State College
Today
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Paris Bakery & Cafe is set to open at 122 W. College Ave. in State College, replacing a BRGR site with a broader menu featuring French pastries, sandwiches, beverages + wood-fired pizzas overseen by an Italian chef; construction is underway without an announced opening date. Onward State
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Job seekers can connect with over 100 employers at the Centre County Spring Job Fair on Thursday, Apr. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at C3 Sports on 200 Ellis Place - the event is hosted by PA CareerLink Centre County and local government partners. StateCollege.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Beth Neumann (AFROTC administrative assistant) and Jessica Petko, a Penn State York associate professor, were honored with the 2026 Rosemary Schraer Mentoring Award for their exceptional guidance of cadets and students. Their support and innovations have strengthened pathways for academic and career success. Penn State
- ➤ Laenee McCoy, a Penn State student majoring in anthropology and art history, pursues a museum career by combining art, culture and history through internships. She interned at the Matson Museum and will soon join the All-Sports Museum to build on her diverse interests. Penn State
- ➤ Eric Hunting, a Penn State doctoral candidate (in the College of Education), studies how Latinx punk serves as an informal learning space through music and community dialogue. His project challenges traditional classrooms by documenting how lived experiences at punk shows create unique educational encounters. Penn State
- ➤ Six Penn State faculty have received the 2026 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, honoring outstanding instruction across several colleges & departments including Nursing, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Sciences. The accolade celebrates their commitment to equipping students with real-world skills. Penn State
- ➤ Richard Harnish, professor of psychology at Penn State New Kensington, and Ben Lear, chemistry professor in the Eberly College, earned the 2026 Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching for using active methods that help students learn through real-world application. Penn State
- ➤ University Park-based Sinfree Makoni, a Liberal Arts professor & director of the African Studies program, has received the 2026 President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Integration for his success in linking teaching, research and service. Penn State
- ➤ Professor Asher Rosinger at the College of Health and Human Development was named recipient of the 2026 Kopp International Achievement Award, recognizing his research on water insecurity in Kenya and Bolivia; his work boosts the university’s global mission. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Trustee Kelley Lynch has donated a major gift today to enhance student programs at the Alumni Association, Smeal College of Business, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Penn State Greater Allegheny. The funding will strengthen mentoring, scholarships, and leadership opportunities to help students succeed. Penn State
- ➤ Three professors have been named 2026 Penn State Teaching Fellows after receiving the Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Penn State Alumni Association—each will share their expertise with colleagues across the University system in the coming year. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a record-setting weekend at the Florida Relays, Penn State men's track team jumped 30 places to No. 13 in the USTFCCCA poll on Tuesday, with records set in the 100-meters and throws (including standout efforts by sophomore Ajani Dwyer) boosting their ranking. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State women’s lacrosse player Kelly MacKinney was named IWLCA Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday (April 7) after scoring seven goals and two assists against Ohio State on Sunday. Her junior season now features a record 32 goals, with her recent seven-goal game marking a personal best. Daily Collegian
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Earth and Arbor Day Fest
5-8 p.m. — Hintz Alumni Garden — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with live music, local food vendors, and engaging activities for all ages.
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Beginner Line Dancing Night
7-10 p.m. — Arena Bar & Grill — $5 — Learn and enjoy various line dances in a fun, interactive setting.
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Jeff Dunham's Artificial Intelligence Tour
7-10 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Tickets available — Get ready to laugh out loud with renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
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Boyscott
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $14 — Enjoy a night of dreamy indie rock with surfy guitar hooks from Boyscott.
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Anna Pearl Belinda Live
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Titan Hollow — Tickets available — Celebrate Taurus Season with local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl Belinda performing original music.
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Lucy Kaplansky Concert
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rich folk sounds of New York City artist Lucy Kaplansky.
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
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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