From the Editors

Whether we agree or disagree with the publication's expression, we -- if we truly believe that the freedom of press and freedom and speech are essential and vital to the progress of civilization -- must be willing to defend the right to such communication to the very ends of our being.

In short, we need more action, period. Otherwise, like 2014, 2015 will be The Year Of The Gun all over again and calling for bold leadership won't be old hat, it'll be no hat because we've worn thin the brim that's pulled down to shade the eyes of those throughout the city willing to settle for complacency.

A look back at 2014 and a look forward to 2015

Examining the U.S. prison system, and the racial tensions of Ferguson, Staten Island, and Cleveland.

Critical times lie ahead for the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Erie: A look at the governor-elect, Destination Erie, community voices, and waking up local leadership.

Erie was given some advice to become a thriving city in the face of a post-industrial identity crisis. The question is: Will we heed this advice?

One hundred issues and three and a half years later, we thank everyone who helped make the Erie Reader the publication it is today. We couldn't have done it without you.

Halloween events, political features, and Best of Erie finalists all rolled into one badass Reader issue, if we do say so ourselves. 

The Best Of Erie rolls on -- and the Reader's movin' on up.

Mark your calendars, Erie: Oct. 15 -- we're having a party.

Read on to find out the voting details!

Your nomination window is closing, Erie.

Introducing: The Best of Erie.

As Roar on the Shore rolls out of town, what can we learn about small businesses affected by the festival?

This is an exciting and invigorating time for Erie; even as she withers and decays like all things, she also grows and expands.