Good morning, Harrisburg.

Families in Harrisburg can kick off the new year by making positivity jars with 4-4-4 notes, spending 30 minutes outdoors playing creative sports with thrifted equipment, and volunteering with Caitlin’s Smiles to assemble craft kits for hospitalized children.

Editor Lawrance Binda reviews ten top Harrisburg news stories of 2025, uncovering both progress and challenges.

The annual look covers new affordable housing, restored local landmarks, and transit disruptions (including I-83 expansion) as parts of a mixed bag that keeps the city evolving.

Harrisburg shoppers and store owners say access to fresh food varies across the city.

Downtown residents and those without cars face long walks to markets, and community leaders are working with officials and realtors to bring a local grocery store to serve walkers and ease access challenges.

January starts slowly for live music, with upcoming shows including Damn Tall Buildings at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York on Jan.

17, Lez Zeppelin at Capital City Music Hall on Jan. 23, and Tom Hamilton hitting XL Live on Jan. 29 after his album release on Jan. 23.

Al-Huda School bought the 69,000 sqft former Jewish Community Center building (3301 N.

Front St.) for $1.1M on Dec. 24 and plans to use it as its new campus. The sale ended nearly 70 years of the Jewish Federation's use of the site.

Harrisburg officials said the city will rebuild the collapsed brick wall at Broad Street Market after it fell during construction on Dec.

15; engineers are finalizing a soil stabilization plan for the remaining sections, and work, which began this fall, is expected to continue until spring.

John Dattilo, a Penn State professor emeritus, explained how engaging in hobbies and connecting with others can lower loneliness and boost health in Harrisburg.

He recommended activities like reading or hiking (which promote focus) to help residents feel more connected and well.

The USDA recalled 2,855 pounds of ground beef sold by Mountain West Food Group over possible E. coli O26 contamination in packages distributed in Pennsylvania and five other states.

Consumers are urged to discard or return any affected product.

After bundling up and heading outdoors, families can enjoy local parks, trails, and animal track viewing.

Wildwood Park (behind HACC’s campus) and other sites offer winter hikes and indoor programs to support mental health.

Cycling experts at Holmes Cycling and Fitness in Camp Hill and InGear Cycling and Fitness in Hummelstown offer winter biking tips today, advising riders to wear layers, reduce tire pressure for better traction, and plan rides on rail trails to stay safe on icy surfaces.

The former Jewish Community Center at 3301 N.

Front St was sold for $1.1 million to Al-Huda School, which will move its pre-kindergarten classes into the 69,000 sqft facility (including a gymnasium and auditorium) from its old Lower Allen Township location.

Noah and Hannah Snyder renovated a historic 3,000 sqft tower home at 401 S.

Market St. in Mechanicsburg into Market Street Manor for short-term stays, blending preserved features with modern touches + they welcomed their first guests in October.

Eaglemania - A Tribute to The Eagles

8-11 p.m. — Carlisle Theatre — Cost info not specified — Experience the world’s greatest Eagles tribute performance featuring remarkable harmonies and hits.

Megan and Dave's Sing-Along Night

6-9 p.m. — Copper Pub and Grille — Free entry — Enjoy a high-energy night of your favorite sing-along covers with Megan and Dave.