Good morning, Harrisburg.

On Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg released a statement after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney left 11 dead and 29 injured during Chanukah, and it said the community will stay on full alert — working to secure safety at local celebrations.

A fire on the first block of North 18th Street on Friday evening damaged both sides of a duplex and displaced 12 adults and 7 children (crews arrived around 5:30 p.m. with no injuries reported while the Red Cross assisted those affected).

The celebrated advocate Theo Braddy spoke at a Capital Blue Cross event in 2023, highlighting how employees with disabilities boost workplace creativity and productivity.

He urged employers to improve inclusion by offering training, supporting local groups, and talking with employees (a step toward a more diverse work culture).

Governor’s Residence was restored and lit for the holidays during the Historic Harrisburg Association’s 52nd Candlelight House Tour on Sunday; the iconic home (attacked by firebombing in April) displayed festive decor and dancing children.

Ten soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment were honored during a deployment ceremony on Saturday at the Keystone Conference Center in Lebanon County, as families saw them off before they leave for a year-long assignment with U.S. Special Operations Command Europe in Germany.

Packers' star Micah Parsons, a former Harrisburg High standout, got a non-contact knee injury in the third quarter during the game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec.

14 in Denver. Trainers helped him off the field and teammates offered support.

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.