State College
Today
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ THON Weekend is coming soon and a checklist advises dancers, volunteers, and stands supporters to wear comfortable shoes, use a clear bag meeting Bryce Jordan Center size limits, stay healthy, hydrate, and cut caffeine + rest up to enjoy the event stress-free. Onward State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Penn State renamed several campus buildings to honor notable Black alumni including Shirley M. Malcom, Guion S. Bluford Jr. and Warren M. Washington. The new building sign was unveiled on Jan. 28 at Innovation Boulevard. Daily Collegian
- ➤ CentreSTEM, a new nonprofit founded by Centre County 4-H Robotics mentors, aims to expand STEM programs for youth in our area. It will host a CBICC Business After-Hours event at 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 at 2820 E. College Ave. & invite students and professionals to see robot designs. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Denise Okafor, a Penn State professor of biochemistry, has been awarded the 2026 Sloan Research Fellowship to receive $75,000 over two years for her work on protein dynamics and signaling. The honor recognizes her innovative research and positions her among the top early-career scientists. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State’s Walker Building will host a free public lecture on March 19 when Joe Walther from UCSB presents his new theory on online hate and antisocial communication — showing how social media rewards such behavior. Attendees can learn about his research that challenges conventional views. Penn State
- ➤ The Penn State Alumni Association will host an Alumni Expert Series on Feb. 26 to discuss career planning fundamentals and share valuable resources for professional growth. Penn State
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Due to THON and athletic events, parking and traffic adjustments will be in effect from Friday through Sunday at Bryce Jordan Center, Pegula Ice Arena and nearby lots; drivers should park legally and consider walking, biking or using transit (CATA will run on its normal schedule despite potential delays). Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Mat Return's hosts Lyle Alenstein, Evan Smith and Andrew Deal discussed Penn State’s dominant win over Ohio State today — noting questions about Ohio State injuries, lighter weights and viral moments from Cole Mirasola and Mitchell Mesenbrink. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Oneacre, a true freshman third baseman for Penn State softball, was named National Freshman of the Week after a dominant showing that drove the team to a 4-1 record at the Houston Invitational last weekend in Houston. She batted .582 with four homers. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State men’s hockey lost its captain Dane Dowiak to a season-ending injury — alternate captains Ben Schoen, Reese Laubach and Jarod Crespo will share his responsibilities as postseason play nears. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State women's lacrosse will play a ranked matchup against Pitt today at 5 p.m. in Holuba Hall after winter weather moved the game indoors; this will be their third indoor home game of the season (previous games were hosted against UMass and Bucknell). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Over the weekend, multiple Penn State wrestlers competed in the Lock Haven Open tournament and dual season events, with results such as Hayden Cunningham winning an 8 — 0 major decision after an initial close loss and transfer Alex Facundo defeating No. 30 Sergio DeSiante of Virginia Tech. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State women’s hockey earned a top seed with a 22 to 2 conference record and will begin tournament play in the semifinals on Feb. 27 at Pegula Ice Arena. The No. 4 Nittany Lions aim for a fourth championship & face a tough challenge from determined opponents. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State men's hockey forward Reese Laubach earned the Big Ten’s Third Star of the Week after scoring four points in two games against Michigan last Friday and Saturday; this is his first weekly honor this season. Daily Collegian
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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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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.
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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.
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LaMP Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique fusion of sounds from drummer Russ Lawton, organist Ray Paczkowski, and guitarist Scott Metzger.
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America at 250 Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Nittany Valley Symphony — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a diverse musical heritage with American masterpieces across genres.
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2026 Penn State Bass Expo
March 20-21 — Penn State School of Music — Free entry — Celebrate double bass artistry with guest musicians and a vibrant community atmosphere.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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