Good morning, Erie.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners awarded $390,000 to two Erie startup companies—Sphere Brake Defense and Blind Tiger Spirit Free Cocktails—on May 6 to help them hire workers and grow their businesses.

Sphere Brake Defense will use $200,000 to hire three new employees and extend its military contract, while Blind Tiger Spirit Free Cocktails received $190,000 to expand its non-alcoholic beverage brand and boost its e-commerce sales.

Country music star Rodney Atkins drew a crowd at Liberty Park in Erie last night, performing hits like Take a Back Road and It’s America as part of the first concert held under the new agreement with the port authority—this debut event also marked the opening of the newly renamed Reebich Investments Amphitheater.

Mercyhurst nursing student Goma Kuikel, 21, balances first semester studies with weekend work as a patient care technician at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie to support her multi-generational family.

She plans to specialize in geriatric care to honor her mother’s legacy—while working to buy a home for her family.

Union City Area School District Foundation has been named this week’s winner of Loving Giving Local.

A proposed law in Pennsylvania may soon let local officials remove abandoned boats from waterways including those in Erie—if owners leave vessels behind and recovery costs exceed $2,500 they could face fines.

The bill sets clear definitions of abandoned boats and aims to speed up cleanups and reduce risks to public safety.

Erie City Council approved a resolution on May 7 to rename the 1000 block of West 30th Street 'Carter Starocci 5X Way' to honor the native wrestler who won five national NCAA titles at Penn State—he earned his fifth title in March with a 4-3 win over defending champion Parker Keckeisen—and the city will schedule a dedication ceremony later.

A judge denied a motion from Erie County and Gannon University to dismiss part of a lawsuit over leasing space at Blasco Library for a water research lab.

Keep Our Library Public now moves all claims forward for trial—alleging that Erie County Executive Brenton Davis violated county rules by signing an unfair lease.

Erie residents can honor Mother’s Day by choosing from outdoor hikes on local trails, joining 5K runs on May 10 or 11, visiting the Erie Zoo for special discounts, or attending local ballgames and art events.

Families may also explore garden markets, theater shows, and creative projects—offering many ways to celebrate the mother figure in their lives.

Festival of the Birds

Various times — Presque Isle State Park — Ticket required — Experience the wonders of spring migration with workshops, field trips, and expert-led birding activities.

Attorneys & Kids Together 5K Run/Walk

1:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Erie County — Charitable donations encouraged — Support Erie County students experiencing homelessness through a community-focused 5K event.

ACL Tear Diagnosis and Management – New Treatment Approaches

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Center for Arts and Technology — Free entry — Discover innovative approaches in ACL tear treatment from a leading orthopedic expert.

3rd Annual Weld Art Competition

6-9 p.m. — The 1020 Collective — Entry fee required — Showcase your welding talents and support scholarships while enjoying local artistry.

Show Me Reptiles Show

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Bayfront Convention Center — $10 General Admission; Kids 6 and under free — Dive into a scaly wonderland with reptiles and aquatic creatures galore.

Spring National M-WTCA Conference

June 4-7 — Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel — Registration available online — Attend informative sessions at this community-focused national conference.

Paint-n-Sip at U Pick 6 Tap House

6-8 p.m. — U Pick 6 Tap House — Cost varies — Unleash your inner artist with a fun evening of painting and sipping drinks.

90's Themed Immersive Pop-Up

8 p.m. — Room 33 Speakeasy — Tickets available — Experience a night of music and laughter as you step back into the vibrant era of the 90's with Tethered Immersive.