Good morning, State College.

The Propel Penn State Seed Fund is accepting startup applications for fall 2025—applications must be submitted by Sept.

29 and check sizes range from $50,000 to $100,000 for early-stage companies. The fund, managed by the Penn State Smeal College of Business, also offers practical learning opportunities for students involved in startup evaluation.

Mosul Grill opened Friday at 434 E.

College Ave. in downtown State College—located at a former Jimmy John's site—and offers authentic Iraqi halal dishes made fresh by owner Mahmood Alshekhkder and his family.

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is hosting an exhibit called Structures, Systems and Society that shows how art and engineering work together, a project co-curated by museum and engineering staff—featuring works from the collection and Penn State contributors.

The exhibition is on view now through Dec. 21 in the Barbara and Lee Maimon Teaching Gallery.

A Penn State study finds that freshwater tidal marshes trap many microplastics — including dangerous polymers from single-use plastics — that raise risks to ecosystems and human health.

Researchers analyzed sediment from the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge near Philadelphia and found thousands of plastic particles that may lead to stronger policies on waste management.

At a Board of Trustees meeting Friday, Sara Thorndike updated the proposed five-year Capital Plan—raising the total from about $2.41 billion to nearly $2.43 billion by adding funds for the Applied Research Laboratory and Residence Hall renovations while offsetting decreases in other areas—and the motion passed unanimously.

On Sept. 11, 2025, about 30 protesters marched from the Allen Street gates to the Nittany Lion Inn on Penn State’s campus—briefly clashing with a counter-protester before police de-escalated the incident.

Organizers said the demonstration aims to press the Board of Trustees, meeting today, to prevent ICE from recruiting on campus.

Penn State Health Milton S.

Hershey Medical Center researcher Paddy Ssentongo has used Clinical and Translational Science Institute resources — including access to TriNetX data from over 3,000 babesiosis cases — to study how tick-borne infections coincide with Lyme disease, noting a 40% co-infection rate and a 9% yearly rise in cases from 2015 to 2022. He said the CTSI support sped up the research and now fuels his AI projects aimed at forecasting disease risks in large patient groups.

Local doctors report an increase in COVID cases from a new variant called Razor Blade that causes severe sore throats.

Health experts say vaccines lower hospital risks for people 65 and older—and advise everyone to follow this protection to slow the spread.

Penn State freshman cornerback Daryus Dixson impressed in Week 1 against Nevada and added more snaps against Florida International, earning praise from veteran teammates and coaches for his readiness to contribute in a deep cornerback room.

His early performance shows he is set to play a sizeable role this season.

Penn State football announced a multiyear deal with Amica Mutual Insurance that names it the official provider for auto, home, and life insurance and includes on-field logos at Beaver Stadium—Amica will gain rights on signing and arrival days along with extra signage at athletic venues.

Penn State women’s basketball has announced its full nonconference schedule for the 2025-26 season.

The team will open its season against Bucknell on November 3 at the Bryce Jordan Center—play home games against Cincinnati and Coppin State—travel to St. Joseph’s on November 16—and face South Carolina on December 14 before finishing with the Culture Tournament in Richmond.

State College won 24-14 over Cumberland Valley in Friday's Mid-Penn Commonwealth play as sophomore quarterback Connor Kulka threw two crucial second-half touchdowns—helping seal the victory.

Former Penn State hockey player Simon Mack signed a two-way AHL/ECHL deal with the Calgary Wranglers—an NHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, and he will join their Prospect Camp next week.

Mack will begin the season on October 10 in Colorado after serving as Penn State's captain during their historic Frozen Four run.

Ron Sexsmith Concert

8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the introspective melodies of Ron Sexsmith's latest work reflecting on life's emotional journey.

Daniel Villarreal Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — Enjoy a vibrant fusion of pan-Latin beats and psychedelic rock from an acclaimed Chicago musician.

Sonido Gallo Negro Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $15 — Experience the eclectic sounds of Sonido Gallo Negro as they blend psychedelic tropical music with unique instruments.

The Sadies Acoustic Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket information available — Enjoy a special acoustic night featuring the eclectic roots sounds of The Sadies.

Alice Peacock & Jessica Willis Fisher Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy an evening of soulful melodies and inspiring stories with two talented singer-songwriters.

Iris DeMent Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — $ — Experience the inspirational sounds of Iris DeMent as she confronts modern challenges with heartfelt music.

Coyote Island Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience the musical journey of Mike O’Hehir and his unique sound.

Chatham County Line Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a genre-bending blend of bluegrass, folk, country, and rock from this acclaimed band.

Live Performance by Los Microwaves with Chaki The Funk Wizard

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $10 — Experience a unique blend of post-punk and synth pop from this iconic band with live tracks from the early 80s.

Rumbo Tumba Concert

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $10 — Experience a captivating electroacoustic performance by Argentine multi-instrumentalist Facundo Salgado.