Good morning, Erie.

Gregory D. Hall, the new CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, said the organization will face a funding gap when federal aid—including Local Food Purchase Assistance that buys fresh food from local farmers—expires on June 30 amid rising food demand in its 11-county area, and he said the food bank will seek new sources to continue serving local neighbors.

Mercyhurst Athletics will launch Laker Lager—a 4.5% ABV beer brewed by John Russell Brewing Company—at The Roost on Friday, April 11 at 4 p.m. The lager will also be served at local spots including Cornerstone Bar and Grill, John Russell Brewing Company, and Parkhurst Concessions at Mercyhurst events.

IRG cancelled its planned $300 million plastics recycling facility in Erie on April 3 due to uncertainty about a $182.6 million federal loan from the U.S. Department of Energy+the project was dropped despite strong local support.

The cancellation reflects shifting federal priorities+poses future challenges for local economic growth.

Erie High construction trades students have begun building a tiny home on the north side alley to be donated to Community Shelter Services for families facing a housing crisis, and they will complete the project in about two years.

The project includes a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two sleeping lofts (built with support from over 30 local construction companies).

Mercyhurst University senior Matthew Leach was nominated for the ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll for his strong civic engagement, including volunteering at weekly voter registration events and working on Election Day.

The 48-year-old veteran plans to earn his master’s and work with veterans in Erie after he graduates this spring.

Mike Carroll and Brian McNulty from PennDOT announced that over 100 road, bridge, and multimodal projects valued over $215 million will happen in the Erie region this year—projects that aim to improve traffic flow and public safety.

LECOM Medical Center has unveiled a 34,000-square-foot expansion at 5515 Peach St. that cost $30 million to build and $15 million to furnish.

The new addition will feature an emergency department with private treatment rooms, a catheterization lab, a six-bed ICU and a 14-bed medical-surgical unit and will open its emergency department on April 16 (with current ER, ICU and medical-surgical spaces set to be repurposed).

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.