Good morning, Harrisburg.

Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren visited the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area last week during his Hershey show—he played with adoptable dogs and helped raise awareness about the shelter's mission.

UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing will offer a 32-month part-time nursing program starting in January in Harrisburg (applications close Oct.

1) so students can balance class work with clinical rotations at local facilities.

Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced over $25M in grants to 14 community colleges for campus upgrades, with Harrisburg Area Community College set to receive $1.1M for cooling tower and heat pump replacements at its Rose Lehrman Arts Center and Public Safety Training Center (upgrades for safety).

On Friday, Sept. 18, Nigeria’s minister of education visited Harrisburg University to explore STEM partnerships with Nigerian institutions.

He toured the campus labs in downtown Harrisburg and discussed joint degree programs and research opportunities (including robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing).

Forestry official Ryan Reed said the state’s forests are set for a vibrant fall season as summer storms refilled water supplies — though some southeastern areas still face early drought; weekly foliage updates begin on Oct.

1. Nearby parks offer easy views of the changing leaves.

Lower Paxton Township and Susquehanna Township have secured a $1.2M PennDOT grant to upgrade 12 intersections along the Route 39 corridor with an adaptive traffic signal system (which includes camera technology that collects anonymous data).

Installation begins this month with testing by mid-October and full operation by year-end.

Demolition began at the former William Penn High School on Monday as crews worked between rain showers; the Harrisburg School Board voted in February to tear down the vacant building (damaged by vandalism and a 2023 arson).

Pennsylvania received $32 million in federal funds to expand its electric vehicle charging network, opening the 50th station in the Harrisburg area this month with 38 more in progress—public input shaped placements to ensure a charger every 50 miles along the interstate.

Pennsylvania's insurance department approved nearly 16% premium increases for ACA plans on Pennie in 2027 due to rising healthcare costs and reduced federal support; more than 400,000 (Pennsylvanians) will face higher out-of-pocket rates.

Pennsylvanians using the ACA marketplace will see nearly 16% higher premiums in 2027 after the Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved rate increases to address rising health care costs (with plans set to adjust between 1.4% and 33.4%).

Consumers should review coverage options as tax credits remain available for some.

Central Pa gyms offer diverse workout options to suit busy schedules, including men’s pickup basketball at LA Fitness in Camp Hill and 24-hour training at PA Iron Gym in Lower Paxton Township (offering unique equipment), with outdoor sessions at City Island and women-focused classes at FLY Fitness in Harrisburg.