Children's Place files for bankruptcy. What we know about Erie store

The Children's Place , a presence at the Millcreek Mall since 1998, appears to be making plans to turn off the lights. Signs outside the retailer, located in the Boscov's concourse next to Gracylane, announce 30% to 60% off and a headline on the company website says: "All stores closing." But the 57-year-old New Jersey company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 8, seems to be leaving itself some wiggle room. Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides the company with an opportunity to reorganize. The retailer, which operates more than 500 stores, hopes to do just that. The company said it hopes to substantially sell all of its assets "to secure the highest or otherwise best bid, with the goal of continuing the business." There's no guarantee that will happen. Management of the publicly traded company said: "While the Company pursues a buyer through the chapter 11 process, it must prepare for the possibility that a sale to continue the business cannot be achieved." The bottom line is simply unclear. According to its statement: "The Children’s Place has been evaluating its operational footprint to invest its resources in its strongest locations moving forward. The Company has determined that certain

SeaWolves Announce 2027 Home Game Times and Fireworks

The Erie SeaWolves have released their 2027 home game times, fireworks dates and ticket plan information. Opening Night is set for 6:05 p.m. on April 6, against the Harrisburg Senators at UPMC Park. The release also says Captain’s Club memberships and Paw Packs are now available for the 2027 season.

Local Vietnam Veteran Receives a Brand-New Roof at No Cost

One local veteran is getting a brand-new roof at no cost, thanks to an annual tradition honoring those who served our country. Angelo’s Roofing has selected its sixth “Roof a Vet” recipient, and I was there as the crew began work on his home. For Gary Askins,...

UPMC urgent care facility opens on Erie’s west side

A new urgent care facility has opened its doors on Erie’s west side. Officials held a ribbon cutting for UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care, which is located at 5008 West Ridge Road, right in front of Wegmans grocery store. The facility provides same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries and can be scheduled online or just by […]

His Erie-based biofuels empire is being sold. His debt keeps growing

Erie entrepreneur Samuel P. "Pat" Black III broke ground in 2006 for the Hero BX plant on East Lake Road, which became the center of his biofuels empire . The phrase "fuel for humanity" was incorporated into the Hero BX logo. Twenty years later, Black is selling his biofuels facilities to fuel a court-approved financial plan to help pay off a personally guaranteed loan of about $13.5 million. But even as Black's Lake Erie Biofuels, which does business as Hero BX, unloads more of the facilities, the debt has continued to grow, according to the latest court filing related to the collapse of the 84-year-old Black's financial holdings. A failure to satisfy the $13.5 million debt would put Black's personal assets at risk. Black has blamed much of his financial decline on his daughter, Sumi James-Black, 51, whom he adopted in 2019, when he was 77 and she was 44 . But Black's $200 million federal lawsuit against her has stalled as he awaits a ruling from a federal appeals court. Black's forced sale of his Hero BX facilities is the result of another federal lawsuit. Connecticut-based Siena Lending Group sued in federal court in Erie in May 2025 after

Lighting Up Warren Through Community Spirit

Warren, PA — A little holiday spirit is returning to Crescent Park in Warren, as Kope Services and the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry prepare for the second annual community Christmas light display overlooking the Allegheny River. This year, organizers are working to expand the display with...

Flag Raising Ceremony at Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Driver Injured After Swerving to Avoid Deer, Striking Culvert and Guardrail

HICKORY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A pickup truck driver suffered suspected minor injuries after swerving to avoid a deer and crashing into a culvert and guardrail on Route 62 in Hickory Township on Sunday, October 25, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The crash occurred around 5:44 p.m. on Route...

Where to See Christmas Lights in Erie, PA in 2026

Looking for the best Christmas lights in Erie, PA? Whether your family loves a drive through glowing displays, a walk through a winter wonderland, or a festive indoor light show where you can stay warm, there are some great ways to see Erie sparkle this holiday season. And the best part? Some of our favorite holiday light displays are completely FREE!

New restaurant brings Lebanese cuisine to Flagship City Food Hall

(WJET/WFXP)– The Erie Downtown Development Corporation welcomed the newest restaurant, bringing Lebanese cuisine to the Flagship City Food Hall on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting. The owner and downtown officials cut the ribbon on Marhaba Beirut Wednesday morning, offering authentic Lebanese meals Monday through Saturday at the food hall from 10 am to 8 pm. Owner […]

State Announces $2.3 Million Resurfacing Project for Route 39 in Chautauqua County

The New York State Department of Transportation will undertake a $2.3 million project to resurface the entirety of Route 39 within Chautauqua County. Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the project as part of $100 million in funding awarded for repaving projects in 68 locations across the state to help rejuvenate roadways impacted by the state's harsh winter weather. The local project will resurface Route 39 from U.S. Route 20 in the Town of Sheridan to the Cattaraugus County line in the Town of Hanover. This will also include the hamlet of Forestville. The project will begin next spring.

Agritourism Destination in Bemus Point

The Elysian Center will be celebrating a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as an Agritourism Destination on November 17 at 9am. Located at 4578 Johnson Road in Bemus Point, The Elysian Center is creating a welcoming, sustainable destination that brings together equestrian experiences, agriculture, wellness, recreation, lodging, events, and tourism to strengthen individuals, enrich the community, and support the local economy. Join the community in celebrating this exciting new endeavor.

Additional Funds Sought for Shotspotter

Cochranton advances, Cathedral Prep falls in PIAA girls volleyball

Avonworth was a big problem for District 10 during the 2025 postseason as the Antelopes knocked out Cathedral Prep and Corry on their way to the PIAA Class 2A title. The Lopes (19-4) continued to be a nuisance on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as they held off Cathedral Prep (14-2) 25-20, 21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 15-9 in the PIAA Class 3A first round. More: Cochranton beats Erie First for the D-10 1A girls volleyball title More: Cathedral Prep girls volleyball ends 41-year drought, wins District 10 3A title All-state star and Rice commit Avery Cernich had a big match for the Lopes in a battle against Canisius recruit Colette Speros for Prep. Kamryn Resurreccion led the Ramblers with 38 assists and 14 digs, while Speros had 19 kills, 16 digs and five aces, Kharys Nickson had eight kills and five blocks, Nora Marsh had 11 kills, 10 digs, Taylor Benacci had six kills, Ellen Hutchinson had seven digs and Paige Patsy had 22 digs. Cardinals sweep WPIAL powerhouse COCHRANTON – Riley Gibbons had 17 digs as Cochranton rolled to a 25-19, 25-21, 25-17 win over Aquinas Academy in the PIAA Class 1A girls volleyball first round on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Cochranton

Connecticut Man Arrested in Chautauqua County for Alleged Threats of Violence to Elementary School

A man from Connecticut is in the Chautauqua County Jail after he allegedly threatened to commit acts of violence at an elementary school. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office says it was called on Tuesday to assist the Brattleboro Police Department in Vermont, who was actively searching for a person whom they allege contacted their office and made the threats to a school in that department's jurisdiction. An investigation found that 32-year-old Jacob Cunningham of Colchester, Connecticut allegedly made the threats while in the Town of Pomfret. Sheriff's deputies were able to locate and speak with Cunningham, and they took him into custody. Cunningham has been arraigned on charges of making a threat of mass harm and making a terroristic threat. He is being held on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 property bond. According to the Sheriff's Office, there were no specific threats against any elementary schools in Chautauqua County.

PIAA State Playoff Soccer Action

On the ladies' side, Cathedral Prep took down South Park 4-1 while McDowell fell 8-0 to North Allegheny. And on the boys' side, Fairview beat Avonworth 4-1.

Nov. 17-24 Thanksgiving Food Drives and Events in the S. Tier

FeedMore WNY supplies food, perishables and operational support to more than 300 member agencies and food pantries across Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Countries. For the past twenty-one years they have received the generous support of the WNY community as they present 97 Rock’s Operation Rock Out Hunger, hosted by DJ Jickster. Thanks to 97 Rock, Kaleida Health and 7 WKBW, 97 Rock’s DJ Jickster is headed back to the FeedMore WNY trailer to greet the public and accept donations.

Erie News Now Food Drive

Erie News Now Food Drive Returns for its 26th Year, Helping Neighbors in Need. The Erie News Now Food Drive, occurring November 18, invites the community to support neighbors facing hunger, especially as rising costs increase demand at Second Harvest Food Bank. Donations of money and food help provide meals during the holiday season in Northwest Pennsylvania.

Tidioute Water Boil Advisory Lifted

Tidioute, PA — Residents in the Borough of Tidioute are no longer under a water boil advisory after the Southwest Warren County Municipal Authority lifted the notice November 9th, following months of work to address issues with the community's water system. The authority worked with the Pennsylvania Department of...

Erie Holiday Markets 2026: Don't Miss These Craft Shows & Markets

It's the most wonderful (and most creative!) time of the year in Erie! From handmade ornaments and cozy candles to locally crafted jewelry and festive décor, holiday craft shows and holiday markets are a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting small businesses right here in our community.