Here’s a list you don’t want to be on: according to a new report, Pennsylvania ranks among the top states for online scam losses.

Pennsylvanians reported about $400 million in losses from online scams to the FBI in 2024, but the report, released last week by the Consumer Federation of America says that number could actually be closer to $3 billion—with a b.

The drastic difference in numbers stems largely from nondisclosure. The report indicates only about 14% of victims report financial fraud incidents to authorities.

It also estimates Americans across the country lose at least $119 billion annually to internet-based scams and cybercrimes, a figure more than seven times higher than the $16.6 billion reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2024.

Just before the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, the average gas price in Pennsylvania was $3.12 a gallon, according to auto club AAA.

As of Monday morning, the average price in Pennsylvania was $3.69, in line with the national average, and a nearly 19% increase since the war began more than two weeks ago.

Those who work remotely and don’t need to travel much by car may be able to weather the pain at the pump a little better than those who commute daily. But any way you slice it, Pennsylvanians are feeling this rapid and significant price spike.

To that end, we’d like to know: How are you dealing with the recent spike in gas prices?

Are you driving less? Using a cheaper grade of gas than normal? Adjusting your household budget?

Reply with your answer and please let us know where you live.

Visitors enjoy the view of Dingmans Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. (National Park Service)

Those who have a spring break determined by school calendars, or just want to take some time off as winter ends, may be inclined to head someplace warm for a getaway given how unpredictable the weather can be during March. 

(To wit: This time last week, it was 70 and sunny in my neck of the woods; today, there’s a tornado watch in my area; Wednesday’s expected high is 39.)

But our Kalena Thomhave offers a different idea: a Pennsylvania spring break staycation.

Kalena highlights charming small towns like Lititz and Bedford, outdoor adventure in the Laurel Highlands and Delaware Water Gap, and family-friendly experiences throughout the state like the Chocolate Lab at the Hershey Story Museum and the Crayola Experience in Easton, where you can have an affordable spring break getaway without leaving the commonwealth.

• Cities and counties across Pennsylvania are learning on the fly what they can and can’t do when ICE comes to town. Find out what’s happening in places like Allentown, Dauphin County, Philadelphia, and more in this story. 

• Gettysburg’s newly elected mayor Chad-Alan Carr resigned abruptly two weeks ago. On Friday, Carr was charged with child sex crimes. Get the story here.

• Deep divisions are festering in Quakertown after viral videos showed about a dozen students fighting with borough police Chief Scott McElree, who charged into the crowd dressed in plainclothes and put one student in a chokehold. Find out more here.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Ashley Adams, Ian Karbal from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Kalena Thomhave, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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