As I’ve stated before, one of the best parts about my job (aside from getting to eat a lot of pizza) is learning about our state’s history. And I learned a lot from this story about the Molly Maguires, a secret society who fought for worker rights in Pennsylvania’s coal country.
The Molly Maguires dated back to 19th-century Ireland. How they ended up making such a significant mark on Pennsylvania history is a fascinating story, peppered with legends and missing pieces, that doesn’t even start in coal mines. It starts with agriculture, and the ways that oppressed workers can look to strike back.
If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll enjoy learning about the wild, transatlantic ride of the Molly Maguires, and how they shaped Pennsylvania history.
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Did you know that grocery prices have risen about 2% since March 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture. That’s up more than 31% since 2019.
(FYI: our Kalena Thomhave has put together this guide to getting the most bang for your buck at Pa. grocery stores.)
Amid this ongoing sticker shock at the supermarket, we’d like to know: How has the rising cost of food changed the way you shop for groceries?
Here’s how your fellow Pennsylvanians are getting by at the grocery store:
“I have had to give up pretzels, tortilla chips, chocolate chip cookies, and snacks in general to keep the bill down. I have been purchasing the store brand of lots of items, more so than I did before. I rarely buy fruits and vegetables at the supermarket unless on sale; I go to a local vegetable/fruit store that has lower prices. I also do not indulge in the rotisserie chickens, or prepared foods. I have been cooking from scratch much more. Baking my own bread and pizza.”
— Carolina Favazza, Broomall
“I shop at many different stores searching for the best prices. I will also order from Walmart because some of their pricing is better on some products I use. I buy in bulk and freeze family packages even though I only cook for 2. I make my own hamburgers and meatballs.”
— Karen, Plymouth Meeting
“Our grocery budget has stayed the same, but we get far fewer items than we used to. When things are on sale, we used to buy several duplicates to stock up, but we can do that less and less. I’ve also started fileting the chicken breasts, to make them stretch farther to provide more meat for more meals. We only buy meat that’s on sale, and have to now plan our menu for the week around what is available and on sale at the store. We have fewer family meals with our extended family, since we can’t really afford to have people over as often with the higher costs. We also get as much as possible from Aldi and then as little as possible from Walmart!”
— Laurie, Jamestown
“I’ve adopted the habit of using much less meat in the main course. I shop at small markets that specialize in a particular cuisine (Asian, Italian, Spanish). My meals are now heavy on veggies and grains.I refuse to skimp on the purchase of eggs. For example, I do not mind spending $5+ a dozen for free range. For me it’s 12 breakfast sandwiches. I don’t buy pre-made granola. I make my own. It’s a snack, a topping, and cereal. Quaker Oats rules.”
— Barbara Parsons, Pittsburgh
Let us know how the rising cost of food has changed the way you shop for groceries, and PLEASE let us know where you live.
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There are lighted pathways for the public to explore Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette County. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)
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Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Visit Pa.’s first underground state park, Laurel Caverns (Fayette County)
Laurel Caverns State Park, Pennsylvania’s first underground state park, is now officially open for you to explore. Located in the Laurel Highlands, the facility is a 435-acre park centered around the largest and deepest limestone cave in Pa. The property includes four miles of cave passages that go as deep as 476 feet and the largest bat shelter in the northeast.
First Glance Film Festival – Thursday through Sunday (Philadelphia)
The 29th Annual FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia’s longest-running competitive indie film festival where audiences vote for “Best of the Fest,” returns to the Film Society Bourse this weekend. The festival is a showcase of diverse indie films, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation. This year’s festival features works from more than a dozen filmmakers with ties to the greater Philly area.
Dorney Park opening day – Friday (Allentown, Lehigh County)
Dorney Park opens for the 2026 season on Friday featuring new attractions. These include Planet Snoopy, a dedicated kids area with 15 Peanuts-themed rides, along with plenty of rides for thrill seekers like the Iron Menace rollercoaster, which suspends riders 160 feet in the air before plummeting at a beyond-vertical, 95-degree drop.
Penn State Master Gardener plant sales, Friday and Saturday (various locations)
If you’re looking for hard-to-find plants and tried-and-true favorites, along with expert growing and plant selection advice, you’ll find it this weekend at Penn State Master Gardener plant sales in Armstrong, Beaver, Berks, Delaware, Erie, Fulton, Lawrence, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Westmoreland, and York counties. Get more info on a plant sale near you here.
Mother’s Day Outdoor Market, Sunday (York)
The fifth annual Mother’s Day Outdoor Market returns to downtown York this weekend. Presented by women’s consignment boutique My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, the market features a lineup of 50 curated vendors offering flowers, custom jewelry, clothing, and more for moms and little ones alike.
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• The average price for a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania is up to $4.64, an increase of more than 30 cents since last week, and $1.50 since the start of the war in Iran on Feb. 28. Get the latest on gas prices across the commonwealth in this story.
• With data center development driving up electricity bills, the organization that manages the wholesale electricity supply for Pennsylvania is reviewing applications to build and connect new sources of power to the grid. Find out more here.
• A Senate committee advanced a bill to shift oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program to a new panel. Could it be a step towards a recreational marijuana law in Pa.? Get the details here.
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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.
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Dear Grace –
With inflation rising, rent too high, groceries and gas going up, I don’t know what to do. I work full-time for minimum wage, and it’s just not enough. Better jobs seem non-existent. Sometimes I have to choose between filling up my car to get to work and eating. Is there any breathing room for us in life anymore? Or is this permanent depression for us all?
– Concerned Cashier
Dear Concerned Cashier,
You are not alone in wondering why it is so hard to get by. Working people across the country are struggling just like you. I think we can all agree that in a country as rich as America, no one should be going to bed hungry. It’s not fair that even after working so hard and doing everything right, it’s still not enough. It’s no wonder you’re feeling concerned, exhausted, and maybe even a little hopeless.
Here’s my advice on how to get a little more breathing room, a little more help, and a little more hope.
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