Potholes are as much a part of Pennsylvania’s identity as William Penn and Yuengling. Which means drivers have to learn to live with them—especially in early spring.

We can commiserate collectively and make dirty jokes about them all we like. But at the end of the day, it’s Pennsylvania drivers against potholes. And if you don’t navigate them successfully, the pothole is going to win—sometimes leaving motorists with thousands of dollars in damage to their vehicles.

Since encountering potholes on Pennsylvania roads is a common occurrence this time of year, we’re here for you with details on how to report them, filing a claim for damages, and more.

Some of the answers to our QOTW—What’s your favorite Pennsylvania beer?—had me thinking that those responding had thrown back a few of their favorite Pa. brews:  

🍻 YINGLING!

🍻 Yungling

🍻 Youngling

🍻 Yengling

🍻 Yue1nngling

Come on, folks. Not knowing how to spell Yuengling—where are you from, Jersey?

More of your responses:

“Laker Lager from John Russell Brewing Company in Erie.” 

— Steve R., Erie

“Yuengling, with a splash of lemonade. Try it—it’s a great shandy!”

— Shelly, Bradford County

“Any hazy IPA from Hidden River.”

— Kevin, Limerick

“Yards Brawler is my favorite PA beer!”

— Michelle, Kingston

“Pittsburgh Weather by Hazel Grove Brewing in Pittsburgh.”

— Susan, Pittsburgh

“New Trail Brewing Company out of Williamsport has the Broken Heels and Double Broken Heels that we enjoy!

— Tiffany S., Milton

“Tröeg’s Mad Elf.”

— Paul Devine, Blue Bell

What brewed-in-Pa. beer do you like the most? Reply with your answer and please let us know where you live! (Remember: spelling counts)

The Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, September 10, 2023. (Shutterstock)

Looking for fun things to do with the entire family this weekend in Pennsylvania? You’ve got options across the commonwealth. ⬇️

Pittsburgh Area UFO Conference — Saturday

With the debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life back in the media, the Pittsburgh Area UFO Conference couldn’t come at a better time. Skeptics and believers alike are welcome to the event at Westmoreland County Community College, where there’s sure to be discussion of the more than 5,000 unidentified flying objects that have been reported by Pennsylvanians to the National UFO Reporting Center since 1947, including the infamous Kecksburg sighting of 1965. 

History Meets the Arts — Friday and Saturday (Gettysburg)

Our country’s past will come to life at  History Meets the Arts, a free art show and sale at the Gettysburg Fire Company featuring artists and authors specializing in early American history. Paintings, prints, sculptures, hand-forged knives, scrimshaw, and hand-painted cloths will be among the items on offer at the event, which also features artist and author signings and live demonstrations. 

Spring on the Farm — Friday through April 26 (Aspers)

At Spring on the Farm, visitors can meet adorable baby animals, stroll through a vibrant tulip garden, and participate in games and activities like the rainbow jump pad, rubber duck races, giant checkers, and Rusty Rollers Skee-Ball. It’s truly fun for the whole family at Fields of Adventure in south-central Pa.

Mine Rescue Day — Saturday (Scranton)

Mine Rescue Day at Scranton’s Anthracite Heritage Museum is a unique event allowing families to explore how anthracite miners responded to emergencies underground through interactive experiences. It’s a kid-friendly way to learn more about the rich history of NEPA’s coal country.

A Nation of Artists exhibition — Sunday through Sept. 5 (Philadelphia)

Spanning the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, this massive exhibition brings together more than 1,000 works across three centuries, offering distinct takes on the story of American art. What better way to honor America’s 250th than by celebrating our nation’s long lineage of iconic artists and emerging talents?

• Ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia, America250 celebrations across the state, and the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, state lawmakers are evaluating the tools at their disposal to crack down on aggressive driving. Learn about their efforts in this story.

• A group of Catholics and faith leaders rallied in Harrisburg Tuesday for a local parishioner who has been detained by ICE since late last year—despite entering the US legally in 2022 with his wife and son. Find out more here.

• State and local leaders are teaming up to address a food desert scenario in a western Pa. town that once boasted three major grocery stores. Find out about their efforts here.

• The two Bucks County teens charged with bringing homemade bombs to a protest outside the home of New York City’s mayor were recorded describing their plan to kill as many as 60 people in a bid to “start terror,” according to an indictment released Tuesday. Get the details here.

• Pennsylvania’s first underground state park is about to open in Fayette County. Learn all about it here.

• The parents of a toddler who suffered a minor injury at a Hersheypark zoo after squeezing through a fence near a wolf enclosure and making contact with one of the animals have been charged with endangering the welfare of children. We have the story here.

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.

Dear Grace,

My sister just broke up with her boyfriend and is now staying with me. She’s my sister, and I love her, but she’s rude, bossy, and self-absorbed. She uses the last of my milk without replacing it, leaves crumbs on the counter, and borrows my clothes without asking. But what bothers me the most is that I feel like she is always using me.

How do I tell her she can’t stay here forever? How do I deal with her while she’s here?

– Stressed-Out Sister in the Sticks

Dear Stressed-Out Sister in the Sticks,

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: the price of strong relationships is inconvenience. Real love means showing up when it’s hard. But that doesn’t mean you have to absorb rudeness or disrespect while you’re helping your sister. She is struggling, and she is not the best version of herself right now. That doesn’t mean you can’t lovingly set boundaries. Here’s some advice to help you both get through this tough season.

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

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