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.

Three Rhode Island independent bookstores are relaunching a statewide program that challenges readers to visit every indie bookshop in the state — and rewards those who pull it off.

The Rhode Island Independent Bookstore Passport Adventure, first launched in 2019, returns April 18 and runs through April 26. Passports are free and will be distributed starting April 18 at three anchor locations: Charter Books in Newport, Books on the Square in Providence, and Wakefield Books in Wakefield. Participants then have nine days to visit all 20 stores on the list and collect a stamp at each one. No purchase is required for a stamp.

Completed passports must be returned to one of the three anchor locations by April 26. Everyone who finishes will receive a sheet of twenty 20% off coupons, one valid at each participating store. One grand prize winner will receive twenty $25 gift certificates — one per store — for a total value of $500.

“The RI Independent Bookstore Passport Adventure is an opportunity to celebrate our local indie bookstore scene and encourage our customers to explore the many unique bookshops this state has to offer,” said Jennifer Kandarian, manager at Books on the Square.

The program also coincides with Independent Bookstore Day on April 25, a national celebration organized by the American Booksellers Association. Eleven of the twenty participating stores are ABA members and will offer special events, freebies and discounts that day.

The 20 participating stores span the state, from Westerly to Tiverton:

arc{hive} book + snackery, Warren; Barrington Books, Barrington; Binds and Blooms, Coventry; Book Around, Pawtucket; Books on the Square, Providence; Brown University Bookstore, Providence; Charter Books, Newport; Forget Me Not Fables, North Providence; Heartleaf Books, Providence; Ink Fish Books, Warren; Island Books, Middletown; Little Bubblegum Bookshop, Providence; Martin House Books, Westerly; Map Center, Pawtucket; Paper Nautilus Books, Providence; Riffraff, Providence; Stillwater Books, West Warwick; Symposium Books, Providence; Wakefield Books, Wakefield; Yellow House, Tiverton.

More information is available at booksq.com/passport. Questions can be directed to ribookstorepassport@gmail.com.

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont musical sensation Noah Kahan is supporting a state bill aiming to crack down on ticket scalpers.

House Bill 51 would cap the amount that tickets could be resold for and stop tickets from being sold twice. That way, buyers don’t end up with a ticket already belonging to someone else. It demands that resellers ensure refunds in certain circumstances and proposes annual licenses for ticket resellers.

Kahan offered his support in a video statement to the Senate Economic Development Committee.

“As an artist that cares very deeply about the fan experience and accessibility of concert tickets, this bill is a critical step in eliminating predatory resale behaviors and offer Vermonters a great solution for exchanging and reselling tickets in a safe marketplace,” Kahan said.

The bill also addresses enforcement, authorizing the attorney general to monitor and penalize resellers.

It’s unclear if the bill will move forward this session.

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