State College
Today
Friday, February 27th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cindy Pasquinelli will retire on July 31 as executive director of Strawberry Fields after 41 years expanding services for people with intellectual, developmental, and mental health challenges. She led program growth and new care partnerships and will continue to support the nonprofit through the David Pasquinelli Memorial Fund. StateCollege.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Mar. 24, Hintz Family Alumni Center’s Robb Hall will host The Joyfull: Fanoos Ensemble Edition, a free event featuring a dining talk (at 6 p.m.) and Afghan music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is required. Penn State
- ➤ Peppa Pig’s family-friendly musical theater performance, My First Concert, will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 26 at Eisenhower Auditorium — preceded by a free pre-event activity from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the conference room for interactive music play. Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Penn State researchers found current AI chatbots overuse stereotypes when representing sociodemographic backgrounds + they presented their findings last January at a conference, highlighting the need for ethical design guidelines. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State student-athletes earned a 3.35 GPA in fall 2025, with 593 athletes meeting the 3.0 threshold and 322 earning dean’s list honors. Sixty-three full-time athletes reached a 4.0, reflecting strong academic performance. Penn State
- ➤ Fifty-two Penn State students will present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond from April 13 to 15. The event gathers 4,000 undergraduates nationwide and offers valuable networking and learning opportunities. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday in Indianapolis, Penn State track earned podium finishes as senior Maddie Pitts set personal bests in hurdles and jumps, and the men posted record times in the 600 and 200-meter events + the team will compete over the next two days to boost their national championship bid. Daily Collegian
- ➤ At Thursday's Bryce Jordan Center press conference, coach Mike Rhoades confirmed forward Tibor Mirtič will miss the rest of the season due to injury and said he is holding talks with players about roster retention as the team prepares for upcoming games. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State upset USC thanks to Kiyomi McMiller's 40-point performance on Wednesday—tying a Big Ten record with six straight 30-point games and reaching 1,000 career points. The win extended the team's three-game winning streak. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State men's basketball will face Iowa at noon Saturday at Bryce Jordan Center following a 23-point loss to Nebraska. Coach Mike Rhoades aims to improve his record as senior guard Bennett Stirtz is expected to lead a strong offensive showing in a key conference matchup. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Penn State assistant coach Trace McSorley is leaving his role and will join the Buffalo Bills in an unknown capacity (reuniting him with coach Joe Brady), with his removal from the team’s online staff directory confirming his departure. StateCollege.com
- ➤ No. 25 Penn State softball will face top-ranked Lady Volunteers at the Tennessee Invitational (today at 5:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m.); the matchups will be only the second and third meetings of the teams after Tennessee won (9-1) in 2007. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State added Iowa State transfer safety Marcus Neal Jr (nicknamed the shark) to its defense, and he is expected to start this season after losses to the NFL and transfer portal; he said he will bring his hard-hitting style and aims to help the team win a national championship. StateCollege.com
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Impatience with actions, patience with results.
~ Naval Ravikant
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