Good morning, State College.

WPSU and the State College Area School District are holding the fourth annual Multicultural Children’s Festival on Saturday, March 22 at the State College Area High School South Building from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—the free event offers art, music, hands-on activities and invites the first 750 pre-registered children to receive a take-home bag and multicultural book.

C. Edward Watson, vice president for digital innovation at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, will lead sessions on teaching with AI on Tuesday, April 15 at the Dreamery on Penn State’s University Park campus.

He will present his talk 'Embracing AI as Essential Learning: Preparing Students for Life Beyond College' from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and host a workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — helping educators use AI tools in their courses.

Graduate students Nazifa Tabassum and Katie Yan from Penn State won the I AM STEM contest and will serve as keynote speakers at ENVISION—STEM Career Day on March 29 to share their science journeys and advise middle and high school students.

They will offer guidance on starting careers in biology and public health while inspiring future scientists.

The Penn State School of Public Policy hosted its first statewide Policy Simulation Competition at the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building on March 1, drawing over 50 students from nearly a dozen colleges to simulate drafting a refugee policy plan.

Local officials and faculty (including Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas and Centre Region Planning Agency Director Mike Tylka) judged the teams and selected a winning team that featured students from Penn State University Park.

Researchers at Penn State found that old oil and gas wells can be used to improve compressed-air energy storage by 9.5%—a method that uses natural underground heat to raise air temperature and boost energy recovery.

The study shows this system may lower start-up costs while sealing abandoned wells to reduce leaks as the grid shifts to renewable energy.

A bridge on I-80 in Centre County will be partly torn down on March 20th and 21st to build a high-speed interchange with I-99—detours will affect drivers on Route 26.

Trumbull Corporation leads the $170 million project that will finish in 2030 to improve traffic flow and remove stop-controlled intersections.

State College's Madison Watschke won a silver medal in the 200 IM at the PIAA Class 3A swim championships on March 14 at Bucknell University's Kinney Natatorium—she led three teammates to win medals.

State College's Molly Workman repeated as state champion in the 50 free swim at Bucknell University's Kinney Natatorium on March 14, 2025 — marking her second consecutive win at the PIAA Class 3A championships.

In its regular season finale against No. 2 Minnesota at Pegula Ice Arena, Penn State’s sophomore Reese Laubach received a five‑minute major penalty and game misconduct for slashing a facemask with 7:35 left in the period—losing a win‑and‑in chance.

The Nittany Lions now prepare for a single‑elimination second‑round matchup with the Buckeyes at 8:30 p.m. today on Fox Sports—hoping a victory will secure their postseason bid.

Anna Pearl Belinda Live Performance at The Lodge

Anna Pearl, a local singer/songwriter from State College, will be performing at The Lodge at Tussey Mountain, offering a family-friendly opportunity to enjoy music while dining on tacos.

Cirque du Soleil - OVO

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Bryce Jordan Center | Tickets required | Experience the vibrant world of insects through stunning acrobatics and colorful performances.

The Suitcase Junket Live Performance

8-11 p.m. | The State Theatre | Ticket prices vary | Experience the grand and solitary vision of Matt Lorenz's The Suitcase Junket in a unique musical setting.

Victor Wooten Live Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket information available — Experience the innovative sounds of the Wooten Brothers redefining multiple genres.

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2025

7-9 p.m. — The State Theatre — Get your tickets now — Experience the thrill of the best fly fishing films on tour in this annual community celebration.

Anna Pearl Belinda Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — 814 Cider Works - J.L. Farm & Cidery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music from local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl.