Good morning, State College.

Happy Valley Improv will host the fifth annual XL Improv Festival at the Blue Brick Theatre from May 14 to May 17 in Centre County, where visitors can join workshops, 12 shows and special events while exploring local attractions.

Penn State Mechanical Engineering Professor David Williams and doctoral student Chun Sen Liu are using AI to fix errors in aircraft design models to meet industry needs.

They completed the NSF I-Corps regional short course and interested researchers must apply for the self-guided I-Corps Prep mini-course by *Friday, May 22*.

Reid Berdanier has been awarded the Bryant Early Career Professorship in mechanical engineering, a three-year honor held until 2028 — making him the eighth current faculty member to receive a named early-career professorship.

A Penn State soil scientist received a $1.6 million, five-year National Science Foundation grant to study how temperature fluctuations affect the biocrust microbiome in arid ecosystems.

The project will begin in August at University Park, using controlled experiments and education initiatives to advance soil science.

Sabine Klahr, vice provost for Global at Penn State, announced her phased retirement starting July 1 and will serve as a special adviser as an interim leader is named.

She led key international programs at the university (including award-winning initiatives) over the past four years.

An international research team led by Bruce Logan at Penn State developed a reactor that turns carbon dioxide & renewable electricity into methane, which uses existing pipelines for storage.

Lab tests showed the design scaled up 10 times without losing efficiency, offering a promising method for long-term energy storage.

State College Borough Council held a public hearing Monday on the DSCID reauthorization plan+ which involves 350 businesses and aims to expand events and funding.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for June 1 and business objections will be accepted for 45 days before council votes after July 16.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Penn State HR reminds employees to use updated benefits and resources like SupportLinc to address mental health, stress, and work-life balance.

The platform offers free counseling + legal consultations and financial support available 24/7 for campus staff.

A Penn State study in University Park found that preschoolers who experience harsh parenting, such as spanking + shouting, show poorer stress regulation as they age from 3 to 4, with researchers tracking mothers' influence using heart monitors during puzzle challenges.

Penn State men's basketball released its 2026-27 Big Ten schedule showing games against all 17 teams, with two matchups against Nebraska, Ohio State and Rutgers and home-only games against Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, Oregon, Purdue and Washington.

Future dates, tipoff times and broadcast details will be provided soon.

On Tuesday, May 12, Penn State hired Dwayne (DJ) Stephens as an assistant coach for its men's basketball team.

He brings nearly 30 years of experience from Big Ten and Final Four programs to help rebuild the roster after Joe Crispin and Jamal Brunt departed.

Former Penn State hockey forward Charlie Cerrato signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday.

The contract offers salaries starting at ($775,000) and a signing bonus of ($220,000) if he stays in the NHL after a recent stint with the Chicago Wolves.

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.

Marisa Anderson Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Manny’s Live Performance Space — $20 — Experience a unique blend of blues, country, and abstract sounds from one of the most distinctive guitar players of her generation.

Arena Open Line Dance

7-10 p.m. — Arena Bar & Grill — $5 cash cover — Enjoy an evening of open requests line dancing for all levels with a fun Pink Pony Club theme!