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Hey Harrisburg, hope your week’s off to a good start! Startups selling losses for cash, the Great American Outdoor Show, Élevé’s grand opening, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Turning losses into growth: At the Capitol, the Pa. House overwhelmingly approved Rep. Paul Friel’s bill letting startups sell net operating losses for cash. Co-sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Fritz, it is now before the Senate — read how the bill works.
Be there when it counts: The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is recruiting disaster volunteers in the Harrisburg area, with a virtual info session on February 12 for residents interested in helping after emergencies — see how to get involved.
Creative showcases across the region: February brings exhibits and tours around the Harrisburg area, from AACA Museum’s Mustang Then and Now to new shows at local galleries, Hershey Public Library, and the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion — check out the full lineup.
Reimagining a community gathering place: Élevé, a luxury event venue from friends Tina Hunter-Davis and Tiffiney Portee, is set to open at the former Cafe 1500 in Harrisburg, hosting weddings, receptions, birthdays, and business lunches — learn more about their vision.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Expanded credits boost refunds: Tax season is here and Pennsylvania is offering a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit worth up to $805, expected to reach about 940,000 filers. The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Credit has tripled. The state filing deadline is April 15, with a free PA-40 online filing option available. Get all the details.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Going out, made easier: HBGVIBE, a new AI-powered platform from Harrisburg entrepreneur Adam Brackbill, has launched to help you explore local spots. It builds personalized itineraries with a chatbot named Guy, lets you share favorites, plan meetups, and links to transit and rideshare apps while promoting all businesses without pay-to-play. Get all the details.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Make some noise: Whether your kid needs a first clarinet, you’re hunting fresh strings for a weekend gig, or that aging keyboard needs TLC, Menchey Music has rentals, lessons, repairs, and rows of sheet music. Everything to keep your home soundtrack rolling this week.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Pho that hits home: If your week needs a reset, Pho Kim’s serves deeply savory broth, tender noodles, and bright herbs that make everything feel easier. This low-key, family-owned favorite gives locals comfort without the fuss, a warm bowl when you want calm, flavor, and a seat that feels familiar.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🏞 Great American Outdoor Show @ Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center | Tuesday (2/10) at 10:00 AM – Nothing cures cabin fever like wandering acres of boats, bows, and dreams at the Great American Outdoor Show. It is your excuse to talk turkey calls, book a bucket-list hunt, let the kids cast in a trout pond, and test camp chairs like a pro.
🧘 Tots Yoga 2026 @ commUNITY yoga space | Thursday (2/12) at 9:15 AM – At commUNITY Yoga Space, tiny humans enjoy movement, songs, and big stretches while you get credit for bonding, breathing, and not stepping on a stray Goldfish. Tots Yoga welcomes crawlers to age two with a parent for 45 minutes. First class is free, passes available.
🤝 2026 Great Decisions Opening Session: China and the US @ Cooper Student Center | Thursday (2/12) at 6:00 PM – Swap yelling at the TV for the Great Decisions kickoff, a moderated dive into U.S. and China relations at HACC’s Cooper Center. WACH just got back from China, so expect fresh insight, fewer hot takes, and real talk on tariffs and Taiwan.
This weekend
🏃 Cupid’s Chase 5K @ City Island Park Railroad | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Grab your sneakers and join Cupid’s Chase 5K in Harrisburg, a Valentine-leaning run that trades crowded brunches for fresh air, neighbors, and a decent excuse to nap later. It’s low pressure, high spirits, and yes, coffee tastes better after 3.1 miles.
🎉 6th Annual Black Cultural Festival @ Carlisle Expo Center | Saturday (2/14) at 11:00 AM – Whether you show up for the grooves or the good eats, the 6th Annual Black Cultural Festival at Carlisle Expo brings live music, dance, and authentic cuisine in one lively lap of community pride. Come hungry, stay curious, leave with stories, maybe a new recipe.
🎤 Howard University Gospel Choir @ Arts on the Square | Sunday (2/15) at 4:00 PM – Nothing beats goosebumps in a gorgeous sanctuary, and the Howard University Gospel Choir delivers. World-class voices filling Market Square Presbyterian, rich harmonies, and the kind of energy that makes even Presbyterians sway. Bring the kids, the neighbors, and your inside voice, tickets start at $10.
🎺 Live Mariachi Valentines @ Fiesta Mexico | Sunday (2/15) at 5:30 PM – Valentine’s Weekend calls for something better than another overpriced prix fixe. Head to Fiesta Mexico in Harrisburg for live mariachi, strong margaritas, and the kind of chips-and-salsa romance that actually lasts. Bring your Valentine, your bestie, or your finely tuned side-eye.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Harrisburg report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 38°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 11%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 2 to 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 38°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 7%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 3.5-bath luxury townhome, built in 2023, blends traditional styling with modern ease across 2,660 finished square feet. Sunlit, open living connects to a private patio, and a partially finished basement offers flexible bonus space. Community perks include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, party room, and walking paths, with HOA care covering lawn, snow, and common-area maintenance.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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