Good morning, Erie.

On Monday, Fit Plus of Erie held its Turkey Squat workout where members completed 1,000 squats by donating a frozen turkey or money to support the Erie Housing Authority at its downtown headquarters, and 100 turkeys were given away Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.—the event marked its second year.

Caden Anantarow of Erie's Best Holiday Lights Facebook group is planning a driving map event called the Trail of Lights that will go live on Nov.

28 and feature homes with holiday displays on the west side of Erie County. Residents can join by sending a clear photo and address of their decorated home to the Facebook group — donations will be collected for local charities.

The Downtown d’Lights event will return to Perry Square on Dec.

5 at 5 p.m.—organizers said the event will be moved to Dec. 12 if heavy snow delays festivities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by trolley as a 30-foot artificial tree is lit, the free ice rink opens, and local vendors along with toy and coat drives join in the holiday celebration.

Tuesday, Mercy Center for Women held a turkey distribution at Mercy Anchor Community Center, giving out turkeys, flat bread, fruits, milk and apple pie to pre-registered families facing benefit cuts — project coordinator Andrea Coleman said the annual event has eased food hardships since MACC Food Pantry opened in 2023.

An axolotl, a rare salamander from Mexico, was found in Walnut Creek and brought to Buzz N’ B’s Aquarium & Pet Shop where an employee treated it for a severe fungal infection but it died.

The pet shop owner said that releasing nonnative animals can harm local wildlife — urging anyone who finds an unusual creature to seek help from experts.

Today, Mayor Joe Schember announced that 39 small businesses in Erie have received over $141,000 in Flagship Fund microgrants — funds that combine matching city interest with an extra $100,000 from Commonwealth support and the MSM Program — to help local owners grow.

Since 2018, the program has supported 198 businesses and leveraged over $1 million in small business investment.

Local veterinarian Dr. Ben Orozco performed a surgery on Harley, a cat that swallowed a needle while playing with thread when her owner’s husband was sewing (Tuesday morning), and the procedure was successful.

A GoFundMe raised over $2,000 in less than 24 hours (helping cover the cost), so Harley is now at home recovering.

AAA, PennDOT, and local police are urging Erie residents to plan ahead for holiday travel by designating a sober driver, as the day before Thanksgiving is known for heavy drinking.

The Millcreek Police Department is boosting DUI patrols to prevent crashes—measures that follow nearly 1,200 drug- and alcohol-related accidents reported last season.

Pennsylvania asked for federal funds to support a $1B plan to boost rural health care—focusing on new technology, more health workers, better care for mothers, emergency services and older adults—and awaits the federal decision by year end.

California resident Stacey Frost has purchased 13 properties in North East since 2021—ranging from a 422-acre farm and historic buildings to a vacant bank—as part of her think tank Urban Re:Vision's plan to revitalize the grape-farming community by working with local residents and business owners on a sustainable future.

Zillow released a report showing that 51.25% of homes in northwest Pennsylvania lost value in the past 12 months, with Erie home values falling by 22.3% while Meadville, Warren and Oil City saw steeper declines.

The report compares these figures to 2024’s smaller drops and notes that only 4.1% of U.S. homes have sold for less than their last sale price—pointing to varied impacts on regional home values.

Women at Mercyhurst powered the football team's move to Division I by fixing travel issues, booking hotels, and handling last-minute snack runs—tasks that kept the program on track.

Director Mackenzie Bardol and her team solved challenges on road trips—ensuring players remained ready despite setbacks.

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.

Brantford Bulldogs vs Erie Otters

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Streaming available — Catch the action as the Bulldogs face off against the Otters in this exciting hockey match.

North Bay Battalion vs Erie Otters

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Check local listings — Watch the North Bay Battalion battle against the Erie Otters on the ice.

Holiday Joy Paint & Sip

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery Tasting Room — $35 per ticket — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine in a festive atmosphere.

Erie Otters vs. Flint Firebirds

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Watch the exciting clash as the Erie Otters take on the Flint Firebirds live at the arena.