Good morning, State College.

THON announced its 2026 theme (Love Leads Forward) at the Homecoming Parade early Friday evening and set the stage for the event to run from February 20 to February 22; last year, THON raised over $17 million to fight pediatric cancer.

State College residents debated how the growth of chain stores and new residential developments have shifted the town’s small-town feel—local leaders said chains boost foot traffic while local shops remain valued for their unique service.

Business owners and officials expect the traditional character to endure despite the evolving retail scene.

Downtown State College welcomed The Press Cider and Craft Beverage Tap House on Oct.

9—its grand opening at 113 Hiester Street drew local residents, Penn State faculty and officials to mark years of planning by local cider makers. The new venue, launched by Penn State engineer Kory Blose in collaboration with Punx Cider Worx and BeeCider, offers locally made drinks, a bring-your-own-food concept and plans to host events such as live music and trivia nights.

Penn State Centre Stage will present Crazy for You, a musical with music and lyrics by the Gershwins and a book by Ken Ludwig, at the Playhouse Theatre from Oct.

21 to Nov. 1—directed by Christine O’Grady with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m.

The Penn State College of Education has received a $320,000 grant from Robinhood to launch a financial literacy program for Division I student-athletes under a four-year plan from January 1 to December 31.

The program — developed with the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center — will pilot its first course in spring.

A new Center for Glass Research was launched at Penn State in a partnership with Alfred University and Missouri S&T (CGR) to boost glass science innovation with advanced methods.

An inaugural kickoff meeting will be held on October 29 to set research priorities and guide workforce development.

Renata Engel was named vice president of Commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor at Penn State on a three-year appointment that is effective immediately—she served as interim since May 19.

She will work to strengthen the remaining campuses as Penn State plans to close seven locations.

The Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment is accepting nominations for its annual research awards that recognize excellence in interdisciplinary energy and environmental research.

Three awards will each grant $5,000 + current Penn State researchers and teams are encouraged to self-nominate by submitting nomination packets by Friday, Nov. 21.

Developers and local community leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking yesterday for the Nittany Residence Club, a planned nine-story condo hotel with 70 luxury units at South Atherton Street and West Beaver Avenue.

Demolition for the current building will begin soon with construction set to finish in fall—this project is expected to boost the tax base and strengthen ties with Penn State.

The No. 19 Penn State women's volleyball team swept No. 7 Wisconsin 3-0 on Friday at Rec Hall for its biggest upset win of the season.

The team will face Northwestern today at 8:00 p.m. at Rec Hall.

Penn State is coming off two straight losses for the first time since 2021 and will play Northwestern this weekend in its sixth game.

Fans can watch on Fox Sports 1 or stream it on Fubo — tickets under $20 are available as Northwestern enters the contest with a 3-2 record and a two-game win streak.

Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky said the team lost its home opener to Clarkson 6—4, and captain Dane Dowiak said they did not bring their best.

Dowiak added the players will work on better preparation for the next game.

Penn State football lost a key commitment as four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor decommitted from the Nittany Lions.

Taylor, a Pittsburgh native who visited campus as recently as Aug 30, had offers from Notre Dame and Florida State — his exit leaves the recruiting class with only three members.

Bartender Training Class

6-10 p.m. — Ramada by Wyndham State College Hotel & Conference Center — Cost varies — Gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge in a comprehensive bartending course.

Mr. Gnome Concert with Sunday Love Club and Person

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $10 — Experience the expansive, technicolor art-rock sounds of mr. Gnome in a cozy venue.

Katie Pruitt Concert

8-11 PM — The State Theatre — Ticket information not provided — Experience the transformative power of music with Katie Pruitt on her Time Wasn't Wasted Tour.

Tarwa N-Tiniri Concert

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — Free entry — Experience the soulful desert blues from the all-Berber band Tarwa N-Tiniri, hailing from Morocco.

Thesaurus Rex Halloween Bash

7-11 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of local folk-jam music with Thesaurus Rex and Ham on a Stick for Halloween.

Soles of Duende - Can We Dance Here?

7:30-9 p.m. — Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State — Free entry — Experience a captivating fusion of tap, flamenco, and Indian classical dance that speaks without words.

Keller Williams Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an eclectic blend of rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass from innovative artist Keller Williams.