Pennsylvania is cracking down on Turnpike toll evaders as state lawmakers eye harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws.

Why it matters: The state is losing out on more than $200 million in uncollected tolls, hiking costs for the rest of us who pay our toll bills.

State of play: State troopers are teaming up with the state Turnpike Commission this month to launch a campaign targeting aggressive drivers and those with a suspended registration due to unpaid tolls and fees.

• The statewide enforcement will include impounding vehicles.

🤖 You've been warned: State troopers will also use license plate recognition technology to assist with identifying violators.

Meanwhile, state senators say they're teeing up a range of new offenses for toll evaders.

• The yet-to-be-revealed proposal would include creating a third-degree felony offense for those with unpaid tolls topping $10,000.
• The legislation will be introduced into the General Assembly soon.

By the numbers: Philly — by far — leads all counties in the state with both the highest number of toll violators (34,112 drivers) and unpaid tolls (nearly $38 million and counting). Followed by:

• Bucks County: 15,056 toll violators with $19.8 million in unpaid tolls.
• Montgomery County: 14,121, roughly $16.3 million.
• Lehigh County: 6,122, nearly $7.2 million.

1 stunning stat: $116,115.30 — the largest unpaid toll tab that the Turnpike has referred to the state prosecutors' office, per the agency.

• This bill is linked to a commercial vehicle out of Montgomery County.

Context: The Turnpike Commission runs 565 miles of toll roads, including the main turnpike (I-76) and I-476 (a.k.a. the Blue Route).

• Turnpike tolls rose 4% this year.

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If you're looking to barter your way into one of this year's World Cup host cities, there's an easier route than opening your wallet: open up your home.

Why it matters: Some travelers chasing a bucket-list experience without the astronomical price tag are turning to HomeExchange, a subscription-based platform that lets people around the world swap homes.

The big picture: FIFA canceled about 2,000 of the 10,000 hotel reservations made in Philadelphia — rooms set aside for FIFA, media and attendees — as part of a broader accommodations rollback across host cities.

• The sudden cancellation could make it harder for hotels to rebook those rooms ahead of this summer's matches. Meanwhile, fans are already facing high prices for tickets and travel, plus a shortage of available accommodations in some host cities.

Driving the news: With the World Cup three months out, HomeExchange says it has seen a spike in interest from people looking to swap homes in the Philly region.

• Exchanges in the region finalized in January were up 93% from the same time last year, and 42% in February.

Zoom in: HomeExchange tells Axios that more than 150 Philly homes are still available for Philadelphia's World Cup matches this summer.

By the numbers: The platform has more than 275,000 members and more than 550,000 homes listed in 155 countries.

• The Philly region has more than 400 listings, the majority of which are in Center City.

How it works: Think a mashup between Airbnb and a timeshare.

• It's a $235 flat annual fee to join HomeExchange, which allows members to book unlimited swaps.

Go deeper

🤖 Rock 'em, sock 'em, delivery bots. Some rowdy Philly revelers roughed up one of the new Uber Eats delivery bots that were deployed last month in Center City — a technological throwdown caught on cam. (Inquirer)

🦅 An un-nestled Bird? After a disappointing end to the 2025 season and years of struggles in the passing game, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is at a "crossroads" with the organization, per ESPN.

• In a deep dive, the report says Hurts' stoic demeanor is as much a help as it is a hindrance, and doesn't always land with teammates.

🚨A North Philly drug ring allegedly manufactured and sold cocaine out of a neighborhood coffee shop. (NBC 10)

Republicans' massive Medicaid overhaul and rising health costs are forcing state legislatures to begin cutting medical spending for the poor, raise taxes and take other steps to deal with a first-of-its-kind budget squeeze.

Why it matters: State budgets are due to shrink by $664 billion over the next decade because of the cuts in last year's GOP budget law, while medical costs are rising and state tax collections are lagging.

• That's creating a perfect storm for a program that typically accounts for about 30% of a state's budget each year.

Congress delayed the biggest changes until 2027, but Medicaid programs are "like massive ocean liners," said Kathryn Costanza, a fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "They're in the process of pivoting this year," as they also deal with other pressures, she said.

Where it stands: Idaho legislators this week approved $22 million in cuts to Medicaid disability services.

• Colorado, which faces a $1.5 billion budget shortfall driven largely by Medicaid spending that predates the congressional changes, is debating controversial benefit cuts and lower provider payments.

What they're saying: "Everyone is pissed and everyone is stressed," said Colorado state Rep. Lisa Feret (D), the lead sponsor of the new tax proposal.

States with more of a budget cushion are making investments in hopes of easing possible coverage losses.

• New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) proposed $10 million in her budget last month to strengthen the state's Medicaid enrollment system.

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🎁 First Friday events: Check out the local art offering and sip a cocktail at the Gas Lamp Hotel. Free. Runs from 5-9pm.

• Check out Kensington's new nighttime art installation from 7-11pm.
• The Science History Institute is hosting a new audio tour from 5-7pm and will have hands-on activities for the kiddos.

1️⃣ You heard it here … first. Another week, another Philly-first celebration — this time at Franklin Field, America's first sports stadium. Saturday, 11am-1pm.

🐰 Easter time: The Philadelphia Zoo is hosting a weekend full of events, including a scavenger hunt, a traditional easter egg hunt and brunch with the Easter Bunny.

• Shady Brook Farm is celebrating the bunny's big day with a weekend full of wagon rides, field activities, an obstacle course and live music. Tickets: $10 online or $15 at the gate for adults; $15 online or $20 at the gate for children.