Just when it seemed like pain at the pump in Pennsylvania might be subsiding, gas prices are rising again across the commonwealth.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania jumped to $4.22 on Wednesday, according to motor club AAA. That’s up from $3.99 this time last week, and $3.12 when the US began its attacks on Iran Feb. 28, though still well below the $4.69 a gallon Pennsylvanians were paying on May 7.

Pennsylvania’s average gas price also remains higher than the national average, which is currently $4.06.

According to data from the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the average Pennsylvania household has experienced a $372 spending increase on gas since Feb. 28. Pennsylvanians have seen a collective spending increase of more than $1.7 billion since the start of the war.

So why are gas prices spiking again? Where is Pa.’s cheapest gas? What are Pennsylvania lawmakers trying to do about rising gas prices? And what about the low prices at those Trump-hyped Freedom Fuel gas stations? We’ve got answers to those questions, and more, in this story.

With the midterms approaching and President Trump again trying to cast doubt on the integrity of elections, we asked: 

How confident are you that Pennsylvania’s election process is fair and secure?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“I am extremely confident. Having worked at the polls in the recent past and knowing people who have worked Pa. polls for years, there are safeguards in place and rules that poll workers follow to a T. After multiple lawsuits in Pa. alone and voting records over the years, no significant voter fraud has been identified nor proven. Are there sometimes issues? Yes. However our systems find them and correct them. Actual voting fraud is extremely rare, and I have seen nothing to make me think differently. I believe the biggest issue is how many Americans do not vote, especially for local elections.” — Joanne M., Hilltown

“I’m very confident! Trump’s voter fraud claims are baseless. He can’t show proof of his claims.” — Lisa Van Clief, King Of Prussia

“I have absolutely no confidence in our system. Please enact the SAVE act!” — Kellie, Erie

“I believe Pennsylvania elections are fair and secure. Donald Trump’s claims are a distraction from his grift, and all the other illegal and unconstitutional actions he has taken.” — Patrice Addeo, Levittown

“I do not consider them fair and free. Everyone should vote in person or be granted an exception that can be verified before Election Day. There is no reason why people cannot prove citizenship when voting; this should be a topic that everyone can agree on. While I agree the majority of the state is doing a good job securing election results, there are clearly places where that is not true and I think the governor and secretary of state (and others) are misrepresenting the facts.” — Kristine H., Lansdale 

“I have worked as an elections clerk and I am absolutely certain that the election process and the people who administer it are committed to ensuring that our elections are both accurate and secure. This is borne out by audits of previous elections.” — John Boddie, Willow Street

Find more reader responses here. Reply with your answer below and PLEASE let us know where you live!

Discover Presque Isle’s 2026 giant beach bonfire will be held on Wednesday night instead of Saturday during the weeklong festival. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

From Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, it’s a weekend for celebrating some of Pennsylvania’s most beloved natural wonders.

It’s also a good weekend for lovers of rodeo, math, and the kind of good old-fashioned family fun you can only find at a state fair.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the state:

Discover Presque Isle — Now through Sunday

This annual weeklong showcase for Presque Isle State Park began Monday, but there’s still plenty of fun to soak in on the shores of Lake Erie before the celebration winds down Sunday. The free event features guided hikes, archery exhibitions, lighthouse tours, live music, sand sculpture competitions, and a giant beach bonfire scheduled for Wednesday evening. 

Allegheny Mountain Championship Rodeo — Thursday through Saturday, Forest County

Think rodeo is just a thing that happens in Texas? Think again. The 46th annual Allegheny Mountain Championship Rodeo returns to the Flying W Ranch in Kellettville, Forest County, beginning Thursday. In addition to professional cowboys and cowgirls competing for points towards the National Finals Rodeo, the three-day event features horseback riding, live music, a saloon, and more.

Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial Celebration — Friday through Sunday

Lake Wallenpaupack is celebrating a milestone birthday—100 years old. To mark the occasion, the Poconos lake and the town of Hawley will be hopping with activity all weekend. Events include free boat rides, live music on a floating stage, an ice cream social, a cornhole tournament, and more.

York State Fair — Friday through Aug. 2

The annual York State Fair returns to the York Expo Center beginning Friday with its usual array of livestock shows, live music (including tributes to the Eagles and Jimmy Buffett along with national acts like Brantley Gilbert), rides, food, and more family fun. And this year the fair’s theme is “Fair More, Pay Less,” with eight promotional days offering free or reduced admission.

Math Festival — Friday and Saturday, Philadelphia Convention Center 

Math may not be everyone’s idea of a good time. But for those who are into number crunching, data analytics, and the like, this free, family-friendly event (part of the weeklong International Congress of Mathematicians) adds up to lots of fun with interactive activities, games, and discussions celebrating mathematics. There’s also a ticketed panel on sports analytics featuring representatives from local pro sports teams.

• Erie County’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has intensified this week, with county health officials reporting 68 new cases of the gastrointestinal disease that causes “explosive” diarrhea. Get the details here.

• Wondering what’s kept Pennsylvania so hot so far this month? Blame the heat dome. Learn about it here.

• Since President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law last year, Pennsylvania has experienced an 11% decrease in SNAP enrollment due to new restrictions that make it harder for low-income Pennsylvanians to stay on the program. Find out more here.

The 147-acre Jericho Farm estate, owned by former Du Pont de Nemours CEO and current executive chairman Edward Breen, has been put on the market for $18.8 million. (USA Today Network)

Got about $20 million burning a hole in your pocket? In the market for a sprawling pre-Revolutionary War compound featuring three separate living quarters, horse stables, an in-ground pool, and a greenhouse? Have we got a property for you!

The 147-acre Jericho Farm estate in Upper Makefield, Bucks County is on the market for a cool $18.8 million.

The main house, which was built in 1760, is 7,800 square feet and has cathedral ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, a glass conservatory with components imported from England, and a westward-facing balcony for sunset views.

And there’s a lot more to this historic property where that came from. Learn all about it here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Felicity Scott, Jessica F. Simmons,  Sean Kitchen, The Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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