Good morning, Erie.

Barnhart Transportation’s employee-led charity Barnhart Gives donated nearly $10,000 to Highmark Caring Place after a bowling tournament with over 140 bowlers held on April 3 to honor Brandie Bernatowicz + the funds will be used to remodel and add a sensory expression room.

International Recycling Group canceled plans for a $300 million plastics recycling plant on 25 acres at the former Hammermill site—citing a $182 million conditional loan not finalized and tariffs that raised costs—and said that insufficient funding and challenges in securing purchase agreements meant the planned plant, expected to convert 160,000 tons of plastics annually and create 300 jobs, will not be built.

Penn State Behrend researchers will attempt a Guinness World Record by watching 55 hours of comedy films in VR headsets during their open house at the Virtual/Augmented Reality Lab from April 5-7 at 5451 Merwin Lane.

Visitors can view the live stream and try headsets on April 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (donations will support lab projects).

Erie public schools’ new superintendent has begun visiting each school to hear from teachers and staff—more visits are planned to guide future changes in the district.

Natalyn Gibbs began work Tuesday as assistant to Superintendent Brian Polito by meeting with staff and students to build strong relationships and will take over as superintendent on July 1.

Gibbs, who served as a school executive in Nashville, is focused on heart work — listening and learning to guide the district's future.

Today, Mayor Schember holds his weekly news conference live—he will provide updates on local government issues for Erie residents.

Erie hired Design Workshop to create a 20-year plan to improve the city parks, with the firm paid up to $237,743 from ARP funds and a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant.

City officials said they will gather public input to set priorities for maintenance and future upgrades.

Erie City Council gave preliminary approval to amend an ordinance that would charge property owners up to $1,400 for letting trash pile up if they do not clean it up within 14 days after a warning—citywide sweeps on debris start in mid-April with a final vote scheduled for April 16. Council also approved changes to rental registration rules that could block licenses for landlords with outstanding trash fines.

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.

Windowsill Herb Garden Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — $35 — Grow your own indoor herb garden and elevate your cooking with fresh flavors.

The D'Angelo Concerto

4-7 p.m. — Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $85 — Experience a captivating performance by the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra.