Good morning, Erie.

Erie City Council passed a resolution dedicating East Third Street (from French to Holland streets) in honor of Fred Rush, recognizing his lasting contributions to the local community.

On Friday, May 8, operators attempted to retrieve the 6,000-hp G Tug Hawaii from Lake Erie using a 272-ft crane, but it detached — bounced off the dock — and resubmerged, leaving Great Lakes Towing with no set schedule for its recovery.

Erie's Avanti's restaurant, a longtime breakfast & lunch fixture, was sold on May 6 to Jasmine Almeida who plans to add dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays while keeping menu staples like pierogies, eggs benedict, and corned beef hash.

In 2004, Erie County hosted the LeapFrog public art project, which unveiled frog sculptures at community locations such as Union Station and Gannon University (a project that involved local artists and school groups celebrating Leap Day) and archived photos highlight its creative community spirit.

The Erie Philharmonic held its season finale on May 7 at the Warner Theatre with an expanded orchestra, three vocal soloists, youth singers, and the Phil Chorus performing Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem and John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen in tribute to fallen soldiers.

Federal data from 2024 showed that Pennsylvania spent $21,091 per student—the 12th-highest rate nationwide and about $3,500 above the national average—while many Northeast states spent more, with New York reaching $31,918 per pupil.

State leaders have begun a multiyear effort to close a $4.5 billion funding gap among districts.

Erie's Summer of Reading program will launch this summer as citywide literacy initiatives invite residents to join reading events and workshops aimed at sparking a love for writing and storytelling.

Officials report that event details and schedules are forthcoming (check upcoming notices).

Millcreek Township (ZIP code 16506) has five single-family homes listed for $280,000 or less today.

Listings in West Lake and near McDowell High School offer features like updated flooring, fireplaces and fenced backyards, with most prices ranging between $250,000 and $350,000.

Felines & Wines Fundraiser

12-4 p.m. — Erie Zoo — Ticketed event — Sample local wines while supporting big cat conservation and enjoying live music and animal training demos.