Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 9th of December.
Good morning, Harrisburg.
🏘️ Community
On Sunday afternoon, an electrical fire destroyed half of the Lower Windsor Township trailer home of Amber Ritter and her son Brayden (losing two pets) while neighbors and Riverside Subs rallied to donate essentials and find foster homes for their surviving cats.
Santa D is collecting new, unwrapped toys (aiming to exceed 13,000 donations) on the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge from Dec.
8 to Dec. 12 for children in York and Lancaster Counties as part of the annual 96.1 SOX Toys for Tots campaign.
96.1 SOX is hosting its 11th toy drive with Santa D collecting donations on the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge for kids in need in Lancaster and York counties.
The drive ends Friday, Dec. 12 and aims for 13,000 toys after raising over $31,000 on Monday.
🚧 Accidents
A GoFundMe has been launched to support a family of eight (three adults and five children) who lost their home in a fire on Dec.
4 in Windsor Borough, and officials confirmed that four occupants had safely evacuated.
🎭 Culture
The PA Dairymen’s Association announced a patriotic milkshake flight with strawberry, vanilla, and raspberry flavors for the 2026 Farm Show (Jan.
10 to 17) to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. It will also hold pop ups in Camp Hill, Harrisburg, and Mechanicsburg on Dec. 12 through Dec. 14.
📰 Economy
Harrisburg saw its average gas price drop 5.6 cents per gallon to $3.10 as of Monday, based on a survey of 241 stations by GasBuddy.
The reduction is sharper than the national trend and comes amid multi-year lows that may continue into the new year.
🎓 Education
High school art students painted snow plow blades with a life-saving message from PennDOT.
The contest (theme: Don't race. Allow some space) encourages safe driving, and local voters can cast their vote through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Madeline Loring, a 4th grade teacher from Jefferson-Morgan School District in Greene County, was named the 2026 PA Teacher of the Year by Gov. Shapiro and state leaders in an announcement recognizing her excellence in education.
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology began its national search for a new president on December 8; the Search Committee, with RPA Inc., will guide candidate visits and discussions through spring to strengthen its STEM programs.
🏛️ Government
State Rep. Sean Dougherty (a Pennsylvania lawmaker) plans to propose legislation requiring student-athletes to wear soft-shell helmet covers during football practices and games to lower the risk of concussions.
The bill has not yet been introduced but is aimed at protecting young players on the field.
🏥 Health
Wegmans has issued a recall for its unsalted Deluxe Mixed Nuts after routine testing flagged salmonella in raw pistachios.
The recalled products sold at Wegmans locations in PA from Nov. 3 through Dec. 1 should be returned for a refund.
🎉 Harrisburg Events
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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.
National Christmas Center Train Ride
5-8 p.m. — Stone Gables Estate — Check website for pricing — Experience a festive train ride featuring the Snow Princess and Queen in a winter wonderland setting.
New Year's Eve Celebration
3-8:30 p.m. — Hershey's Chocolate World — Free entry with pre-registration — Celebrate with a DJ and HERSHEY'S Characters at a festive countdown.
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