Pennsylvanians were bamboozled out of $39.2 million in romance scams last year, per new FTC data.

Why it matters: That's just a slice of the $285.4 million lost in the Keystone State to fraud in 2024 — up a staggering 21% over the previous year.

The big picture: Pennsylvania's spike in fraud, which follows a national trend, suggests fraudsters are outpacing both law enforcement and efforts to educate consumers on how to protect themselves

By the numbers: 74,926 reports of fraud were reported across Pennsylvania last year, per the FTC.

• In the Philly metro alone — which includes parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland — that number jumps to 121,966 reports.

Zoom in: Across the Commonwealth, online shopping scams were the top reported fraud last year (12,556), followed by business imposters (11,901), and government imposters (8,787), per the FTC.

• Romance scams swindled the most out of Pennsylvanians' pockets, even though only 1,679 reports were made. Plus, the state saw a 7% increase in total money lost to romance cons from the previous year.

Threat level: Scammers have impersonated Philly police or state Turnpike toll services in the region over calls and texts, but they aren't always targeting victims by phone.

• The United States Postal Service issued a consumer alert ahead of Valentine's Day last month, reminding lonely hearts to remain vigilant during the holiday.

Stunning stat: Many fraudsters prey on older, less digitally savvy people — but of 20- to 29-year-old Pennsylvanians who reported fraud in 2024, 39% said they lost money, compared to 23% of those ages 70-79.

• Of Pennsylvanians 19 and under who reported fraud last year, 49.5% said they lost money.

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The owner of James Beard Award-winning FarmerJawn has failed to register her nonprofit as a charity and hasn't paid more than $6,000 in taxes and penalties, per state records obtained by Axios.

The big picture: Christa Barfield has cultivated an image as the Philly region's "people's farmer," growing a startup "farm-to-cup" tea venture into an agricultural powerhouse that provides locals with better access to fresh produce.

State of play: The Department of State is ordering Barfield to stop soliciting donations from Pennsylvania residents on behalf of the FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the nonprofit arm of her company.

• In mid-September, she was told in a cease-and-desist letter that she couldn't ask for donations until she either registered the fund as a charity or provided state officials with proof why she should be exempt. The law protects Pennsylvanians from getting scammed by people posing as charitable organizations.
• A DOS spokesperson confirmed to Axios that Barfield hasn't registered the Friends Fund or taken any action to address the issue. But she continues to accept donations on her website, Axios has learned.

On top of that, Barfield and her company, LifeLeaf Organic Farms, owe the state more than $6,300 in unpaid sales taxes and penalties, per a lien filed against her Germantown Avenue property in March by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

What they're saying: Barfield and the Friends Fund's CEO, Brandon Ritter, didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment.

• The DOS declined to say whether it will take additional action against Barfield.

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In "Based on a True Story," Will Smith confronts it all — the marriage, the slap, the backlash, the fall, the faith. And yes, he curses.

Why it matters: This isn't just Smith returning to rap after 20 years. It's a public reckoning — pain, shame and spiritual recalibration — set to gospel chords, booming drums and a hunger that recalls his rap roots and evolution as a man.

• It's also a reminder — especially for younger listeners — that before the Oscars, Emmys and red carpets, hip-hop was his first love.

The big picture: Smith's fifth solo album is undoubtedly his most daring work of artistry since his 2021 memoir, "Will."

• This isn't the squeaky-clean Fresh Prince. It's the story of a man whose life has unfolded before a live audience — every win and failure in real time.

State of play: Smith leans harder into storytelling than he ever has — trading in the snappy, commercial hooks of his pop-rap era for richer, more emotionally layered tracks and some collaborations that push him lyrically.

• "Beautiful Scars" (feat. Big Sean) stands out, with Smith matching Sean's witty lyricism.
• "Hard Times (Smile)" and "Bulletproof" nod to his commercial roots but carry more emotional grit.
• And "You Can Make It" — a Billboard Gospel No. 1 — blends sermon and redemption, anchoring the album's spiritual core.

💭 Delano's thought bubble: This isn't "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" Will Smith. It's a clash between the Fresh Prince and the flawed man he has become over the past two decades — rooted in vulnerability and enhanced by the storytelling that once distinguished him in rap.

• Dare I say — the prince has grown into a king.

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Thirteen people were shot, two fatally, in Philly this past weekend, per PPD. Among those killed was a 17-year-old girl, who was fatally shot Friday in Southwest Philly, Mayor Cherelle Parker said yesterday at a news conference.

🤝 Villanova University has agreed to merge with Rosemont College, set to be complete in 2028. 'Nova's acquisition is the latest shakeup of the higher ed scene in the region.

✈️ Philadelphia International Airport received nearly $500,000 to fund the construction of new pedestrian walkaways between terminals, commercial buildings and plazas. (6ABC)

The Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies 6-1 in yesterday's home-opener at Citizens Bank Park.