Good morning, Erie.

Former Bhutanese refugee Nanda Chuwan, resettled in Erie in 2009, works as finance coordinator at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) while studying for a DBA; his journey from Bhutan to a new beginning shows how survivors rebuild their lives.

Erie honored 40 local young leaders for their impact on the community — selected from hundreds of nominations by residents.

Nominations for the next 40 Under 40 class are now open online.

Mercyhurst recognized five community members – Gabrielle Catrabone, Tiffany Frits, Chris Mansour, Michelle Schrimper, and Jaslyne Walter – as Erie Reader’s 40 Under 40 honorees for their leadership and innovation in community service and industry.

The recognition highlights the growing local talent.

After the Revolutionary War, about 250 veterans moved to Erie when the state gave them land for their service, and Donation Road is named for these lands — local historian Carl Anderson III said many early records were lost in an 1823 courthouse fire.

The U.S. Brig Niagara returned to port in Erie after a $6.9 million restoration at Bristol Marine's Sample Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Locals gathered to welcome the historic ship into Presque Isle Bay on Thursday, July 2.

Pennsylvania is buying $500,000 in Concord grapes from 11 Erie County farmers after a major beverage maker canceled contracts earlier this year.

The funding lets the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System process 350 tons of grapes — enough to supply Feeding Pennsylvania food banks statewide.

Groupon offers discounts for family-friendly fun this Fourth of July weekend.

Erie residents can save on movie tickets, amusement park entries, and local attractions (including Chuck E. Cheese and Topgolf) available now on Groupon’s Things to Do section.

At 510 E. Gore Road in Millcreek Township, the Carmel of the Holy Family Monastery closed in 2020 and was demolished this year — ending its role as a local landmark.

The I-90s 90s Tribute Show

6-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — No Cover — Experience the best 90s rock and pop punk hits with Erie's own tribute band, The I-90s.

Summer Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Erie Land Lighthouse — Free admission — Enjoy a summer day with vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities supporting local education.

2026 Envision Blind Sports Summer Sports Camp

Sunday, Jul 12th – Saturday, Jul 18th — Penn State Behrend — Registration closed — Experience a week of sports for blind and visually impaired athletes age 7-18 while fostering independence and friendship.

Clutches for Crutches Benefit Run

11 AM – 5 PM — Zem Zem Shrine Club — $20 for bike or car — Participate in the 2nd Annual Charity Run and Car Show with new stops including local bars.

8 Great Tuesdays Community Concert Series

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Rebich Investments Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening filled with live music from local and regional bands.

Blooming at the Bookstore Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — Sign up required — Create your own seasonal vase arrangement with locally grown flowers while enjoying treats and great company.

Jackie Flynn Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Kellar's, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up comedy from Jackie Flynn.

Monthly Puzzle Swap

10 AM - 12 PM — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Swap gently used puzzles with fellow enthusiasts in a fun community event.

FRC Erie Summit 2026

8 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Bayfront Convention Center — Registration required — Explore the future of public sector cybersecurity with practical strategies and meaningful conversations.

Piff the Magic Dragon Live

7-10 p.m. — Kellar's, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical magic and comedy of Piff the Magic Dragon at this charming venue.