Pothole Problem: PennDot Launches Campaign to Repair Roadways Across Philadelphia Region

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has launched an extensive campaign to address deteriorated pavement and potholes across more than 65 state highways in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. The work will target Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, targeting roadways that have faced substantial wear and tear due to this winter's freeze-and-thaw cycles.

Roadways targeted during the weeklong initiative, March 3-7, include U.S. 1, I-76, and I-95. High-traffic routes such as U.S. 202, Route 3, and Route 63 are also among those that will be included.

Winter's effects on the area's roadways also contributed to the formation of a sinkhole that slowed traffic on the Route 30 Bypass in Chester County on Monday, Feb. 24. The sinkhole could be seen in the center median of the highway between the Route 113 and Wallace Avenue exits in Downingtown. 

In Philadelphia, the city's Department of Streets is asking the public to help report potholes and other damages to the city's streets. Individuals can call 311 or use the city's online pothole reporting form. The Department of Streets requests the following information in the reports:

In related Pennsylvania roadway news, a study by Villanova's Dr. Steven Goldsmith revealed the environmental dangers posed by road salt commonly used to treat Pennsylvania roads during the winter. 

A 2022 study revealed that Philadelphia's tap water contained sodium levels six times higher than EPA recommendations for low-sodium diets during peak winter periods. These elevated levels of sodium also exist year-round due to contaminated groundwater. Brine, a pre-mixed saltwater solution, contains approximately 23% sodium chloride. It has been found to prevent ice formation more effectively while using less salt.

The study also looked at the effects of road salt that lands on the side of the road: "When it does, it infiltrates into soil, and then it goes into shallow groundwater before entering our streams. Oftentimes when salt is applied to the road and you receive that initial precipitation, you are left with runoff with salinity near the concentration of sea water, which is very bad for freshwater organisms," Goldsmith said.

What would you say are the best episodes of The Office? Everyone has their own opinion and list, but are there some we can all agree on?

The Office is without a doubt one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time. It was such a strong cast of characters. Of course, nobody could do it quite like Steve Carell's Michael Scott. There are so many iconic episodes and scenes to consider, but are these the five best episodes of The Office?

While everybody has their favorite episodes of the show, that doesn't mean they're necessarily the "best." There's an important difference there. For example, my favorite episode of South Park is "AWESOM-O" but I wouldn't say it's the best or greatest episode of the show (that would probably belong to "Scott Tenorman Must Die"). So, we must understand the difference between our personal favorites and what's the best. Personal biases must be put aside.

That was a challenge for me. Some of my favorite episodes and what I think are the best episodes of The Office aren't going to make the list. I have to put my bias aside and consider what the majority would deem to be the best of the best. Unfortunately, that meant my favorite episode "Gossip" (Season 6 Episode 1) won't be making the list. It kills me every time Michael calls Stanley's wife. Every single time. Likewise, "Gay Witch Hunt" (Season 3 Episode 1) didn't make the final five and will instead be an honorable mention. You really get a sense of Michael's ignorance in that episode and it's a great character builder that also has a ton of laughs at Michael's expense.

Despite a few of my favorite episodes not being included on the list, I stand by the final five. I think the majority of fans would agree that these episodes deserve to be in the Top 10 and then where they fall within there is up for debate. I did do something kind of controversial, though. I'm counting the double episodes as one episode. They're the same thing, just broken up in two halves for the sake of time. To me, and this list, they are considered one singular episode. Don't like that? Create your own list! See what made the final five best episodes of The Office below! Do you agree?

I had to start the list with "Dinner Party." You can't talk about the best episodes of The Office without mentioning it. There are so many hilarious moments it feels like it's just one after the other. Who could forget Michael's infamous "Snip/Snap/Snip/Snap" and him totally botching the way he describes the wine. We learn a lot about Jan in the episode and get to see her true crazy side. There's also Michael's TV, his table, and more. It just might be the best episode of The Office.

https://youtu.be/x0N2ZxQJYTw?si=M0hlv51Dzp_pEqjc If you love cringe comedy, then you probably enjoyed the "Scott's Tots" episode of The Office. Personally, I love it. However, some of my friends and family say it's too cringeworthy to watch! They feel too bad for Michael. While I understand that, you can't feel bad for Michael! He brought it on himself. It's so funny watching him realize what's about to happen and how he tries to get out of it. It's one of those cool moments where we the audience know what's about to happen but the characters in the scene don't and they build it up so well. It's pure Michael.

There are so many great moments in this episode that live on today. Dwight putting the dummy's face on his like Hannibal Lector remains a popular meme online. Michael singing the wrong part of "Stayin' Alive." Even the way they treat Stanley and botch his recovery is hilarious. Yes, it's a two-parter but it's worthy of being named one of the best episodes. It just doesn't get old.

The Office was still finding its groove and developing the characters during Season 1. Michael was a bit more annoying, had a different haircut, and the rest of the crew wasn't fully formed yet. Did Kevin even have a different voice? It sounds like it. However, there were still some gems in Season 1 that let us know this show was going to be funny. The best example of that comes with "Diversity Day" in Episode 2. It really shows Michael's ignorance and how he places trying to be funny over being politically correct or appropriate in the workplace. Even once a professional comes in to train them, he still doesn't understand what he did wrong and continues doing so. We really got a look at Michael Scott here.

Was Jim and Pam's wedding the best TV wedding ever? I think so! There was Michael and Pam's mom, Kevin's feet in the ice machine, and Andy's unfortunate injury. So much happened in these episodes and it still lives on today. In a way, it's different than a lot of other episodes because there's a lot of emotion to go along with the humor. We're finally seeing the greatest will they/won't they of all-time get married! The show really delivered on the wedding episode(s) for TV's greatest couple.