Good morning, Erie.

Waterford native Joshua Vantassel (a 2021 Fort LeBoeuf graduate) serves as a gunner’s mate on USS Theodore Roosevelt in San Diego, highlighting his hometown’s values in global service.

Erie Reader Book Club met on May 13 to offer a relaxed setting for community book discussions led by Edwina Capozziello, who described the event as inviting and fun.

Local writer Edwina Capozziello is trying a book club format to spark community discussion, with details coming from the organizing venue (Blasco Memorial Library).

Her experiment reflects a broader push to bring new cultural opportunities to Erie.

The Erie Art Museum has moved the 'Eternal Vigilance' sculpture to the right of the historic stairs as part of a month-long upgrade to preserve the steps and boost accessibility.

The sculpture will return to the middle once the ADA-compliant railing is installed.

Jefferson Educational Society will host 16 summer programs across four Erie County locations from June through July, including sessions on leadership, wellness, history, and local economic progress.

The series aims to spur community engagement and local prosperity.

Beginning the 2026-27 school year, Erie students may bring personal electronic devices but must store non-school ones during classes after the School Board approved a bell-to-bell ban at its May 13 meeting (a measure to keep classrooms focused).

School-issued tablets and laptops remain available.

United Way of Erie County has a new president who is shifting its focus from general fundraising to a data-driven approach that addresses educational inequalities locally.

The organization will expand its Community School Model, Imagination Library, and 211 Helpline to support students and families.

Erie's Harding Elementary School will keep its name while the library at 820 Lincoln Ave is designated for former student Col. John Boyd — a Korean War pilot — after the Erie School Board approved a resolution May 13.

The Erie School Board approved a revised dress code on May 14 that will require formal attire (black, khaki, or navy skirts, skorts, or dress-style pants paired with collared shirts) for the 2026-27 school year, and poll voting is open until May 19 at noon.

Presque Isle State Park did not receive federal money for sand replenishment in 2025 and 2026 and now funding for 2027 looks unlikely.

State funds will start beach work mid- to late June but may not cover all erosion risks.

Senators Fetterman & McCormick sent letters urging DHS to release nearly $600 million in COVID-19 reimbursements, and FEMA released the funds on May 13th, 2026 to help Pennsylvania hospitals facing financial strain.

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.