Good morning, State College.

Penn State named five SSRI Mid-Career Research-Practice Partnership Faculty Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year to boost collaboration with the state Office of Children, Youth and Families and improve outcomes for foster youth.

The program, partly funded by a grant, will support partnerships that shape evidence-based policy.

Since its January launch, Penn State Extension's AI tool Tilva has answered over 40,000 queries by offering research-based help with plant and animal issues while new features let users ask follow-up questions and subscribe to educational newsletters.

State College Borough Council approved the renewal of the Downtown State College Improvement District until Dec.

31, 2036; only seven property owners (1.4%) objected, keeping mill rates unchanged as the organization continues to support downtown events and business programs.

A recent Penn State study found that strong social bonds and public recognition at family, school and community levels are linked to lower suicidal thoughts by reducing depression, substance misuse and bullying among teens in Pennsylvania.

Researchers advise parents and schools to build closer connections, noting that rural teens face higher risk.

Jana Marie Foundation will host its annual Shine On event at Penn State Golf Courses on Saturday, Aug.

15 to fund youth mental health programs. The event includes live music by Caryn Dixon and Area 38 plus a nine-hole glow-in-the-dark tournament starting at 8:30 p.m.

Mount Carmel right-handed pitcher Aidan Brokenshire committed to join Penn State baseball on Tuesday, Aug.

4. He is one of seven Class of 2028 players to announce his decision after the recruiting contact period opened.

Jennifer Green was hired as the new Penn State women’s gymnastics head coach following Sarah Brown’s departure (she earned Mountain West Coach of the Year honors at Air Force).

She is expected to guide the team to even greater success.

On Monday, Penn State wrestlers visited the Pentagon where they sparred with military personnel and met with Secretary Hegseth.

The team celebrated winning its 15th national championship while setting a record with 181.5 points.

Prospect Aidan Brokenshire committed to Penn State baseball on Tuesday, Aug.

4. The (Catawissa native) pitched and batted strongly in high school and now joins the Class of 2028 to boost the team.

Former Dartmouth pitcher Mac Burke transferred to Penn State Baseball Tuesday afternoon (after a standout senior season with a 2.19 ERA) and has one year of eligibility remaining.

His ability to apply for a medical redshirt remains uncertain as NCAA eligibility guidelines are reviewed.

Nolan Fisher from Owen J Roberts High School committed to Penn State Baseball Monday on social media, becoming the first class of 2028 position player to join the Nittany Lions and join teammate Matthew Filiaci after contributing two runs at the PIAA Class 6A State Tournament.

Dominic Lauletta, a high school pitcher from Pittsburgh, committed to Penn State baseball Monday.

The 6-foot-1 player (known for a 93 mph fastball and versatility in playing both infield and outfield) becomes the second pitcher in the 2028 recruiting class.

Penn State baseball added Vincent Leoni, a left-handed pitcher from Harrisburg who attended Bishop McDevitt High School, to its 2028 recruiting class.

He committed on Tuesday and is known for a fastball reaching 91 mph.

In-state prospect Eahn Stevenson committed to Penn State baseball on Tuesday via social media.

The Uniontown native — who recorded a .487 batting average last season as a middle infielder and pitcher — plans to further his academic and athletic career.