Good morning, Erie.

Nonprofit Edinboro Market has moved into a 3,450 square-foot building across the street from its original space—now offering a cafe, bakery, classroom area and soon a commercial kitchen.

The $1.3 million expansion was funded by federal grants, local initiatives and private donations and aims to serve as a community hub in a local food desert.

Mercyhurst students balance classes with creative side hustles — from sports broadcasting and online fashion to landscaping, photography and videography — as a weekly feature highlights how they turn passion into profit.

Proposed federal spending cuts may remove free school lunches for nearly 8,900 Erie County public school students by raising the eligibility threshold for the Community Eligibility Provision — a program that now provides meals to all students in eligible schools.

School officials warn that the change could force families to submit income proof and may lead to increased hunger and lower school performance.

The Erie-Western PA Port Authority will resume water taxi service in May as JettyLight LLC begins passenger trips linking downtown Erie to Presque Isle on May 23 — the service will use two Port-owned vessels that each carry 35 riders and accommodate bikes and strollers while local partners help boost access across the lakefront. Additional fare and scheduling details will be announced on the Port Authority website in May.

Erie County resettlement agencies lost federal funding in October 2024 and cut more than 20 jobs, putting local refugees and the economy at risk—refugees help support home ownership and business growth.

A rapid response team led by Infinite Erie will develop strategies and launch an emergency fund with groups like the Erie Community Foundation to stabilize services.

A House committee advanced Resolution 53 with a vote of 19 for and 7 against to start a study of renewable energy projects on Lake Erie.

Rep. Bob Merski of Erie said the study will look at hydropower, solar, and wind energy—gather feedback from local groups—to guide future decisions.

The City of Erie partnered with ErieBank to launch the Open Your Door program (which offers 100% LERTA tax abatement for 10 years and refunds acquisition costs) to reduce financial barriers for home ownership.

The program (providing financing assistance for owner-occupied builds) is expected to help local families build long-term wealth.

Dale Bildhauer, the head of Gannon University’s live-in custodian team, returned to work after battling colon cancer and other health issues+ he said he came back once he felt strong enough to resume his duties.

The Erie Otters will begin their best-of-seven OHL playoff series against the Saginaw Spirit on Thursday at the Dow Event Center.

The team faces Saginaw’s top scorer Michael Misa and will play without captain Carey Terrance and defenseman Matthew Schaefer—two key players sidelined by injury and Team Canada duties.

Goodwill Donation Drive

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mission Empower — Donations welcomed — Contribute gently used items to support local community initiatives.

Lou Gramm Concert

7-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience the classic sounds of Lou Gramm live in Erie.

Video Editing Certificate Course

Various times — Erie Institute of Technology — Check website for details — Gain expert-level skills in digital video editing and motion graphics with experienced instructors.

Room 33 Showcase

6-7:30 p.m. — Room 33 Speakeasy — Check event site for cost — Enjoy a night of laughter with comics from across the nation at the Flagship City Comedy Festival kickoff.

Seed Starting Workshop by Steph's Sprouts

6 p.m. — 814 Vintage Marketplace — Free entry — Learn the essentials of starting seeds for your garden in this hands-on workshop.

Black Monk Comedy Showcase

5-7 p.m. — Black Monk Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughter at this entertaining comedy showcase sponsored by the brewery.