State College
Today
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Acclaimed poet and essayist Tyler Mills will present a free reading on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. in Paterno Library’s Foster Auditorium at University Park as part of the Mary E. Rolling Reading Series. Penn State
- ➤ Free preview of the Penn State Powwow is scheduled March 27 at 4 p.m. in the Bellisario Media Center on University Park campus, featuring storyteller Patrick Littlewolf Brooks. The annual Powwow will follow at C3 Sports on March 28-29, welcoming families to celebrate Native culture. Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at Penn State and MIT found that long conversations can make chatbots mirror user opinions (which may reduce response accuracy). They will present the study at ACM CHI in Barcelona from April 13-17. Penn State
- ➤ Advocate Penn State’s Capital Day campaign returns on April 14 at the Pennsylvania Capitol—students from across the commonwealth will meet lawmakers to push for increased state funding that supports a $16,000 in-state tuition discount for over 41,000 students. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State students can apply for IBM's co-op program for tech positions starting in May; applicants must be sophomores or higher with a projected graduation in May 2026 and work part time during school and full time over summer. Penn State
- ➤ Eva SinhaRoy, a Penn State sophomore double-majoring in geobiology and environmental resource management, is pursuing research on climate change while actively joining groups like THON and the Presidential Leadership Academy. She credits supportive programs with helping her build research and leadership skills. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute’s Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction has launched the Pennsylvania Addiction Action Network (funded by $750,000 from the fiscal year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act) to help all 67 counties use opioid settlement funds effectively for prevention and treatment. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State engineers have been named a sub-awardee on four ARPA-H projects and received over $4 million to improve indoor air quality and test bioprinted liver tissue. The work, led by engineering teams under the BREATHE and PRINT programs, will unfold over the next several years. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Joe Crispin (a Penn State alum and assistant who boosted the team’s offense) is set to become Air Force’s next head coach, as reported March 18. He will lead a program that has struggled to reach the NCAA Tournament in recent seasons. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State held its Pro Day (in Holuba Hall) Wednesday morning with 20 Nittany Lions showcasing athletic skills as testing results were posted. The session featured performances from quarterback Drew Allar and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Quarterback Drew Allar took part in Penn State’s 2026 Pro Day on Wednesday where he showed his passing skills after returning from a season-ending injury on home turf. He is meeting NFL teams ahead of the draft in Pittsburgh as he works to boost his professional prospects. Onward State
- ➤ Last week, Penn State baseball struggled with pitching and lost four of five games, including losses to Georgetown and Iowa. Seniors Michael Anderson and Bryce Molinaro (local players with timely homers) offered hope as the team prepares for its upcoming Big Ten series in Happy Valley. Daily Collegian
- ➤ No. 3 Penn State women's hockey will host No. 2 Wisconsin tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena after a 3-0 win in the University Park Regional Final — marking the team's first Frozen Four appearance as they aim for their first national tournament win. Daily Collegian
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
Maurice Louca 'Fera' Quartet Live
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — $22 GA / $12 Students — Experience the intricate and hypnotic sounds of Maurice Louca's Fera in a captivating live performance.
-
Tauren Wells Concert
7-10 p.m. — C3 Sports — Tickets available — Experience the uplifting vibes of Tauren Wells on the Take It All Back Tour with special guests.
-
Alex Harding and Lucian Ban Duo
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Ticket pricing not specified — Experience a night of soulful blues with the talented duo Alex Harding and Lucian Ban.
-
Anand Wilder Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Check local listings — Experience a night of eclectic sounds featuring Anand Wilder of Yeasayer alongside The After Hours and Eesha Jadhav.
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
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
About State College Today
Welcome to the State College Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the State College, Pennsylvania community. If you like the State College Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in State College.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in State College and across Pennsylvania. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to State College Today
A free State College community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://statecollegetoday.com/sitemap