Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of June.
Good morning, State College.
🎓 Education
In early June, second-grade students at Gray’s Woods Elementary School and Penn State music graduate students teamed up to write and perform an original opera adapted from 'Because of Winn-Dixie'—earning a standing ovation at two shows.
Talks are underway to bring the program back next school year—potentially expanding similar arts projects to more schools.
Penn State named J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox as its 2025 Philanthropists of the Year after they donated $20 million to endow the Fox Graduate School, which will support critical scholarships + academic initiatives.
Their gift, the largest in the school’s history, reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing graduate education.
Micah Haack, a doctoral student in electrical engineering at Penn State, has been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholarship that funds his tuition, provides a stipend and summer internships, and offers post-graduate employment.
He will work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren during the summer months and after his graduation in December (covering at least two-and-a-half years of defense research experience).
Penn State advertising major Sydney Waldner is completing an internship this summer with Marathon Digital & she works two days in the office at Times Square managing social media for Broadway shows like Hadestown, Hamilton and The Outsiders.
She uses her Penn State skills to build a future in entertainment public relations.
Aviral Srivastava is a recent Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology graduate with a master’s in cybersecurity (earned in May) who was named a 2025 RSA Conference Security Scholar.
He has accepted a job as a security engineer at Amazon in Sunnyvale and his good grades, teaching work and research helped him earn this honor.
🏛️ Government
On Monday, the Penn State Board of Trustees voted 30—4 to permanently remove Barry Fenchak from the board after citing a code of conduct violation.
Fenchak said he was surprised by the vote and is set to appear in court on July 30 as his lawsuit against the board continues.
🏈 Sports
Four-star edge rusher Elijah Littlejohn (from Charlotte) committed to join Penn State football's class of 2026 on Monday afternoon.
He chose the Nittany Lions over offers from Alabama, Georgia Tech, NC State and Auburn and is ranked among the top edge rushers in his class.
Penn State wrestling announced its Big Ten schedule for the 2025-26 season on Monday with home matches against Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State and Rutgers and away contests at Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Northwestern.
The team — after a 15-0 season and a national championship — will reload its roster following the loss of key wrestlers last season.
🎉 State College Events
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Steep Canyon Rangers Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of traditional bluegrass with a contemporary twist from award-winning songwriters.
Happy Valley Puzzle Swap
1-2 p.m. — Walmart Supercenter — Free entry — Exchange gently used jigsaw puzzles in a community-friendly environment.
Open Gym
Beat the evening heat and have the kids burn off some energy at CEG's Summer Tuesday night Open Gyms! Open for ages 1–18, but please note that ages 1–5 require a parent or guardian to stay with them. 6:15pm–7:30pm at Centre Elite Gymnastics, 177 Champion Drive, Suite 200, State College, PA 16803. $5/members, $10/non-members.
Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival
June 25-29 — Centre County Grange Fair — Ticketed event — Enjoy performances from 19 Bluegrass bands including Grand Ole Opry star Rhonda Vincent.
Sips & Sounds Downtown Celebration
4:00 – 8:45 p.m. — Sidney Friedman Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant summer celebration with live music and refreshing beverages in downtown State College.
Langhorne Slim Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the powerful and raw sounds of acclaimed singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim.
Killer Queen Tribute Concert
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the acclaimed tribute band Killer Queen as they bring the magic of Queen to life on stage.
Firecracker 4K Independence Day Run/Walk
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Medlar Field — Registration fee required — Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic run and enjoy festivities topped off with fireworks.
Movies in the Garden: A Complete Unknown
8:30-10:30 p.m. — H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens — Adults $15, Children $10 — Enjoy an outdoor movie night featuring the biographical film about Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet.
Sam Grisman Project Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the revival of timeless acoustic music inspired by the legacies of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.
🏠 State College Real Estate
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💼 State College Job Board
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📣 State College Announcements
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