State College
Today
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kellyn Roth and Rayner Raynor joined 16,500 students at THON (46-hour dance marathon today) to fight childhood cancer and support local families with their Penn State Outreach skills in child support services and outdoor education. Their visible commitment is strengthening community care. Penn State
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Between today and March 12, Penn State will host cultural events including Hadestown at Eisenhower Auditorium (March 2-3), the African American Music Festival at University Park (March 3), and the Marker Lectures in Mathematics at 114 McAllister Building (March 2-4)—with additional art exhibits available. Penn State
- ➤ On Valentine's Day, the Palmer Museum hosted a guided tasting for 75 guests to learn how to judge chocolate by its snap, sheen, and aroma with cheese pairings. The Spirit of Chocolate installation (by Penn State experts) is now on view and will evolve into a permanent outdoor exhibit. Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Seniors at Penn State said goodbye to their final THON after four years of fundraising—raising $18.8 million for For The Kids—and recalled lively moments on press row and in the stands. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State College of Arts and Architecture is now accepting entries for its annual Arts Business Idea Competition, where students email arts based business plans by 11:59 p.m. on April 1. Semifinalists will present ideas on April 13 and 14, with winners announced on April 14. Penn State
- ➤ A new Penn State study shows that voice AI ordering makes fast-food customers choose more indulgent options, while adding a friendly avatar (a design tweak that reduces mental tiredness) can guide choices toward healthier meals. The findings are now available online ahead of publication. Penn State
- ➤ Today, Penn State’s Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses invested over $460,000 in research at 18 Commonwealth Campuses and University Park, funding 103 projects and supporting more than 80 student conference presentations. The investments are split into interdisciplinary and AI/community rounds to boost faculty scholarship and student engagement. Penn State
- ➤ Puneet Singla, a Penn State engineering professor, has been named a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for his work in dynamics, control, and sustainable space technologies. He will be inducted in May in Washington — a mark of his leadership in aerospace research and education. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State students may join Green the Feed, a sustainability storytelling contest hosted by Bellisario College Sustainability Council. Entries require social posts on sustainability issues and must be submitted online Apr. 1 to 7 (winners announced on Earth Day, Apr. 22) with cash prizes up to $500. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Health researchers will expand their wastewater monitoring for foodborne illness pathogens at municipal plants statewide with a new FDA grant of more than $500,000 over five years, aiming to boost outbreak detection. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State has opened the renovated Jeffrey Field Soccer Complex after major upgrades that include new locker rooms, training and hydrotherapy areas + expanded seating for 4,000 fans as the complex now hosts men’s and women’s soccer games and NCAA events. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State’s middle distance squad set 13 top five marks over six events and broke school records as past meets pushed the team's qualifying runners for national championships. The group will compete in upcoming NCAA and Big Ten events as it seeks its best finish ever. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Following an undefeated Orlando weekend, No. 25 Penn State softball will travel to Knoxville this weekend to face host No. 1 Tennessee twice before returning to Beard Field. Coach Clarisa Crowell stressed the team's depth and situational hitting (citing standout freshman Allison Oneacre’s consecutive Big Ten honor). Daily Collegian
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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.
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Better Than Ezra Live
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket limit: 10 per customer — Experience legendary rock music with Better Than Ezra's engaging performance.
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Crafts & Cocktails at The Rivet
This adults-only, station-based evening gives you a punch card to enjoy craft activities *and* craft cocktails and mocktails. Every ticket sold supports STEM and maker programs for our community, so get your ticket (3/25 or 5/6) and let's craft for a cause!
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Peppa Pig Live - My First Concert
6-7 p.m. — Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State — Ticket prices vary — Engage with Peppa Pig and family in a delightful introduction to orchestral music for young children.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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