PHOTO
BLACK HISTORY
They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. Feb. 11 at 7:00 PM Free, at Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie, PA
Strong Roots. Empowered Community. Healthy Baby. Speaker: Tica N. Nickson, Coordinator: Bobbie Colt. February 16 @ 10:30 am at Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy. "Tica's story is the creation of BirthRoot Community Doula"
Erie's Underground Railroad Station February 18 at12:00pm Blasco Memorial Library, Erie PA.Kevin Johnson will present his research on finding Erie's Lost Underground Railroad Station.
"Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts" by Dr. Armendia P. Dixon. March 8 at 1:30pm, Stone United Methodist Church. 956 South Main St, Meadville, PA 814-282-0634 armendia.dixon1@gmail.com
Hero: The Boy from Troy March 11 at 10AM Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY "A new musical about young John Lewis" . Grades Pre 3-8. Reserve seats 716.484.7070 youthseries@reglenna.com
Jonathan Eig at CHQ June 26 at CHQ Hall of Philosophy "Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.—and the first to include recently declassified FBI files."
A Few Amens for St James A.M.E (Liz Allen / Erie Reader) "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years"
Recently digitized Journal of Erie Studies, Spring 1994 Vol 23 No. 1 has nine articles on local Black history: "The Pontiacs: Black Baseball to Remember" Larry Wayne Moore.(pp 3-14); "Digging Up Bones: African-Americans in Erie County 1800-1830” Karen James, Sarah S. Thompson (pp 15-30); "Erie, PA Since the Kerner Commission Report,1967-1994” Fred O. Rush, Jr. (pp.31-46); "History of the NAACP, Erie Branch, 1918-1979” Larry W. Moore (pp.47-59); “African-Americans in the United States Navy, War of 1812” Gerard T. Althof (pp.60-81);“Earl E. Lawrence: A Profile" "Introduction: Sarah S. Thompson (pp.82-83), “Earl E. Lawrence...He Knew the Score,1881-1969,” Johnny C. Johnson (pp.84-91), “The Basis for Creation of the Spirituals” Earl E. Lawrence (pp.92-98); "100 Years of Black Business in Erie PA: A Pictorial Essay" Sarah S. Thompson (99-115). View online at link https://journals.psu.edu/eriestudies/issue/view/49
ARTS & READS
Allegheny College International Film Festival (Meadville Tribune via Y!Entertainment) Five-week run at 7 p.m. Thursdays Jan 30-Feb. 27. at The Movies at Meadville in Vernon Township. Each film in the series features a language taught at Allegheny with this year’s lineup having American Sign Language, Arabic, French, Spanish and German. Presented free to the public by Allegheny’s Department of World Languages & Cultures in conjunction with The Movies at Meadville.
9 to 5: The Musical Feb 20-24 Mercyhurst University Erie PA. Musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Paula Poundstone at Asbury Hall in Buffalo March 8
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at CHQ Monday, August 4 @ 10:45am
CRITTER LAW
PA: New Pa. law protecting pets from domestic abuse (The Keystone) Amends PA Protection from Abuse Act by giving judges the power to direct defendants from possessing, abusing or harming their partner’s, or petitioner’s, pets. Lawmakers attempting to reinstate Pittsurgh’s rodeo ban (WHTM/ABC27)
New York State: Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: NYS Officially Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits (CNYCentral) New rules for animal shelters in NY State coming in 2025 (WKBW)
DISABILITY
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy[WATCH] Edinboro's 50 decades of supporting students w disabilities (Erie News Now)
EARTH
2025 Woods & Water Film Series (In-Person) February 21 @ 6:30 pm in banquet hall of VFW Post 740, Edinboro, PA. Variety of short films with some discussion in between. Light refreshments are provided. These films are brought to you in partnership by French Creek Valley Conservancy and the Foundation for Sustainable Forests. Free and open to the public.
Festival of Birds May 16-18 Host: Presque Isle Audubon Society.
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA)
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
ELECTIONS and GOVERNANCE
Here's a look at the pending lawsuits against Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie-Times News via Yahoo) Article date January 9, 2025. Erie Co. Council considers new lawsuit against Davis to thwart 'illegal' 2025 vetoes budgets (A.J. Rao/Erie Times-News via Yahoo) Article dated Jan 27, 2025.
PA 2025 Election CalendarOpinion: Give Pa. voters a true early voting option (by Salewa Ogunmefun, executive director of Pennsylvania Voice).
FOOD
Interview w Sauce restaurant owner (Erie Times-News) Jennie Geisler interviews Samantha Randall, owner of the new venture, Sauce Vegan Restaurant, about its vegan cuisine and unique concept and atmosphere. I was particularly interested in the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and sourcing locally, as well as donating a percentage to no-kill animal shelters.
3rd Annual CommUnity Seed Swap and Potluck Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 2-6 PM at 1020 Collective 1020 Holland St. Erie, PA, "Join us for a free event to celebrate spring Seed + Tool Swap + Pot Luck. Erie's Urban Farmers will be on site to answer questions, and get involved with the local growing scene. All are welcome with or without seeds!"
Erie City Council OKs a renter's rights bill. What's in it (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
The Erie Spiritual Coalition, . "The faith-based group includes/collaborates with people from various organizations on social justice and community issues." They pushed for the renters rights legislation. (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
Queer Community Boots & Coats Drive February 8 at Journey To A Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA 10am-2pm. Collecting boots and coats for Community Shelter Services of Erie PA. New or gently used boots, coats, and warm clothing in all sizes will be accepted. Also ground coffee." Info (814) 314-9075 info@eriegaynews.com
Thermal sleeping bag donations "Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures)" .... Drop-off locations: Erie: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box), Meadville: -Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
IMMIGRANTS
"Welcoming Erie" page (City of Erie) "Erie is a Certified Welcoming city – the highest designation reserved for cities and counties that meet rigorous requirements defining what it means to be a welcoming community."
JUSTICE
The Erie Police Department's Crisis Intervention Unit at JES Jefferson Ed. Society, 3207 State St, Erie, PA. March 21st Noon. Speaker: Lt. Jamie Russo, who directs the unit "In May 2023, the Erie Police Dept. relaunched its 24-hour Crisis Car Unit, and with it the department's Crisis Intervention Unit .... Staffed by professionally trained police officers working alongside crisis service workers and in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbors." Free. Lunch optional, $5/person.
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center.
[WATCH] 10 years of Cleveland's consent decree (City Club) Feb 7 In-person, streaming, and posted on their You Tube channel "The consent decree requires the Cleveland Division of Police to reform its policies, practices, and procedures to address accountability, use of force, crisis intervention, and more. " Panelists Leigh R. Anderson, Ph.D, Executive Director, Police Accountability Team, The City of Cleveland; Dorothy Todd Chief, Cleveland Division of Police
SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Citing Pa students’ low reading scores, advocates form coalition to improve literacy (Penn Capital-Star)
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
[LISTEN] YWCA Jamestown Broadscast: Ep 58 – Teen Talk – Building Stronger Community with Jamestown High School (WRFA)
SPIRIT
A Few Amens for St. James A.M.E. "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years" (Liz Allen / Erie Reader)
Finding Courage in the Face of Injustice: A Call to Act | Bishop Mariann Budde (Chautauqua Institute) "Bishop Mariann Budde reflects on her powerful stand against the misuse of sacred symbols during the protests of June 2020. Sharing personal insights on courage, faith, and the coalition of the faithful, she inspires us to embrace our role in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. "Does the Church Have a Place in Today’s Politics? Speaker: Parris Baker Ph.D. Feb 25 6:00 PM Corry Higher Education Council 221 N Center St Corry, PA "Dr. Parris Baker, JES Scholar-in-Residence, ... examines the fundamental agendas of White Christian Nationalists, their philosophies, their aims, and their goals." Free.
“An Evening in the Land of St. Hildegard” presented by Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer, Erie Benedictine Oblate and noted scholar of St. Hildegard of Bingen, March 12, 7:00 p.m. at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 6101 E. Lake Rd. Erie. She will share reflections from her recent trip to Germany. Shanon is the founder and pastor of Hildegard Haus, an inclusive Christian community in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Info: retreats@eriebenedictines.org
STORM
Catch Our Drift: The Best of Erie On Display (Liz Allen/Erie Reader)"Erie proves resilient after the big storm"
TRANSIT & BIKE
PennDOT implements nation’s first statewide real-time public service tracker system
Water Taxi service looking to hire
EMTA rider survey EMTA asks all community members to complete the short, anonymous survey by February 14
Pa. House committee unanimously backs bike lane legislation (Penn Capital-Star) "House Bill 291, sponsored by state Reps. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) and David Maloney (R-Berks), would allow municipalities to create parking-protected bicycle lanes between curbs and parked vehicles, allowing bicyclists to ride separated from" vehicular traffic.
WOMEN
"Shame Must Change Sides" (Susannah Faulkner/Erie Reader) "The cultural shift from silence to action holds promise for change, as it empowers survivors, demands accountability, and shifts the shame back on the shameful. Through public trials, stronger legal frameworks, and community support, society can begin to dismantle the structures that enable sexual violence, ensuring that perpetrators in all spheres of life, including politics, are brought to justice."
Pa. lawmakers gear up to defend reproductive rights (The Keystone) "Members of the Pa. Women’s Health Caucus celebrated their legislative victories from the previous session and announced their agenda to protect reproductive rights over the next two years." Abortion rights in PA could run through fall's judicial election (Pgh City Paper)
WORKING PEOPLE
PA Dems call on GOP State Senate leaders to move on minimum wage (Penn Capital-Star) "Twenty one states raised their minimum wages on Jan. 1, but PA was not among them... 'The fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage continues to be $7.25 an hour is just immoral,' House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) told reporters."
GEMISH
Who is the Mental Health Association? Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, February 21, 12pm Patricia Stucke, MHA CEO; Colleen Hammon, MHA Vice President of the Board of Directors; and Betsy Wiest, MHA Board Member. Free. Lunch optional, $5/person(48 hr advance for lunch).
Doomed to Repeat It: Extremism Throughout America's History (Jonathan Burdick/Erie Reader) "Ugly undercurrents of our past amplified in digital echo chambers of our present" A good bit of local content.What's Next? | A Trip to Jamestown: Arts, Culture, and New Neighbors (WBFO) Catching up with Kaycee Colburn, Founder of KayCo, an arts and culture center in Jamestown...including her latest exhibit, “Birds Through an Indigenous Lens”. Then Jay Moran sits down with Reverend Luke Fodor, Momina Di Blasio, and Sam Qadri from the New Neighbors Coalition based out of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and an interview with one of Jamestown's newest neighbors from Syria.
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SCHOOLS
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) https://www.publicsource.org/
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
https://www.publicsource.org/
storm
https://www.eriereader.com/
WOMEN
https://www.eriereader.com/
BLACK HISTORY
They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. Feb. 11 at 7:00 PM Free, at Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie, PA
"Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts" by Dr. Armendia P. Dixon. March 8 at 1:30pm, Stone United Methodist Church. 956 South Main St, Meadville, PA 814-282-0634 armendia.dixon1@gmail.com
Hero: The Boy from Troy March 11 at 10AM Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY "A new musical about young John Lewis" . Grades Pre 3-8. Reserve seats 716.484.7070 youthseries@reglenna.com
Jonathan Eig at CHQ June 26 at CHQ Hall of Philosophy "Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.—and the first to include recently declassified FBI files."
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at Chautauqua August 4 @ 10:45am
A Few Amens for St James A.M.E (Liz Allen / Erie Reader) "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years"
[LISTEN+VIDEO] Freedom House Ambulance Service (99% Invisible) Borne of necessity, Pittsburgh's Freedom House Ambulance Service actually innovated and revolutionized EMS service. (from 07/07/20)
Recently digitized Journal of Erie Studies, Spring 1994 Vol 23 No. 1 has nine articles on local Black history: "The Pontiacs: Black Baseball to Remember" Larry Wayne Moore.(pp 3-14); "Digging Up Bones: African-Americans in Erie County 1800-1830” Karen James, Sarah S. Thompson (pp 15-30); "Erie, PA Since the Kerner Commission Report,1967-1994” (Fred O. Rush, Jr. (pp.31-46); "History of the NAACP, Erie Branch, 1918-1979” Larry W. Moore (pp.47-59); “African-Americans in the United States Navy, War of 1812” Gerard T. Althof (pp.60-81);“Earl E. Lawrence: A Profile" "Introduction: Sarah S. Thompson (pp.82-83), “Earl E. Lawrence...He Knew the Score,1881-1969,” Johnny C. Johnson (pp.84-91), “The Basis for Creation of the Spirituals” Earl E. Lawrence (pp.92-98); "100 Years of Black Business in Erie PA: A Pictorial Essay" Sarah S. Thompson (99-115). View online at link, full issue or individual articles https://journals.psu.edu/eriestudies/issue/view/49
ARTS & READS
9 to 5: The Musical Feb 20-24 Mercyhurst University Erie PA. Musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at CHQ Monday, August 4 @ 10:45am "award-winning author, poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander returns to the Amphitheater stage to lead a series of conversations on making a positive difference."
Naomi Shihab Nye and E. Ethelbert Miller at CHQ August 14t @ 3:30 pm "Internationally beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye places her Palestinian American identity center stage in her latest full-length poetry collection inspired by the story of Janna Jihad Ayyad, the “Youngest Journalist in Palestine,” who at age 7 began capturing videos of anti-occupation protests using her mother’s smartphone."
CRITTERS
PA: New Pa. law protecting pets from domestic abuse (The Keystone) Amends PA Protection from Abuse Act by giving judges the power to direct defendants from possessing, abusing or harming their partner’s, or petitioner’s, pets. Lawmakers attempting to reinstate Pittsurgh’s rodeo ban (WHTM/ABC27)
New York State: Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: NYS Officially Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits (CNYCentral) New rules for animal shelters in New York State coming in 2025 (WKBW)
DISABILITY
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy
[WATCH] Edinboro's 50 decades of supporting students w disabilities (Erie News Now )
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA)
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
Festival of Birds May 16-18 Host: Presque Isle Audubon.
ELECTIONS and GOVERNANCE
Here's a look at the pending lawsuits against Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie-Times News via Yahoo) Article date January 9, 2025.
Opinion: Give Pa. voters a true early voting option (Salewa Ogunmefun)
Hazleton sued for suppressing Hispanic vote with at-large elections; local officials respond (NorthcentralPA.com)
FOOD
Interview w Sauce restaurant owner (Erie Times-News) "The community, the animals and the world would benefit if more restaurants followed the same practices we do. "
HEALTH
New health care laws in 2025 (WHYY)
https://whyy.org/articles/health-care-laws-pennyslvania-new-jersey-delaware-2025/
HOME
Erie City Council OKs a renter's rights bill. What's in it (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
The Erie Spiritual Coalition, a local faith-based group, pushed for the new legislation (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
Queer Community Boots & Coats Drive Saturday February 8 at Journey To A Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA 10 AM - 2 PM. "The Erie Queer Community once again comes together to collect boots and coats for Community Shelter Services of Erie PA. New or gently used boots, coats, and warm clothing in all sizes will be accepted. Ground coffee will also be accepted." Contact: Michael Mahler (814) 314-9075 info@eriegaynews.com
Thermal sleeping bag donations "Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold. Drop-off Locations: Erie: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box), Meadville: -Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
Our Neighbor’s Place seeing increase in guests this winter amid strong weather
IMMIGRANTS
‘The labor shortage will only get worse:’ Trump deportation plans could hit Pa. agriculture hard
Here's why Afghan refugees in other states are making a new home in Erie (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News)
Interview with MHEDS (Erie News Now)
Immigration and law enforcement discussion in Jamestown NY (WRFA)
Allentown City Council to Consider ‘Welcoming’ Legislation to Protect Immigrants. (LehighValleyNews.com)
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA)
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center.
[WATCH] 10 years of Cleveland's consent decree (City Club) In-person, streaming, and posted on their You Tube channel "The consent decree requires the Cleveland Division of Police to reform its policies, practices, and procedures to address accountability, use of force, crisis intervention, and more. " Panelists Leigh R. Anderson, Ph.D, Executive Director, Police Accountability Team, The City of Cleveland; Dorothy Todd Chief, Cleveland Division of Police
SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Citing Pa students’ low reading scores, advocates form coalition to improve literacy (Penn Capital-Star)
Bishop Brock on youth violence (Erie News Now)
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource)
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
[LISTEN] YWCA Jamestown Broadscast: Ep 58 – Teen Talk – Building Stronger Community with Jamestown High School (WRFA)
SPIRIT
A Few Amens for St. James A.M.E. "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years" Liz Allen / Erie Reader)
STORM
Catch Our Drift: The Best of Erie On Display
Erie proves resilient after the big storm
https://www.eriereader.com/
TRANSIT
PennDOT implements nation’s first statewide real-time public service tracker system
Water Taxi service looking to hire
EMTA rider survey
WOMEN
"Shame Must Change Sides" (Susanah Faulkner/Erie Reader)
Abortion rights in PA could run through fall's judicial election (Pgh City Paper)
WORKING PEOPLE
PA Dems call on GOP State Senate leaders to move on minimum wage (Penn Capital-Star) "Twenty one states raised their minimum wages on Jan. 1, but PA was not among them... 'The fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage continues to be $7.25 an hour is just immoral,' House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) told reporters."
MISC
Neil deGrasse Tyson at JES Global Summit Oct 29
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.
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GREENlight Business Awards Gala
This event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 6–10 PM at the Ambassador Center. The gala will recognize Black-owned businesses and leaders in Erie County
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/01/pennsylvania-legislature-public-education-funding-adequacy-gap-future-plans/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Funding%20fight%20isn%20t%20over%20for%20PA%20s%20poorest%20schools&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2001%2014%2025
denyse allen
https://www.youtube.com/@denyse_allen
Elayne Arrington - Voice of History (PA Humanities https://youtu.be/Ep7_btLNbCw?si=KoAmY3FQD53tUvvR
https://www.youtube.com/@PennsylvaniaHumanitiesCouncil
Brown Bomber Cab Service "A special look back at The Brown Bomber Cab Service. A black owned Buffalo Taxi Cab Company which provided service to the city of Buffalo beginning in the 1930's." https://youtu.be/jLCUeprN460?si=afB4_YfEUiDmKQXQ
Charles teeny Harris https://historicpittsburgh.org/collection/teenie-harris-photographs
Why refugee doctors become taxi drivers (CNN - from 2017)
https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2017/08/08/why-refugee-doctors-become-taxi-drivers-orig-dc-tc.cnn
Ohio families and victims of police misconduct are sounding the alarm on higher fees for body cam footage
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CRITTERS
NY Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: NYS Officially Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits (CNYCentral) https://cnycentral.com/news/
New rules for animal shelters in New York State coming in 2025 (WKBW) https://youtu.be/W4gdARsRrnQ?
Lawmakers attempting to reinstate Pittsurgh’s rodeo ban (WHTM/ABC27) . https://www.yahoo.com/news/
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/economy-
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
https://triblive.com/opinion/
Festival of Birds https://www.
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.
Thermal sleeping bag donations " Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold.Donation Drop-off Locations:ERIE: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box).MEADVILLE: - Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
https://www.stoneumc.org/news/
https://mail.google.com/mail/
IMMIGRATION
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/politics-
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center January 13, 2025. https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-
SCHOOLS
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) https://www.publicsource.org/
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
https://www.publicsource.org/
storm
https://www.eriereader.com/
WOMEN
https://www.eriereader.com/
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/economy-business/2025-01-15/southwestern-pennsylvania-manufacturing-decarbonization-energy-transition
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
https://triblive.com/opinion/alison-l-steele-linking-pa-s-shale-gas-industry-to-calif-wildfires/
Festival of Birds https://www.presqueisleaudubon.org/blog/festival-registration
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/two-former-firstenergy-execs-indicted-on-federal-racketeering-charges/
Thermal sleeping bag donations " Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold.Donation Drop-off Locations:ERIE: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box).MEADVILLE: - Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
https://www.stoneumc.org/news/sleeping-bags-for-shelter-area-meadville
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzQZSjmKhVqvtkMlQMMtcKCQwrhL?compose=CllgCJfsdVTPXbDJXfPcFmgSfXGCSBkZbZvkFnkPSVNCkQMkHNtMWxhbwKCDSGpdNXzbrXtkftL
IMMIGRATION
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2025-01-17/pittsburgh-immigration-trump
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center January 13, 2025. https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-community-matters-law-enforcement-and-justice-conversation-january-13-2025/
SCHOOLS
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-education-advocates-trump-impact-school-funding-immigrant-students/
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-public-schools-pps-ell-english-language-learners/
storm
https://www.eriereader.com/article/catch-our-drift-the-best-of-erie-on-display
WOMEN
https://www.eriereader.com/article/shame-must-change-sides
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/beloved-community-for-every-body/
BLACK HISTORY
They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. Feb. 11 at 7:00 PM Free, at Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie, PA
"Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts" by Dr. Armendia P. Dixon. March 8 at 1:30pm, Stone United Methodist Church. 956 South Main St, Meadville, PA 814-282-0634 armendia.dixon1@gmail.com
Hero: The Boy from Troy March 11 at 10AM Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY "A new musical about young John Lewis" . Grades Pre 3-8. Reserve seats 716.484.7070 youthseries@reglenna.com
Jonathan Eig at CHQ June 26 at CHQ Hall of Philosophy "Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.—and the first to include recently declassified FBI files."
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at Chautauqua August 4 @ 10:45am
A Few Amens for St James A.M.E (Liz Allen / Erie Reader) "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years"
[LISTEN+VIDEO] Freedom House Ambulance Service (99% Invisible) Borne of necessity, Pittsburgh's Freedom House Ambulance Service actually innovated and revolutionized EMS service. (from 07/07/20)
ARTS & READS
9 to 5: The Musical Feb 20-24 Mercyhurst University Erie PA. Musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at CHQ Monday, August 4 @ 10:45am "award-winning author, poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander returns to the Amphitheater stage to lead a series of conversations on making a positive difference."
Naomi Shihab Nye and E. Ethelbert Miller at CHQ August 14t @ 3:30 pm "Internationally beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye places her Palestinian American identity center stage in her latest full-length poetry collection inspired by the story of Janna Jihad Ayyad, the “Youngest Journalist in Palestine,” who at age 7 began capturing videos of anti-occupation protests using her mother’s smartphone."
CRITTERS
PA: New Pa. law protecting pets from domestic abuse (The Keystone) Amends PA Protection from Abuse Act by giving judges the power to direct defendants from possessing, abusing or harming their partner’s, or petitioner’s, pets. Lawmakers attempting to reinstate Pittsurgh’s rodeo ban (WHTM/ABC27)
New York State: Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: NYS Officially Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits (CNYCentral) New rules for animal shelters in New York State coming in 2025 (WKBW)
DISABILITY
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy[WATCH] Edinboro's 50 decades of supporting students w disabilities (Erie News Now )
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA)
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
Festival of Birds May 16-18 Host: Presque Isle Audubon.
ELECTIONS and GOVERNANCE
Here's a look at the pending lawsuits against Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie-Times News via Yahoo) Article date January 9, 2025.
Opinion: Give Pa. voters a true early voting option (Salewa Ogunmefun)
Hazleton sued for suppressing Hispanic vote with at-large elections; local officials respond (NorthcentralPA.com)
FOOD
Interview w Sauce restaurant owner (Erie Times-News) "The community, the animals and the world would benefit if more restaurants followed the same practices we do. "
HEALTH
New health care laws in 2025 (WHYY)
https://whyy.org/articles/health-care-laws-pennyslvania-new-jersey-delaware-2025/
HOME
Erie City Council OKs a renter's rights bill. What's in it (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
The Erie Spiritual Coalition, a local faith-based group, pushed for the new legislation (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
Queer Community Boots & Coats Drive Saturday February 8 at Journey To A Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA 10 AM - 2 PM. "The Erie Queer Community once again comes together to collect boots and coats for Community Shelter Services of Erie PA. New or gently used boots, coats, and warm clothing in all sizes will be accepted. Ground coffee will also be accepted." Contact: Michael Mahler (814) 314-9075 info@eriegaynews.com
Thermal sleeping bag donations "Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold. Drop-off Locations: Erie: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box), Meadville: -Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
Our Neighbor’s Place seeing increase in guests this winter amid strong weather
IMMIGRANTS
‘The labor shortage will only get worse:’ Trump deportation plans could hit Pa. agriculture hard
Here's why Afghan refugees in other states are making a new home in Erie (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News)
Interview with MHEDS (Erie News Now)
Immigration and law enforcement discussion in Jamestown NY (WRFA)
Allentown City Council to Consider ‘Welcoming’ Legislation to Protect Immigrants. (LehighValleyNews.com)
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA)
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center.
[WATCH] 10 years of Cleveland's consent decree (City Club) In-person, streaming, and posted on their You Tube channel "The consent decree requires the Cleveland Division of Police to reform its policies, practices, and procedures to address accountability, use of force, crisis intervention, and more. " Panelists Leigh R. Anderson, Ph.D, Executive Director, Police Accountability Team, The City of Cleveland; Dorothy Todd Chief, Cleveland Division of Police
SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Citing Pa students’ low reading scores, advocates form coalition to improve literacy (Penn Capital-Star)
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource)
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
[LISTEN] YWCA Jamestown Broadscast: Ep 58 – Teen Talk – Building Stronger Community with Jamestown High School (WRFA)
SPIRIT
A Few Amens for St. James A.M.E. "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years" Liz Allen / Erie Reader)
STORM
Catch Our Drift: The Best of Erie On Display
Erie proves resilient after the big storm
https://www.eriereader.com/
TRANSIT
PennDOT implements nation’s first statewide real-time public service tracker system
Water Taxi service looking to hire
EMTA rider survey
WOMEN
"Shame Must Change Sides" (Susanah Faulkner/Erie Reader)
Abortion rights in PA could run through fall's judicial election (Pgh City Paper)
WORKING PEOPLE
PA Dems call on GOP State Senate leaders to move on minimum wage (Penn Capital-Star) "Twenty one states raised their minimum wages on Jan. 1, but PA was not among them... 'The fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage continues to be $7.25 an hour is just immoral,' House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) told reporters."
MISC
Neil deGrasse Tyson at JES Global Summit Oct 29
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GREENlight Business Awards Gala
This event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 6–10 PM at the Ambassador Center. The gala will recognize Black-owned businesses and leaders in Erie County
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/01/pennsylvania-legislature-public-education-funding-adequacy-gap-future-plans/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Funding%20fight%20isn%20t%20over%20for%20PA%20s%20poorest%20schools&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2001%2014%2025
denyse allen
https://www.youtube.com/@denyse_allen
Elayne Arrington - Voice of History (PA Humanities https://youtu.be/Ep7_btLNbCw?si=KoAmY3FQD53tUvvR
https://www.youtube.com/@PennsylvaniaHumanitiesCouncil
Brown Bomber Cab Service "A special look back at The Brown Bomber Cab Service. A black owned Buffalo Taxi Cab Company which provided service to the city of Buffalo beginning in the 1930's." https://youtu.be/jLCUeprN460?si=afB4_YfEUiDmKQXQ
Charles teeny Harris https://historicpittsburgh.org/collection/teenie-harris-photographs
Why refugee doctors become taxi drivers (CNN - from 2017)
https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2017/08/08/why-refugee-doctors-become-taxi-drivers-orig-dc-tc.cnn
Ohio families and victims of police misconduct are sounding the alarm on higher fees for body cam footage
~~~~~~~~~~
CRITTERSNY Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: NYS Officially Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits (CNYCentral) https://cnycentral.com/news/
New rules for animal shelters in New York State coming in 2025 (WKBW) https://youtu.be/W4gdARsRrnQ?
Lawmakers attempting to reinstate Pittsurgh’s rodeo ban (WHTM/ABC27) . https://www.yahoo.com/news/
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/economy-
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
https://triblive.com/opinion/
Festival of Birds https://www.
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.
Thermal sleeping bag donations " Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold.Donation Drop-off Locations:ERIE: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box).MEADVILLE: - Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
https://www.stoneumc.org/news/
https://mail.google.com/mail/
IMMIGRATION
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/politics-
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center January 13, 2025. https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-
SCHOOLS
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) https://www.publicsource.org/
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
https://www.publicsource.org/
storm
https://www.eriereader.com/
WOMEN
https://www.eriereader.com/
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/
EARTH
How manufacturing in southwestern Pa. is building a clean, green future (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/economy-business/2025-01-15/southwestern-pennsylvania-manufacturing-decarbonization-energy-transition
Opinion: Linking PA shale gas to CA wildfires (Alison L. Steele) Steele is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Environmental Health Project, which works to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
https://triblive.com/opinion/alison-l-steele-linking-pa-s-shale-gas-industry-to-calif-wildfires/
Festival of Birds https://www.presqueisleaudubon.org/blog/festival-registration
ELECTIONS
Two former FirstEnergy execs indicted on federal racketeering charges Ohio Capital Journal) 'tfor a three-year period that ended in 2020, authorities say that FirstEnergy paid nearly $60 million to an organization called Generation Now, a social welfare organization that former Ohio House Rep. Larry Householder controlled. “The bribe money helped Householder gain the position of Speaker of the House and pass and uphold House Bill 6, a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout to benefit FirstEnergy,” authorities said. Householder would later be sent to prison for his role in the bribery scheme. The indictment also accuses Jones and Dowling of pushing for “FirstEnergy-approved appointments to the state public utilities board,” one of which included Randazzo as PUCO chairman. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/two-former-firstenergy-execs-indicted-on-federal-racketeering-charges/
Thermal sleeping bag donations " Please consider donating a thermal sleeping bag to support Our Neighbors’ Place Seasonal Overflow Shelter and SAM (Shelter Area Meadville). Rated for below-freezing temperatures or 30 degrees and under)...For some, these bags are the only source of warmth and protection from life-threatening cold.Donation Drop-off Locations:ERIE: EUMA, 728 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16502 (M-F 8 AM to 4 PM, or in the porch box).MEADVILLE: - Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S Main St, Meadville, PA 16335 (M, W, Th from 9 AM - 2 PM).
https://www.stoneumc.org/news/sleeping-bags-for-shelter-area-meadville
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzQZSjmKhVqvtkMlQMMtcKCQwrhL?compose=CllgCJfsdVTPXbDJXfPcFmgSfXGCSBkZbZvkFnkPSVNCkQMkHNtMWxhbwKCDSGpdNXzbrXtkftL
IMMIGRATION
[LISTEN/READ] Immigration advocates in Pittsburgh prepare to push back (WESA) https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2025-01-17/pittsburgh-immigration-trump
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025 Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center January 13, 2025. https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-community-matters-law-enforcement-and-justice-conversation-january-13-2025/
SCHOOLS
Public schools funding, immigrant students may bear the brunt of Trump education pledges, advocates warn (PublicSource) https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-education-advocates-trump-impact-school-funding-immigrant-students/
Teaching math in English to a student fresh from Ukraine? There’s no app for that.(PublicSource)
https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-public-schools-pps-ell-english-language-learners/
storm
https://www.eriereader.com/article/catch-our-drift-the-best-of-erie-on-display
WOMEN
https://www.eriereader.com/article/shame-must-change-sides
ETC
Beloved Community for Every Body February 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Speaker: Jen Salamone "Disability Pride month is over, but you can be an advocate for disabled people every day. Through personal reflection and UU sources, explore what it means to be disabled in our Beloved community." Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy https://uuerie.org/event/beloved-community-for-every-body/
FEB
BLACK HISTORY
They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. Feb. 11 at 7:00 PM Free, at Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie, PA "Exploring Kendrick Lamar and Drake as cultural icons, this talk reveals how their rivalry encapsulates broader conversations about race, authenticity, and the commodification of Black creativity in a hyper-commercialized music industry." https://www.jeserie.org/events/details/they-not-like-us-kendrick-lamar-drake-the-commodification-of-a-rap-beef
"Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts" by Dr. Armendia P. Dixon. March 8 at 1:30pm, Stone United Methodist Church. 956 South Main St, Meadville, PA 814-282-0634, armendia.dixon1@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/1066682488531742?active_tab=about
Hero: The Boy from Troy ,March 11 at 10-11AM Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY "Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into ‘good trouble.' " . Grades Pre 3-8. Reserve seats 716.484.7070 youthseries@reglenna.com. https://reglenna.com/events/hero-boy-from-troy
Upcoming : Jonathan Eig June 26 at CHQ Hall of Philosophy "Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.—and the first to include recently declassified FBI files." https://www.chq.org/event/jonathan-eig/
A Few Amens for St. James A.M.E. "Church has served Erie's Black community for 150 years" Liz Allen / Erie Reader) https://www.eriereader.com/article/a-few-amens-for-st-james-ame
[LISTEN+VIDEO] Freedom House Ambulance Service (99% Invisible) Borne of necessity, Pittsburgh's Freedom House Ambulance Service actually innovated and revolutionized EMS service. (from 07/07/20)
https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/freedom-house-ambulance-service/
ARTS & READS
Mercyhurst Theatre Program: 9 to 5: The Musical Feb 20-24 Mercyhurst University Erie PA. Musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. https://www.mercyhurst.edu/events/mercyhurst-theatre-program-9-5-musical
Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton at CHQ Monday, August 4 @ 10:45am https://www.chq.org/event/levar-burton-kwame-alexander/ "award-winning author, poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander returns to the Amphitheater stage to lead a series of conversations on making a positive difference. "
Naomi Shihab Nye and E. Ethelbert Miller August 14t @ 3:30 pm
https://www.chq.org/event/naomi-shihab-nye-and-e-ethelbert-miller/
CRITTERS
New Pa. law protecting pets from domestic abuse starts next week
House Bill 1210, originally introduced by State Reps. Christina Sappey (D-Chester) and Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny), amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act by giving judges the power to direct defendants from possessing, abusing or harming their partner’s, or petitioner’s, pets.
https://keystonenewsroom.com/2025/01/08/new-pa-law-protecting-pets-from-domestic-abuse-starts-next-week/
ELECTIONS N GOVERNANCE
Here's a look at the pending lawsuits against Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie-Times News via Yahoo) Article date January 9, 2025.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/lawsuits-against-erie-county-executive-101839520.html
Hazleton sued for suppressing Hispanic vote, local officials respond (NorthcentralPA.com) https://www.northcentralpa.com/news/city-of-hazleton-sued-for-suppressing-hispanic-vote-local-officials-respond/article_7311d1e8-cdcf-11ef-a52d-1bf70575407c.html
Pa. voters want a true early voting option - it’s time we gave it to them | Opinion https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2025/01/21/pa-voters-want-an-early-voting-option-give-it-to-them-opinion/77697830007/
James Carville & Mary Matalin at CHQ June 23
https://www.chq.org/event/james-carville-mary-matalin/
FOOD
Interview w Sauce restaurant owner (Erie Times-News) "The community, the animals and the world would benefit if more restaurants followed the same practices we do. "
https://www.goerie.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/01/17/sauce-vegan-ristorante-new-erie-restaurant-has-people-talking-sensually-indulgent-decor/77752423007/ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/sauce-restaurant-opened-nov-1-101742424.html
HEALTH
New health care laws in 2025 (WHYY)
https://whyy.org/articles/health-care-laws-pennyslvania-new-jersey-delaware-2025/
HELPING
Hats & Coats Drive +++
HOME
Erie City Council OKs a renter's rights bill. What's in it (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News) https://www.yahoo.com/news/erie-city-council-oks-renters-101704674.html
The Erie Spiritual Coalition, a local faith-based group, pushed for the new legislation (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/01/09/renters-rights-bill-erie-pennsylvania-approved/77526850007/
Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. "ReStores accept donations and sell a constantly changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while diverting reusable household items and building materials from area landfills. The sales from donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes in your community and around the world" In Erie: 474922 Pittsburgh Ave. Erie, PA (814) 464-8946
Our Neighbor’s Place seeing increase in guests this winter amid strong weather
https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/our-neighbors-place-seeing-increase-in-guests-this-winter-amid-strong-weather/
IMMIGRANTS
‘The labor shortage will only get worse:’ Trump deportation plans could hit Pa. agriculture hard
https://penncapital-star.com/labor/the-labor-shortage-will-only-get-worse-trump-deportation-plans-could-hit-pa-agriculture-hard/
Here's why Afghan refugees in other states are making a new home in Erie (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News)
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/01/17/afghan-community-center-attracting-refugees-to-make-erie-home/77389361007/
Interview with MHEDS (Erie News Now)
https://www.erienewsnow.com/clip/15499184/multi-cultural-health-evaluation-delivery-system-the-insider
With Incoming Trump Administration, Questions Are Being Raised About Immigration (WRFA) Reviews comments at a January 13 Jamestown NY discussion about immigration issues in CHQ Co,
https://www.wrfalp.com/with-incoming-trump-administration-questions-are-being-raised-about-immigration/
Allentown City Council to Consider ‘Welcoming’ Legislation to Protect Immigrants. (LehighValleyNews.com) https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/allentown/allentown-city-council-to-consider-welcoming-legislation-to-protect-immigrants
JUSTICE
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Jamestown Justice Coalition – January 9, 2025
https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-community-matters-jamestown-justice-coalition-january-9-2025/ [LISTEN] Community Matters – Law Enforcement and Justice Conversation – January 13, 2025https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-community-matters-law-enforcement-and-justice-conversation-january-13-2025/ Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H. Jackson Center January 13, 2025.
10 years of Cleveland's consent decree (City Club) "The consent decree requires the Cleveland Division of Police to reform its policies, practices, and procedures to address accountability, use of force, crisis intervention, and more. " Panelists Leigh R. Anderson, Ph.D, Executive Director, Police Accountability Team, The City of Cleveland; Dorothy Todd Chief, Cleveland Division of Police
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2025/02/07/10-years-of-clevelands-consent-decree?mc_cid=925b70deed&mc_eid=1eb9dc0e7d
SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Citing Pa students’ low reading scores, advocates form coalition to improve literacy (Penn Capital-Star)
https://penncapital-star.com/education/citing-pennsylvania-students-low-reading-scores-advocates-form-coalition-to-improve-literacy/
Bishop Brock on youth violence (ENN)
https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52201691/bishop-dwane-brock-discuss-increase-of-youth-violence
Edinboro 5 decades of supporting students w disabilities (ENN)
https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52199371/five-decades-of-supporting-students-with-disabilities
[LISTEN] YWCA Jamestown Broadscast: Ep 58 – Teen Talk – Building Stronger Community with Jamestown High School (WRFA)
https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-ywca-jamestown-broadscast-ep-58-teen-talk-building-stronger-community-with-jamestown-high-school/
SPIRIT
++++
TRANSIT
PennDOT implements nation’s first statewide real-time public service tracker system
https://www.yahoo.com/news/penndot-implements-nation-first-statewide-190223692.html
https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/penndot-implements-nations-first-statewide-real-time-public-service-tracker-system/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Why%20Shapiro%20is%20suing%20a%20power%20player&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2001%2010%2025
www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/statewide/01-08-25-dot-frits-implementation.html
https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/penndot-implements-nations-first-statewide-real-time-public-service-tracker-system/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Why%20Shapiro%20is%20suing%20a%20power%20player&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2001%2010%2025
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/01/14/erie-water-taxi-service-might-return-this-summer/77673412007/
EMTA survey
https://www.erienewsnow.com/clip/15500023/just-north-of-pittsburgh-erie-metropolitan-transit-authority-survey
WORKING PEOPLEPA Dems call on GOP State Senate leaders to move on minimum wage (Penn Capital-Star) "Twenty one states raised their minimum wages on Jan. 1, but PA was not among them... 'The fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage continues to be $7.25 an hour is just immoral,' House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) told reporters."
https://penncapital-star.com/economy/pa-democrats-call-on-gop-state-senate-leaders-to-make-a-move-on-raising-the-minimum-wage/
MISC
MISCJefferson Educational Society Global Summit 2025 Headliner: Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson October 29 https://www.jeserie.org/global-summit-XVII/details/this-just-in-latest-discoveries-in-the-universe
GREENlight Business Awards Gala
This event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 6–10 PM at the Ambassador Center. The gala will recognize Black-owned businesses and leaders in Erie County
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/01/pennsylvania-legislature-public-education-funding-adequacy-gap-future-plans/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Funding%20fight%20isn%20t%20over%20for%20PA%20s%20poorest%20schools&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2001%2014%2025
Abortion rights in PA could run through fall's judicial election (Pgh City Paper)
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/news/abortion-rights-in-pa-could-run-through-falls-judicial-election-27339276
denyse allen
https://www.youtube.com/@denyse_allen
Elayne Arrington - Voice of History (PA Humanities https://youtu.be/Ep7_btLNbCw?si=KoAmY3FQD53tUvvR
https://www.youtube.com/@PennsylvaniaHumanitiesCouncil
Brown Bomber Cab Service "A special look back at The Brown Bomber Cab Service. A black owned Buffalo Taxi Cab Company which provided service to the city of Buffalo beginning in the 1930's." https://youtu.be/jLCUeprN460?si=afB4_YfEUiDmKQXQ
Charles teeny Harris https://historicpittsburgh.org/collection/teenie-harris-photographs
Why refugee doctors become taxi drivers (CNN - from 2017)
https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2017/08/08/why-refugee-doctors-become-taxi-drivers-orig-dc-tc.cnn
Ohio families and victims of police misconduct are sounding the alarm on higher fees for body cam footage
