Good morning, Harrisburg.

Realtors in the Midstate held their 39th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in Enola on Friday morning and delivered 1,240 turkeys with gift cards so families in Cumberland County can buy side dishes—this year raised more funds than ever before.

Advent Partners merged with Northeastern Star Asset Management from Wormleysburg to expand financial planning services in Gettysburg, Camp Hill, and beyond.

The merger brings a team with over 75 years of combined experience—boosting resources and client support across the region.

The longtime Romano’s Macaroni Grill at 2531 Brindle Drive in Harrisburg closed its doors after 20 years of operation in Dauphin County—no reason was given for its closure; it was the only location in Pennsylvania, leaving 16 remaining nationwide.

Lancaster County high school teacher Nathan Campbell was named National Language Teacher of the Year by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages on November 21 in New Orleans.

He also received honors as the 2025 NECTFL Teacher of the Year and 2024 PMSLA Teacher of the Year and will serve as a national spokesperson for language education during his upcoming year of service.

HACC faculty voted to accept a new contract deal with the college after three years of talks—94% of the members approved the deal that ended the picket line on November 17.

The contract, ratified between November 18 and November 19 at 11:59 p.m., sets clear rules on discipline, protects faculty work, and provides partial backpay for past years without a raise.

On Thursday, Dauphin County CASA swore in its 13th class of court-appointed advocates to act as the court’s eyes and ears in the foster care system—bringing the volunteer count to 60 for 341 children and teens.

The new advocates will begin an eight-week training to fully support foster kids in the county.

Harrisburg is nearly done with upgrades at Wilson, 7th & Radnor and Gorgas, with work at Reservoir Park just beginning for a spray alley upgrade.

The city must spend all $13 million by Jan. 31 to get full grant funds—officials have received a 30-day extension after processing their first invoice.

Governor Josh Shapiro visited a Pennsylvania child care center to announce new recruitment and retention bonuses for workers.

The bonuses are meant to ease staffing shortages that have left many families without reliable care—officials say the incentives will help centers hire and keep staff.

A new Penn State study finds that 15 counties in central Pennsylvania show higher melanoma rates in adults over 50, and a 9% rise in herbicide-treated land is linked with a 14% increase in cases.

The study says UV exposure remains the main risk + outdoor workers should use sun protection and get regular skin checks.

WellSpan researchers are screening local volunteers for a national study to test ways to prevent memory loss.

The study uses tests and surveys to learn about risk factors — it may offer new hope in fighting dementia.

A multi-state outbreak of equine herpes virus forced the Pennsylvania Farm Show rodeo to cancel barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping during its summer series finals in Harrisburg while Bullride Mania continued bull riding as bulls cannot catch the virus — officials urged horse owners to watch their horses for signs of illness.

YAM YAM Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of YAM YAM inspired by 1970s music and New Orleans jazz.

Raulin Rodriguez Live Concert

8 PM — Kuora Bar & Lounge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Raulin Rodriguez for an unforgettable night.

December Open Mic Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Copper Pub and Grille — Free entry — Showcase your talents at a lively Open Mic Night featuring local musicians.

PA Christmas and Gift Show

9 AM – 5 PM — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — RSVP required — Enjoy a festive atmosphere featuring a Rescue Dog Fashion Show and various holiday gifts.

Consider the Source Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Abbey Bar at ABC — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sci-fi fusion sounds of Consider the Source.

Defiant Annual Toys For Tots Benefit Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Capital City Music Hall — Entry details not specified — Experience a lineup of local talent supporting a great cause for the community.

Pentatonix Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Giant Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the harmonious blend of pop and a cappella music by Pentatonix.

Figgy Pudding Jazz and Rock Concert

1-4 p.m. — Open Stage — Cost info not provided — Experience a lively mix of jazz and rock renditions of holiday classics with Tony Wayne and the band.

A Merry Rockin' Christmas Starring Michael Cavanaugh

7:30-9 p.m. — Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the charismatic Michael Cavanaugh live as he performs the classic American Rock & Roll Songbook.

Holiday Variety Show

The Strawberry Square Music Series Holiday Variety Show is a free event featuring an all-local lineup of music, theatre, comedy, dance, and magic, plus festive vendors and holiday gift wrapping. Happening Friday, Dec. 19 from 6–9 PM at the UPMC Stage in Strawberry Square, the event also includes a community coat drive supporting Coats in the Cart.