State College
Today
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Penn State’s THON raised a record-breaking $17.7 million during its 46-hour dance marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center, breaking its single-year record for the fourth consecutive year. The event united the community in support of cancer research. Daily Collegian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ THON 2026 Showcase is set for Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Schwab Auditorium (tickets cost $10) where students compete to earn a spot on THON weekend and win funds for their chosen organization. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State is offering a week of cultural events from today through Jan. 29 including concerts, art sessions, family activities and lectures across several campuses. Highlights include Drum Tao at Eisenhower Auditorium (Jan. 27) and a DaBaby concert at Bryce Jordan Center on Jan. 23. Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Schreyer Honors College announced four award winners for the 2025-26 school year on campus. Michael Carroll and Danielle Richard will be honored at a spring meeting — Amanda Sargen and Emmanuel Kraft will be recognized at a senior awards lunch in May. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State will host its 32nd annual Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures starting Jan. 24, featuring two talks each Saturday morning until Feb. 28 that explore big societal questions using different methods. The free event takes place at 001 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building (University Park campus) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Penn State
- ➤ Yvette Richardson, professor of meteorology and senior associate dean at Penn State, became the first woman to win the prestigious Nikolai Dotzek Award for her work on severe storms + her research has advanced our understanding of tornadoes and supercell dynamics. Penn State
- ➤ Professor Sarma Pisupati, director of the Center for Critical Minerals at Penn State, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Osmania University on Dec. 21 in Hyderabad. The award honored his lifetime work in energy and mineral engineering and highlighted the impact of his early education. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a loss to Maryland where opponents shot high from beyond the arc, Penn State coach Mike Rhoades said the 0-7 record is due to struggles with *half-court* defense and rebounds, and he expects improvements before future matchups. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Hayley Kitching earned Big Ten Co-Track Athlete of the Week honors after setting an NCAA record of 2:38.45 in the 1000-meter race at the Nittany Lion Challenge on Saturday; she broke the former school record of 2:38.58 and now holds three university marks. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State’s coaching staff unveiled the 2026 offensive depth chart showing Rocco Becht as starting quarterback, Carson Hansen as running back, and new transfers and freshmen filling key roles. The chart also outlines plans for receiver, tight end, and offensive line rotations, adding depth for next season. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Three Penn State hockey players were named to the Hobey Baker award’s 87-nominee list on Wednesday. Goaltender Josh Fleming, with a .943 save percentage, and forwards Gavin McKenna and Matt DiMarsico earned high season marks and will face fan voting that ends with top-10 finalists announced March 18. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Three-star edge rusher Elijah Reeder committed to Penn State football after being released from Iowa State on Dec. 16. Ranked No. 9 in the state, he is the 15th recruit to join the 2026 class. Onward State
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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.
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Raphael Rogiński Plays John Coltrane and Langston Hughes
7-9:30 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $10 — Experience the unique sound of Poland's virtuoso guitarist in an intimate setting.
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Anna Pearl Belinda Live Music Performance
6-8 p.m. — 814 Cider Works - J.L. Farm & Cidery — Enjoy cider while listening to local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl perform.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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