Good morning, State College.

THON hosted its 2026 Showcase on Sunday night at Schwab Auditorium where 13 teams competed for extra performance slots and credit funds before THON begins in less than 19 days; Whiplash won first place with $3,000, followed by Orchesis, Volé, Urban Dance Troupe, and Tapestry.

Country star Jason Aldean headlined a high-energy show at Bryce Jordan Center last Thursday with openers Lanie Gardner and Nate Smith, debuting his unreleased song 'Anytime Soon' for his upcoming album Songs About Us due on April 24 and engaging fans during 'Try That in a Small Town'.

Two Penn State College of Engineering faculty, Miaomiao Jin and Yang Yang, were honored with the TMS Early Career Faculty Fellow Award for their research and service; they will present their work at the TMS Annual Meeting in San Diego from March 15 to 19 (2026).

Centre County Library & Historical Museum invites students in grades 1-6 to enter its Young Author & Illustrator Contest by Wednesday, Apr.

1. Entries submitted via email, mail, or in person will be judged by staff, and winners will have their stories published at an award ceremony in late Apr.

Undergraduates from Penn State Abington, Lehigh Valley, and University Park are advancing math and coding skills through NSF-funded research led by Professor Faranak Courtney-Pahlevani; they recently presented their project on modeling a complex biological system at a regional Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics meeting.

Penn State researchers found that tidal freshwater marshes along the Delaware River may trap microplastics before they reach the ocean & discussed their findings on the Growing Impact podcast.

The study used deep sediment cores at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to track rising plastic levels.

A new study by Penn State rural sociologists found that farmers are more willing than able to get mental health support because long travel, wait times, and high costs make it hard.

The research suggests linking financial help with mental health resources to lower these barriers.

Researchers at Penn State and USC found that targeted therapy for the less-impaired arm helps stroke survivors improve movement, with patients completing dexterity tests nearly six seconds faster after five weeks of training and maintaining gains for six months (a promising step for daily tasks).

After sweeping Robert Morris on the weekend, Penn State women's hockey remains No. 4 in the USCHO poll as announced Monday, and the Nittany Lions will face Lindenwood with a 5 p.m. puck drop scheduled Friday, Feb.

6.

In a close game on Sunday, Penn State beat Minnesota 77 to 75 as Freddie Dilione V scored 25 points and grabbed four rebounds and three steals; coach Mike Rhoades said his strong defense and scrappy play helped his team build fast breaks for the win.

On Saturday afternoon, No. 5 Penn State men’s hockey lost 5-4 in overtime to No. 2 Michigan State in Beaver Stadium, where 74,575 fans enjoyed tailgating and a pregame that felt like football.

The outdoor game in chilly conditions saw 12 ice stoppages to fix the rink (and lively chants highlighted the unique mix of sports energy).

Penn State men's hockey dropped to No. 6 in the USCHO poll after a 6-3 loss at Pegula Ice Arena (MSU also won an overtime outdoor game at Beaver Stadium) last weekend.

The team will travel to No.1 Michigan on Feb. 13 for its next Big Ten game.

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.

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.

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.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball showdown between two powerhouse teams.

Tipa Tipo with El Combo Del Valle

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience a fresh blend of 70s soft rock and Latin rhythms with Tipa Tipo's tropical yacht rock en español.