State College
Today
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Happy Valley Casino is coming soon to 2901 E College Ave in the Nittany Mall's former Macy’s, marking the first gaming hub in Centre County. The venue will feature 600 slot machines, table games, two dining spots, and a dealer school that promises over 350 jobs. Onward State
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Penn State will host a week of cultural events from Jan. 15 to 22 with MLK Day celebrations, art exhibits, concerts, and talks at University Park, Schuylkill and Harrisburg campuses (check event details for times and venues). Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Award-winning author and journalist Paul Hendrickson will lead a free lecture and Q&A session at University Park campus on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Kern Auditorium (112 Kern Building). Penn State
- ➤ Mark Roberts retired at the end of December after 45 years at Penn State where he led the Federal Statistical Research Data Center since its 2014 launch - his work earned international recognition in over 700 policy documents, and the center still trains new researchers from five academic colleges. Penn State
- ➤ Smeal College seniors Mackenzie Bronk and Ellie Sheehan marked the 2025 Blue Band season by stepping into leadership as the featured twirler and first female drum major in State College. Their teamwork and friendship helped elevate campus traditions and set the stage for future success. Penn State
- ➤ Today, the Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence awarded over $152,000 in seed funding to seven interdisciplinary research projects from six colleges to build human-centered AI (from transit planning to language learning) with projects starting spring 2026. Penn State
- ➤ Ran Shorrer, an associate professor at Penn State, has received the inaugural Market Design Impact Award from the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences Auctions and Market Design; his work developing matching platforms has improved market functions for thousands. Penn State
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at Penn State and USC have grown the CO2-SMART project to test safe ways to store carbon underground. They plan a workshop (summer 2026) at Penn State to share practical methods for industrial decarbonization. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at Penn State found that deaf and hard-of-hearing children face higher rates of adverse childhood experiences that weaken adult mental and physical health — additional protective factors can improve long-term outcomes as detailed by lead investigator Danni Guth in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State football has hired former Iowa State running backs coach Jake Landry as an offensive analyst — he joins the team following coach Matt Campbell's arrival and after running back Carson Hansen announced his transfer earlier this month. Onward State
- ➤ Former Penn State football cornerback Kenny Woseley Jr. transferred to Virginia Tech after entering the transfer portal on Jan. 5. The three-star recruit redshirted in 2024 and played 13 games in 2025, with three years of eligibility remaining (he is the 11th Nittany Lion to transfer). Onward State
- ➤ Penn State football defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday via Instagram. He played in 26 games as a Nittany Lion, recording 31 tackles + 4 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one interception. Onward State
- ➤ Former JMU and Central Connecticut kickoff specialist Cristiano Rosa has transferred to Penn State Football today as the likely replacement for Gabe Nwosu — he announced his move on Wednesday and is set to bolster the team in Happy Valley. Onward State
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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 smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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