Social media has become a major factor in the fortunes of restaurants—and not just through word of mouth buzz created by customers, content creators, or twice-monthly newsletters about Pennsylvania pizza.

Take the case of Tallow, which opened in early 2025 in a grocery store in Southwest Philadelphia. The chicken restaurant didn’t become successful until its owner lamented on social media about the business’ struggles. That post went viral with millions of views and thousands of comments—including some detractors suspicious of cooking chicken in tallow rather than seed oils. Despite the controversy, donations—as well as customers—began to flow into the restaurant, and Tallow was saved.

In fact, Tallow just moved to a new location—the Fresh Grocer grocery store in Montgomery County’s Wyncote.

Dozens of other Pa. food joints have been celebrated on social media for delicious eats, creative food offerings, and unique dining experiences. From restaurants serving up viral food trends like fruit-shaped mousse cakes and specialty ramen to treehouse dining and the largest buffet in the country, our Kalena Thomhave is featuring some Pa. spots loved by folks on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook in this story.

One of the many twisting rollercoasters at Hersheypark. (Creative Commons)

A day at an amusement park may seem expensive, but there are ways to take part in this quintessential summer activity without stressing your wallet. Across the commonwealth, you’ll find amusement parks filled with rides, games, and other diversions that can be enjoyed for an affordable price—you usually just need to make a plan in advance.

We’ve put together a guide to help you get to know the best low-cost parks in the state, as well as ways to hit up more expensive parks on a shoestring. Whether you’re looking for the classic atmosphere of century-old parks or the thrill of modern rollercoasters, there’s an amusement park in the state you’ll want to visit this summer. Get the details in this story.

• Tuesday is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot to vote in Pennsylvania’s primary election on May 19. Get the details on eligibility and how to apply right here.

• The year-long warning period is up: Beginning next month, Pa. drivers will have to keep their hands off their cellphones while driving or risk a $50 ticket. Find out what you need to know here.

• Pennsylvania is receiving $193 million in federal funding for rural health care to help offset the $20 billion the state is expected to lose in Medicaid dollars. Find out more in this story.

• Public school spending per student hit record highs in the US in 2024, and Pa.’s levels topped most other states, according to new federal data. Find out where Pa. ranked in this story.

• No Quakertown police officers, including Chief Scott McElree, will face disciplinary action “at this time” for their response to a student-led ICE protest on Feb. 20. Get the story here.

I’m taking some time off, so today’s newsletter will be the only one we’ll be sending this week.

Look for us back in your inbox next Monday, May 18.

Have a great Monday, and a great rest of your week!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave,  Good Info News Wire,  USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Whitney Downard of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

The Keystone is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.