Good morning, State College.

State College will host the grand opening of High Point Action Sports Park (855 W.

Whitehall Rd.) on Friday, May 29 at 2 p.m., featuring speeches, a ribbon cutting, and pro demos beginning at 3:30 p.m. Volunteer committees and borough officials have worked for years to create the accessible skatepark.

Sizzling Bites, a fast-casual halal chain, opened its downtown location at 129 S.

Pugh St. on Thursday, May 21. The restaurant targets college students with extended hours and a diverse menu, and it plans a grand opening event in August when Penn State returns.

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing held its annual WE LEAD Leadership Academy in March at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel, where alumni shared insights on career growth, nursing paths, and wellness with students (panelists offered advice on turning challenges into leadership opportunities).

Penn State biology professor Jesse Lasky said researchers used AI and plant genomics to study evolution so farmers can develop crops that resist extreme weather and emerging diseases.

His work, drawing on decades of study, highlights using genetic diversity (a natural resource) to boost future food security.

Students from Penn State's Bellisario College of Communications develop audio postcards for WPSU as part of the Slice of Pennsylvania series to learn sound storytelling.

Episodes will air on WPSU-FM starting June 2.

Penn State announced that tenured and tenure-line faculty will be promoted starting July 1, 2026.

The update affects professors across multiple departments (including engineering, medicine, and humanities) as part of a routine academic review.

Three-star tight end Sean Currie announced his commitment to Penn State football on Friday from Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

He becomes the fifth player from New Jersey in the class of 2027 after choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from several other schools.

Penn State announced non-tenure-line faculty promotions that will be effective July 1 — positions span roles from assistant to research professor across multiple departments and campuses.

Kenan Ünlü (director of the Radiation Science and Engineering Center) at Penn State was named a fellow of the American Nuclear Society for his contributions in nuclear research; he will be honored at the opening plenary of the 2026 ANS Annual Conference on June 1.

Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was named Coach of the Year by The Open Mat on Friday after guiding the Nittany Lions to a fifth straight national title (the team finished undefeated with record points and multiple individual champions).

Three-star defensive tackle Aniti Paiva committed to Penn State football on Friday after choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Arizona, Colorado and Oregon State.

The Utah native (ranked No. 112 nationally and No. 12 in the state) recorded 19 tackles in his junior season at Corner Canyon High.

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!

GITKIN Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting hybrid styles of Gitkin, the alter ego of Grammy-nominated producer Brian J.

TOBYMAC Summer Tour 2026

7-8:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Check official site for ticket prices — Experience the explosive energy of TOBYMAC's hit-filled summer tour across 8 cities.

Trenton Thunder vs. State College Spikes

3:30 AM — Medlar Field at Lubrano Park — Tickets from $33 — Catch the excitement as the Trenton Thunder take on the State College Spikes in this can't-miss live baseball experience.