Good morning, State College.

Art in the Orchard returns to Way Fruit Farm in Port Matilda from July 9 to 11 with craft booths, live music, and family activities — including bunny encounters and face painting.

Admission and parking are free.

The 60th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts runs today to July 12 with Children and Youth Day, a Thursday cupcake party on Allen Street + a Live Mural Exhibition celebrating country's 250th anniversary, and posters by Saige Sommese and shuttle to People’s Choice in Boalsburg add to the festivities.

Andrew Zydney, a Penn State professor, received the inaugural Most Impactful Project Award from NIIMBL (recognizing his team's work on virus clearance in continuous bioprocessing) at the NIIMBL National Meeting in Washington, D.C., held June 22-25.

Penn State researchers showed that merging black holes follow simple thermodynamic rules to predict the final size of the remnant.

The study was published on Tuesday, July 7 in Physical Review Letters + it may offer scientists a simpler way to test Einstein’s theories.

Penn State’s meteorology team reclaimed the top spot in the national WxChallenge after years of near misses.

The small team of experienced grad students + faculty delivered precise forecasts across various climates, showcasing the department’s long tradition of excellence in weather prediction.

AstroFest begins today at Davey Laboratory on the University Park campus where visitors of all ages can enjoy free stargazing, live talks, and interactive activities until Saturday, July 11.

The event is part of the 2026 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and promises hands-on science fun.

Penn State received commitment from four-star quarterback James Armstrong, who chose the Nittany Lions over several offers because he values the coaching staff's vision (he hails from Aliquippa).

Armstrong will continue competing for a state championship at Hopewell High School before joining the team in 2028.

Aiden Gibson, a four-star running back committed to Penn State, flipped his commitment to Rutgers and will reclassify to the Class of 2026 + leaving the Nittany Lions with one running back in their 2027 class as he is set to enroll this August.

Penn State secured its third commit when 4-star quarterback James Armstrong pledged on July 6, adding the first offensive pledge for the Class of 2028.

The dual-threat player, ranked No. 10 nationally, shined at Hopewell High and is expected to boost the team’s offense.

Penn State Athletics received a five million dollar gift from Bob and Sandy Poole to fund renovations at Beaver Stadium later this year.

The investment will improve the fan and community experience by modernizing West Shore Home Field for student-athletes+fans.

Penn State football’s new director of strength and conditioning Reid Kagy is uniting returning players, transfers, and newcomers through daily weight room competitions shared at today’s Lift for Life event.

He will use limited eight-hour summer workouts to build power, speed, toughness, and team resilience ahead of the fall season.

Anna Pearl Belinda

5-6 p.m. — Willard Building — Free entry — Experience the soaring vocals and storytelling of local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl as she records her debut album.

Anna Pearl Belinda Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Tussey Mountain Ski and Recreation — Free entry — Experience a captivating solo performance by Anna Pearl, a local singer-songwriter from State College.

Craig Finn & Patterson Hood Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of storytelling through music with acclaimed artists Craig Finn and Patterson Hood.