Good morning, Erie.

The county veterans' services office, City of Erie, Millcreek Township and the Kiwanis Club of Millcreek have joined forces to create Hometown Heroes banners honoring Erie County veterans.

The project celebrates local service and recognizes those who have served.

Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis will serve as the keynote speaker for the Manufacturer & Business Association's 121st Annual Event at Bayfront Convention Center on Oct.

7 in Erie - tickets for a table of 10 cost $2,500.

The 7th Annual VNET Tech Summit will be held Thursday, July 9 at Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, featuring Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Erie Insurance CEO Tim NeCastro and Huntress CEO Kyle Hanslovan as they discuss the future of AI, cybersecurity and business technology.

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 will stop in North East on June 9 at 11:30 a.m. near the Lake Shore Railway Museum for America's 250th, departing at 11:40 a.m.

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, with Councilmembers Harkins and Merski, announced an $850,000 grant to revitalize Flagship City Commons.

The grant will turn North Park Row's historic buildings into 40,000 sqft (affordable retail and office space) for a small business incubator in downtown Erie.

PennWest University announced two new senior leaders to drive academic and financial growth.

Kristy Bishop will serve as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs while Terri Albertson will work as CFO, with both set to start on July 1 (boosting efforts in academic innovation and student success).

Erie County announced America250PA, a summer series celebrating 250 years of history.

The lineup includes a free concert featuring The Fray on June 6 at the Erie Insurance Arena, a SeaWolves game on June 12, an arts festival on June 14 in Wattsburg, and a bayfront bash on August 21.

Erie doctor Dr. David Hutzel — a UPMC Hamot physician — said antibiotics are prescribed too often for viral illnesses like colds and flu.

Brian Fuller filled in as an umpire during an Erie SeaWolves game on May 27 when only two umpires were available—he cut his workday short from his school administrator job to live his lifelong baseball dream as he nears retirement and his 55th birthday.

The Erie SeaWolves will broadcast 15 games on Erie News Now+ starting tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. at UPMC Park when they host the Chesapeake Baysox.