With less than 50 days until Election Day and affordability a major concern for many voters ahead of the midterms, I wanted to take a quick look at how President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and rising fuel prices are impacting Pennsylvanians’ wallets.

Trump’s tariff policies have cost Pennsylvanians an additional $11 billion, ranking it the 11th most-affected state in the nation, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF), a conservative-leaning taxpayer advocacy group.

The NTUF’s State Tariffs Tracker found that the per-household equivalent of the additional executive tariffs on imports into the state amounts to $2,016 more for Pennsylvanians than what tariffs cost in 2024 before Trump took office.

Cars and trucks cost an additional $1.4 billion in tariffs for the state, while food and beverages cost Pennsylvanians $1 billion more because of tariffs. Go deeper on how much more Pennsylvanians are spending in tariffs in this story.

Meanwhile, fuel prices continue to climb across Pennsylvania as the war with Iran disrupts the world’s flow of fuel. The average cost for a gallon of gas in the commonwealth was $4.49 as of Wednesday, with diesel hitting a record high of $6.41, according to motor club AAA. 

Soaring diesel prices have a broader impact beyond the pumps. Higher diesel prices mean more expensive transportation for a long list of everyday goods. That’s because diesel is used for many freight and delivery networks. And some businesses have already passed along steeper costs to consumers in the form of added fees on online orders and packages in the mail.

We’ve got more details on what rising diesel costs mean for consumers here.

Affordability? A.I. creeping into so many aspects of our lives? Property taxes? Flock camera regulation?

What issues are driving your vote this year?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Reform of the voting process, the environment, and healthcare access and affordability.” — Jennifer Mann, Lehighton

“A.I. data centers, high property taxes, new measures for diseases, dumping garbage in Blythe Township, the Tremont biosolids facility (it stinks), and crime.” — Cindy Fedak, Schuylkill County

“Getting Donald Trump and his minions out of office.” — Sophia Feller, Bucks County

“I want data centers banned and shut down.” — Daphne Pleasonton, Montgomery County

“Getting Scott Perry out of the House of Representatives.” — Ann Quinn, Dauphin County

“The biggest challenge to the entire country is divisiveness. There’s no longer debate or common ground despite almost everyone wanting the same basic things: Affordability, security, and freedom. We need to get back to public offices being obligations to the public as opposed to gateways to financial gain.” — Jake, Indiana County

“I’m voting to fight the nonsense that has taken over the Republican party.” — Ian Karwoski, Allegheny County 

What’s driving your vote this year? Reply with your answer below.

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Philadelphia German eatery Brauhaus Schmitz is hosting two different Oktoberfest events this fall season. (J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia)

It’s still September, but communities across the state will begin celebrating Oktoberfest this weekend, complete with stein-holding competitions, oompah bands, and lots of bratwurst, often reflecting the commonwealth’s deep German roots and the influence of centuries of German-speaking immigrants.

Some of Pennsylvania’s Oktoberfests feel like lively German beer halls—indeed, many are held at breweries, beer gardens, and German clubs—while others are small community festivals with artisan markets, kids’ activities, live music, and of course, plenty of beer.

Our food and travel writer Kalena Thomhave has this roundup of where to find an  Oktoberfest near you for some Bavarian-inspired fun. 

• State health officials Tuesday confirmed two additional measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania, bringing the total number of measles-related deaths in the state this year to four. Get the latest here.

• Berks County state Rep. David Maloney, who lives more than five hours from Lake Erie, wants to change the name of the Great Lake to Lake Pennsylvania. Find out why in this story.

• Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said Monday’s Supreme Court ruling blocking the US Postal Service from implementing a mail-in ballot rule before November’s midterm elections is necessary to protect state elections. Get the story here.

• A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the US Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case. Get the details here.

Sunrise over Conneaut Lake. (Devon Wittpenn)

Let’s all enjoy this photo of a sunrise over Conneaut Lake in Crawford County shared by reader Devon Wittpenn of Munhall.

We want to see Pennsylvania through your eyes! Send us your photos with your name, location, and a brief description of what you’re sharing.

In Monday’s newsletter, we incorrectly stated that US Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (Lehigh) was a Democrat. He is a Republican. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, The Associated Press, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Whitney Downard of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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