State College
Today
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos said in a video released yesterday that Penn State’s new AI Transformation initiative will boost student learning, employee skills, and research at University Park. The plan will expand tools and hands-on learning so the PSU community can work with emerging technologies. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State graduates Carlos and Donna Alves created the I Love Math Scholarship in Eberly College of Science to support math majors, and the fund (active since 2023) has helped nine students with financial need. They hope the scholarship lets students focus on studies without extra work in University Park. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State’s Office of Scholars Programs held its fifth Scholars of Excellence Celebration on Feb. 16 in the HUB to honor 174 students for outstanding Fall 2025 GPAs + it brought together staff and academic partners from five scholarship programs. Penn State
- ➤ On Feb. 25, award-winning Russian author and documentary filmmaker Katerina Gordeeva will present a free public lecture and answer questions at 2:30 p.m. on Penn State’s University Park campus, sponsored by several university departments to discuss trauma journalism. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State CTSI will hold a Translational Science Seminar featuring Roderick Lee from Penn State Harrisburg. He will present research on how high-impact practices, such as undergraduate research and internships, can boost inclusion in computing — especially for first-generation college students. Penn State
- ➤ THON Weekend 2026 begins today at the Bryce Jordan Center and runs until Sunday as 700 dancers and 16,500 student volunteers support pediatric cancer patients in a 46-hour dance marathon (donations and live streaming are available). StateCollege.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marcus Blaze earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week with his win over Ben Davino while Cole Mirasola earned Big Ten Wrestler of the Week after upsetting Nick Feldman — advancing Penn State wrestling’s 14-0 record. The team faces Princeton Tigers today at 7 p.m. at Rec Hall. Onward State
- ➤ Levi Haines, Penn State wrestling's lone starting senior, will compete in his final match against Princeton at Rec Hall Friday night. Haines finished his season undefeated and is aiming to become only the fourth Penn Stater to win four Big Ten titles. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State star Tessa Janecke helped Team USA win an Olympic gold medal yesterday in Milan when they beat Canada two to one. She earned five assists during the tournament and returns to State College for the upcoming AHA tournament at Pegula Ice Arena starting Feb. 27. StateCollege.com
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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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The Shawshank Redemption Screening
8:00-9:31 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless story of hope and friendship within the confines of a prison.
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
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
~ Naval Ravikant
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