Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 12, 2026 | 4:22 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, February 13, 2026

Happy Valentine’s Day weekend! I hope you have the chance to cherish and enjoy the relationships that make you feel valued and connected. Please note that my office will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of President’s Day, and will reopen at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, February 17.

Harrisburg Happenings

Protecting Journalists and a Free Press

Last week, I was proud to cast a vote to strengthen protections for journalists by shielding them from being forced to turn over confidential information or documents.

The role of journalists is more vital than ever. In an era when misinformation spreads rapidly and public trust is fragile; reporters are essential for holding powerful institutions accountable and keeping the public informed. This work relies on the ability to protect sources and gather information without fear of government interference.

This is an issue that should not be partisan. Protecting a free press is a fundamental democratic value and a shared constitutional responsibility. Alarmingly, not a single Republican supported this legislation.

That vote comes at a time when the journalism industry faces tremendous pressure, with shrinking or disappearing newsrooms and dwindling resources—even as the need for rigorous, independent reporting grows. Press freedom is vital to a healthy democracy, and I will continue to stand up for it.

Ice in Our Communities

Our community continues to be on high alert, due to an increase in nearby ICE sightings. Masked agents -- unaccountable to our communities and emboldened by reflexive, universal support from GOP federal officials -- are inflicting fear on our neighborhoods, destabilizing our workforce, and eroding trust in public institutions. Reports that the Trump administration has purchased warehouses in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township, with plans to convert them into detention centers, signals a dangerous escalation and the likelihood of more aggressive raids.

I am in contact with public officials at all levels of government as we mobilize every available tool to protect our communities from a federal government willing to break norms and stretch the boundaries of our policies, ordinances, and laws.

If you see something concerning, or you want to learn more about emergency response, training, volunteering or other ways to support our immigrant neighbors, I encourage you to connect with our local organizations: Casa San Jose, Frontline Dignity and JFCS. They offer a variety of resources for immigrants and information about how to support them. Check out their websites to learn more.

Community Events and Resources

Safe Sidewalks Crew Training
Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Virtual

Pittsburgh Walks is organizing volunteers to assess sidewalk quality across Pittsburgh and help the city identify where sidewalks need repair or new construction, prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility. The Safe Sidewalks Crew uses a mobile app to record sidewalk conditions, build community advocacy, and support infrastructure improvements for all walkers. Anyone can join — training will cover how to assess sidewalks and use the app.

Free event.

Carnegie Mellon Wind Ensemble
Saturday, Feb. 14 from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall

The Carnegie Mellon Wind Ensemble utilizes a flexible instrumentation of winds, brass, and percussion to perform repertoire from standard concert band works to contemporary compositions of various instrumental combinations.

Free event.

Learn more and register here.

Culture Fair
Sunday, Feb. 15 from 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | William Pitt Union

Join the University of Pittsburgh Asian Student alliance in celebrating the many diverse and culturally rich identities that exist across Asian and Pacific Islander diasporas. Culture Fair consists of several student performances, from Bollywood-style dancing to hula dancing to a taekwondo demonstration. The event also features a fashion show and guest performance by Hojean, a Korean American musical artist.

Free event.

Learn more here.

ACLL Presents: Unlocking Legal Answers – Westlaw 101
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Main branch, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Law Library is hosting a beginner-friendly session on Westlaw, a leading legal research database. Learn how to navigate Westlaw to find case law, statutes, and other reliable legal information—no prior legal experience needed.

Resume Basics Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Virtual

Jewish Family and Community Services is hosting a beginner-friendly Resume Basics workshop for job seekers. Learn how to build and refine a professional resume, including tips on formatting, using keywords, and highlighting your experience. This session is part of JFCS’s broader career services series, which includes workshops on networking, interviewing, and job search skills.

Community Climate Readiness Expo
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Community Empowerment Association, 7120 Kelly St.

UpstreamPgh and Neighborhood Allies are hosting a Community Climate Readiness Expo at the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood. This event brings together neighbors, local organizations, and agencies to share practical strategies for emergency preparedness, air quality monitoring, and climate resilience. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities and access resources to build preparedness skills for local climate impacts.

Meet the Moment Training
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 8:45 p.m. | Pitt Cathedral of Learning, room 232

Learn about the current immigration enforcement situation in our communities and how you can help.

Contact Casa San Jose here.

Webinar: 287(g) Agreements & Local Law Enforcement

Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 pm | Virtual

Join the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and ACLU Pennsylvania for a webinar on the legal issues surrounding local law enforcement cooperation agreements with ICE, known as 287(g) agreements, and what they mean for community advocacy. Speakers include Amy Widestrom, Executive Director of LWVPA, and Keith Armstrong, ACLU-PA Fellowship Attorney for Immigrants’ Rights.

Fish Fries of Pittsburgh

Fridays, Feb. 20- April 3 | Various Locations

Lent begins on Wednesday, which means that fish fry season is upon us! Keep an eye on this map to stay up to date on which churches, community groups and local restaurants are providing Friday offerings.

Summer 2026 PA House Fellowship Program Application Period
Deadline March 2 | Harrisburg, PA

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications. Established in 1982, the program places undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, and law students in leadership and committee offices, offering firsthand experience with state government and the legislative process. Fellows receive a stipend, participate in professional development sessions, and complete a final legislative project.

Learn more and apply here.