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🌱 Patch AM: How six new Harrisburg-signed laws could affect your daily life

Coming up: Next Stop Comedy at Duke's Riverside Bar & Grille on the Harrisburg Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Morning Harrisburg! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How six new Harrisburg-signed laws could affect your daily life
  • Why a major rodeo pulled out of the 2026 PA Farm Show
  • How Harrisburg’s cathedral confronted a year of war and division

Also on today's calendar: Derek Avalon & Friends at Copper Pub.

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Much colder; afternoon sleet, with a high of 30 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, temps: high: 36, low: 26.
  • Sunday: Cloudy with afternoon rain, with a high of 39 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Six New Pennsylvania Laws Signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro (fcfreepresspa.com) — New state laws just signed in Harrisburg will change rules on unemployment for domestic violence survivors, DUI treatment options, vaping product sales, and even how quickly alcohol permits can be issued for funerals. They also clarify how vacancies on township boards are filled and approve a commemorative bell at the Capitol, shaping daily life and governance across Pennsylvania.
   

2. PA High School Rodeo Association backs out of 2026 Farm Show (abc27.com) — Harrisburg’s PA Farm Show will go on without the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association in 2026, after the group withdrew over concerns about equine herpesvirus. Farm Show organizers say they’ll maintain a full equine schedule, emphasize strict animal health protocols, and still host the First Frontier Circuit Rodeo January 15–17.
   

3. Christmas celebrated across Pennsylvania amidst divisive times (fox43.com) — Hundreds of worshipers filled the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick in Harrisburg on Christmas Eve, seeking hope and unity after a turbulent year. Harrisburg’s Bishop Timothy Senior and local parishioners reflected on war abroad, violence in Central Pennsylvania, and deep political divisions, urging compassion, cooperation, and a renewed focus on peace and empathy.
   

4. 21 proposed projects in Harrisburg, Hershey, Carlisle areas and beyond (pennlive.com) — Developers across the greater Harrisburg region have proposed new housing, schools, childcare centers, agricultural operations, and even a pool hall in recent months. The list spans Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties, outlining projects that could reshape neighborhoods and services over the coming years, though not all plans are guaranteed to move forward.
   

5. Pa. asks court to dismiss DOJ lawsuit seeking ‘unprecedented, illegal' access to voter info (pennlive.com) — Pennsylvania’s top election official, based in Harrisburg, is asking a court to toss a federal lawsuit demanding highly sensitive voter data like driver’s license and partial Social Security numbers. The state argues the DOJ is overreaching, violating voter privacy, and even filed the case in the wrong court, a fight that could shape how Pennsylvania protects election records going forward.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Roxie was LOST on December 24, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA 17103 near Regina St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Progress Ave)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Roxie was LOST on December 24, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA 17103 near Regina St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Progress Ave)
  • Tempers flared during a budget meeting on Tuesday as a Palmyra councilman and a fire chief traded barbs regarding the fire department's fundraising... (X: CBS21NEWS)
  • This holiday season, PA celebrates the power of community and economic growth. Every new job and thriving local business is a gift that strengthens... (X: PADCEDnews)
  • Burlington posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Harrisburg. Apply here.
  • Pennsylvania Staffing posted a job opening for Medical Receptionist in Harrisburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisburg here.

Ok Harrisburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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