Good morning, State College.

Today, the 59th annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts began in downtown State College with children and youth day as nearly 300 artists sold handmade items like wallets and earrings (and even emotional support pickles) to local buyers.

The event marks the start of Arts Fest, which draws thousands of visitors and helps support downtown businesses.

Penn State student-athletes achieved a 3.28 term GPA this spring with 578 recording at least a 3.0 and 291 making the dean’s list — a sign of strong academic support at the university.

Sixty-two full-time athletes earned a 4.0 this term while the women’s gymnastics team led with the highest team GPA at 3.78.

Fatmah Almeer is a Penn State student from Safwa, Saudi Arabia who returned to school to pursue double majors in social data analytics and hospitality management—she earned a biotechnology degree in 2017 and now works as a Hilton intern while leading the Free Food Map project to help students access free meals.

Kathryn Rex, a Penn State biomedical engineering graduate student, was awarded a three-year NSF fellowship to study why rotator cuff repairs often fail after surgery.

Her research gathers motion data before and after surgery to help improve treatment outcomes — a study that may benefit both athletes and older adults.

Drivers are told to slow down on Route 45 in Pine Grove Mills as rough pavement caused by an asphalt bleed near Ferguson Township Elementary School has emerged during shoulder widening work for a bicycle and pedestrian project.

PennDOT said the damage will persist for several weeks and that a permanent repair plan is under review—further updates will be provided.

Researchers from Penn State, the University of Minnesota, and the USDA built a high-resolution 3D structure of the Powassan virus (which can cause seizures and paralysis) using cryo-EM and a surrogate from the yellow fever vaccine virus; they published their findings July 9 and said the work is a key step toward guiding future treatments.

Researchers at Penn State developed a new skin-like sensor that can be worn on the skin or implanted to track body movement and electrical signals.

The flexible sensor uses advanced materials to monitor healing, vital signs, and bladder function by measuring both large movements and small muscle vibrations — future work may allow it to deliver treatments automatically.

Penn State women's soccer players have stayed busy this summer by joining various U.S. Youth National Team camps and matches.

Goalkeeper Kealey Titmuss played all 90 minutes in a match against Puerto Rico on June 1, and defender Bella Ayscue took part in a debut match against Guyana on May 30.

Penn State hockey earned its first Frozen Four appearance on March 30 when Matt DiMarsico scored an overtime one-timer to secure the win against UConn.

The program is now building on its turnaround by adding top recruits & planning for a championship run next season.

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.

The Rocket Blasters Live

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Allen Street Pizza — No cover charge — Experience a mix of classic and modern Top-40 Rock hits spanning decades from The Beatles to Lady Gaga.

Live Music: Anchor&Arrow Performance

6-9 p.m. — HiWay Pizza Pub — Free entry — Enjoy high-energy performances from Happy Valley’s FUNked-Up duo, combining soul, funk, rock, and jazz.

Albert Cummings Live

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying blues of renowned guitarist Albert Cummings.

All About the Importers

6:00 PM — Allen Street Grill — $31 to $50 — Explore the art of importing flavors from the world’s best food and drink to local establishments.

Boalsburg Farmers Market

2-6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Military Museum — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties every Tuesday afternoon.