Good morning, Harrisburg.

This Saturday, Dec. 13, volunteers will place wreaths on headstones of fallen service members at Fort Indiantown Gap and other sites.

The event is part of Wreaths Across America Day to honor local heroes.

Yesterday, officials from the Pennsylvania DUI Association held a DUI Victims Remembrance Ceremony in Harrisburg to honor names in the memorial garden and on the remembrance tree, and they urged drivers planning holiday outings to act responsibly to prevent further tragedies.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry reported that unemployment edged up to 4.1% in September—the 29th consecutive month below the national rate of 4.4%—while nonfarm jobs hit record highs and the civilian labor force grew slightly.

Data from the Pennsylvania-based Building Performance Association showed energy efficiency jobs grew 4.63% in 2024, employing 76,289 people and outpacing the national 4% rise.

The report highlighted strong demand in metro areas (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, and Harrisburg-Carlisle) and noted median wages were 20% above average (reflecting industry strength).

Penn State faculty members filed to form a union with the Penn State Faculty Alliance on Dec.

10 in Harrisburg (the largest public sector union campaign in decades) to represent thousands of full- and part-time faculty. The alliance hopes to hold an election soon.

Central Pa. maternity care was recognized by U.S. News + World Report, with Milton S.

Hershey Medical Center earning a 2026 High Performing award and UPMC and WellSpan hospitals noted for excellence based on measures like C-section rates and newborn complications in a survey of 900 hospitals.

Officials report that several horses in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties tested positive for equine herpes virus that is unrelated to the recent outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has not decided whether horses can safely participate in the Farm Show starting Jan. 10 in Harrisburg.

Local health officials reported a rise in flu cases and emergency visits due to a mutated strain.

They advise residents to get vaccinated and practice hygiene measures to stay safe (especially the young and seniors).

Milton Hershey School’s development plan for 250 homes, retail spaces, and community areas was approved by Derry Township on Thursday between Waltonville and Bullfrog Valley Roads.

Construction will begin as early as summer 2026 — a key milestone in adding the largest new housing inventory in more than 30 years.

Harrisburg University’s HU Storm Varsity VALORANT Team is preparing for the in-person LAN tournament in Akron from Dec.

13–14 after a strong 6-1 season, led by head coach Iyen Raju (project management graduate). The team aims to advance against top collegiate competitors.

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.