In addition to my responsibilities writing and editing this humble daily newsletter, I’m also the one behind our twice-monthly newsletter highlighting the best in Pennsylvania pizza called Pizzavania (you can subscribe here—no pressure). This means I’ve become acclimated in the pizza parlance of NEPA, where it’s a cut instead of a slice, and a tray instead of a pie.

Whether it’s yinz, youse, or all those in between, each part of the commonwealth has its own unique way of saying things.

For example, where I live in the greater Philadelphia area, a local may inquire ‘Jeet?,’ as a time-saving way to ask ‘Did you eat yet?’ 

If you’re in Pittsburgh and the fly on your pants is down, a wisenheimer will let you know by saying ‘Kennywood’s open,’ (a reference to Pittsburgh’s century-old amusement park) and tagging it with a ‘jagoff’ if they’re not particularly fond of you.

And circling back to NEPA, if someone wants you to join them at the bar for a few cold ones, they’ll likely ask ‘Want to go out and get a couple, two, tree beers?’

Want to learn more about some of the more unique sayings and slang you’ll hear around the state? Look no further.

Oil and natural gas prices have been spiking since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, because of disruptions to the production and transportation of energy in the Persian Gulf.

The national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.84 as of Wednesday morning, up from just under $3.00 prior to the war, according to AAA. 

In Pennsylvania, where we have the fourth-highest gas tax in the country, the average price is currently $3.80, up from $3.12 just before the war.

The last time gas prices were this high was in September 2023.

Many Pennsylvanians are feeling the pain at the pump, prompting our QOTW: How are you dealing with the recent spike in gas prices?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“We stayed home this past weekend. Usually, we go visit relatives and friends on weekends. Unwilling to spend extra on gas at this time.”

—Diane H., Greensburg

“I am certainly driving less. I am retired and feel glad I do not have to work. I was a Realtor, which requires a lot of travel and gas. I feel for the many Americans this is impacting even more than myself. However, I do volunteer work that requires driving, and it is becoming more difficult to stay within my budget.” 

— Donna, Sciota

“I’m not affected by the Trump pump bump; I drive an EV.”

— Lou Hancherick, Harmony

“I have mapped out my errands so that I only drive no more than once per week.”

— Kaylee, Pennsburg 

“The spring landscaping season is just beginning after a long winter. It’s going to affect my prices and profit margin quite negatively.”  

— Gloria Day, Pretty Dirty Ladies Garden Design & Maintenance, Berks County

“I use apps to find the lowest gas prices in my area, check my tire pressure to get the best mileage, and consider if a trip is really necessary or can I combine it with other errands. Most of all, walking to the nearest coffee shop instead of driving to the one I really like, but it’s a four mile round trip walk.”

— Mary, Williamsport

Let us know how you’re being impacted by rising gas prices, and please tell us where you live.

UCLA guard Brandon Williams dunks against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big 10 Conference tournament, March 14 in Chicago. Williams and the Bruins play Central Florida Friday in Philadelphia in March Madness action. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Looking for something to do? You’ve come to the right place.

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest —Thursday through March 29, Reading

One of Pennsylvania’s longest-running music festivals is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, with performances from Will Downing, Eric Benet, David Benoit, and more. 

Central PA Outdoor & Sports Show — Friday through Sunday, Clearfield

It’s a big weekend for outdoors enthusiasts in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, with free seminars and demos, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to win prizes like a Kawasaki ATV. 

NCAA March Madness Men’s Basketball Tournament — Friday and Sunday, Philadelphia

Is your bracket set? Philly welcomes early round tournament games at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Friday’s matchups include Virginia (3) vs. Wright State (14); Tennessee (6) vs. Miami (Ohio) or SMU; UCLA (7) vs. Central Florida (10); and UConn (2) vs. Furman (15).

Erie Home & Garden Expo — Friday through Sunday, Erie

You can prepare for all things spring with more than 150 vendors offering everything you need to landscape and renovate your home at the Bayfront Convention Center. 

Stroudsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Sunday

Miss out on the St. Patrick’s Day revelry? You’ve got another shot this Sunday with Stroudsburg’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sponsored by the Poconos Irish American Club, the parade spans a two-mile route through Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg.

• Many questions remain after ICE officials left 31-year-old Haitian immigrant Daphy Michel wandering the streets of Pittsburgh for days before she was found dead at a bus stop earlier this month. Our Sean Kitchen has the story.

• Another Pa. lawmaker is trying to raise the state’s $7.25 minimum wage for the first time since 2009. Get the details here.

• Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy continues to grow, to a total of $20.4 billion in economic impact. Get a breakdown in this report.

As newsrooms in smaller communities are downsized or folded completely, major stories—like the recent proliferation of data centers and attempts to transform warehouses into ICE detention facilities across the state—fall through the cracks, enabling misinformation and false narratives to spread. 

We’re putting in the work to make sure the stories that need to be on your radar make it to your radar based on the facts—without barriers like paywalls to keep you from accessing the news you need.  

Your financial support helps to make this work possible. If you count on The Keystone for fact-based news about Pennsylvania, please consider making a donation during our current supporter drive.

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 Readers,

How can I build a better relationship with my children? They’re grown and live in another state.

– Missing Them

Dear Missing Them,

There are any number of things that could be holding you and your kids back from the relationship you want. It could be physical distance and the challenges of living several states away. Maybe you’re feeling emotional distance caused by some unresolved hurts or just the way that life and work can get in the way of actually connecting with each other.

No matter what kind of distance you may be grappling with, our community had wonderful advice to share. Here are some of my takeaways…

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Sean Kitchen, Kalena Thomhave, the Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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