Good morning, Erie.

Erie residents submitted over 1,100 ideas and cast more than 86,000 votes in the Ideas for Change program — affordable rental housing emerged as the phase 2 focus.

Change.org will convene a group of roughly 100 residents for a dialogue on housing challenges.

Boba and Batter opened a new dessert and beverage shop in downtown Erie, and residents can join the ribbon cutting today at 1:00 p.m. at 427 State Street.

The shop held a soft opening on July 18, offers boba teas, crepes, waffles, and will launch delivery service later this week.

Target, Walmart and Home Depot offer fast local delivery and pickup that may beat Amazon in speed and cost for Erie shoppers.

Customers can enjoy quick service when ordering from these retailers.

Victory Cruise Lines picked Erie as a cruise destination for 2028, announced on July 21 by Shelly Hartfield—its vice president of destinations.

AAA East Central reports that gas prices in Western Pennsylvania rose to $4.26 per gallon today while the national average hit $4.00 after a week of increases linked to instability near the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude oil prices also gained as domestic supply fell and demand held steady.

More than a dozen high school students are taking part in a weeklong environmental science camp (July 19-24) at Gannon University that offers hands-on research of Lake Erie’s coastal ecosystems.

Funded by state and local support, the program aims to remove financial barriers and inspire future environmental researchers.

Erie residents can trim tree limbs that cross property lines from their own yards, but must not encroach on a neighbor's land.

Tree removal beyond limbs requires a permit from the City of Erie Urban Forest Committee, and failure to secure one may lead to fines (up to $300) or possible jail time.

Erie County Department of Health has noted a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, and Erin Mrenak (its director) advises residents to follow safety tips and avoid the gastrointestinal illness.

A series of photos documents the history of kidney transplants at UPMC Hamot, highlighting patient-donor moments from 2018 through recent years and showing key surgeries and donations that shaped the transplant program (located at 300 State St.).

Erie Golf Club remains idle nearly two years after Illinois resident Charles R.

Van Eekeren bought it in December, as no plans for revitalization have been announced.

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.

Piff the Magic Dragon Comedy Show

6-8:30 p.m. — Kellar's, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club — $35-$45 — Experience the comedic magic of Piff the Magic Dragon and his Chihuahua sidekick.

Old Crow Medicine Show Concert

5:30-7 p.m. — Rebich Investments Amphitheater & Liberty Park — All Ages — Enjoy an evening of lively music with Old Crow Medicine Show in a beautiful outdoor setting.

8 Great Tuesdays Concert Series

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Rebich Investments Amphitheater & Liberty Park — Free entry — Enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional bands in a beautiful park setting.