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Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

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Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.

CULTURE NEWS

  • Comedian Colin Jost will perform stand-up at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 & go on sale at noon Friday via Ticketmaster, with University Park students receiving early access until March 10.  StateCollege.com

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Statewide, the $30 million student teacher stipend program faces high demand as Gov. Shapiro proposes an extra $5 million to help ease teacher shortages — with state officers tracking its impact. Education advocates say more funding will allow more qualified candidates to lead classrooms while lawmakers review the proposal.  StateCollege.com
  • Penn State astronomers used data from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment to build the largest 3D map of early universe hydrogen light, revealing where galaxies formed billions of years ago. The map was published Tuesday, Mar. 3, and supports research on galaxy evolution (further study is planned).  Penn State
  • Penn State students can apply for the Dare to Disrupt Design and Build Challenge to create physical prototypes using professional prototyping tools (such as Trotec laser cutters) at OriginLabs. The application deadline is March 12, and the build sessions will be held during Penn State Startup Week on March 25-26.  Penn State

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Transportation Services has announced that during spring break from Monday, Mar. 9 to Sunday, Mar. 15 on campus, core faculty/staff permits will be valid at extra parking areas while CATA will offer a reduced transit schedule + daily parking for others is also available.  Penn State

HEALTH NEWS

  • Penn State’s research team is developing digital twin hearts—computer models that simulate a patient’s heart to guide personalized treatment. The project is part of a five-year, $1.2 million NIH grant and could help lower surgical risks.  Penn State

SPORTS NEWS

  • Penn State women's lacrosse will play its game against Colgate today in Holuba Hall after the team moved it indoors, marking the fourth time this season the Nittany Lions have played inside.  Daily Collegian
  • Penn State’s women’s basketball players Kiyomi McMiller and Gracie Merkle were honored in the 2025-26 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Honors list. McMiller made the coaches’ third team and the media’s second team, while Merkle landed a third team spot on Tuesday — her scoring made the news.  Daily Collegian
  • Senior captain Tessa Janecke scored four goals to earn AHA Forward of the Week while freshman Danica Maynard earned Rookie of the Week with key assists in the semifinals. The team will face Mercyhurst in the AHA Championship on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena.  Daily Collegian
  • Penn State men’s hockey coach Guy Gadowsky said the team will press hard in a final regular season series against Wisconsin on Thursday and Friday at Pegula Ice Arena. He noted the return of forward Braedon Ford and highlighted a senior night with a Wear White game to energize local fans.  StateCollege.com
  • Penn State Baseball announced five Dollar Dog Nights this season to give fans a chance to grab a deal at select home games. The first is on Tuesday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. against St. Bonaventure at Medlar Field, with later matchups against UCF, FDU, Bucknell, and West Virginia.  Onward State
  • Freshman Allison Oneacre was named the top third baseman by Softball America on Tuesday. She hit .424 in 20 games and led Penn State with 33 RBI and nine home runs during a 16-4 start.  Daily Collegian

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Thu, 3/5/26

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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.

    Sat, 3/7/26

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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.

    Thu, 3/19/26

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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.

    Fri, 3/20/26

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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.

    Sat, 3/21/26

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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.

    Tue, 3/24/26

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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!

    Wed, 3/25/26

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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.

    Thu, 3/26/26

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  • Bab L'Bluz Concert

    7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $15 — Experience the soulful blend of Franco-Moroccan music with Bab L'Bluz's captivating Gnawa beats.

    Wed, 4/1/26

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.

~ James Clear

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