Good morning, Harrisburg.

During National Consumer Protection Week, local officials urge residents to stay alert to utility scams that pressure consumers with urgent calls, threats of service interruption, and requests for prepaid payments.

PPL noted that nearly 200 scam attempts were reported in the first two months in south central Pennsylvania's 717 area code.

Tuesday afternoon, a fire on the 600 block (South Second Street) in Steelton displaced eight residents, forced evacuations of nearby homes, and left extensive damage on an older building with multiple apartments while the Red Cross assisted those affected.

Harrisburg’s 9th annual Ice & Fire Festival runs this Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. downtown at City Island, Italian Lake, and Reservoir Park.

Officials will light 60 ice sculptures at 5 p.m. and host live carvings, carriage rides, food trucks, with street closures in effect.

Gas prices in the Pennsylvania region increased overnight on March 3 with the state average reaching $3.20 per gallon as experts linked the surge to supply concerns from the Strait of Hormuz.

Similar gains were seen in New Jersey and Delaware as market conditions shifted.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported an 11.64% rise in gaming revenue during January as record online casino earnings pushed total revenue to $590,644,755 plus tax revenue to $249,969,629.

The agency regulates slot machines, table games, iGaming, sports wagering, and video gaming terminals.

A new international study by Harrisburg University and the University of Padua examined how 618 children develop executive and semantic flexibility by switching between tasks and meanings.

The research released on March 3 shows flexible thinking may help shape early learning strategies (and guide future education efforts).

A public survey on downtown Harrisburg’s future is open after being promoted at a council meeting on Feb.

24, drawing over 2,500 responses from both residents and regional visitors, and city officials + local partners plan to use the feedback to guide revitalization efforts.

Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said Pennsylvania’s General Fund revenue dipped in February but year-to-date collections remain nearly $400 million above expectations; sales and corporate taxes underperformed while personal income, inheritance, and non-tax revenue exceeded forecasts — setting a positive outlook as key tax deadlines approach later this month.

The Pennsylvania State Department of Human Services revoked the license of the Steelton youth center (LYFE) after finding neglect, unsanitary conditions, and other dangers on Feb.

17. The state is now working with courts and agencies to find alternate housing for residents.

James Mitchell, 65, is rebuilding his strength at UPMC Cardiac Rehab in Mechanicsburg after a heart transplant and lengthy hospital stay.

He credits the program for his recovery, with research showing it lowers future heart risks by at least 30%.

PA Home + Garden Show

12-8 p.m. — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — $10 parking, promo code available — Explore innovative home improvement solutions and gardening trends with experts.

Ballyhoo! with Artikal Sound System

7-8:30 p.m. — XL Live — Last-minute tickets available — Experience energetic reggae vibes with Ballyhoo! and Artikal Sound System.

Permitting Without Pain: Part 1

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Capital Union Building — $225 members, $525 non-members — Explore permitting best practices and compliance in a comprehensive workshop with DEP experts.

Herbal Alchemy Exploration

6-7 p.m. — Agape Elixir Bar — Free samples included — An evening of magical herbal explorations awaits.

Keystone Nationals Indoor Truck & Tractor Pull

March 19-21 — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — Check event page for pricing — Experience the excitement of top trucks and tractors competing in a thrilling indoor setting.

78th Annual Zembo Shrine Circus

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Zembo Shrine Auditorium — Free parking — Experience thrilling G-Rated entertainment perfect for the whole family at the 78th Annual Zembo Shrine Circus.

AI in Sales Symposium II: From Hype to Revenue

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM — Capital Union Building (CUB) — Free entry — Explore how AI transforms sales from hype to real execution and revenue impact.

Nirvana Tribute Experience: Nirvani

8-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Ticket required — Experience the sounds and vibes of Nirvana with a tribute performance that will take you back to the 90s.

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country

8-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Tickets starting at $62 — Experience an unforgettable night of Cosmic Country music with Daniel Donato.