Good morning, Harrisburg.

Hampden Township Parks and Recreation hosted its annual park movie on Friday, October 3 at Hampden Park — screening The Wild Robot with free admission and food and drink available — and it advised attendees to bring a chair or blanket.

Michael Eskridge runs Community Empowerment Services in Cumberland County to help formerly incarcerated people get housing, counseling, and other support.

Since starting in July 2024, the program has served 52 people and now supports 26 individuals — his work builds key community partnerships.

A dry fall has forced local orchards to irrigate fields so that sweet corn can germinate—John Strite noted that extra water was needed for his crops.

Karen Paulus said the dry weather makes peaches sweeter and reduces fungus for apples and pumpkins.

Bella Sicilia Bakery and Deli opened on September 30 at 79 Erford Road in Camp Hill — it offers handmade pastries, 12 gelato flavors, and a full sandwich menu — and serves customers daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

USA Today released its list of the top 10 theme park Halloween events and nearly half of the nominees are from Pennsylvania.

Hallo-Fun at Knoebels in Elysburg took the top spot — while Hersheypark, Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park and Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood also ranked high.

Earlier today, HACC faculty voted to authorize a strike after rejecting a contract proposal that offered only a 9% salary increase and no raise in three years—this vote gives the union the right to call a strike at any time under Pennsylvania Act 195.

Two negotiation meetings are scheduled for October 6 and October 28 to work toward a new agreement.

At least 10 Pennsylvania lawmakers including Rep. Scott Perry say they will refuse their pay during the federal government shutdown that began earlier this week while many federal workers remain unpaid.

They support a bill to suspend congressional salaries until Congress reaches an appropriations agreement—ensuring lawmakers share the shutdown's impact.

Federal workers in Pennsylvania did not get paid after the shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday—furloughed employees lost income while those on emergency duties kept working.

Officials say retroactive pay will come once funding returns and some agencies have planned future layoffs.

Today, Pennsylvania’s child abuse registry places people on the list for suspected abuse without a chance to defend themselves, a system that has harmed individuals like Renee who lost her job after a dental delay for her autistic son.

Bipartisan lawmakers are proposing a tier system to reduce the registry’s impact on background checks while a lawsuit challenges the practice—raising questions about fairness and due process.

Pumsucculent Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Fort Hunter Mansion and Park — Pre-registration required — Create cute succulent pumpkins for fall decor.

The Four Horsemen - Tribute to Metallica

8:00-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Tickets available — Experience the only album-quality tribute to Metallica with The Four Horsemen.

Low Cut Connie Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience the energetic vibes of Low Cut Connie at this rock and pop concert.

Team Night at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — $10.00 — Compete for prizes while enjoying thrilling equestrian competitions featuring top riders and horses.

2025 Pennsylvania National Horse Show - Saturday Pass

6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — $25 — Watch top equestrian athletes compete in the thrilling $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.

Here Come The Mummies

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Ticketed entry — Experience the quirky Mummfest Tour featuring the energetic sound of Here Come The Mummies.

Megan and Dave's Sing-Along Night

6-10 p.m. — Copper Pub and Grille — No cover — Enjoy high-energy sing-along covers of your favorite songs with Megan and Dave.

FAFSA Filing Event

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Olmsted Building — Free entry — Maximize your financial aid opportunities by completing your FAFSA in under 20 minutes.