just one leader that represents less than half of the nation.”

— Doug Graham, Lansdale

“I agree with Sen. Fetterman. President Trump did what was necessary to prevent Iran from attacking our military bases which would have caused more loss of life. The Ayatollah Khomieni was calling for death to America. President Trump eliminated the most evil man in the world and all his possible successors. He obliterated Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Trump did what he felt was right for America.” 

— Maria, Cheltenham

“I am opposed to the president entering our troops into war without congressional approval.” 

— Dennis H., Wernersville

“I fully support this effort and am certain this will make the world a better place. Anyone that doesn’t support this is on the wrong side of history in my opinion. Peace through strength.”  

— Kristie, Lansdale

“Trump is so wrong. First, it’s unconstitutional. There is no imminent threat. NO clear and present danger to America. Second, it’s a bad policy move. He is not sowing peace but chaos. Regime change should not be a goal for us. There will be new Iranian leaders who might be worse than the dead ones.”

— Larry, Norristown 

Let us know where you stand on the US launching a war against Iran, and please let us know where you live.

Mud sales raise money for local volunteer fire departments. (DiscoverLancaster.com)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: One of the best parts about my job is that I’m always learning new things about Pennsylvania and its unique cultural traditions—like the mud sales of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Mud sales are hosted by Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster County and surrounding areas. These annual auctions raise funds for local volunteer fire departments by selling quality goods such as handmade furniture, quilts, and farm equipment. 

Traditionally held in late winter and early spring, when thawing ground turns to mud—hence the name “mud sale”—many auctions now take place throughout the year, attracting thousands of people eager to grab deals and support their communities.

Our Kalena Thomhave has all you need to know about the Lancaster area’s famous mud sales, and how you can take part.

• Erie City Council could soon pass legislation that prohibits the city from supporting federal immigration enforcement actions, except in specific cases. Get the details in this story.

• Gov. Josh Shapiro renewed the call for a skill game tax in his latest budget proposal, claiming it could generate billions for the state. But partisan disagreement and pushback from the gaming lobby over who would ultimately pay the taxes—businesses or patrons—is making it hard to push the proposal though. Learn more here.

• Pitt fired women’s basketball coach Tory Verdi on Tuesday, just weeks after former players filed a lawsuit against Verdi and the university, alleging they were subject to Verdi’s abusive coaching methods and their pleas for the university to intervene went unheard. Find out more 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,

I recently resigned from my job as a laboratory technician due to being lonely and generally hating my job. My family tells me I should go back to the medical field but I guess you can say I am traumatized. I am at a fork in the road and need help in understanding what I want in my career now that I have free time to figure out who I am. I don’t want to be a complainer or feel that I have wasted my life. I know I am still young but self-doubt has been a negative in my life.

– Self-Doubting in the Suburbs

Dear Self-Doubting,

Starting a career is hard. Changing careers is hard. Figuring out what you want to do with your life is (you guessed it) hard! I really admire the courage it took to recognize that you’re not happy with what you’ve been doing and make a change. Good for you! 

Now that you have some time to figure out who you are and what you want, here are some things to consider. 

Do you want to support The Keystone’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 230,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, Sean Kitchen, USA Today via Reuters Connect, Galvanize Together, and Whitney Downard and Peter Hall of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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