I wish it was a third straight week of good news (relatively speaking, of course) about gas prices in Pa. But after dropping for two straight weeks, they have hit the highest point since the start of the war in Iran.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania jumped to $4.31 on Wednesday, according to motor club AAA, up from $4.10 this time last week. Pennsylvanians were paying $3.12 a gallon when the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.

Pennsylvania’s average gas price also remains higher than the national average, which is currently $4.22.

In this story, we’ve got a breakdown of gas prices around the state, and details on what lawmakers in Harrisburg are trying to do to ease Pennsylvanians’ pain at the pump.

Patrick Berkery

Senior Newsletter Editor, The Keystone

From affordability and data center expansion to rising health care costs and immigration, there are a lot of big issues impacting Pennsylvanians right now, so we’d like to know: If you could ask any Pennsylvania elected official one question, what would it be?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“I would ask John Fetterman why he deceived Pennsylvania voters by running as a Democrat and spouting Democratic values, when he has been consistently voting with Republicans and spouting Republican values.”

— Showandah Terrill, Townville

“Why the heck the government can seemingly tax us for just about everything but can’t figure out how to tax the skill games that are everywhere across the commonwealth!”

— Gary Miller, State College

“My question would be for Gov. Shapiro concerning school funding inequity. Why has Pennsylvania not passed a comprehensive overhaul of school funding that removes the primary reliance on property tax?”

— Steve R., Erie

“What are the statewide plans for data centers? These centers create jobs; that’s true to an extent. However, they also use incredible amounts of water and in a changing environment where Pa. often has counties in drought status, this is a very long-term concern.”

— Margarete Emery, Montgomery County

“What would it take for you NOT to allow ALL and ANY forms of data centers to be created in the state of Pennsylvania?”

— Christine Miller, Effort

“How will you guarantee that residents who live near the data centers will have clean water and electricity to meet their needs when the data centers use tremendous amounts of water and electricity?”

— Deborah P., Lafayette Hill

What would you ask? Reply with your answer and please let us know where you live.

TELL US: If you could ask any Pennsylvania elected official one question, what would it be?

Kids pose for a photo with “Bigfoot” at the annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival. (Photo: Courtesy Forest County Bigfoot Festival)

From the opening of Waldameer Park in Erie to a pickle fest in the Lehigh Valley, it’s shaping up to be a fun-filled weekend across the commonwealth. Here’s what’s happening:

Sasquatch & Snacks – Saturday (Moon, Allegheny County)

The annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival isn’t the only event in the commonwealth celebrating all things sasquatch. The inaugural Sasquatch & Snacks festival is set for Moon Park on Saturday, with speakers like Eric Altman, founder of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society, discussing reported Bigfoot sightings in the state, along with food, live music, and beer from Monroeville’s Squatch Brewing.

Neshaminy Creek Brewing’s ‘Star Wars’ Weekend — Saturday and Sunday (Croydon)

With a holiday of sorts just around the corner for “Star Wars” enthusiasts (‘May the 4th be With You!’), Neshaminy Creek Brewing is celebrating this weekend with “Star Wars” trivia, live Light Saber demos, a “Star Wars” themed cover band, and a special release of the new Mangolorian beer.

Pickle Palooza — Saturday and Sunday (Bangor, Northampton County)

If you can’t wait for Pittsburgh’s annual Pickelsburgh festival in July, and/or you live in the eastern part of the state and don’t feel like schlepping across the commonwealth to celebrate the briney goodness of the pickle, you’ve got Pickle Palooza this weekend at Franklin Hill Vineyards in the Lehigh Valley. This big dill (sorry) of a festival features pickle and wine pairings, pickle plates, pickle paninis, pickle-infused cocktails, live music, and more.

Waldameer Park opening day — Saturday (Erie)

Erie’s 130-year-old amusement park opens Saturday for the 2026 season, and, good news: the classic Paratrooper ride returns this year. Upgraded food stands will also offer new menu items like taco bowls and Mexican pizza. Attendees will also notice changes to Waldameer’s Water World when it opens May 23, following an $11 million renovation project in the offseason.

Tour Pa.’s Blossom Belt — Now through Sunday (Adams County)

From April through early May, Pennsylvania’s Blossom Belt, a 20,000-acre stretch of fruit trees in upper Adams County, is in full blossom, transforming the countryside near Gettysburg into a rolling tapestry of pink and white. This weekend may be your last chance to experience the Blossom Belt in all its spring glory. Use this map to guide you along the scenic driving trail, where you’ll also encounter wineries, farm markets, scenic overlooks, and more.

Have an event coming up? Let us know about it!

• An investigation by Pittsburgh’s Public Source found that several Allegheny County police departments have been offered cash incentives for partnering with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Read the story here.

• A bill aimed at blocking whites-only communities and adding discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals just barely made it through the state House. Learn more about the measure in this story.

• According to a new report, organizations and private entities associated with Pennsylvania’s richest man, Jeffrey Yass, have been the top recipients of tax credits associated with the commonwealth’s two main school voucher programs. Get the details here.

• A pair of bills that would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania are headed to the state House, where supporters say they believe the measures would receive bipartisan support if they’re put up for a vote. 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.

In Need of ‘Alone Time’

Dear Grace,

I married my hot husband 2 years ago. I have a 4-year-old son that is very active. I can’t make a move without my son being right next to me. My husband and I barely get any alone time together because of my son. I love my son, but I want time to be intimate! How can I schedule some alone time with my hot husband?

— Unfortunately Abstinent

Dear Unfortunately Abstinent,

First, let me say this loud and clear: Your feelings are valid, and you are allowed to want private time—even as a mom! Wanting intimacy with your husband (especially such a hot one!) is normal and healthy. You deserve connection and fulfillment outside of your role as “mom.” So take a deep breath and let go of any guilt you might be carrying around about this.

Now, let’s be real—finding time and privacy when you have a very active 4-year-old is really difficult, and what you’re experiencing is completely normal. I remember going through this myself! The house was always full of noise, little hands, and little eyes. But I promise you: it does get easier! Here are concrete steps you can take to reclaim some of that alone time.

Read the rest of Grace’s response