Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Harrisburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Chris Werner, owner of HMAC, started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover lost wages for employees after the venue closed amid back-tax disputes with the city. Negotiations over reopening are ongoing, and the fundraiser has raised over $1,000 of its $4,000 goal. Local 21 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Johnson & Johnson will invest $1 billion to build a new cell therapy manufacturing facility in Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County that is expected to create over 500 jobs by 2038. The project reinforces Pennsylvania's growing life sciences industry by helping to retain nearly 6000 full time jobs statewide. Central Penn Business Journal
- ➤ Brad Reese, the grandson of the Reese’s inventor, said on LinkedIn that Hershey is replacing authentic ingredients by using compound coatings and peanut butter‑style crème instead of milk chocolate + peanut butter. Hershey defended the recipe adjustments, saying they maintain the brand’s classic taste. CBS News Philadelphia
- ➤ Lumanti Banquet and Catering, a Bhutanese-owned catering company, opened its doors in Dauphin County this weekend. The business said it aims to unite diverse communities & boost the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local vendors. Local 21 News
- ➤ Brad Reese (70) criticized Hershey for replacing key ingredients in Reese's products in a Feb. 14 letter, saying the trusted recipe is compromised. Hershey said yesterday it continues to use its signature milk chocolate and peanut butter while testing innovations to meet consumer demand. WGAL
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Black sororities and fraternities, known as the Divine Nine, have fought for civil rights and higher education since their founding at Howard University in the early 1900s (a legacy that inspires community leadership today). They are celebrated during Black History Month as community stories air from across the Susquehanna Valley. WGAL
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Capital Region Water started a manhole replacement project at the intersection of 7th and Maclay Streets that will run through March 6. FOX43
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pennsylvania is facing its worst avian flu outbreak since the 1980s as Governor Shapiro deployed extra resources to help poultry farmers. A team of over 40 USDA workers and a new response unit are boosting testing and biosecurity measures in Lancaster County — efforts aimed at slowing the virus's spread. WGAL
- ➤ Choice Consulting (a certified small business) opened its first dedicated office in Harrisburg yesterday (at 845 Sir Thomas Court on Londonderry Road near Shores Veterinary Emergency Center) to boost Medicaid managed care quality and access, with Campbell Commercial Partners brokering the lease and Jessica Gasper representing the landlord. Central Penn Business Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hershey Bears overcame a 2-0 deficit as Ivan Miroshnichenko scored twice and assisted to spark a three-goal third period at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Feb. 18. Goaltender Clay Stevenson recorded 39 saves in a 3-2 win. FOX43
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Elevation Worship Concert
7-9 p.m. — Giant Center — Tickets from $105 — Experience an uplifting evening of worship music with Elevation Worship.
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Pennsylvania RV Supershow
11 AM-5 PM — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — Tickets for adults, kids 16 and under free — Explore the latest RV models and enjoy family-friendly entertainment at this premier showcase.
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PA Home + Garden Show
12-8 p.m. — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — $10 parking, promo code available — Explore innovative home improvement solutions and gardening trends with experts.
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Ballyhoo! with Artikal Sound System
7-8:30 p.m. — XL Live — Last-minute tickets available — Experience energetic reggae vibes with Ballyhoo! and Artikal Sound System.
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Permitting Without Pain: Part 1
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Capital Union Building — $225 members, $525 non-members — Explore permitting best practices and compliance in a comprehensive workshop with DEP experts.
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Herbal Alchemy Exploration
6-7 p.m. — Agape Elixir Bar — Free samples included — An evening of magical herbal explorations awaits.
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Keystone Nationals Indoor Truck & Tractor Pull
March 19-21 — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — Check event page for pricing — Experience the excitement of top trucks and tractors competing in a thrilling indoor setting.
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78th Annual Zembo Shrine Circus
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Zembo Shrine Auditorium — Free parking — Experience thrilling G-Rated entertainment perfect for the whole family at the 78th Annual Zembo Shrine Circus.
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