Good morning, Erie.

North East Marina is open under new local control as the North East Marina Community Authority took over on July 9—repairs to the damaged seawall are underway with one dock kept closed—and boat launch, restaurant, bait shop and repair services continue to operate.

On Friday night, rescue crews (including the Coast Guard) searched Lake Erie near Kelso Beach after a kayak with two people tipped over; one person was rescued at 5:35 p.m. and crews continue to search for the other.

On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released its June report showing the unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 point to 4%—making it the 26th month the rate has stayed below the national average of 4.1%.

The report also noted nonfarm jobs increased by 4,200 to a record high while overall employment dropped 7,000 and the number of job seekers fell by 5,000.

Federal funding for Erie's public broadcaster WQLN was cut by $1.2 million on July 18—representing 40% of its annual budget—and forces the station to explore creative solutions to continue serving the community.

CEO Cindy Spizarny said she is working to minimize the impact as the decision follows Congress’s broader cuts to public broadcasting funds.

UPMC Hamot reported net patient revenue increased by $104 million in fiscal 2024, turning a negative margin into a 7.88% positive one.

All Erie hospitals saw a rise in uncompensated care—an issue that officials fear will worsen if Medicaid cuts begin in 2026.

Today the Erie Moon Mammoths—a rebranding of the SeaWolves with help from HBO’s Last Week Tonight—play at UPMC Park, 110 E.

10th St at 6:05 p.m. Fans will see themed food, special merchandise and heightened security as the team plays its first promotional game.

Mike Wehler resigned as head wrestling coach at Mercyhurst after 18 years on March 11th because Division I coaching did not suit him—he began working as assistant director of athletics at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on July 14th.

He said the change lets him focus on mentoring athletes and balancing family time—marking the end of his era at Mercyhurst and the start of a new chapter in college athletics.

UPMC Park in Erie is preparing to host the Erie Moon Mammoths baseball game as the Erie SeaWolves are temporarily rebranded; over 6,000 tickets have been sold and merchandise has seen 8,000 pre-orders.

Local businesses, like Oliver’s Rooftop—renamed John Oliver’s—and Pulako’s Chocolates with mammoth-themed treats, will join the festivities while stadium staff will later set up new signage and inflatable decorations.

Over 60 student athletes from as far as Cincinnati will attend Lake Effect Hockey's fifth annual elite skills camp at Mercyhurst University's ice center this weekend—kids aged 9 to 15 will get high-level training, play in round robin tournaments, and work one-on-one with Stanley Cup champion Tyler Kennedy. Each participant will also receive gift bags, jerseys, and championship medals.

Presque Isle Half Marathon

6:45-10:00 a.m. — Presque Isle: Beach #1 — Registration Required — Experience a scenic half marathon along Lake Erie with a race shirt and refreshments.

Virtual Q&A with Author Audrey Ingram

6:30 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Engage in an interactive virtual discussion with author Audrey Ingram about her book, The Summer We Ran.

Lake Erie Cyclefest

Thu, Jul 24 – Sun, Jul 27 — Perry Square Park, Erie, PA — Check website for entry fee — An all-cycling weekend showcasing Erie’s stunning landscapes on safe routes.

PokeKon Fest - Erie, PA 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center Across from Casino — $23.18 — An all-day celebration of all things Pokemon in Erie, perfect for trainers of all levels.

Nate Bargatze Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Tickets starting at $132 — Experience laughter with Nate Bargatze's signature stand-up comedy style.

Erie District Amateur Championship

Aug 8-10 — The Kahkwa Club — Registration required — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play event for male golfers in Erie.

Reyburn Jr. Sailing Banquet

6-9 p.m. — Erie Yacht Club — Celebrate the 2025 Reyburn Jr. Sailing Season with fellow enthusiasts.