Good morning, Harrisburg.

On Wednesday, Broad Street Market Alliance board members met in the back room of the Historic Harrisburg Association building; only seven attended so no votes were taken and discussions centered on general market updates + the need for committed participation to revitalize the market.

Customers will see higher bills after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a $74.9 million rate increase for Pennsylvania American Water.

Rates increased by 4.75% for water and 14.17% for wastewater—changes that took effect on Aug. 13 to fund $1.2 billion in local infrastructure projects.

School choice advocates urged Gov. Shapiro to join a federal tax credit for private, charter, or religious schools that gives families a tax credit and requires Pennsylvania to decide by year-end for a program set to start in 2027 (broadening education options).

On Aug. 13, Harrisburg University celebrated its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship expansion during a Friends and Family Meet and Greet that saw over 30 founders, leaders and officials share success stories, and the center will soon launch Side Hustle School (a 7-week program for families) with registration now open.

Sen. Scott Martin proposed a resolution to designate Aug.

17 through Aug. 23 as Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week to help families learn about online safety measures. The week will be the state’s first effort focused on protecting children from emerging digital threats.

Beginning Sept. 1, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will end its deputy game warden program that supported 155 full-time wardens for 123 years, and 145 deputies must return state-issued gear by Oct.

1.

Small business owners and skill game advocates rallied Thursday at Progress Fire on Short Street in Susquehanna Township to support a bill that would prevent a statewide ban + impose a $500 monthly fee per machine, potentially generating $300 million in taxes in its first year.

Harrisburg developers fear affordable housing projects may stall this year as the city’s tax abatement program (LERTA) remains in limbo after the school district opted out; city officials have circulated a draft for review to update the rules.

Veolia Water said customers can trust the water despite its discoloration, which may persist for 48 hours.

Residents are advised to continue using tap water as usual while improvements are underway.

Measles cases in Pennsylvania have reached 258 this year, with most in Lancaster County and nearby areas.

Local school officials today are urging timely vaccinations for kindergartners (key to herd immunity) as classes are set to start.

Luna Italian Cuisine opened August 12 at Susquehanna Union Green in Susquehanna Township.

The two-story restaurant features multiple dining areas with a mezzanine for private events and serves traditional Italian dishes with ingredients imported from Italy.