Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

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Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Centre County man Nazir Ahmad Babury, 32, was held after bail was denied by Judge Allen W. Sincair on June 15 when he was charged with multiple offenses—he allegedly visited a woman on June 13 to discuss his breakup and tried to force a pill into her mouth. WTAJ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts unveiled its free 2025 collectible poster featuring bold colors and iconic design elements — it was designed by Saige Sommese using concepts by her late father. The poster can be picked up at several local locations as the 59th annual Arts Festival prepares to kick off with Children and Youth Day on July 9. StateCollege.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than $3 million has been awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to 14 groups to boost family literacy services in Centre and Huntingdon counties. The grants include $130,200 to Penn State and $190,379 to Huntingdon County Child & Adult Development Corporation — helping parents and children improve reading and career skills. WTAJ
- ➤ Recent Penn State graduate Olivia Karoly excelled in her community, environment and development program by winning first place for her poster presentation in May—she will begin a master’s program in sustainability management in August. Her hands-on research and internships have set her on a path toward a career in corporate sustainability strategy. Penn State
- ➤ New Student Orientation is in session as President Neeli Bendapudi recalled her visit last summer to an innovative musical theatre show—Results Will Vary—that introduced over 9,400 new students at University Park to key campus resources and community life. The show used storytelling, sketch comedy and interactive activities to help students learn how to navigate college life. Penn State
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Centre County will face traffic changes on June 19 as PennDOT installs concrete barriers along Route 26 to protect workers on a $259 million project linking I-80 and I-99. Flaggers will guide drivers—weather permitting—and the road will shift to northbound-only access near the I-80 westbound ramps after the barriers are set. WTAJ
- ➤ Gov. Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers are in tough talks on a $51.5 billion spending plan that seeks to boost Medicaid funding, support public schools and transit, legalize marijuana, raise the minimum wage and tax skill games — lawmakers have two weeks to pass the plan before the fiscal year begins on July 1. StateCollege.com
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support State College Today.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State named Tyler Warren and Maddie Gordon winners of the Big Ten Medal of Honor Tuesday afternoon for their excellence on and off the field — Warren played a key role in the football season and was later drafted by the Colts, while Gordon achieved strong softball stats and earned two degrees. Their awards reflect a long tradition dating back to 1915 and mark them among only two student-athletes recognized each year — underscoring their exceptional contributions to the university's sports programs. Onward State
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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.
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Happy Valley Puzzle Swap
1-2 p.m. — Walmart Supercenter — Free entry — Exchange gently used jigsaw puzzles in a community-friendly environment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support State College Today.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
~ Thomas Paine
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