State College
Today
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Penn State researchers have developed an AI-driven method that designs metasurfaces in milliseconds instead of months— speeding up the creation of optical systems like camera lenses and virtual reality headsets. They will refine the process to advance future nanophotonic projects. Penn State
- ➤ Mason Reber was named Penn State’s 54th Nittany Lion after a tryout that included a cowbell performance and one-armed pushups; his role has brought the community together and grown his fanbase to over 30,000, and he will appear at the men’s hockey game at Beaver Stadium on Jan. 31 (marking three years in the role). Onward State
- ➤ The Penn State Smeal College of Business Center for Supply Chain Research has named four new advisory board members for the 2026-27 term from the technology, retail, consulting, and grocery sectors plus appointed Jessica Gerhard as chair and Kim Hadlum as vice chair to guide AI-driven supply chain initiatives. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State University Libraries will sign new open-access publishing deals with ACM & ACS starting in 2026 to make peer-reviewed research free for authors and readers. The agreements support the university's goal to remove financial barriers for scientific work. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State University Libraries has launched Hyphen, an open-access journal edited + managed by graduate students from the College of Art and Architecture; the platform began in 2023 as a print publication and now accepts submissions for Issue 3. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ NeurElectrum, a Penn State-affiliated startup, developed a soft polymer neural implant designed to reduce inflammation for drug-resistant epilepsy and paralysis — the team participated in the NSF I-Corps course in 2024 and is now testing the device in preclinical studies. Penn State
- ➤ A new study led by Penn State found that older men with back pain experienced a 12% to 25% increase in sleep problems (six years later). Researchers say this finding supports early pain management to help maintain quality sleep and overall health. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht transferred to Penn State to vie for the starting role in 2026. The move was made official after his campus visit & meeting with familiar coaches as he aims to help win a national championship. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Penn State cornerback Elliot Washington II is transferring to Clemson with one year of eligibility remaining. He played 36 games for the Nittany Lions (including a key play against Iowa) before leaving and joining former coach Tom Allen for a fresh start with the Tigers. Onward State
- ➤ Hunter Sowell, a defensive back from Iowa State who did not play last season, announced his transfer to Penn State Monday — joining his older brother in State College. He will have four years of eligibility remaining. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Three-star safety Jamison Patton announced Monday he is transferring from Iowa State to Penn State football. He played 34 games at Iowa State and, with one season left, becomes the 17th former Cyclone to join the Nittany Lions. Onward State
- ➤ Former Iowa State wide receiver Chase Sowell (from Humble, Texas) announced on Instagram Monday morning that he is transferring to Penn State football, joining teammate Brett Eskildsen and bringing experience from stints at Colorado and East Carolina. Onward State
- ➤ Former Cyclone wide receiver Chase Sowell transferred to Penn State following WR coach Noah Pauley from Iowa State. He announced his move on Instagram Monday morning and visited campus over the weekend. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State has landed a transfer commitment from former Iowa State defensive back Jamison Patton, who recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions last season — joining coach Matt Campbell and secondary coach Deon Broomfield in State College. He aims to strengthen the Nittany Lions’ defense in upcoming games. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State football offensive lineman Brady O’Hara announced on Monday that he is entering the transfer portal + he has five years of eligibility remaining after not playing this season. Onward State
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Penn State Wrestling vs. Rutgers
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rec Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Catch the excitement as Penn State takes on Rutgers in a thrilling wrestling match.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting clash of two powerhouse college basketball teams.
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Skorts Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Ticket prices available — Enjoy live music featuring SKORTS and their catchy tunes.
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Anna Pearl Performance
6-8 p.m. — The Lodge at Tussey Mountain — Tickets available — Enjoy an intimate evening of music with local singer/songwriter Anna Pearl.
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Big Lazy Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience two decades of noir and twang music from New York's underground scene.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers at Penn State Nittany Lions Women's Basketball
6-9 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting women's basketball showdown between the Gophers and Nittany Lions.
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Jason Aldean Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring night of country music with Jason Aldean and Nate Smith.
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Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans
1-10 p.m. — West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on the Spartans in a thrilling college football matchup.
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TWEN w/ Dogwood Tales and Euphoria Again
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Check out an emotional alt-country band from Virginia inspired by the Shenandoah Valley.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
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