Good morning, Erie.

Today, the Erie Community Foundation announced over $2.7 million in grants for local projects—nearly $2.2 million went to 573 non-competing grants, $250,000 was allocated to an academic research center for Allegheny Health Network, and funding was directed to groups like St. Patrick’s Haven, which is preparing its shelter for winter and plans to replace damaged floors in the summer.

Stumpy's Hatchet House is launching a new splatter room experience at its Liberty Street location that lets customers throw paint on a canvas to relieve stress.

The attraction is set to open Nov. 1 and offers packages starting at $25 with protective gear provided—visitors are advised to wear old clothes.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson rejected a Harvard professor's claim that an interstellar object was alien technology when he spoke to 4,000 people at Bayfront Convention Center in Erie on Oct.29—he said the theory is clickbait and that the object poses no threat to Earth.

Park officials at Presque Isle State Park reminded parkgoers yesterday to slow for river otters that were seen crossing a park road.

They shared photos of the animals, which normally live in ponds, lagoons, and marshes, and said the 25 mph limit secures wildlife (including otters) in the park.

PennDOT said road crews in Erie began maintenance on snowplows early in October — all trucks were to be ready by the end of the month to handle icy roads, and extra positions for plow drivers and mechanics may open soon.

A federal government shutdown may stop November SNAP payments in Erie County, leaving over 48,000 residents worried about meeting their grocery needs.

Local food banks report a surge in calls and longer lines—Second Harvest Food Bank says it is using its own reserves to help feed those in need.

During the Millcreek Township supervisors' meeting on Oct.

28, the fire department swore in new captains — Matthew Flak, Gerald Hickin, and Ryan Kennedy — and approved a three‑year labor contract with Local 5492 that sets firefighter pay at $25.03 per hour while boosting staff to 30 full‑time and 14 part‑time members; a new police officer — Alexander Seib, a U.S. Air Force veteran — was also sworn in to support public safety.

Corry won its sixth District 10 Class 2A girls volleyball championship by sweeping Cathedral Prep 25-9, 25-16, 25-14 at Fort LeBoeuf High School on October 30; the undefeated Beavers — led by standout performers Grace Allen and Regan Kemp — will advance to the PIAA tournament on November 4.

The Cathedral Prep girls rallied with two late goals to beat Fort LeBoeuf 2-1 on Oct 30 while repeating as champions, and the Fairview boys later dominated Harbor Creek with a 4-0 win to claim their 14th District 10 title ahead of the PIAA playoffs on Nov 4.

General McLane and Oil City, both 8—1, will face off for the District 10 Class 4A football title at PennWest Edinboro tomorrow at 7 p.m.—General McLane has not lost since August while Oil City remains unbeaten since early September, adding extra significance to this rematch.

District 10 high school football playoffs start on Oct 31 with teams including Cambridge, Cochranton, Mercyhurst Prep, Seneca and Farrell competing in quarterfinal, semifinal and final matchups—each game offering teams a chance to advance.

Winners will face further contests on Nov 1 to decide the district champion.

The Maplewood Tigers won the Class 1A District 10 final on Oct.

30 with scores of 25 to 11, 25 to 15, 25 to 9 — while the Warren Dragons improved to an 18 to 0 record with a win over Fort LeBoeuf by scores of 25 to 19, 25 to 12, 25 to 16 that earned them a spot in the PIAA tournament.

The Music of Billy Joel Featuring Michael Cavanaugh

7:30 PM — Warner Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the acclaimed tribute to Billy Joel by Michael Cavanaugh, the voice handpicked by Joel himself.

Bartender Training Class

6-10 p.m. — SpringHill Suites by Marriott Erie — Costs vary — Gain practical experience and industry knowledge in a hands-on bartending training.

Passport To Paradise Travel Seminar

6-8 p.m. — Diver's World — Free entry — Explore exciting dive trips, travel tips, and exclusive gear deals at a new shop reveal.

Self-Care Workshop: Dry Brushing

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Park Coffee & Bread Co. — Workshop FREE; donations for Erie Cancer Wellness Center — Explore the benefits of dry brushing for skin, lymph, and energy in a hands-on session.

Get the Led Out - A Celebration of Led Zeppelin

7:30-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket price varies — Experience a remarkable tribute to rock legends Led Zeppelin with an unforgettable performance.

Bark Celebration 2025

6-9:30 p.m. — Concourse of Union Station Catering — $65/person — Celebrate all things dog with a buffet dinner, live music, and a gift auction.

Barrie Colts vs Erie Otters

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Don't miss the action as the Colts take on the Otters in this exciting hockey showdown.

Flicker // Fade Live Emo Night

5-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — 21+ only — Experience the best of Emo and Pop-Punk music live in Erie this Saturday night.

ERC Turkey Trot

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Presque Isle: Beach #1 — Registration required — Enjoy classic 5k and 10k races to burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner.

Erie Otters vs. Peterborough Petes

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Check FloHockey for streaming options — Catch the exciting matchup between the Erie Otters and Peterborough Petes live from Erie.