Good morning, State College.

Michael Melillo, a Penn State alumnus, turned a WWII veteran's private war story into a book after being entrusted with it by his wife’s grandfather, and he plans to share the tale with the community & inspire local heritage.

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, stopped in Lewistown on Wednesday, July 8 and passed through Tyrone before heading to Altoona for a public display on Thursday and Friday as part of its coast-to-coast tour for America’s 250th birthday.

Today, Arts Fest celebrates its second day with art exhibits, live murals and music.

The event features a Sidewalk Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on South Allen Street and a craft beverage garden at Sidney Friedman Park from noon to 8 p.m.

Christmas in July returns to Boalsburg as part of the People’s Choice Festival starting today through July 12, and it offers nearly continuous snowfall plus a dedicated Christmas tent with décor, giveaways, and Santa’s arrival on Saturday, July 11.

Several Penn State students are set to create content at MLB's 96th All-Star Game in Philadelphia on July 12.

A Bellisario College professor arranged the opportunity (using personal and college channels) for the students to gain real-world reporting experience.

James Doyle, director of the Matson Museum, was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award that will let him spend six months in Panama for research on his upcoming book Gran Coclé – The Royal Arts of Ancestral Panama.

Penn State has launched Beyond the Podium: AI, Speech and Civic Voice, a new open educational resource that mixes AI literacy into public speaking courses.

The resource (updated by faculty across campuses) is free for instructors to adopt and adapt.

A $5.25M grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF will expand scholarships for over 100 nursing students this year at Penn State Scranton and Schuylkill—building on a previous $2M commitment to bolster success at the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.

Penn State’s Nittany Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary was named the 2026 Building Block Chapter of the Year for record-setting leadership and service — it hosted a Centennial Bash with over 650 attendees and inducted 49 new members.

NACURH selected the chapter from more than 200 candidates across North America.

Setareh Farashzadeh and Yasaman Ghaffarian, longtime friends and architects, earned their master of architecture degrees this spring and will complete their master of science degrees in August at Penn State.

They plan to begin doctoral studies and expand their practice (recognized with several awards) using insights from their dual programs.

Centre County commissioners backed plans to transfer Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park— a 1,400-acre site with America’s only all-water cavern—to state control, while Rep. Benninghoff introduced legislation that may include the proposal in the state budget; the move aims to preserve the landmark and boost local tourism.

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.