State College
Today
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Penn State alum Justin Leusner completed an NBA tour in 32 days & broke a Guinness World Record while raising over $100,000 for Make-A-Wish. He visited all 30 arenas, creating a memorable moment at a Spurs game that helped bring a young fan’s wish to life. Onward State
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A student-led team updated the Old Coaly exhibit at the HUB-Robeson Center on April 23 to mark the Coaly Society’s 75th anniversary. The exhibit now features a fresh backdrop, new LED lighting & an updated narrative of the mule’s historic role in Penn State. Penn State
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A State College developer plans to transform the aging Nittany Mall into a modern hub of shops, dining, and entertainment while seeking state funding with local officials supporting the effort. PrimeCore aims to revitalize the property by combining renovations and new construction on its 330,000 sqft site in College Township. StateCollege.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ava Stephens, a computer science major and president of the figure skating team, graduated from Penn State and is moving to Southern California to work on satellites for Boeing. She plans to continue posting on TikTok and Instagram, sharing her skating journey and maintaining her presence in the skating community. Onward State
- ➤ Charlotte Becket has been named director of the School of Visual Arts in Penn State College of Arts and Architecture, effective Aug. 1, where she will promote interdisciplinary collaboration with her extensive background in art and administration from Pace University. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Associate Professor of History Kate Merkel-Hess was named a Guggenheim Fellow by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation; the honor will support her upcoming book on wartime China's resistance. Penn State
- ➤ The College of Arts and Architecture named eight student marshals for its spring commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9 in Eisenhower Auditorium, chosen based on academic achievement (and student engagement). Penn State
- ➤ Aron Laszka earned a five-year, $685,588 NSF CAREER Award for a project that will use deep reinforcement learning to boost systems like transportation and energy. He will involve both undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on research+interactive learning at Penn State’s College of IST. Penn State
- ➤ First year graphic design students use classroom skills in a real-world project with Penn State Votes and the Evanisko Project today to create digital ads that simplify election information. Their work is now on display in West Pattee Library for the campus community. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State junior Michela Barbanente plays softball and works in the broadcast booth, a dual role that earned her a captain spot this season. She combines on-field performance with classroom learning + a growing passion for sports broadcasting. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State wrestlers excelled over the weekend at the US Open with Lilledahl, Blaze and Dake winning their brackets and earning auto bids to Final X — the strong showings in both senior and U20 events underscore the team’s rising prowess. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Alabama Huntsville guard Thomas Allard announced his transfer to Penn State men's basketball with one year of eligibility remaining. The Suwanee native played at Lincoln Memorial University before earning All-GSC Second Team honors at Alabama Huntsville & he becomes the program's fifth transfer commit. Onward State
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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.
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PUULUUP with The Wild Shoats
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — $28 — Experience a unique blend of ancient sounds and modern flair as Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson showcase their musical journey.
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Natural Information Society Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $15 — Experience the unique sounds of Natural Information Society, creating long-form compositions since 2010.
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2026 XL Fest All-Access Pass
5:59-7:29 p.m. — Blue Brick Theatre — $99 + fees — Experience 12 shows of hilarious improv magic at the Happy Valley XL Fest.
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
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~ Thomas Jefferson
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