Good morning, Erie.

Amid the government shutdown, local non-profits are filling the gap left by delayed SNAP benefits which will resume at half their usual amount—food pantries report a surge in visits and calls as families worry about having enough to eat.

Leaders urge donations and volunteer support to help meet the growing need.

The expERIEnce Children's Museum launched its first food-and-toy drive on November 3 and it will run until December 15 to help families in Erie by collecting non-perishable food items and new toys for local groups Second Harvest Food Bank and Taradoodles Toy Box.

Donors receive one complimentary admission pass for every five items donated and they can drop off donations at the museum on French Street.

Ryan Mudger, a 50-year-old veteran who moved to Erie about a year ago, took office on Nov.

1 as president of Local 506 at the Erie Wabtec plant following a special election—he joined GE Transportation in 2008 and is set to secure wages and benefits for the 1,400 union members he now leads.

Owners of Eastway Lanes (4110 Buffalo Road) said on social media that the bowling alley is for sale as the Lytle family nears retirement, but business will keep running as usual.

The alley opened in August 1961 (with 40 lanes, a pro shop and a restaurant and lounge) and will honor its legacy until a new owner is found.

Erie and Reading have set up City Revitalization and Improvement Zones to boost local tax income and pay for local projects—Erie’s zone has a $32 million baseline helped by a Fortune 500 firm while Reading’s starts at $3.5 million.

Officials said businesses will soon apply for funds and future projects may be supported by loans or bonds—this move is expected to spur local development.

Erie County residents see sharp increases on Pennie for 2026 health insurance rates as Congress did not extend extra tax credits, pushing some premiums up by 200%.

Greg Deemer from Bayfront Benefit Solutions said higher costs for drugs and claims may force people to choose cheaper plans with less coverage — a big worry for many.

The undefeated Fairview boys’ soccer team won 7-0 against Quaker Valley on Nov.

4 — with senior Jackson Chiocco scoring four goals — and advanced to the Class 2A quarterfinals set for Nov. 8.

Corry swept Waynesburg Central 26-24, 25-19, 25-19 and Maplewood swept Serra Catholic 25-17, 25-13, 25-18 in first-round PIAA girls volleyball games on Nov.

4, moving both teams into the quarterfinals. Corry will face Bald Eagle while Maplewood will play Frazier at sites and times to be determined.

Seneca Bobcats, District 10 champions, hosted Bishop Guilfoyle in the opening round of the PIAA Class 1A girls soccer tournament today.

The match brought together teams from District 10 and District 6 and will decide who advances next (the game was played at Seneca).

McDowell girls soccer beat Altoona in a PIAA subregional match.

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.