Daily
Harrisburg
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Harrisburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Harrisburg began Child Abuse Prevention Month on Wednesday when PA Family Support Alliance volunteers planted over 4,700 blue flags and 60 black flags along the banks of the Susquehanna River and State Street to honor child abuse victims from 2024 (the ninth annual display). WGAL
- ➤ Religious leaders gathered on Wednesday at the governor’s residence ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Passover arson attack. Governor Shapiro emphasized community support and announced plans to expand funding for security improvements at faith sites. FOX43
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Crews responded to a mountain fire near Whiskey Springs Road on Monday afternoon in Cumberland County; 35+7 responders helped contain the 3.5-acre blaze by 4:30 p.m. while roads were shut down and expected to reopen Monday evening. FOX43
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hershey confirmed that its Reese's Cups remain made with milk chocolate and peanut butter despite Bloomberg claims of a recipe change — a guided tour of its Derry Township facility showed that the classic process stays the same. Local 21 News
- ➤ Hershey will return to classic recipes for all Reese’s products next year after Brad Reese, the founder's grandson, criticized the dilution of quality. The company also will update other sweets, including Kit-Kat, and increase R&D funding as part of efforts meeting consumer demand. FOX43
- ➤ Hershey will update chocolate in a small portion of Reese's and Hershey's products to use classic milk and dark chocolate while keeping core recipes unchanged — in 2027 it will also improve Kit Kat's creaminess and remove artificial colors from all items, affecting less than 3% of Reese's offerings. WGAL
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Vandals damaged benches, playground rubber coating and dozens of plants at a park on Seventh and Radnor streets between Monday and Tuesday — officials said repairs are underway and charges will be filed once the suspect is identified in this park, one of four undergoing a $13 million renovation grant. WGAL
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers in Harrisburg are proposing a study of the Keystone Exams as graduation measures after House Bill 1752 (a proposal to amend the Public School Code) was tabled last week. The study will explore if switching to the SAT or ACT could save nearly $4 million. Local 21 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Watts Township officials scheduled a May board meeting to discuss a draft data center ordinance after a crowded Wednesday night meeting forced the session outdoors at the Watts-Buffalo Community Center. Some residents worry the proposal limits community input (while a few say it could boost emergency services funding). FOX43
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey announced a $3M donation to support pediatric cancer research by advancing clinical trials at the Beat Childhood Cancer Consortium. The funding will strengthen hospital partnerships worldwide. Central Penn Business Journal
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ M28 Ministry acquired a four-unit apartment complex in Lower Allen Township to create Esther’s House for men & women in recovery. Using a $416,098 HOME Funding award, they will renovate the building and plan to welcome residents by summer. Central Penn Business Journal
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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.
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Colebrook Road Album Release Celebration
7-11 p.m. — The Farmhouse at Englewood Hershey — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate the release of Colebrook Road's latest album with a night of remarkable bluegrass music.
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The Four Horsemen - Tribute to Metallica
8:00-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Tickets available — Experience the thunderous tribute to Metallica with precise riffs and high-energy performances.
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Plants & Pints Festival
1-5 p.m. — Strawberry Square — $20.00 — Celebrate community spirit with food and drink at this culinary festival.
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Dave Matthews Tribute Band
8:30-10:30 p.m. — XL Live — Tickets vary — Celebrate the music of the Dave Matthews Band in a nostalgic 90’s atmosphere.
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The Weeknd Night Dance Party
8-11 p.m. — Capital City Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant beats of The Weeknd at this exciting dance party for adults.
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Singer's Lounge
6-10 p.m. — Capital City Music Hall — $35 VIP, $30 Reserved Seating — Celebrate a decade of R&B and Soul with local artists at this lively showcase.
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Spring Student Entrepreneur Showcase
11 AM - 2 PM — Capital Union Building (CUB) — Free entry — Explore innovative student-run business ventures and enjoy a taco bar while networking.
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Railroad Earth Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — XL Live — Cost info unavailable — Experience a captivating performance by Railroad Earth in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Pink Talking Fish Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — XL Live — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fusion of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish!
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