Good morning, Erie.

Volunteers from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and local residents replanted a community garden at the corner of East 6th and East Avenue to prepare it for summer—this plot is located across from the ECAT building and near heavy daily traffic.

Organizers said the new perennials will give the garden a fresh look that welcomes people coming into the city.

Waldameer's Steel Dragon roller coaster is delayed due to control panel upgrades and supply chain issues that postponed its planned early May reopening; park officials will provide an update on June 5 + expect the ride to open by July 4.

Defonta Butler, 31, is on trial today at the Erie County Courthouse for allegedly shooting and killing 40-year-old Jeffrey Johnson on an East 17th Street sidewalk in 2023—prosecutors will present video evidence and witness testimony that show he fled to Meadville before his arrest.

Erie Zoo’s Glow Wild Chinese lantern festival began in April and will run through June 15—featuring 60 handcrafted animal lanterns and cultural performances two nights a day.

The event is held Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. and officials expect larger crowds as school lets out.

An audit of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority found no financial discrepancies after reviewing two years of operations, though Erie County still owes over $538,000 in under-distributed state funds.

County Executive Brenton Davis said he does not plan to pay the amount, and the authority may seek legal action to recover the funds.

Karaleigh Landfried, a nine-year-old in Harborcreek Township, described her struggles with a rare lung disease—she is constantly short of breath and cannot join recess at school.

Erie County’s air quality index is expected to rise into the moderate zone today as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves closer to the ground—meteorologist David Marsalek said the levels will be milder than the unhealthy conditions seen in 2023, though residents sensitive to air pollution may be affected.

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.

Second Saturday at Erie Land Lighthouse

10 AM – 5 PM — Erie Land Lighthouse — Pay-what-you-wish — Enjoy tower climbs and engaging activities at the scenic lighthouse.

@Homekits DIY Workshop at We Rock the Spectrum

@Homekits DIY Workshop — 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio - Erie — Pre-registration required — Enjoy a fun DIY crafting session with gym time for kids.

Erie Apparel Dog Days

1-4 p.m. — Oliver's Beer Garden — Free entry — A pet-friendly summer celebration featuring fun activities for dogs and their owners.

BYObook Romantasy Annotation Release Party

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Romantasy readers come together for an evening of book annotation and creativity.

Book Signing With Amy Iketani

10 AM – 3 PM — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of Amy Iketani's romantic fiction sequel, Finding Home.