Gas prices in Pennsylvania have risen sharply due to the Iran war, with the state average now at $4.18 per gallon — an increase of $1.06 since the conflict began.

McCormick says rising prices are a concern

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick acknowledged the financial strain on Pennsylvanians.

“I am worried about gas prices, that the gas is up a buck a gallon,” McCormick said.

McCormick expressed hope that relief could come soon as negotiations related to the Iran war progress.

“I think the sooner we can finish up the mission and get home, I don’t think there’s any risk of a long, Iraq-like situation, where we’re trying to fix Iran. I think the president’s clear on that, and I’m certainly clear on that,” he said.

Farmers feel impact beyond the pump

During recent meetings with farmers in Middletown and Tioga County, McCormick noted that higher fuel prices are significantly affecting the agricultural industry.

“Fertilizer prices have gone way up largely because of what’s going on in Iran,” he said.

Labor issues add to farm concerns

McCormick also addressed labor concerns raised by farmers, particularly regarding the H-2A visa program, which allows farm workers to enter the U.S.

“We need to make some changes on that, I think, and maybe even a new visa category for folks that work full-time. And these are jobs that, frankly, most Americans aren’t taking or willing to take. So, so there’s definitely work to do,” he said.

SHARPSVILLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Jaime Lynne Roberts, 66 of Sharpsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, following a two-year battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters, Kali Roberts (John Cross) and Kristy Roberts; her mother, Nancy Reynolds (Harold); her brother, Jay Scot McCabe; her sister-in-law, Kathleen Roberts and her very dear lifelong friend, Charlene Middleton.

Born on January 11, 1960, to Nancy (Zani) and Jay F. McCabe in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, Jaime was a graduate of Ringgold High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University.

Nearly 40 years ago, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Harry “Jimmy” Roberts, and together they built a beautiful life and family. Jaime dedicated over 30 years to the Sharpsville Area School District, where she served as Business Manager until her retirement.

To know Jaime was to know patience, support, compassion and above all — love. Her conscientious spirit and infectious warmth could be felt in the simplest of gestures, always offered with effortless sincerity. For she was one “..who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best she had; whose life was an inspiration and whose memory is a benediction.”

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.shermanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Stephen J. Sherman Funeral Home & Crematory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jaime Lynne (McCabe) Roberts, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Sunday, April 12 at the following approximate times: 8:58 a.m. on WKBN and 7:58 p.m. on FOX. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Mandatory sentences for second-degree murder may no longer be constitutional in Pennsylvania, but some attorneys say the state’s highest court hasn’t given much clarity for nearly 1,100 people already serving those punishments.

Court ruling forces legislative action

Cory Fahnestock, an attorney with the McShane Group, said they’re left wondering what’s going to happen next, with no mechanism currently in place to handle those cases.

“They’re left in the air of, ‘What’s going to happen to me next?’ There’s no mechanism to handle those,” Fahnestock said.

Retroactivity remains unresolved

Cory Miller, also an attorney, said the question of retroactivity is not automatic for those already serving sentences for second-degree murder.

“The question of retroactivity is not automatic,” he said.

Proposed bill would allow parole eligibility

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Briggs has a bill that would propose an opportunity for parole for second-degree murder if someone has served 25 years of their sentence.

But he acknowledges more conversations need to be had, especially about what to do with those already serving a life sentence.

“How do we not? It’s unconstitutional,” Briggs said. “How are they going to continue serving those sentences? They need an opportunity to make their case, have their culpability reviewed.”

Briggs’ Republican counterpart agreed that more time is needed to discuss the issue.

Bipartisan agreement on need for more discussion

Rep. Rob Kauffman said, “We can have a comprehensive solution that addresses the concerns of the victims, but also attempts to being compassionate, looking forward for those who really weren’t involved in these crimes.”

As the deadline approaches, lawmakers face pressure to create a sentencing structure that complies with the court ruling while balancing public safety, fairness and the interests of victims’ families.