Good morning, Harrisburg.

Family, friends, and firefighters gathered Friday to honor Penbrook Borough fire chief Steven Murphy Jr., who died unexpectedly last week at his home.

He led the fire department for over 20 years and oversaw improvements, including a new Pierce fire engine and station renovations.

Business developer Bony Dawood has asked Hampden Township to rezone eight parcels from Residential Country to Commercial Park Limited for a specialty retail center near I-81 after 15 years of effort; neighbors oppose the plan over safety concerns and the hearing will continue on Aug. 27.

Governor Shapiro announced this week that The Wenger Group acquired Plainville Farms in New Oxford with state funding to support 690 full-time jobs + 93 independent family farms and over 300 local vendors, ensuring that the largest organic turkey producer east of the Mississippi remains operational.

More than 70 local musicians from community bands + neighboring groups will perform at the 38th Annual Grand Sousa Concert tomorrow at the Carlisle Theater, honoring composer John Philip Sousa.

The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. following a group rehearsal earlier that day.

The Silver Academy moved to Beth El Temple from its old center (half a mile away) and is preparing for fall classes; it will open half-day sessions on the 25th and full days on the 26th for 60 students with a preschool program launching in August.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced that Ole Bull and Tuscarora State Parks have joined the national Old-Growth Forest Network this week — they are now the 44th and 45th designated forests in the state.

Shapiro’s campaign released its first negative ad yesterday targeting challenger Stacy Garrity as '100% MAGA' — the 30-second spot featured conservative host John Fredericks and state Sen. Doug Mastriano while polls show Shapiro leading in the governor’s race ahead of the November election.

PMI (Property Management Incorporated) says Forum Place on Walnut Street remains safe during emergency repairs that include shoring and concrete fixes for the parking area.

Repairs will adjust temporary supports while state offices continue operating under licensed engineer oversight.

Neighbors have watched the condemned home at 426 Kelker Street fall apart since 2016 and are hopeful its sale on Tuesday will prompt cleanup; the new owner will face a 30-day permit process to restore the property.

The String Cheese Incident Live

7:00 – 8:45 PM — Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Experience an evening with pioneers of live music and innovative band culture.