Good morning, Erie.

On Friday, community members lined up at the Mercy Center for Women's food pantry at Mercy Anchor Community Center, 1012 East 28th Street to get free groceries.

The pantry is held twice a week—on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon—to help people prepare for the loss of SNAP benefits next month.

Today, SNAP benefits are not being issued due to a federal government shutdown and local groups have stepped in to help residents get food.

TOPS Friendly Markets has launched its Food for Families program—via donation options and reduced prices on essentials while Erie City Mission offers free breakfast and lunch.

SNAP benefits expire at midnight on Saturday and the St. Martin Center says the number of families using its food pantry has doubled—putting a strain on supplies and prompting the center to warn it may ration food while asking for donations and volunteers at 1701 Parade Street Monday to Thursday from 3 to 4 and Friday from 9 to 3:30.

On Oct 31, Splash Lagoon hosted its first Spook and Splash indoor event where families dressed in costumes received free candy and prizes—interactive crafts and pumpkin painting added extra fun for everyone.

Jake Rouch, who served as vice president for economic development at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership since 2002, is no longer with the group.

Chamber CEO Brandon Mendoza confirmed his departure on Oct. 30 + said resources remain secure.

A second Wingstop will soon open in Erie County at 5043 Peach St. in Millcreek—while the Harborcreek location at 4474 Buffalo Road received its permit on Aug 8 and the Millcreek site permit was issued on Oct 17, with opening dates still unclear.

Edward Fisher, an Erie native, is stranded in Negril after arriving on vacation two weeks ago as Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28, killing at least 19 people on the island and 31 in Haiti — he said local hotels are sheltering him while power and cell service remain down.

Today, the Fish and Boating Commission announced that everyone on a small boat 16 feet or less such as a kayak, canoe or paddleboard must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly and is in good condition to help lower boating fatalities in cold water.

The delay in passing Pennsylvania's state budget has increased financial risk for Erie School District, which now operates on just 30% of its usual funds.

Officials warned that if a budget is not approved by the end of this calendar year, they will have to borrow money and may reduce services such as school-provided meals.

Lake City Borough announced Friday morning that the boil water advisory has been lifted after emergency repairs restored proper water pressure in the lines—water tests confirmed the water is safe to use.

The District 10 football playoffs are underway with 19 teams in the running—McDowell was named the Class 6A champion after Erie High opted out.

Four games start tonight at 7 p.m.—reporters Jeff Uveino and Mike Copper will update scores from their respective matchups.

Fort LeBoeuf overcame early turnovers to beat Corry 29-12 on Oct.

31, marking its second District 10 playoff win since 1990+ the team built its lead with three strong quarters.

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.