Good morning, State College.

Bellefonte Fire Department will conduct a controlled burn for firefighter training today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the vacant house on 116 Paradise Road in Benner Township (across from McDonald’s) while one lane of Paradise Road is closed from 7 a.m. as fire police direct traffic.

A community group is trying to save Climb Nittany at 328 Discovery Drive after its closure for unsustainable costs.

They have raised $1.9M in less than a month to cover a $400K business purchase + $1.5M property buy and are finalizing offers while planning to retain most staff.

Hidenori Ishii's exhibition 'Feral Botanica' is on view at HUB-Robeson Galleries from June 5 through Oct.

31, inviting visitors to explore immersive installations and paintings that examine nature and urban life. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Penn State’s journalism program finished sixth overall in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program for 2025-26, placing in the top 10 in every discipline including writing and photo while earning the highest finish in the Big Ten Conference.

Penn State research professor Sarah Chilenski was named the 2026 Friend of ECPN Award recipient by the Society for Prevention Research in a ceremony held on May 28 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.

She has mentored over 20 early-career prevention scientists and led efforts to support equity-focused research.

Dongwon Lee, a professor in IST and department head, has been named the Frymoyer Chair in Information Sciences and Technology effective July 1 to support his continued excellence in research, teaching and public service — a three-year honor recognizing his leadership in cybersecurity and AI studies.

Researchers at Smeal College of Business found that employees who passively copied AI–generated responses saw nearly 10% drops in work meaningfulness and self-efficacy compared to manual writing.

The study indicates these declines persist when employees return to manual writing (suggesting long-term impacts on job satisfaction).

Two Penn State graduates, Mitchell Brown and Denzel Massaley, have been selected for the Ed Bradley Journalism Fellowship at New York University from Monday, June 8 to Sunday, June 14.

The weeklong program (coordinated by NYU and the Dow Jones News Fund) will provide intensive training and mentorship to boost Black men's newsroom representation.

Detours on two CATA bus routes run Monday, June 8 to June 12 due to construction on Beaver Avenue in downtown State College; West Beaver Avenue is closed from South Atherton to South Burrowes and lane restrictions apply, with service resuming Saturday, June 13.

Sushi Yume opened on June 1 at the Nittany Valley Mall near the Happy Valley Casino in College Township, offering sushi, boba tea, bahn mi, curry dishes, and poke bowls.

The restaurant serves dine-in and takeout (with 20% off orders until June 7) and runs weekday and weekend hours.

Joe Crispin, a former Penn State assistant (and player), was hired in March as head coach of Air Force’s men’s basketball team, which ended last season 3-29.

He said his time in Happy Valley prepared him well to lead a returning team eager to improve.

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna drew NHL attention when Maple Leafs GM John Chayka visited Whitehorse to learn more about his game; the top prospect is set to compete in the NHL draft on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo.

Nicole Hall, forward for Penn State women’s hockey, will join Sweden’s national team for training camp in Enköping from June 23-28.

The Stockholm native helped lead the Nittany Lions to the Frozen Four last season (with 11 goals and 10 assists).

Michael Faraone will return for his sixth season as a midfielder for Penn State men's lacrosse next season; he scored 20 goals and 29 points in 2026 for the Big Ten champions (a key part of their title run).

Former Penn State lacrosse standout Jack Posey was promoted to assistant coach at High Point University on Thursday after playing 42 games and earning All Big Ten honors at Penn State, and he continues his pro career with the Maryland Whipsnakes.

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.

Sips & Sounds Food and Drink Festival

4-9 p.m. — Sidney Friedman Park — Food and drink festival featuring local music and drinks — Celebrate summer with cold beverages and lively performances in State College!

Anna Pearl Belinda Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Titan Hollow — Free entry — Celebrate the weekend of the 4th with local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl Belinda performing live.