Local News

• 🏡 Central PA Housing Market Buzzes With More Homes, More Balance
  Central PA’s real estate scene is heating up, with more listings and buyers drawn by Harrisburg’s affordability, job growth, and fresh housing options. While Dauphin County saw a dip, surrounding counties posted gains, hinting at a more balanced summer market. (WGAL)
• 🏃‍♂️ Fugitive Goes Full Parkour in Williamsport
  Williamsport police chased a fugitive across Cherry Street rooftops in a dramatic scene that ended with the suspect leaping from a roof and getting caught. He's now being treated at UPMC Williamsport—definitely not a Mission: Impossible outcome. (Patch.com)
• 🎉 Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Celebrates Big Milestones on Nasdaq

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet rang the Nasdaq bell Tuesday to mark 10 years as a public company, its 600th store opening, and expansion into its 34th state. CEO Eric van der Valk and team celebrated in Times Square as the “good stuff cheap” brand continues rapid national growth. (PennLive)

• 💸 Harrisburg University Pumps $274.5M Into PA Economy
  A new AICUP report finds Harrisburg University delivers a $274.5 million annual impact in Pennsylvania, supporting 2,200+ jobs and generating nearly $22M in tax revenue. With expanding programs in tech and healthcare, HU is fueling statewide growth and innovation. (Read more)
• 🎓 PA State Schools Break Tuition Freeze After 7 Years
  For the first time since 2018, students at Pennsylvania’s 10 state-owned universities will see tuition rise $139 per semester in 2025-26, unless lawmakers approve extra funding that could lead to rebates. Officials say rates would be much higher if they kept up with inflation, but this modest bump helps buy time and flexibility. (Post-Gazette)
• 🎓 PASSHE Sets 2025-26 Tuition—But Might Roll It Back
  PASSHE has approved a $278 tuition hike for 2025-26, but if the state delivers a 6.5% funding boost, the increase could be partially or fully reversed before classes begin. This unique “wait and see” approach still keeps PASSHE as PA’s most affordable four-year college option. (LVB.com)
• 💸 Weis Markets Declares $0.34 Quarterly Dividend
  Weis Markets just announced a $0.34 per share quarterly dividend, payable August 11 to shareholders on record by July 28. The nearly 200-store Mid-Atlantic grocery staple has been serving customers since 1912. (PR Newswire)
• 🎓 PA State Universities Say: Tuition May Jump $278—Unless Harrisburg Delivers Extra $40M
  For the first time in eight years, Pennsylvania’s 10 state universities may hike tuition by $278 unless lawmakers approve an extra $40 million in funding—meaning students' bills depend on last-minute budget negotiations. If the funding comes through, the increase could be rolled back or even disappear. (WPSU)
• 🏙️ Senior Living Apartments Coming to Downtown Harrisburg
  A former office building at 112 Market St. will soon become 39 independent living apartments for active adults, with features like river views, community lounges, and even a pet washing area. Harristown Enterprises, Garden Spot Communities, and Select Capital just kicked off the $10M project, aiming to open next year. (TheBurg News)
• 🛑 PA House OKs Click-to-Cancel Subscriptions as Feds Fumble
  Pennsylvania’s House passed two bills to make canceling online subscriptions easier—requiring simple online cancellation and pre-renewal notifications—even as federal efforts stalled in court. If approved by the Senate and Governor, PA will join other states in giving consumers more control over recurring charges. (PennLive)
• 🌲 Weaber Lumber to Lay Off 145 in Lebanon County
  Weaber Inc., an 80-year-old hardwood giant in Lebanon County, will lay off 145 employees this August as the housing slowdown and high mortgage rates force the company to “rightsize” and retrain affected workers. (ABC27)
• 🛒 Pennsylvania Eyes Sales Tax Overhaul—Could Everyday Prices Jump?
  Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering ending sales tax exemptions on goods like candy bars, newspapers, and even college meal plans as they search for new revenue to address a projected $24 billion budget deficit. If the plan moves forward, expect prices on many everyday items to rise. (The Daily Item)
• 🌱 Pennsylvania Weighs Legal Weed—But Will Small Biz Get a Real Shot?

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are considering multiple bills to legalize recreational cannabis, but there’s fierce debate over whether small businesses and those harmed by the war on drugs will really benefit. Equity proposals are on the table, but advocates warn high costs and corporate influence could leave Main Street behind. (News From The States)

• 📝 Pa. State Budget Stalls, Details Scarce Amid Major Cuts
  Nearly two weeks past the deadline, state lawmakers in Harrisburg aren’t revealing much as negotiations drag on over public funding—with a new federal law threatening major Medicaid cuts that could impact 310,000 Pennsylvanians. The Senate is on 24-hour call, but no clear plan is in sight. (WITF)